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    Au Lac

    4.3 (1.3k reviews)
    Open • 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    About Au Lac

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    AU LAC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Au Lac

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    Hungry D.

    The vegan food is very bland. The restaurant interior design is nice, but the customer service wasn't good. The pho meatballs also gave me stomach pain afterward. And... why is there a burrito on the menu?

    Lorena T.

    I came to Au Lac again to celebrate my bday with a friend before a show at the Music Center. Au Lac doesn't take reservations. My friend had the tofu, house salad. She said the house salad was better the last time she came bc the lettuce was different. She recalled it was Romaine lettuce last time. This time it was a green salad. I had the lemongrass fish which was made of soybean. It was a little too dry and rubbery for me. I kept putting it in my soup with rice to make it taste better, but ran out of soup. I won't be ordering this dish again. I took half home, cut up the soybean fish and added it to a stew. I didn't mention to my server that it was my bday, but was disappointed that he didn't even offer like regular servers do, "Would you like to see the dessert menu?" I didn't tell him it was my bday nor did I ask for the dessert menu bc I wasn't the one paying the bill. Not that I needed dessert, but it would've been nice to have been asked. When I mentioned this to another server who came by to clear our table that our server didn't even ask if we wanted dessert and that the restaurant doesn't seem to want to push its desserts, he quickly brought us a dessert menu, but my friend was already paying our bill - too late! It would've been nice to be asked earlier. I even had candles in my bag just in case we got dessert. Anyway, this server said he'll tell our server about not offering dessert. The next day I came back with another friend after a Music Center event. My server from the day before recognized me. This time he asked us at the start before we ordered or after we had just ordered whether we'd like to see the dessert menu. Huh? Ask at the END not start of a meal! Instead of embarrassing him, I told him, "No, thanks. My bday was yesterday." On this second day, my friend and I shared a Chinoise salad (delicious and refreshing!) and paella (not like a paella, a little too wet and granular for our taste, but healthy - a living food dish). We had mint and lemon water for both meals. $12 parking in the adjacent structure. Free parking passes at the Music Center if you're a season ticket holder or good luck with finding street parking. I'd still continue to occasionally patronize this restaurant when I have Music Center events bc I want to support veganism, the restaurant; however, I was disappointed with some of the food and waitstaff this weekend. I'd suggest that the waitstaff go thru customer training on when/what/how to talk to customers. Incentive from the website: join the rewards plan - 300 points for 30% off the bill and 100 points for a free dessert! I'm aiming for the free dessert!!

    NY Cheesecake
    Hiroshi S.

    First time here, arrived at 5 just as they opened before a recital at the Disney Concert Hall, and asked our server Jack to feed us a meal that is gluten free (Living Food Omakase). One of us was doubtful and low-key worried about vegan and living foods--he was amazed before he was halfway through. Drinks: the ruby cold pressed juice so delicious, not too sweet; the thai tea, a desert drink with caffeine! He started us with olive cheese dip: so super delicious with the crunchy seeded crackers. The Bird's Eye Tofu, crunchy on the outside, hot and melty on the inside. And the entrees? He brought a Notrito Salad which felt alive and delicious. The Tori Katsu really blew my mind. The Octopus so crunchy ourtside, soft and chewy and flavorful inside. The yellow noodle soup, so cocoanutty and flavorful. The Jack Makhani a spicy jackfruit yumminess. So glad we saved room for dessert I love Au Lac. I love this DTLA location. Now off to walk in the Concert Hall gardens before a recital!

    Garlic Basil Noodles
    Crystal K.

    Surprisingly very tasty vegan/ vegetarian food. It was also my first time hearing about "living food." We ordered 4 items: - pho ga - tori katsu - basil garlic noodles - mint soup They were all very tasty

    Vegetable Pho
    Meg K.

    Twelve years ago, I fell in love with Au Lac and wrote a glowing review. Living on LA's Westside, I rarely make it to Downtown, so today was my first visit back since then. I can't believe it's been 12 years--and I'm so happy to say it was every bit as incredible as I remembered. My friend and I came for lunch. I ordered the vegetable pho, and she had the curry rice. Both dishes were absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, comforting, and beautifully prepared. Honestly, I wish we had more time because we had another appointment downtown. I would have loved to try more dishes and definitely dessert! Our server was wonderful--friendly, attentive, and incredibly professional. He checked on us at just the right moments without ever feeling intrusive. The service was as impressive as the food. The restaurant has such a warm, relaxing atmosphere. I especially loved the beautiful ceramic water cups with bird designs--they were so unique and charming. Even the water tasted wonderful! I'm thrilled that Au Lac is still thriving after all these years. If anything, the food tasted even better than I remembered. I certainly won't wait another 12 years before coming back. In fact, I was so impressed that I convinced my husband to come with me next Saturday for dinner! I've tried many vegan restaurants over the years, and Au Lac remains my absolute favorite. My favorite on the Westside is Variable Café, but if you're willing to drive a little farther, Au Lac is on another level. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. Whether you're vegan or not, this place is truly outstanding. Five stars without hesitation!

    Madeline T.

    I am not vegan myself but this is one of my favorite restaurants in LA! Staff is friendly, food is great, and it has a nice aesthetic. My favorite was the jade juice recommended by our waiter!

    Tori Katsu...yum!
    Vannessa W.

    A couple friends and I recently dined at Au Lac -- none of us had been there before -- and we loved it! I had the Olive Cheese Dip and the Tori Katsu, both which were an absolute delight. I also had the Cold-Pressed Ruby Juice which was refreshing and energizing! My friends had the Friend Fries, Phở Beef Ball, and Ravioli Rosa which they seemed to enjoy. Overall, I'd say Au Lac is a great spot for vegans and non-vegans alike, and I'm looking forward to my next visit!

    Garlic Basil Noodles
    Pooja M.

    I tasted the ravioli rosa first and I really liked it. Then the spicy calamari came out and WOW. It is slightly on the saltier side, but wow my friends and I totally inhaled it. Octopus was also pretty good. The garlic basil noodles came at the end- they were mid. I think if it was the first thing I ate, it would've been really good. The dishes by themselves are good but altogether there's a different vibe when they're altogether.

    Octopus. There's no octopus, just the pepper cut like one.
    Jacqueline T.

    We came here for dinner before going to the LA Phil concert. The menu has a lot of options. When we are ready to order, the server recommended a few signature dishes. I was a little under the weather and reviewed the tea selection. I asked the waiter what certain type of tea, she said didn't know. Need to be a little more prepared. I ordered the beef ball pho and my boyfriend ordered the octopus mushroom rice. The food tasted good, and the portion is reasonable. For dessert, we tried the chocolate x tasty cake. I think the cake tastes fine but my boyfriend said it's ok, more like a homemade cake. We split our check and paid. After we left, we noticed that the restaurant charged us vee coffee and two cold pressed juices that we never ordered, an extra $28. We quickly called the restaurant about that. The good thing is they reversed it. However, I don't expect the service of the restaurant to be careless, charging items that customers did not order. May need to train your service for better service.

    Travis W.

    Finally made it to Âu Lạc LA and I completely understand why this place is so respected. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, and the food feels very intentional. I tried a mix of living foods and cooked dishes, and everything was flavorful, balanced, and thoughtfully prepared. The olive cheese dip and wild rice dishes were especially memorable, and the newer menu items were comforting without feeling heavy. This is the kind of restaurant you visit when you want more than just a meal -- it's an experience that leaves you feeling nourished and grounded. Highly recommend taking your time here. Downtown Los Angeles Plant-based | Living foods options

    Papaya Salad & Oyster Mushrooms
    James H. L.

    Right behind the Disney Concert Hall block, a fusion Vietnamese experience appears from the downtown cacophony of cuisines. These are not your typical Pho variety items. They are thoughtfully executed vegan (V/V+) versions of lots of favorites, plus some with shrimp, squid, octopus and pork. All come very tasty, and actual fish sauce is optional (versus the vegan sauce version also available). I did this as Uber Eats and am totally happy with the delivered results. This Ito Burrito is super-filling like a 1 lb bean burrito with extra veggies. The Pho Ga had great stock and perfect noodles. The tempeh chicken is the slightly rubbery version (good flavor but sometimes people feel it doesn't chew right as a vegan sub). The Papaya salad had crisp fried oyster mushrooms which are an amazing snack even in their own, dipped in anything. Pics from the interior show this to be a warm and intimate modern classy place. I'll visit there soon when I'm around the Grand area. Really satisfying recipes with excellent quality unique ingredients and great flavor combinations.

    Birder Bowl Mapo Tofu
    Stella C.

    I think I may have just ordered the wrong thing but I was pretty disappointed with the Birder Bowl. It was very one-dimensional and was literally just tofu, rice, and a mushroom sauce- no other vegetables. The thai ice tea was pretty good though and unique, with a strong coconut milk taste. There's many other things on the menu that looked delicious so I may just try again next time; this is a great place for vegetarians! The restaurant is beautifully decorated and service was great. They do validate partially for parking now in the lot behind. Make sure you get a parking ticket from the attendant. At the restaurant, ask for validation- you should get $4 off your restaurant bill and then they'll stamp your parking ticket for an additional $3 back. We ended up paying around ~$7ish for parking for 2 hrs. Parking lot is CASH ONLY. No wait on a Sunday at 12 pm.

    Claypot Fish

    Everything about this experience surpassed my expectations. To this day, the Claypot Fish is the best dish I've had in my entire life, both vegan & otherwise. The fish flavor is perfect, and the textures of the eggplant and tofu pair so beautifully. It's melt-in-your-mouth savory. The choice of the chocolate coconut cake was by recommendation of the server, and they were right. That dessert is incomparable, so rich and chocolately and the fruit puree cuts it beautifully. Truly a 10/10, no notes.

    Spicy Calamari, Lemongrass Fish, Salt & Peppered Shrimp

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    9 days ago

    Food and ambiance are great. Love chef Ito so much. Service is usually pretty good, especially when Chef Ito is in.

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    3 months ago

    Great little spot in DTLA . Great service and great vegan food to enjoy . We will definitely be back again !

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    Au Lac Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Au Lac

    Is this place kid friendly?

    Yes, this place kid friendly.

    What is the parking situation? And how much?

    There's a parking structure underneath the building. Coming from the west towards the east on 1st Street, make a right turn into the small alley, before the building's main entrance. The LADWP building is on the left. Around $10.… 

    Is Discover credit card accepted here?

    When is brunch offered?

    Brunch is served Tuesday to Sunday 12 PM - 3 PM. The menu offers vegan bacon, eggs, sausage, herbed potatoes and a selection of fresh waffles. We look forward to serving you!

    What would a diner who is usually a meat eater like here? Are there dishes that are popular among Non-Vegan eaters?

    Hi Jeremy, thank you for your inquiry. Our plant-based dishes bring a flavorful experience for all eaters to enjoy. We have a number of signature dishes that stand out most for our guests trying plant-based for the first time. Those dishes would be… 

    Are Reservations needed for dinner on a Friday night?

    Reservations are recommended for the best seating, I don't think they're required. I didn't have a reservation, but I sat outside because another group reserved seating indoors.

    Are there heat lamps here?

    Heat lamps are available for outdoor seating. Thank you

    Are you guys open for dine in or only pick ups?

    Apologies for the late response. Au Lac was closed March 16 through May 19, 2020 due to COVID-19. As gradual re-openings take place in Los Angeles, we have re-opened for… 

    Whats the difference between making a reservation at the "high top" and the restaurant?

    I can't say for sure, but an educated guess would be the tables facing the "bar" are all high top while in the main dining area we're normal height tables.

    Do they use organic ingredients?

    Hi Piper! Thank you for your inquiry. We source organic and non-gmo ingredients where possible. Our kitchen cuisine is prepared with all-natural and unprocessed pantry staples including raw macadamia and seaweed, raw coconut oil, pink himalayan salt… 

    Does the restaurant still have jazz night on Saturday's?

    No, there are no more sat night jazz performances at bar fedora, located inside Au Lac Restaurant. This went into effect July 1, 2018. However, Au Lac is still serving the best guilt-free (sacrifice-free), nutritiously delicious food plus healthy,… 

    View All 14 Questions

    Pho Saigon Pearl - Flossy fries! Now available during happy hour 3-6pm

    Pho Saigon Pearl

    4.0(1.3k reviews)
    6.4 mi•Beverly Grove
    •$$

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: Cute atmosphere, with great lunch specials…read more The hubby and I were looking for a good lunch spot in the area and Vietnamese sounded really good. The space was very cute, with great light from the windows and fun personal photos and memorabilia. We were pleasantly surprised by their $20 lunch specials and decided to take advantage. You get three items, one from each category: starters, half size pho, and beverage. I got the spring rolls, veg pho and iced coffee; the hubby got the half veg banh mi, veg pho, and a coke. The food was good and the portions were more than enough. We actually ended up taking some of the starters home. A very good value and friendly service. Lastly, gotta give it up for their shirt with the OutKast reference. Peace out.

    2026 update review: Pho Saigon Pearl has weekday lunch…read morespecial that is $20 which is the right price for me to leave the office and have lunch here. It is also the PERFECT size for me. You get to choose three items- a smaller portioned solid dish, a smaller serving of pho and a drink. I forgot to take a pic of the menu but today I ordered half of a portion of grilled pork bahn mi, brisket pho and Vietnamese iced coffee and it was just perfect! All the greatest hits, no leftovers, at a great price. There are plenty of room for lunch so you won't be waiting too long. You should be able to be in and out in an hour. Servers are friendly as always and if i am not mistaken, they installed a large TV monitor (or maybe i never noticed it until now LOL.)

    Photos
    Pho Saigon Pearl - Lunar New Year 2026

    Lunar New Year 2026

    Pho Saigon Pearl - Yummy as heo ribs

    Yummy as heo ribs

    Pho Saigon Pearl - Indoor seating

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    Indoor seating

    The Sisters Cafe Vietnamese Asian Fusions

    The Sisters Cafe Vietnamese Asian Fusions

    4.6(585 reviews)
    4.8 mi•Hollywood
    •$$
    Free WiFi
    Large group friendly

    I got the Pho Dac Biet (Beef Combination), and my friend got the Pho Ga (Chicken). Both were so…read moredelicious! You can really taste the quality and richness of the broth--it was definitely one of the highlights. The ambiance was great too. It had such a homey, cozy vibe and felt really comfortable and welcoming. Service was excellent as well! Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure to check in on us throughout our meal. Overall, great food, cozy atmosphere, and amazing service. Definitely a spot I'd come back to!

    I absolutely love The Sister's Café! The food is authentic, full of flavor, and the portions are…read moregenerous enough to share. The restaurant is clean, welcoming, and has a really nice atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. They take the time to offer recommendations and help you decide if you're unsure what to order, which is something I really appreciate when dining out. Some of my favorites are the shrimp salad rolls with their delicious peanut sauce, the spicy edamame, the spicy chicken wings, the shrimp fried rice, and my absolute favorite is the sizzling spicy barbecue pork hot pan. Everything I've tried has been fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious. Their Thai tea is always refreshing, and from time to time I stop by just to grab one of their Vietnamese coffees, which never disappoints. If you're looking for authentic Vietnamese food with amazing flavors, generous portions, and outstanding customer service, I highly recommend giving The Sister's Café a try!

    Photos
    The Sisters Cafe Vietnamese Asian Fusions
    The Sisters Cafe Vietnamese Asian Fusions
    The Sisters Cafe Vietnamese Asian Fusions

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    Vui Ve - North Hollywood - Bun bo hue

    Vui Ve - North Hollywood

    4.0(221 reviews)
    10.2 mi•North Hollywood
    •$$

    Nice local Vietnamese spot in NoHo! My friend and I ordered…read morethe full-size Bánh Mì with Braised Beef Brisket to go. The beef was tender and flavorful, with fresh cilantro, pickled carrots and vegetables. The bread had a nice texture, and the sandwich was fresh and nicely assembled!! Our order was prepared very quickly, which was perfect for a to-go order. The portion was generous and filling, and the staff was kind and friendly The only downside is the parking. There isn't much parking available around the restaurant, so finding a spot can be a little difficult if you're coming by car. A nice addition to the neighborhood. Next time I'd like to try their pho and Vietnamese coffee!! Thank you guys!!

    Vui Ve is for me…read more Especially because it means happy in Vietnamese! Love the fried tofu Banh Mi, Veggie Rolls, Spring Rolls and Sesame Balls. They have so many vegan and vegetarian options, even a Pho Veggie Pho with veggie broth. The pricing is starting to increase a bit more, and I know that's pretty essential, however the portions seem smaller as well. They do accommodate as much as possible for food preferences and even note in common allergies like peanuts and shellfish to help everyone navigate their experience better. Fresh eats ranging from salads and sandwiches to appetizers, sides and of course their variety of pho. Loads of beverage options including coffees, fruit juices, fruit smoothies, sodas, and teas Good for dine in, delivery or takeout. Great earthy warm ambiance, seating and lighting. Located on Magnolia Blvd, between Lankershim Blvd and Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. Open 7 days a week from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and at 5 PM til 9 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday), as well as at Noon on Saturday and Sunday until 4 PM and again, 5 PM to 9 PM.

    Photos
    Vui Ve - North Hollywood - If you order pickup, you can pickup in the back

    If you order pickup, you can pickup in the back

    Vui Ve - North Hollywood - Tofu bahn mi

    Tofu bahn mi

    Vui Ve - North Hollywood - Chicken Egg Rolls

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    Chicken Egg Rolls

    Au Lac - vegan - Updated October 2026

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