VIBE

Mega points for creative décor at this posh Vietnamese joint: a glass-covered stream of koi swim through the bar, while the two-tier dining room is a faithful reconstruction of a French colonial-style Hanoi mansion. The space is light and bright, yet despite its grandiosity, tables are cramped and the crowd on the see-and-be-seen side. Be prepared for your too-close-for-comfort neighbors to be craning their necks to see who’s behind you.

CROWD

Well-heeled trendy Beverly Hills types and a smattering of celebs.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Definitely dress to impress. If you come at lunch, go for a relaxed designer look (hip label jeans, sleek top), while for dinner, try a little dress and funky heels.

GO HERE WITH

Shopping pals for lunch; a hot date for dinner

WHY WE LIKE IT

This is a great lunch spot if you’re hitting the shops in Beverly Hills. We dig the sizzling evening scene, too.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

More space between tables, please.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you have a choice, interior views of the bar-side koi stream and from the balcony-level of the dining room trump those on the outdoor terrace.

OTHER LOCATIONS

San Francisco; Palo Alto

CLOSEST COMPS

Le Colonial (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles