I’m so happy to be participating in the Time Out Love Los Angeles Awards this year! I’m very excited to nominate my favorite spots in my neighborhood, Sawtelle Japantown in West Los Angeles.
Most foodies are familiar with this area that is constantly overcrowded with lunch and dinner lines but for those of you that aren’t, this quaint area is located right off the 405 Freeway at the Santa Monica exit. It’s close to UCLA and a few miles east of Santa Monica.
It’s a very well known area with many restaurants, cafes, boba shops and dessert spots. It’s a popular destination for students, people who live or work in the area or those who wish to satisfy a craving. Food trucks are parked around the area all the time, if you can’t stand waiting in line or need some dessert options.
Here are my top 5 places to eat and drink in Sawtelle Japantown!
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle
If you’re in search for some ramen, you’re in luck! Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is one of the most popular ramen spots on the Westside. There’s always a line so make sure you come early or be prepared to wait. I’ve only had the vegetarian ramen here (which they do have!!) but my meat-eating friends have raved about the tsukemen, the kind of ramen that you dip in a bowl of broth.
ROC Kitchen
This is one of my go-to places for lunch! ROC features Taiwanese cuisine and my favorite dishes include the seafood dumplings, scallion pancakes, string beans, crab fried rice – alright, alright – everything is delicious! It can get crowded during lunch time so it’s best to go around 1 or right before dinner.
Cafe Tomo
Cafe Tomo is my favorite coffee spot in Sawtelle Japantown and has the best latte ever! It has indoor and outdoor spots, so you can sit outside with your pup as you sip your latte and munch one of their delicious snacks. My favorite coffee accompaniment is the honey butter bread. You’re welcome!
MJ Cafe Express
If you’re in the mood for some boba, MJ Cafe Express is the place to go! Not only do they have every boba flavor you can think of, they also have macaron ice cream sandwiches. Keep in mind that they tend to go on the sweeter side with the sugar, but you can also ask for 75%, 50% or 25% sugar.
B Sweet Dessert Bar
This is my go-to dessert spot! B Sweet is famous for their bread pudding, baked goods, and frozen treats. They have weekly specials and this week, they have Halo-Halo available. It’s a Filipino dessert that I’ve grown up eating and I couldn’t believe they had it!!
Remember to nominate your favorites spots in LA at the Time Out Love Los Angeles Awards!
Featured Image Source: Donuts Cookies and Cream
