"Not all chains are created equal, like Pho Hue Oi, which has outlets in Fountain Valley and Redondo Beach but recently opened a shiny new restaurant in this semi-hidden strip mall. The offerings are really great for the South Bay, with a deep umami-rich broth that stands above virtually every other Vietnamese restaurant in the area. Yes, (north) Redondo Beach isn’t that far from here, but the distance in traffic might dissuade a lot of diners coming from south Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, south Torrance, and even Palos Verdes. The banh mi are excellent too, sporting crisp but light baguettes. Pho Hue Oi’s bánh bèo aren’t available yet, but once the restaurants add them to the menu, the delectable little rice and tapioca flour-filled cups topped with fried shrimp and drizzled with fish sauce will make for a a terrific appetizer." - Matthew Kang