+1 424-835-9878
Little Sister is a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant nestled in the heart of El Segundo, California, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on traditional Vietnamese flavors. Located conveniently at 830 CA-1 #100, this inviting spot captures the essence of Vietnam through an inspired menu that artfully balances bold spices, fresh herbs, and comforting textures.
Step inside or enjoy the airy ambiance of the outdoor seating and open-air window overlooking the bustling street. The intimate interior features cozy booths and cushioned bench seating accented with soft pillows, creating a relaxed yet polished dining environment that feels both welcoming and a touch elegant. Whether you’re out for a casual lunch or a special dinner, Little Sister’s thoughtfully designed space enhances the culinary journey.
The menu is a vibrant tapestry of classic and contemporary Vietnamese dishes crafted with a creative twist. Standout plates include the Shaky Shaky Beef, tender and flavorful, alongside the addictive Triple Garlic Noodle—a rich, comforting blend of black garlic, butter, parmesan, toasted sesame, and scallions that lingers on the palate. Housemade dumplings offer a delicate balance of textures and fillings, while the Pan-Fried Sea Bass delights with crisp skin and fresh flavors.
For communal dining, the “For the Table” selections encourage sharing and conversation. The Shanghai White Bok Choy sautéed with lemongrass chili oil and toasted peanuts adds a fragrant, lightly spicy crunch, and the Pan-Fried Eggplant with mapo pork and lap cheong presents a smoky, savory depth. Not to miss is the Xoi | Sticky Rice, a crispy, deeply satisfying dish layered with lap cheong, pork floss, and finished with a slow-cooked egg—complex and utterly crave-worthy.
Banh Mi lovers are equally spoilt: the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken banh mi bursts with aromatic herbs, crushed cashews, and a vibrant chili lime vinaigrette, whereas the Beef Brisket version infuses house five-spice with tender beef tendon, hoisin, and Thai basil, offering a nuanced, layered bite.
Dive into Little Sister’s Pho GA or Vietnamese Seafood Curry for a soulful, hearty experience, or savor the delicate balance of the Vietnamese Chicken Salad, perfectly contrasted with refreshing green papaya salad on the side.
The dessert offerings are equally impressive, serving as a sweet, elegant crescendo to the meal. The Key Lime Tart combines zingy citrus with luscious blueberries and a creamy coconut gelato, while the Warm Pecan Tart melds whiskey-soaked dates and honey with vanilla gelato for a deeply satisfying finish. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, silky Vietnamese Coffee Pot Au Creme, a luxurious take on the classic iced coffee elegantly paired with crisp palmiers.
Guests repeatedly praise the attentive and warm service alongside the restaurant’s festive yet intimate atmosphere. While some dishes—like the eggplant and garlic noodles—offer robust, bold flavors that may not suit every palate, these strong, authentic tastes are perfect for sharing and sparking conversation across the table.
If you’re craving a culinary adventure that honors Vietnamese culinary traditions with a modern, refined edge, Little Sister stands out as a true gem. From family gatherings to romantic dates, it offers an inviting space filled with vivid flavors and thoughtful presentations that leave a lasting impression.
Contact: +1 424-835-9878
Location: 830 CA-1 #100, El Segundo, CA 90245, United States
The restaurant is very quiet. Corner restaurant with outside seating if you want and an open air window. There is booth seating (about 3) the rest are tables up against a padded bench with comfy pillows.
This really is 1 star but marked as 4-stars because I don't want this review to drag them down. However, to simply put: the best compliment you can give a place is empty plate and empty bowl. Good foods, under a starving belly , should be dead good. I'm Vietnamese, and I never once left a Pho bowl empty, I left this place's bowl of Pho pretty much full, see pics. I lived in San Diego for a year, I used to go to Orange county to get pho because it's Cali, if you going to put Pho on your menu in California, in Los Angeles, you better make sure it is somewhat decent. Don't be a gimmick. Presentation: 5, Cleanliness: 5. Service: 5. Foods: Pho is 0/5. I even asked for chili oil, hoping it would take me to next level so I can eat it. It was not edible. I'm really sorry for this review, but I don't want another person looking for easy authentic Pho on a Sunday afternoon just to come across this. My friend ordered the curry, he finished his bowl but also said it was mediocre. Try smth else on their menu, but definitely not what we ordered. Go to Little Saigon next time or some other places in LA. Owner, I'm sorry.
Amazing service, festive atmosphere, reasonably priced for most things. The food was flavorful and cooked well. The eggplant dish was a bit salty and the crispy chicken a little dry but otherwise top notch. Returned here to try again. Was impressed once again. Everything was flavorful. The flavors are really strong so I’d recommend sharing. The garlic noodle was a bit too strong. I’d skip that.
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. The presentation of each dish was exquisite, and the flavors were equally impressive. The dessert was a delightful highlight, capping off a perfect meal. This spot is ideal for both family gatherings and romantic dates, with shareable dishes that feel truly authentic. I highly recommend checking it out—you won’t be disappointed!
Great place for fusion Asian! We loved everything we ordered, and enjoyed the experience. Service is wonderful and the atmosphere is great. Gets busy for dinner, so reservations are recommended. Wish they wouldn't force a 3% credit card usage fee though!