Much like Seasons 1 to 6 of Grey’s Anatomy (the show’s definitive prime), the garlic noodles with five-spice chicken from Perilla bring us comfort—and lots of it. We love swinging by the casual Vietnamese restaurant in the Sunset on a random weeknight, getting a pile of chewy noodles, and inhaling its garlicky scent as if it were our only form of self-care. Combined with some crispy-skinned chicken doused in fish sauce, there’s really nothing better. Perilla also has solid pho, rice plates, and appetizers like papaya salad and imperial rolls, but the garlic noodles are the way to go.

Food Rundown

Grilled Pork Rolls

A great way to start a meal here. Thick strips of grilled pork are wrapped up alongside vermicelli noodles and fresh mint, and served with fish sauce for dipping.

photo credit: Julia Chen

Imperial Rolls And Five-Spice Chicken Garlic Noodle

This is our go-to order, and it never disappoints. The chicken is tender and has a layer of crispy skin on top. We wish we could bottle up the garlic scent and hang it like a freshener from our car's rearview window.

Pho Dac Biet

The pho here is good, but you can find better versions elsewhere. Skip it and stick with the garlic noodles.