This historically Japanese American neighborhood in West L.A. is now home to an array of mostly Asian dining and dessert options. Sawtelle also doubles as L.A.’s unofficial ramen capital; the neighborhood has more noodle shops within a few blocks than anywhere else in the city.
Grab drinks and an appetizer at Bar Hermanito
📍 2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tucked among Sawtelle’s legendary ramen joints and yakitori izakayas is Hermanito, an al fresco oasis serving up SoCal-meets-Mexican vibes. Bar Hermanito deems itself a “bar-forward” establishment, and their attention to detail shows for it. The cocktail menu includes the Myra, which comes with jalapeño-cucumber infused mezcal, fresh watermelon and spicy tajín to complement the drink’s crisp and sweet notes. Those searching for a bolder take on agave can opt for La Mala Vida, which pairs both mezcal and tequila with black walnut bitters and sea salt to round out the drink’s bright flavors.
Know Before You Go
✔ Grab an appetizer to snack on before dinner – the food here is excellent too.
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Experience LA’s best ramen at Tsujita Artisan Noodles
📍 2057 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tsujita is arguably LA’s best ramen purveyor. So yes, chances are there will be an hour plus wait for the opportunity to slurp LA’s most beloved noodles (we didn’t pregame at Hermanito for nothing). But the cult following for Tsujita’s tsukemen, aka dip ramen, is for good reason, as the process of dunking noodles into the sinfully fatty broth becomes a ritual that begs repeating.
Know Before You Go
✔ Seriously, the wait here is no joke. If lines aren’t your thing, there are a number of other noodle shops within a short walk.
✔ If you and your date prefer things on the spicy side, check out Killer Noodle a block away – also run by Tsujita.
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Wrap up the night with a freshly-rolled crepe at Millet Crepe
📍 2011 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Three words: Crème Brûlée. Crêpe. This is the specialty item at Millet Crêpe, a crêperie in Sawtelle that rolls its crêpes like an ice cream cone then fills it with custard, ice cream, or whipped cream. The crème brûlée crêpe is finished with a torch to crunchy, caramelized perfection.
Know Before You Go
✔ Nowhere to sit here – grab your crepes and take a stroll along the bustling Sawtelle Blvd.
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