Tasty Noodle House

Tasty Noodle House is a mini-chain from the SGV that once had a few restaurants around LA, but now all that’s left is their Sawtelle location. We’re not complaining, though, because it’s a solid Shanghainese option on the Westside not named Din Tai Fung (translation: no two-hour waits for xiao long bao). The XLB at this tiny shop admittingly aren’t as good as the ones at DTF, but stick to its strengths—flaky scallion pancakes, poached fish submerged in chili oil, and the Shanghai grilled beef buns with better char marks than most steaks—and you’ll have a great meal. Plus, you won’t have to wait for a table to open up.