A Vietnamese chef returns to his roots for inspiration and brings heritage dishes to life using seasonal local ingredients.

Chef/owner Shawn Pham has worked in some of L.A.’s best kitchens (Sona, Craft, The Bazaar by Jose Andres). Now, after a four-year sabbatical exploring the cuisine of Vietnam and Southeast Asia, he’s returned home and is impressing downtown diners with his flavorful take on Vietnamese specialties with a California twist. There’s a sense of playfulness in his menu and at the Little Tokyo-adjacent eatery: dim sum-style carts travel the room and seats at the kitchen counter let patrons see all the action.

Drinks are innovative and pair amicably: try the Jade of Hearts - a fanciful mixture of sochu, cocchi rosa, lime, thai basil syrup and lemongrass. The menu is a greatest hits of sorts; from tofu several ways to spiced rice to lemongrass grilled pork ribs—pulling diverse inspiration together. Pop-up dinners and events will also be featured, with Hinoki and the Bird’s former chef Kuniko Yagi as the first to explore the R&D kitchen.

Ideal For

Cocktails, light bites, dinner, date nights, meet ups

Favourite Table

Banquette to the side

Signature Dishes

Banh mi salad, Steamed rice cake, Lemongrass grilled pork ribs

Signature Drinks

Jade of Hearts, Deal with the Devil