Ocha Classic 1

837 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
+1 213-427-9823
$$$ Thai restaurant , Chinese restaurant
(4464 Reviews)

Ocha Classic 1 is a bustling spot nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, offering a blend of Thai and Chinese comfort food that draws a steady crowd from locals to visitors alike. As a full-service restaurant, it balances straightforward, no-frills dining with a lively, somewhat cozy ambiance that captures the city’s downtown energy without feeling overwhelming.

The menu is anchored by hearty, homestyle dishes rather than flashy or experimental fare. Popular choices like the Seven Seafood Soup and the Spicy Seafood Soup showcase a rich, flavorful broth packed with fresh seafood, often paired with white rice or noodles, making them a go-to for those seeking something warming and satisfying. Fans of Thai specialties will find the Pad See Ew a standout, praised for its perfectly cooked rice noodles and crispy tofu with just the right touch of egg. The Thai Iced Tea is a common companion here, providing a sweet, creamy contrast to the savory plates.

The kitchen turns out dishes swiftly, which suits the steady flow of customers — locals working nearby or families dropping in for a familiar meal. Expect lines during peak evening hours, a testament to its consistent quality and reputation, but seating is managed efficiently. Parking is available behind the building, though the alley rates have crept up, so plan accordingly if you’re driving.

The atmosphere reflects a classic city eatery vibe: casual, no pretense, with an undercurrent of bustling activity from the nearby urban streets. It’s a place where you can comfortably settle down for a filling meal after work, meet friends for a casual dinner, or enjoy a weekend family outing. The staff tends to be friendly and attentive, keeping the experience smooth even when the place fills up.

Those who appreciate authentic and straightforward Thai and Chinese dishes—especially seafood lovers—will feel right at home here. It’s an anchored spot in the neighborhood, often seen as a reliable destination for comforting, familiar flavors with solid portions and a fast turnaround.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves hard liquor
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair accessible entrance
Has wheelchair accessible parking lot
Has wheelchair accessible restroom
Has wheelchair accessible seating
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

4464 Reviews
Lorenzo Warfel

04 Jan 2026

PAD-SEE-EW LA LA! Ocha Classic has to have some of the most tasty Pad see ew ever, the rice noodles are perfect and the tofu is crispy with a hint of fried egg inside! I also recommend getting a tasty Thai iced tea and the glass noodles with a side of beef, they're scrumptious. The establishment has a classic ambiance and is right in the heart of LA so you get to see the hustle and bustle charm of the city as you eat! The restaurant itself is actually pretty laid back, the clientele were easygoing and I'm so glad there wasn't any screaming kids, it's totally my style! I wish I could say the staff are the same, however they're quite blunt, bitter and not very attentive. I walk in and the first thing I see is a notice of a ten percent charge which is applied to final bill just for sitting in-house! Um no! Good thing the food tasted good!

DJ’s Towing

25 Nov 2025

This place has very good food if you like orange chicken and crispy make sure you request crispy. They are pretty fast and making your food. Love the chow mein with shrimp.And the seafood soup

Anais Mejia

28 Oct 2025

As someone who visits family in LA often from New York, Ocha is one of the spots I can never miss! Their 7 Seafood Soup is incredible, rich, flavorful, and comforting, and their egg rolls are always delicious. The staff are attentive, and while the wait time can be on the longer side, they manage seating efficiently. Parking is located behind the building, and the valet attendants are always helpful and quick. I love coming back here every time I’m in LA for a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. Definitely recommend!

Blanca Delgado

21 Oct 2025

I've been coming to this spot since I was a kid, and the food always tastes just right. They bring out the food swiftly. The seafood soup with white rice is BOMB. Expect to make a line in the evening but it's so worth it. I will say parking has gotten more expensive in the alley behind the restaurant. Ocha is a must try if you're in the area.

guatemalantomcat

19 Oct 2025

Still the best. Been coming here with my family since I was still in the womb. I love this place, my wife loves this place, and it will always be family tradition to come here at least once a month if possible. In my opinion, this place has the best shrimp fried rice, the best seafood soup, the best chow mein, and the best Thai tea. No place can replace Ocha classic, and especially this location. Catch me in line, say hi. I'm always here.

Jerry L Javier

14 Oct 2025

Very quick service. Super spacious, and amazing food. They have a lot of cushioned booths. The hot soup bowl with the fire was good and entertaining. The Thai iced tea was very sweet. Gendered restroom with no steps.

Sylvia Hunt

03 Oct 2025

I had the wonton soup with the shrimp fried rice, crab fried rice, the garlic shrimp with spring rolls. Everything was so delicious seasoned to perfection and the service was amazing. I will definitely go back again.

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