Noodle St., a California-based restaurant chain started by Chinese immigrants in 2017, has opened a location on Weyburn Avenue.

The Westwood location features an open kitchen that allows customers to watch the chefs pull, cut and shape the noodles that are served.

Bo Yuan, a research scholar, said the dishes at Noodle St. reminded her of the flavors of her hometown’s cuisine in Northwest China.

“I think it’s really great to have my hometown food here,” Yuan said. “Me and my boyfriend, we visited this restaurant almost three times a week.”

Noodle St. offers a range of appetizers – such as spicy chicken wontons, fried calamari and crispy tofu – along with two rice-based dishes. There are a number of options on the menu for those with dietary restrictions, including those who are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

Joy Wu, a fourth year communication and psychology student, said she enjoyed the pulled noodles more than the knife cut ones.

“It was honestly pretty fire,” Wu said. “The noodles were good.”

Michael Russell, the executive director of the Westwood Village Improvement Association, said the opening of Noodle St. – which did not respond to a request for comment – fits into a larger trend of increased commercial activity in Westwood. He added that he believes business owners are recognizing the area’s economic viability.

“Westwood is a good location in a sense that it’s on the Westside, close to the freeway, close to UCLA. I think that’s a big draw for a lot of the businesses that come here,” Russell said. “There’s some indication that the area is on an upward trajectory of seeing more foot traffic, seeing more awareness for the area.”

A number of other businesses – including Raising Canes, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Chill Since ’93 and Bread Head Sandwich Shop – are set to open locations in Westwood in the near future.

Russell added that he believes this increased commercial activity may also be attributed to the upcoming completion of the Westwood metro station, which is scheduled to open 2027, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, for which UCLA’s dorms will serve as the athlete’s village.

“We were very excited for Noodle St. to open,” Russell said. “I think it’s a great addition to the community.”