For many people living in the Western hemisphere, authentic Thai food can seem like it is – quite literally – a world away. But us New Yorkers know we’re spoiled with the delectable amount of Asian cuisine we have in our city, from Chinese restaurants to Japanese sushi spots, to of course yummy Thai spots! Home to some of the best home-cooked curry meals and the juiciest noodles you’ve ever seen, there’s a gold mine of delicious flavors waiting to be explored! We proudly present our list of best Thai restaurants in NYC.
1. Thai Diner, NoLita
Melding Thai cuisine with an old-school diner feel, Thai Diner easily ranks as one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC. With both outdoor and indoor seating, this establishment serves delicacies like Thai disco fries (try them – you won’t be disappointed!), som tum salad, rice noodles, crab fried rice, and a whole lot more. We suggest trying out their cocktails too like the guava sour and house martini and the rum banana pudding for dessert. Full menu here.
Where: 186 Mott St
2. Chalong, Theater District
One of NYC’s most underrated Thai restaurants, Chalong not only offers hyper-regional traditional specialties from Thailand, but boasts an inviting ambiance and personable staff that will have you making your next reservation while you’re still sitting at the table. Executive Chef Nate Limwong (previously of SOOTHR & Fish Cheeks) is responsible for the unforgettable menu. Our personal favorite items include the Baerng Golae, which is Thai shrimp tacos with a housemade coconut crisp shell, grilled shrimp and housemade curry paste and Mee Pum Riang, a southern-style pad thai you can’t find elsewhere in NYC. For drinks, definitely get two (because they’re so tasty you’ll need to try more than one). We love the Red Forest and the Sesame Similan (their take on an espresso martini). Find full menus on their website.
Where: 749 Ninth Avenue
3. Thai Villa, Flatiron
Thai Villa prides itself on offering both classic Thai dishes – like pad Thai and tom yum – alongside little-known traditional favorites local to Thailand like Shrang Wa Goong and Kun Tok. At this stunning restaurant with two-story seating and a lovely staff, you can try a little of everything. Our favorites include the drunken noodles, green curry, and banana flower salad. Pair it with a matcha cocktail with whipped cream and you’ll be good to go! Full menu here.
Where: 5 E 19th St
4. Thailicious, Lower East Side
This cute family-owned Thai shop serves all of the staples, including their classic pad Thai which is our favorite. If you stop in for food, be sure to chat with the owners who take their craft so seriously and ensure you have the best experience possible. Another good option is the Lychee Duck Curry (roasted Duck, lychee, basil, bell peppers, cashew nuts, tomatoes, with homemade red coconut sauce). Full menu here.
Where: 71 Clinton St
5. Sala Thai, Upper West Side
Although Sala Thai is on the smaller side, their mighty use of bold Thai flavors and interior decor makes them as memorable as ever! With a good array of vegetarian menu options too, they serve all sorts of meals, including chicken pad thai and red curry, Thai crepe dumplings, passionfruit mojitos, and more. Full menu here.
Where: 307 Amsterdam Ave
6. Terra Thai, East Village
Terra Thai is a transplant from Boulder, Colorado, but fits right in as one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC. Specializing in Thai street food, you’ll find all sorts of affordable staples like pad Thai, basil chicken over rice, and five-spice braised pork (sweet and savory stew served with poached egg, hot sauce, and pickled mustard greens). Plus, on a hot today we suggest pair it with a glass of their traditional Thai iced tea. Full menu here.
Where: 518 E 6th St
7. BUA Thai Ramen & Robata Grill, Upper East Side
For our folks on the Upper East Side, you’ve got to try out BUA Thai Ramen & Robata Grill! Start with one of their stunning cocktails, like a pina colada in a massive pineapple or a Chiang-Rai Lychee Tini, then move onto some Siracha wings, and finish by slurping down some of their mouth-watering Thai ramen noodles that are out of this world. Full menu here.
Where: 1611 2nd Ave
8. Fish Cheeks, NoHo
Fish Cheeks combines the best of New York seafood with traditional Thai cuisine. A delicacy in Asia, “fish cheeks” refers to the lean cheek meat of fish that is often considered one of the best-tasting parts of ocean catch. Their menu is a beautiful blend of Thai and seafood, with highlights being their Coconut Crab Curry, Zabb Wings, Grilled Pork Cheek, and Steamed Fish with Thai herbs. If you’re a seafood fan curious about Thai food, give this a go. Full menu here.
Where: 55 Bond St
9. Somtum Der, East Village
To truly enjoy the unique dishes available at Somtum Der, you’ll need a quick history lesson on Isan culture, which originates from the northeastern region of Thailand. They serve lots of niche Thai options, including papaya salads, bracing herbal broths, perfectly grilled beef, and more. Where Isan cuisine differentiates itself from other Thai food is that it has more chili, less sugar, more herbs, and a unique fish sauce called plaara. Full menu here.
Where: 85 Avenue A
10. KRAAM, NoMad
KRAAM features original and traditional dishes created by Owner Pongsathorn Thinnuch, a native of Thailand, and his team of Thai cooks. All dishes use a seasonal selection of local seafood, meat, and vegetables to bring a creative new twist to Thai cuisine. Some of our favorites included the Crispy Chive Sticks, Muek Yang, Lon Lump Crab, and Kang Som.
Where: 254 Fifth Ave
11. V{IV} Thai Restaurant & Bar, Hell’s Kitchen
If you’re looking for an upscale, trendy Thai experience, V{IV} Thai Restaurant & Bar in Hell’s Kitchen offers a relaxing ambiance, friendly staff, and a cost-friendly menu with big portion sizes. Recognized for its decor and celebrated for its food, V{IV} Thai Restaurant & Bar has a memorable interior that includes a large neon dragon hanging from the ceiling, as diners enjoy delicacies like Chinese broccoli, crispy pork belly, and khao soy. We also suggest an Old Fashioned for a drink and the spring roll appetizer. Full menu here.
Where: 717 9th Ave
12. Wayla, Lower East Side
The term “Wayla” means “time” in Thai, and you’re sure to have a great time at this NYC Thai spot. Serving homestyle Thai food in the tradition of local Bangkok markets, their main chef Tom Naumsuwan handles their cuisine with care. His delectable creations include papaya salad, yellow vegetable curry, BBQ beef fried rice, sticky rice, and our favorite Mango Tango or spicy wok-fried shrimps. Cocktail options include a gin drink that actually is colored purple due to the inclusion of pea blossoms! Full menu here.
Where: 100 Forsyth St
13. Soothr, East Village
This Michelin-starred noodle restaurant is the real deal! Focusing on noodles and soups from Sukhothai in Central Thailand, Udon Thani in northern Thailand, and Bangkok, their flavor-fulled entrees are decadent and perfect for a solid meal. Some of our personal menu highlights include the Chicken Khao Soi (Northern-style curry, egg noodles, crispy skin and juicy tender chicken, pickled radish, and crispy egg noodles) and Si-Krong Pad Ped (Wok tossed spicy braised spare ribs sprinkled with thinly sliced fresh and aromatic kaffir leaves, cucumber, long beans). Full menu here.
Where: 204 E 13th St
14. LumLum, Hell’s Kitchen
Translating to “delicious” in Thai, this surely describes what you’ll find at LumLum in Hell’s Kitchen. Their Thai/seafood crossover yields some of the absolute best recipes in the city, including some by the mother of owners Sommy and Mo Hensawang. The choices on the menu range from rice casseroles to noodle soups, with ranging levels of elite spiciness. Full menu here.
Where: 404 W 49th St
15. Mitr Thai, Midtown West
Complete with a gorgeous interior and Thai food from 4 different regions, Mitr Thai near Grand Central Station offers all sort of delicious bites to pick from. Our favorites from here include the Short Rib Prik Kang (braised beef short rib, curry paste, kaffir lime leaf, asparagus, coconut milk) and Gai Gor Lae (grilled marinated chicken skewers with house made paste). Full menu here.
Where: 37 W 46th St
16. THEP Thai Restaurant, Upper East Side
Who originally began in Los Angeles, THEP Thai Restaurant is now in NYC where their gorgeous Thai concept serves all of the essentials on the Upper East Side. Their colorful cocktails are an absolute must, the tofu pad Thai should not be forgotten, and don’t sleep on the khao soi either! Full menu here.
Where: 1439 2nd Ave
17. Sea Thai, Williamsburg
Experience the fine dining of South East Asia at Sea Thai in Williamsburg. The noodles, duck, rice, and cocktails are some of the standouts, and the ambience here is truly what makes it stand alone! Immerse yourself in Thai decor and grab a seat in the dining room surrounding a Thai pond, while you slurp down some of the tastiest cuisine in Brooklyn. Full menu here.
Where: 114 N 6th St, Brooklyn
18. Mao Mao, Bushwick
This Thai spot in Brooklyn will instantly teleport you across the globe! Featuring an open air cinema playing old school Thai movies, neon signs, posters, and immersive decor, this is a great little place to grab some delicious and affordable grub. The menu focuses on Thai street food like Khao Moo Daeng (Thai-Chinese style roast pork over rice w/ sweet & salty sauce) and pork rolls. It’s also a perfect first spot on a night out, since you can enjoy their “Thai Drinking Snacks” like the Prik Break Tek (Crunch fried chilies taro crisp w/ fish flavor served with OG Thai sriracha) while you drink. Full menu here.
Where: 1000 Broadway, Brooklyn
19. Peak Thai, Midtown East
Peak Thai is one of our favorite spots for take-out Thai that’s full of flavors! Their massive menu serves literally anything you’re craving, but we suggest going with their Pad C-Ew (sautéed fresh flat noodles with your choice of protein, egg and Chinese broccoli in dark sauce). Check out their full menu here.
Where: 301 E 49th St
20. Rua Thai, Cobble Hill
Rua Thai celebrates the famed floating markets of Thailand, which offer food, crafts, and souvenirs from traditional wooden boats afloat on khlongs (canals). Chef Kornpon combines his restaurant experience with cooking knowledge he learned from his grandmother to put together the most delicious menu that includes dishes such as Fish Curry Custard, Mama Tom Yum Grilled River Prawns, and Kai Tod Had Yai.
Where: 204 Smith St