Best Thai restaurants in New York [2023]

New York City is a melting pot of different cultures, and that is reflected in its diverse culinary scene. Among the many international cuisines available in the city, Thai food is a standout for its bold flavors and unique ingredients. Whether you’re craving spicy curries, tangy salads, or delicious noodle dishes, New York has a variety of Thai restaurants that cater to every taste. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best Thai restaurants in New York City, each with its own distinct take on this beloved cuisine.

Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill

Address: 1611 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Phone: +1 (212) 879-7999
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is a fantastic restaurant located in the Upper East Side of New York City that offers a unique blend of Thai and Japanese cuisine. The food is excellent, with a wide range of dishes to choose from, including ramen, Thai noodles, and appetizers like crab rangoons and chicken dumplings. The presentation of the food is thoughtful, and the sauce-to-noodle ratio is spot on.

The atmosphere at Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is lively and inviting, with a great vibe and friendly staff. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and provide excellent recommendations. The restaurant offers a great selection of drinks, including Thai iced coffee, mocktails, and pina coladas. The service is fast and efficient, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner.

Overall, Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking to experience the best of Thai and Japanese cuisine. From the excellent food to the great ambience and friendly staff, this restaurant has it all. Whether you’re in the mood for ramen, Thai noodles, or appetizers, Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is the perfect spot for a delicious meal in a great atmosphere.

Pure Thai Cookhouse

Address: 766 9th Avenue W51-52 St, New York City, NY 10019-6323
Phone: 212-581-0999
Details: $$ – $$$, Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly

Pure Thai Cookhouse is a fantastic restaurant that offers authentic and delicious Thai food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The appetizer sampler is a must-try, giving customers a taste of several different dishes. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service to customers.

The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to desserts, all of which are well presented and bursting with flavor. The noodles and broth are made on-site, and the difference is noticeable and appreciated. The prices are moderate and worth it for the quality of food and service. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant can get busy during peak hours.

Overall, Pure Thai Cookhouse is a standout Thai restaurant in New York City, offering some of the best Thai food outside of Thailand. The restaurant is a great place to stop for a quick lunch or dinner, and the service is impeccable. The flavors are in the plate, and the different dishes are nicely presented with many fresh vegetables. If you’re looking for authentic Thai food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, Pure Thai Cookhouse is the perfect spot.

Thai Villa

Address: 5 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: +1 (212) 802-9999
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Thai Villa is a stunning restaurant with beautiful interiors that provide a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The lighting fixtures are beautiful, and the entire space is decorated with an Asian-inspired theme. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, providing excellent service to customers.

The food at Thai Villa is outstanding, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including appetizers, salads, and entrees. The food is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Customers highly recommend the duck roll for a starter, the spicy short rib, and the chicken green curry with sticky rice. The drinks are also delicious, including the lychee mojito and the mocktails.

Overall, Thai Villa is a must-visit Thai restaurant in New York City, offering some of the best Thai food in the area. The lunch specials are an excellent value, providing a salad, appetizer, and main dish. The outdoor seating is beautifully decorated, with heat lamps to keep customers warm. The service is exceptional, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is outstanding. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner, Thai Villa is the perfect spot.

Obao

Address: 647 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Phone: +1 (212) 245-8880
Details: $$, Vietnamese restaurant

Obao is a fantastic restaurant that offers delicious and unique Asian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The waitstaff is efficient and pleasant, providing customers with excellent service. The restaurant is popular, but the turnaround is fast, making it easy to get a table without a reservation.

The food at Obao is outstanding, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including appetizers, soups, noodles, and entrees. The flavors are unique and well-balanced, making for a memorable dining experience. The calamari, cashew chili chicken, and beef short rib massaman are highly recommended. The drinks are also great, with unique and tasty options like the Flunk Flink and the Obao.

Overall, Obao is a must-visit restaurant in the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York City, offering some of the best Asian cuisine in the area. The prices are very reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food and service. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, Obao has something for everyone, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for fine Asian dining.

VIV Thai Restaurant and Bar

Address: 717 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 (212) 581-5999
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

VIV Thai Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit spot in New York City, offering exceptional Thai cuisine in a fun and hip atmosphere. The service is outstanding, with friendly and attentive staff providing excellent customer service. The restaurant is popular, so it’s best to call ahead, but the wait is well worth it.

The menu at VIV is reasonably priced, and the food is outstanding, with generous portions that leave customers feeling satisfied. The red curry is perfectly spiced and flavorful, and the fried tofu appetizer is a must-try dish, served with a Sriracha spicy sauce. The spicy noodle kee-mao and chicken satay are also highly recommended. The cocktails are smooth and delicious, making this a great spot for drinks and dinner.

The atmosphere at VIV is fun and hip, with great music and decor. The outdoor seating area is a cute spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. The restaurant is also Covid-safe, which is highly appreciated. Overall, VIV Thai Restaurant and Bar is a great spot for couples, families, or friends gathering, offering traditional but not boring food and great service. It’s a go-to restaurant for many locals and visitors to the city, and it’s easy to see why.

Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar

Address: 460 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Phone: +1 (212) 971-8530
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar is a hidden gem in New York City, offering delicious and authentic Thai cuisine at affordable prices. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making customers feel welcome and comfortable. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a quick meal or a night out with friends.

The menu at Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar is extensive, with a great selection of authentic Thai dishes and some classic favorites. The food is fresh, flavorful, and full of unique flavors that will satisfy any palate. Highly recommended dishes include the krapow gai, the pad Thai, and the crab meat fried rice. The cocktails are also great, with the Sangria and Lychee Martinis being customer favorites.

The service at Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar is fast and friendly, making it a great spot for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner with friends. The restaurant is small but cozy, with great waitstaff who provide excellent customer service. The restaurant is a must-visit spot for lovers of savory, flavorful, and unique foods, and it’s highly recommended for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Thai meal in New York City.

At Nine Restaurant & Bar

Address: 592 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Phone: +1 (212) 265-4499
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

At Nine Restaurant & Bar is a small but amazing restaurant located in the heart of New York City. Despite its size, the restaurant delivers big on flavor and taste, offering a great selection of Thai dishes at reasonable prices. The staff is friendly, attentive, and provides excellent service, making customers feel welcome and comfortable.

The restaurant has an eclectic and cozy atmosphere, with creative decor that adds to the overall dining experience. The menu offers a range of delicious and authentic Thai dishes, including Massaman curry, pad Thai, and shrimp kanom jeep. The food is fresh, flavorful, and served quickly and efficiently, making it a great spot for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner with friends.

At Nine Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem in New York City, offering delicious food and great value for money. The restaurant is a must-visit spot for lovers of Thai cuisine, providing a unique and authentic dining experience that is hard to find anywhere else in the city. Highly recommended dishes include the Pad See Eiw and the Pad Ka-Prow, which are both delicious and full of flavor. If you’re in the mood for some Thai food, At Nine Restaurant & Bar should be at the top of your list.

Yum Yum Too

Address: 662 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Phone: +1 (212) 247-2228
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Yum Yum Too is a cozy Thai restaurant located on the edge of restaurant row on 46th Street in New York. The restaurant is highly recommended by the Belvedere doorman for its excellent Thai cuisine and bistro-like atmosphere. The warm atmosphere and bustling avenue outside make it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, especially on a cold and rainy day.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes on its menu, including green curry, chicken with peanut sauce, shrimp Pad Thai, and Tom Yum soup. The food is served by friendly and efficient staff, and the prices are great for NYC. The “Prix fixe” menu, which includes soup, salad, appetizers, main course, and dessert, is a great way to try a variety of dishes from the restaurant at a reasonable price.

Yum Yum Too is an excellent choice for those looking for great Thai food at a great price near the theaters. The restaurant is accommodating even for large groups of 16. The service is fast, efficient, and friendly, and the atmosphere is quaint and clean. The restaurant is not touristy and is off the beaten path away from the theater crowds on 9th Ave. Overall, Yum Yum Too is a fantastic place to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Topaz Thai Restaurant

Address: 127 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 (212) 957-8020
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Topaz Thai Restaurant is a hidden gem located close to Central Park and 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant offers a cozy and warm atmosphere with lovely outdoor seating decorated with flowers. The staff is very friendly, attentive, and efficient, providing first-class service to customers.

The menu offers a nice choice of authentic Thai dishes, including Pad Thai, Chicken Satay, Thai Salad, and crispy duck. The food is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced for NYC standards, with excellent quality and attention to detail. Customers can choose their own level of spiciness, and there is a good selection of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and jasmine tea.

The restaurant is split into two sides, one with traditional Thai dishes and the other with noodles. The Thai dumplings are highly recommended for an appetizer, and the Pad Thai and Dancing Chicken are must-try dishes. Overall, Topaz Thai Restaurant is a highly recommended Thai restaurant for anyone looking for a great culinary experience in Midtown Manhattan, with reasonable prices, excellent service, and delicious food.

Chai Thai Kitchen

Address: 930 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 (212) 707-8778
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Chai Thai Kitchen is a tiny but cozy Thai restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant offers a unique and eclectic Southeast Asian menu with many specialties rarely found in a Thai restaurant. The food is fresh, delicious, and served in a sumptuous presentation. The staff is friendly, attentive, and accommodating, providing excellent service to customers.

The menu offers a variety of dishes, including Chicken Pad Thai, Rice w/pineapple & chicken, Tom Kha Gai Soup, Summer Rolls, Vietnamese Chicken, Jumbo Shrimp Tempura Lad Prick, Red Thai Curry with chicken, Sweetcorn Fritters, Goong La Po, Fried eggplant, and duck noodle soup. The food is well-seasoned, not too spicy, and reasonably priced. The drink list is outstanding, and the staff is very kind and attentive.

The restaurant is beautiful and cozy, with many tables upstairs and a cash-only policy. The service is fast, courteous, and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The restaurant is a hidden gem and a beacon of light in the surrounding darkness, providing great customer service and delicious food. Overall, Chai Thai Kitchen is a highly recommended Thai restaurant, and customers will definitely return for more of its great quality standard Thai fare.

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Address: 39 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212.750.5588
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

LAVO Italian Restaurant is a unique dining experience located in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant offers a superb ambiance, attentive service, and excellent food. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including meatballs with ricotta, ravioli with goat cheese, calamari with spicy sauce, and gnocchi. The appetizers are especially delicious, and the meatball is large and sharable.

The restaurant is paired with a nightclub, but as a diner, one is not really aware of this apart from the appropriately attired folks who wander in as the evening wears on. There are outdoor spaces available, but many people were seated inside. The wait staff is masked all the time, and everyone has to prove vaccination. The restaurant is loud and energetic, but it provides a boisterous and fun atmosphere, perfect for parties and celebrations.

The service is excellent, and the staff is kind and accommodating. The restaurant has a large selection of wines, which are expensive but not excessive, and the Sunday brunch is amazing, with a huge selection of food ranging from classic bagels and lox to fresh pasta with homemade Alfredo sauce. Overall, LAVO Italian Restaurant is a must-visit place in NYC, perfect for dinner dates, parties, and celebrations. The staff and food are both exceptional, making for a memorable dining experience.

Sabai Thai Restaurant

Address: 432 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Phone: +1 (646) 476-4521
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Sabai Thai Restaurant is a lovely upscale Thai restaurant located on Park Avenue. The restaurant has a beautiful open interior and cozy outdoor seating, with wooden tables and ceilings adorned with flowers, providing a comforting atmosphere. The staff is excellent, attentive, and knowledgeable about the varied foods offered, making the dining experience pleasant from the beginning.

The menu offers a beautiful choice of Thai specialties, including the Gan Kiew Waan, which is the green curry, and the Panang Curry, both dishes are flavorful and comforting. The Khao Soi is also a must-try, filled with chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles. Vegetarians will also find good options on the menu. The homemade curry puffs are a delicious way to begin the meal and are large enough to share.

The service is superb, with attentive staff who give great recommendations for food and make sure that every detail is taken care of. The atmosphere is subdued and pleasant, and the bartender is a real artist. The food is fantastic, beautifully presented, and tasty with the perfect amount of heat. The staff is friendly, polite, and always ready to help. Sabai Thai Restaurant is a must-try in NYC, perfect for dinner before seeing a show on Broadway or any other occasion.

Khe-Yo

Address: 157 Duane St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: +1 (212) 587-1089
Details: $$, Laotian restaurant

Khe-Yo is an outstanding Laotian restaurant that offers a unique dining experience in NYC. The restaurant has a cool, hip, and lively atmosphere with a country feel, lots of wood, and brick walls. The staff is extremely attentive, friendly, and helpful in educating guests about the food, making the dining experience outstanding.

The food is stellar, with amazing presentation and fresh ingredients. The menu offers an incredible selection of dishes, including beef jerky, quail, lobster noodles, crispy pork, chicken sausage, and pig face. The flavor profiles, quality of ingredients, and presentation are totally worthy of their Michelin plate rating. The lunch specials are divine, and the prices are reasonable, making the restaurant a must-visit when in NYC.

The cocktails are the work of a mad genius, and the Thai chili cucumber vodka and the tamarind ginger mimosa are recommended favorites. The crunchy coconut rice with sausage, Berkshire pork spring rolls, crispy brussel sprouts, and sticky rice with sauces are also must-tries. Overall, Khe-Yo is a gem, offering amazing and unique food, great service, and reasonable prices. It is highly recommended for anyone who loves spicy and fresh ingredients and wants to experience something different in NYC.

Fish Cheeks

Address: 55 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 (212) 677-2223
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Fish Cheeks is an authentic Thai restaurant located in Manhattan that offers unique and delicious Thai dishes in a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, making the dining experience exceptional.

The menu is diverse and flavorful with must-try dishes like fish, crab curry, pork jowl, calamari, and crab fried rice. The portions are decent and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the money. The cocktails and drinks are also delicious and strong, and the happy hour specials for drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and oysters are highly recommended.

The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxed and tropical, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of NYC. The outdoor seating area is also a great spot to enjoy creative and delicious drinks. The restaurant gets busy even on weekdays, but the service is efficient, making it a great spot for a date or a small group. Overall, Fish Cheeks is a must-visit for anyone who wants authentic Thai food in NYC, with outstanding service, flavorful and unique dishes, and a cozy and laid-back atmosphere.

Sala Thai

Address: 307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Phone: +1 (212) 433-3999
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Sala Thai is a hidden gem located on the upper west side of NYC that serves fantastic, authentic Thai food in a comfortable and warm space filled with Thai carvings. The extensive menu offers a great variety of dishes, including some of the more traditional known curries, Thai mussels, dumplings, and chicken satay, all well-seasoned and generously sized. The pricing is very reasonable for the quality and portions of food, making it a great value for money.

The staff is friendly, attentive, and responsive, and the service is quick, even on a school night when the place is totally full, a testament to their good food. The restaurant is decorated in a casual yet elegant style, and the plexiglass partitions between tables offer privacy and a safer dining experience during COVID. The signature cocktails are unusual and delicious, and the Thai draft beer is a great option. Reservations are highly recommended as the place can be very buzzy and full.

Sala Thai is a favorite Thai restaurant for many locals as it serves great, interesting Thai food in a bustling and friendly environment. The staff is accommodating and attentive to customers’ requests, and the flavors and taste of the food are very authentic. The lunch special is a great deal, and the dinner menu is also very good. The Masaman curry is the least spicy option for those who don’t like spicy food. The restaurant is a great spot for a quick bite or a nice lunch in expensive Manhattan, offering excellent service, decor, hygiene, and, of course, food.

Somtum Der

Address: 85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Phone: +1 (212) 260-8570
Details: $$, Thai restaurant

Somtum Der is a Thai restaurant located in the East Village of NYC, offering a variety of exciting and authentic dishes from the Northern region of Thailand. The menu is well laid out, with helpful photos of the various options. The staff is professional, efficient, and friendly, and the service is casual and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or lunch.

The food is delicious and fresh, with a complex palate that brings in some Laotian overtones, making it stand out from other Thai restaurants in the US that emphasize central Thai cuisine. The papaya salad and fried chicken are highly recommended dishes that showcase the real Thai taste in every bite. The House special grilled marinated pork/beef and the Pad Ki Mao Moo are also favorites among customers. Most dishes are quite spicy, and ordering the spice at “medium” would be considered “hot” at most other restaurants.

Somtum Der is a true culinary experience and the best Somtum place in NYC, offering authentic Isan Thai food in a bustling and friendly environment. The restaurant had a one-star Michelin in 2016 and lost it but is still recommended since then. The papaya salad is one of the best things customers have ever eaten, and the Thai prawn sashimi and Isan style chicken soup with local herbs are also great options. The restaurant is a must-visit spot for those who love Thai flavors and want to try something new.

In conclusion, New York City’s Thai restaurants offer a diverse and delicious culinary experience. From traditional and authentic to modern and fusion, these restaurants showcase the best of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering Thai food, be sure to check out one of these top-rated restaurants in the city.