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Si Laa
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Si Laa
8.4
A family-run Robertson Boulevard dining room known for careful, home-style Thai cooking that feels more composed than typical neighborhood fare. The kitchen leans into bold herb work, clean proteins, and curries with real depth, making it a steady local go-to for sit-down Thai. Small room, focused execution, and a menu that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy crab noodles, Crispy duck, Pad Thai
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Refined, family-style Thai cooking with standout curries and noodles.
Who should go: Couples and locals wanting sit-down Thai.
When to visit: Dinner on weeknights for best pacing.
What to order: Spicy crab noodles, crispy duck, green curry.
Insider tip: Ask what seafood or curry is best that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Robertson and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours but usually manageable within a block or two.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled, and still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; immediate seating is typical.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dishes can be made vegetarian, including curries and stir-fries.
Vegan options: Yes — a few curries and veggie stir-fries can be modified vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes naturally gluten-free; sauces can be adjusted when noted in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate dining room, warm service, and refined Thai flavors create an easy, relaxed date-night setting without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights, yes. On weekends, arriving early or close to opening improves your chances; small parties are seated quickest.
Is it kid-friendly? For older kids who enjoy Thai flavors, yes. The room is small and calm, so it’s not ideal for very young children or large strollers.
Best For
Better for: Consistently executed curries, herb-forward dishes, and a sit-down atmosphere that feels more composed than nearby casual Thai options.
Skip if: You want ultra-budget takeout, very spicy Northern-style specialties, or a loud, high-energy dining room.
Si Laa
8.2
A compact, modern Thai spot that works well for quick, flavorful lunches without sacrificing comfort. The menu balances bright curries and wok dishes with clean plating and efficient service. A smart mid-tier choice for low-key meetings in the Robertson corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab curry, Pad see ew, Crispy rice salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Focused Thai cooking with a calm, modern lunch vibe.
Who should go: Coworkers, casual clients, Thai fans.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fast turnaround.
What to order: Crab curry, pad see ew, crispy rice salad.
Insider tip: Ask for spice level guidance—they’ll dial it in accurately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Robertson and Pico; midday spots usually available but fill quickly after 12pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits naturally, but casual jeans and a button-down are fine for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate; steady conversation is easy even during peak lunch hours.
Weekend wait: Not typically a weekend destination, but expect 20–30 minutes during primetime.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; brief 5–10 minute delay at the peak of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection; most curries and stir-fries can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Moderate options; several dishes can be made vegan but confirm fish sauce substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications; gluten-free diners should ask for guidance around soy sauce and fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid for a casual, low-pressure first date—clean room, calm energy, and flavorful food without being heavy. Not ideal if you want a romantic or upscale vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—weekday lunches are generally walk-in friendly. Dinner is still manageable, though calling ahead can help with timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy Thai flavors; space is compact and not ideal for strollers or toddlers needing room to move around.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavorful Thai dishes with a cleaner, more modern presentation than nearby casual Thai spots—great for business lunches that need efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Skip if: You want a long, lingering meal, large-group seating, or ultra-traditional Thai spice intensity; other spots nearby excel more in those categories.
Si Laa
8.1
A neighborhood Thai staple that keeps flavors bright and portions practical without pushing prices high. Curries land with good balance and heat control, and the noodle dishes stay consistent across visits. A strong value sit-down option in a pricey corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad see ew, Green curry, Crispy pork basil
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Thai comfort standards done reliably at fair prices.
Who should go: Weeknight diners and curry lovers.
When to visit: Weeknights for easy seating.
What to order: Pad see ew, green curry, pork basil.
Insider tip: Order medium spice first—heat climbs fast here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Robertson and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable before 6:30pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—standard neighborhood Thai expectations; anything from jeans to work clothes fits in.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a normal conversation even during peak dinner without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during the early peak, though tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating with no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most noodle and curry dishes can be made vegetarian by substituting tofu.
Vegan options: Moderately—several dishes can be made vegan with no fish sauce upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many stir-fries and curries are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce–based dishes may require substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic settings. The food is great, service is friendly, and the environment is relaxed—not a showstopper venue but perfect if you want something easy, affordable, and tasty.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely required. Walk-ins almost always succeed, especially on weeknights, with only brief waits during weekend dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. Booster seats are available, portions are shareable, and the mild spice options make it suitable for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Consistent Thai standards, fair pricing, and balanced curries in a casual sit-down format—ideal for dependable weeknight meals when you want flavor without fuss.
Skip if: You’re looking for trend-driven Thai, specialty regional dishes, or a high-design dining room—this is a comfort-first spot focused on value.