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Emporium Thai
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Emporium Thai
8.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Emporium Thai is a family-run Thai restaurant with bright curries, southern specialties, and a dining room that fills up with celebratory tables. Awards, long lines, and a deep menu make it a strong choice for birthdays, graduations, and group dinners that still feel casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern curry seafood, Pad Thai or pad see ew, Mango sticky rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Award-winning, family-run Thai with bold southern curries and big portions.
Who should go: Spice-loving groups planning a fun, relaxed celebration.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room feels festive and full.
What to order: Southern curry seafood, pad Thai, mango sticky rice.
Insider tip: Ask for heat levels honestly—southern dishes can run very spicy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential streets; spots fill quickly during UCLA events. Limited shared-lot spaces behind the building during off-peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in relaxed attire but celebrations often bring slightly dressier outfits.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during peak dinner hours; normal conversation is possible but group celebrations create a festive hum.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection with multiple tofu and vegetable-based curries, stir-fries, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Good options, especially with customizable dishes—many curries and stir-fries can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free curries and noodle dishes are available; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-heavy dates rather than intimate, highly romantic ones. The food impresses, but the energy is lively and group-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait at peak dinner hours. Calling ahead for last-minute holds or arriving slightly early improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families come often. The menu is broad enough for picky eaters, though spice levels should be ordered mild for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: A top pick for celebratory Thai meals with big flavors, large portions, and group-friendly seating compared to quieter or more upscale Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a serene, romantic atmosphere or extremely refined, chef-driven tasting menus; choose alternatives in Westwood for that experience.
Emporium Thai
8.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family-owned since 2000, Emporium Thai turns a busy Westwood stretch into a destination for Southern Thai curries, noodles, and a lively back patio. High-volume takeout and catering haven’t dimmed the kitchen’s spice or balance, making the outdoor tables feel like the neighborhood’s default spot for celebratory Thai feasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Curry Seafood, Pad Thai with Prawns, House Special Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume Southern Thai staple with big flavors and a busy patio.
Who should go: Spice-seekers and groups craving hearty Thai comfort food.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the patio and dining room buzz.
What to order: Southern Curry Seafood, Pad Thai with prawns, House Special Curry.
Insider tip: Ask for Southern-style heat only if you truly love spice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and side streets; small private lots nearby typically $6–$10 in the evenings. Street parking tight after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; outdoor patio diners often lean relaxed but put-together.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but the patio can get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except for occasional UCLA rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Plenty of options including curries, stir-fries, and tofu substitutions.
Vegan options: Solid selection—several dishes can be made vegan on request; staff is knowledgeable.
Gluten-free options: Good variety; many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free and the kitchen can adjust seasoning sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something lively and low-pressure. The patio feels energetic rather than intimate, so it’s better for fun, casual dates than quiet or romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekend dinner rushes. Patio tables fill first.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and the menu has mild dishes suitable for younger kids. Outdoor seating works well for strollers and larger family groups.
Best For
Better for: Big-flavor Southern Thai dishes, fast service even during busy hours, and one of the livelier patios in Westwood for casual celebrations.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or are extremely spice-averse—flavors here tend to run bold even at lower heat levels.
Emporium Thai
8.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family-owned since 2000, Emporium Thai channels Southern Thai flavors into a bustling Westwood Boulevard dining room that has grown into one of LA’s most talked-about Thai spots. With thousands of reviews, national accolades, and a menu that ranges from fiery curries to vegan-friendly plates, it draws everyone from UCLA students to industry regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Curry Seafood, Pad Thai with prawns, Mango sticky rice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume Southern Thai specialist with awards and decades of loyal regulars.
Who should go: Spice lovers and groups craving serious Thai flavors.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the room feels loud and celebratory.
What to order: Southern Curry Seafood, Pad Thai, mango sticky rice.
Insider tip: Flag Southern-style spice levels honestly; dishes can run very hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential streets; can be tight during peak UCLA hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in relaxed outfits but trend-conscious groups often dress it up a bit.
Noise level: High-energy and loud during peak hours; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation depending on UCLA traffic and group size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive options, including curries, noodles, and stir-fries that can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Strong vegan-friendly menu with multiple plant-based curries and customizable noodle dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several curries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for an adventurous, high-energy date but not ideal if you want quiet conversation. The space is lively and can run loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak evenings. Smaller parties are seated faster; groups should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids or teens who enjoy bold flavors; spice levels and noise may be challenging for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Bolder Southern Thai flavors, a larger menu with vegan and pescatarian range, and a more energetic atmosphere than most Westwood Thai spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need strict gluten-free handling, or prefer mild spice without customization.
Emporium Thai
8.3
Family-run since 2000, Emporium Thai serves Southern-leaning Thai dishes in a colorful, date-friendly space just off Wilshire. Spice-forward curries, wok-fried noodles, and a deep menu make it a go-to for couples who want something lively and flavorful without going far from campus or the Village.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Thai Green Curry, Pad See Ew, Crying Tiger Beef
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume, family-run Thai staple with bold flavors and flexible spice levels.
Who should go: Couples craving spicy Thai in a casual, energetic room.
When to visit: Weeknights or later evenings once peak takeout rush passes.
What to order: Southern green curry, pad see ew, crying tiger beef with rice.
Insider tip: Spice runs hot—start lower than usual and level up next visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential blocks is the norm; metered spots turn over regularly but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most diners arrive in jeans and a nice top, though date-night attire never feels out of place.
Noise level: Moderate—music and table chatter create a lively backdrop, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during prime hours, especially when takeout orders spike.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong—many curries and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Moderate—several dishes can be prepared vegan by omitting fish sauce and egg; ask the server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good—numerous curries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is familiar with substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively, flavorful, and casual enough to keep things comfortable, with just enough ambiance for a relaxed date without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. On weekends, be prepared for a short wait or place your name in person.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; high chairs are limited, and spice-forward dishes may be too intense for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Bold, Southern-leaning Thai dishes with customizable spice levels and generous portions—ideal when you want big flavors in a casual, colorful setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale date-night atmosphere or extremely mild food—nearby bistros or calmer sushi spots may suit those needs better.
Emporium Thai
8.8
Emporium Thai is a Southern Thai–leaning restaurant on Westwood Boulevard known for deeply flavored curries, customizable heat levels, and an unusually broad menu of regional specialties. A lively dining room, full bar, and long track record as a destination near UCLA make it the area’s go-to option when you want Thai to feel like a proper night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern curry with shrimp, Pad Thai with prawns, Green curry with chicken and sticky rice
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: High-impact Southern Thai flavors in a busy, bar-equipped dining room.
Who should go: Thai fans wanting upscale Southern dishes near UCLA and Brentwood.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when dining room and patio feel lively.
What to order: Southern curry, pad thai, sticky rice with mango.
Insider tip: Ask for Southern-level heat and the off-menu spicier curries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential streets; can be tight after 6pm. A few paid lots within a 2–3 minute walk on Wilkins Ave and Glendon Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual tops are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at most tables, but peak dinner hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are almost always seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—many curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Several customizable options; staff can prepare dishes without fish sauce or egg on request.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility—many curries, rice dishes, and proteins can be made gluten-free with minor adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively but not overwhelming, the food feels special, and the menu has great variety, making it an easy choice for a relaxed but memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and at lunch; on weekends or after 7pm, a reservation is recommended due to steady crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly for older kids (8+) who enjoy flavorful or mildly spicy food. High chairs are limited and the dining room can be busy during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Deep, Southern-style Thai flavors, customizable spice levels, and a more energetic, 'night out' feel than nearby casual Thai spots.
Skip if: You want extremely quiet dining, ultra-traditional Northern Thai specialties, or very mild flavors—this kitchen leans bold and aromatic.