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Ayara Thai
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ayara Thai
9.0
Family-owned since 2004 and now Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized, Ayara pairs deeply seasoned curries and noodles with chef-driven specials like whole fried branzino and lobster pad thai. The room is compact and often buzzing, but locals keep coming back for Khao Soi, Muay Thai Wings, and consistently dialed-in flavors just minutes from LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi (mom’s northern curry noodles), Muay Thai Wings, Whole Fried Branzino
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Chef Vanda Asapahu’s family recipes, Michelin Bib Gourmand status, and a menu that fuses tradition with thoughtful seasonal specials.
Who should go: Thai food fans seeking a destination-worthy meal near LAX
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm or early weekend dinners
What to order: Khao Soi, Muay Thai Wings, Whole Fried Branzino
Insider tip: If you’re flying in or out of LAX, pre-book a table and plan around traffic—the dining room fills fast, but takeout is dialed in and travels well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking shared with neighboring businesses; fills during peak hours but turnover is steady. Street parking on Manchester Ave is available but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. There’s a lively buzz, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection, including tofu swaps for most stir-fries and curries, plus several veggie appetizers.
Vegan options: Good but not extensive—around 3–4 dishes can be fully vegan with modifications. Staff is knowledgeable.
Gluten-free options: Many curries and rice dishes can be made gluten-free; they mark options clearly and accommodate substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm, compact dining room and elevated Thai dishes feel special without being overly formal, making it an excellent first-date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but with a wait during peak hours. Walk-ins are common, but reserving ahead is smart, especially on weekends or if you’re coordinating around LAX flights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids and up. The space is bustling and energetic, but not ideal for strollers or toddlers due to tight seating.
Best For
Better for: Deeply seasoned curries, consistently executed noodles, and chef-led specials that go beyond typical neighborhood Thai spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room, ultra-cheap eats, or highly customizable spice levels—Ayara’s flavors are intentionally balanced and less adjustable.
Ayara Thai
9.1
Family-run Ayara Thai has anchored Westchester’s food scene since 2004, with chef Vanda Asapahu turning classic recipes into deeply flavorful plates. The Muay Thai Wings are a destination in themselves, balancing smoky sweetness and char, while curries and noodles keep regulars coming back for weeknight dinners and celebratory meals alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muay Thai Wings, Khao Soi, Green Curry with Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized, family-run Thai with destination-level wings and curries.
Who should go: Thai food lovers, date-night couples, and LA food travelers.
When to visit: Weeknights for dinner; weekends for relaxed, lingering family meals.
What to order: Muay Thai Wings, khao soi, green curry with chicken.
Insider tip: Order wings early—add a curry and rice to make it a full meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the shared plaza lot; street parking on 87th St. usually available after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, nice tees, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during dinner rush, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of tofu-based dishes, veggie curries, and customizable noodle plates.
Vegan options: Moderate—several dishes can be made vegan upon request; check curry bases for fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—many curries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, friendly service, and shareable plates make it relaxed but still special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, but expect short waits during weekend dinner peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, quick service, and milder dishes are available; families frequent the dining room.
Best For
Better for: Deeply seasoned Thai comfort dishes, perfectly charred wings, and consistent weeknight-friendly service.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-spicy Northern Thai specialties, a bar-focused scene, or white-tablecloth formality.
Ayara Thai
8.9
Family-run since 2004 and now helmed by chef Vanda Asapahu, Ayara serves deeply layered Thai cooking that draws lines out the door for curries, noodles, and vibrant salads. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and frequent critic favorite, it balances serious flavor with a friendly, neighborhood feel just minutes from LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao soi (northern curry noodle soup), Muay Thai wings, The Original Pad Thai
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Chef-driven Thai with Michelin Bib Gourmand cred and 5,000+ reviews.
Who should go: Travelers and locals craving top-tier Thai near LAX
When to visit: Evenings for peak menu; earlier for shorter waits
What to order: Khao soi, Muay Thai wings, The Original Pad Thai.
Insider tip: Order ahead online and grab a seat on the patio to skip the takeout rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in the small shared lot out front plus generally easy street parking; fills up around peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfy. Jeans, tees, and travel wear are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – lively with families and groups, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with steady but quick-moving traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection with tofu substitutions and veggie-forward curries and noodles.
Vegan options: Several dishes can be made vegan on request; staff is knowledgeable about swaps.
Gluten-free options: Good number of naturally gluten-free items; staff will guide you to safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something warm, casual, and flavorful rather than formal. The energy is vibrant but not overwhelming, and the food is reliably impressive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Expect a wait during dinner rush, but lunch and early evenings typically seat quickly. Ordering ahead speeds things up if you're flexible about indoor vs. patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, family-friendly dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere make it great for kids of all ages. Mild spice options are available.
Best For
Better for: Deeply layered curries, consistently balanced flavors, and convenient proximity to LAX. Especially strong for family meals and travelers wanting standout Thai without the fuss.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth tasting menu experience or extremely spicy regional Thai dishes that push the heat beyond typical menu customizations.