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Jitlada
Master Critic Review
Jitlada
9.2
Chef Jazz Singsanong has earned national recognition for her fearless approach to Southern Thai cuisine, with a menu that spans over 300 dishes. The dining room fills nightly with chefs and critics chasing items like crispy rice salad and dungeness crab curry that showcase complex, layered flavors impossible to find at tamer establishments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Salad with Sour Pork, Dungeness Crab Yellow Curry, Phuket-Style Crab Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.8
What makes it special: Chef Jazz's award-winning Southern Thai specialties with uncompromising flavor complexity
Who should go: Adventurous eaters ready for intense spice and unfamiliar ingredients
When to visit: Weeknights to avoid weekend crowds, arrive before 7pm
What to order: Crispy rice salad, any curry, turmeric fried chicken wings
Insider tip: Order from the jazz specials menu for the most adventurous dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available but competitive after 6pm. Small lot behind restaurant (8-10 spaces). Consider ride-share on weekends.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - this is a neighborhood spot where locals come in everything from work clothes to t-shirts
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic dining room buzz without being overwhelmingly loud
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 6:30pm, reservations fill up days ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including tofu and vegetable curries, though many dishes use fish sauce/shrimp paste as base flavoring
Vegan options: Possible but limited - request modifications to remove fish sauce and egg, best to call ahead to discuss options
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most dishes use soy sauce and cross-contamination likely in kitchen. Not recommended for celiac disease.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date is adventurous. The bold flavors and exotic menu create natural conversation starters, but skip it if they're picky eaters or spice-averse. The energy level is perfect for date night without being too quiet or too loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Arrive right at 5pm opening or after 9pm for best walk-in odds. Bar seating (6-8 seats) is first-come and turns faster. Weekend prime time (6:30-8:30pm) nearly impossible without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intense spice levels, unfamiliar ingredients, and energetic atmosphere better suited for teens and adults. No kids menu. If bringing kids 10+, order mild dishes and prepare them for adventurous eating.
How spicy is it really? Authentically Thai-level spicy. When they say 'medium spicy' they mean it - this isn't dumbed down for American palates. Start with mild if you're unsure, and have rice and water ready. The spice builds with complex heat, not just burning.
What if I don't know what to order? Ask your server for guidance - they know the menu inside out and will steer you right based on spice tolerance. The crispy rice salad and turmeric fried chicken wings are safe entry points. For groups, order 3-4 dishes family-style to share and explore.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Southern Thai flavors you can't find anywhere else in LA - this is the real deal that chefs eat on their nights off. Best for adventurous eaters who want bold, complex, uncompromising cuisine over safe Americanized versions.
Skip if: You want predictable pad thai and safe curry, need strict dietary accommodations, or prefer quiet refined ambiance over energetic neighborhood buzz. Also skip if your group includes picky eaters or spice-intolerant diners.