Best Thai Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Anajak Thai
LA Times Restaurant of the Year with James Beard recognition and Michelin Bib Gourmand
Essential Picks
#1
Anajak Thai
9.3
James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Pichetrungsi transformed his family's 44-year-old neighborhood bistro into LA's most acclaimed Thai restaurant. Southern Thai fried chicken with exceptional crunch anchors a menu that pairs bold Bangkok flavors with an award-winning natural wine program featuring rare vintages from the Mosel, Burgundy, and Champagne.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Dry-Aged Whole Fish with Nam Jim, BBQ Pork Collar with Coriander-Soy Molasses
What Makes it Special: LA Times Restaurant of the Year with James Beard recognition and Michelin Bib Gourmand
#2
Ayara Thai
9
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
What Makes it Special: Chef Vanda Asapahu’s family recipes, Michelin Bib Gourmand status, and a menu that fuses tradition with thoughtful seasonal specials.
9
Luv2eat Thai Bistro is a Hollywood destination for Southern Thai cooking, packing serious heat and flavor into a compact strip-mall space. Regulars come for boldly spiced curries, seafood specials, and plates that feel tuned more to Thai palates than tourist comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Curry with Rice Noodles, Crispy Pork with Chinese Broccoli, Southern-Style Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Southern-leaning Thai flavors with serious spice and destination-level crab curry.
Notable Picks
#4
Jitlada
8.9
Since the late 1970s, this Thai Town institution specializes in intensely-spiced Southern Thai cuisine from Nakhon Si Thammarat. Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Jazz Singsanong serves khua kling phat lung dry beef curry and Taepo chicken curry with fiery authenticity that has made this strip mall spot an LA landmark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khua Kling Phat Lung (Dry Beef Curry), Taepo Chicken Curry, Crispy Catfish Salad with Green Papaya
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Southern Thai specialties with 45+ years of family recipes
#5
Ruen Pair
8.9
Since 1981, this Thai Town institution delivers Northern Thai specialties rarely found elsewhere in LA, including sai oua sausage and nam prik ong. The family recipes remain unchanged, drawing a devoted mix of Thai expats and adventurous locals who appreciate the authentic spice levels and rustic preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage), Nam Prik Ong with Vegetables
What Makes it Special: Four decades of authentic Northern Thai cooking with unchanged family recipes
8.8
A tiny Bangkok-style street food stall tucked inside the Santee Passage food court, Holy Basil turns familiar dishes like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum into deeply layered, chile-forward plates. Downtown workers and destination diners line up for wok-kissed noodles, vivid curries, and thoughtful natural wine and beer in a fast-casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pork Basil, Tom Yum Goong, Holy Basil's Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: Bangkok street-market cooking executed with restaurant-level precision inside a downtown food court kiosk.
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
What Makes it Special: Award-winning, family-run Thai with bold southern curries and big portions.
8.7
Chef Kris Yenbamroong's Silver Lake outpost serves boldly-seasoned Northern Thai street food in a bright, casual space opened in 2014. The crispy rice salad balances sweet-tart-spicy notes with textural punch, while pork toro showcases fatty pig neck perfection. Natural wine selection and no-reservation policy create energetic dining atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Salad, Pork Toro, Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: Chef Kris Yenbamroong's acclaimed Thai street food with natural wine focus
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pailin is a tiny Thai Town favorite specializing in Northern Thai dishes served in a modest, colorfully decorated room. It’s the spot locals point to for khao soi, chili dips, and curries that hit big on aromatics without losing balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Curry Noodles, Northern Larb with Sticky Rice, Crispy Pork with Chinese Broccoli
What Makes it Special: Northern Thai cooking with standout khao soi in a humble, cozy space.
8.6
This second-floor bistro serves authentic Thai dishes with herb-forward broths and bold curries in a cozy space with both indoor seating and a charming rooftop patio. The crying tiger and panang curry draw consistent praise, while the kitchen maintains traditional spice levels rather than toning down for American palates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crying Tiger, Panang Curry, Tom Yum Soup
What Makes it Special: Rooftop patio with Hollywood sign views and authentic spice levels
8.6
Chef Kris Yenbamroong's Thai street food spot elevates fries with bold Asian flavors and creative preparations. Their crispy potato offerings come with unexpected Thai-inspired seasonings and dipping sauces that transform the humble fry.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Seasoned Fries, Larb Fries, Fried Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: Thai-spiced fries with innovative Southeast Asian twists
#12
Sanook Soi 38
8.6
Sanook Soi 38 focuses on Bangkok-style street food with a tight menu of wok-fired noodles, curries, and snacks built around house-made components. Locals come for bold seasoning, late-night hours, and an open kitchen that keeps the room lively while still feeling neighborhood casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao), Pad Thai, Thai Ramen
What Makes it Special: Bangkok street-style dishes cooked to order in a compact late-night spot.
#13
365 Thai Kitchen
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A short walk from downtown, 365 Thai Kitchen turns out focused plates of classic noodles, curries, and rice dishes with bright, balanced flavors. It’s a reliable spot for quick counter-service Thai that still tastes like a proper sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Spicy Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Scratch-cooked Thai staples with standout noodles just south of downtown’s core.
8.5
Galanga Thai Fusion has been a West Hollywood fixture for years, pairing classic curries and noodles with house specials like salmon panang and playful Thai burritos. The room is casual but comfortable, and its long run and strong review volume make it one of the area’s most proven Thai tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon panang, Thai beef stew, Crispy basil fish
What Makes it Special: Long-running West Hollywood Thai spot with both traditional plates and quirky house specials.
8.5
Garden-to-table Thai concept emphasizing fresh herbs and natural ingredients in traditional recipes with modern technique. Brussels sprouts with homemade sauce and Creamy Tom Yum pasta showcase creative interpretations, while classics like Boat Noodle Soup and Yellow Curry maintain authentic roots. Warm family atmosphere draws multi-generational regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Creamy Tom Yum Spaghetti, Signature Brussels Sprouts, Yellow Curry
What Makes it Special: Fresh herb-focused Thai cooking blending garden ingredients with family recipes
#16
Rice Street Thai
8.5
Rice Street Thai Urban Food is a busy strip-mall spot serving Thai street food staples, curries, and creative specials that draw diners from across Southeast L.A. The kitchen leans bold and slightly modern, but keeps flavors familiar enough for weeknight takeout and delivery. It’s the go-to Thai choice in Bell Gardens for both dine-in and app-driven orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai with shrimp, Green curry with chicken, Luk chup dessert bites
What Makes it Special: High-volume Thai street food hub with bold flavors and delivery reach.
#17
Yai Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Yai serves Thai-Chinese comfort dishes in a low-key dining room just east of Hollywood’s main drag. The menu runs long, but regulars zero in on crispy pork, stir-fries, and soups that are big on wok hei and savory depth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pork with Chinese Broccoli, Tom Yum Soup, Spicy Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: A longtime Thai-Chinese standby known for crisp pork dishes and wok-driven stir-fries.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
The Original Hoy-Ka on Sunset is a bustling noodle shop famous for boat noodles, soups, and rice plates served at a fast clip. It’s one of Hollywood’s go-tos for filling, affordable Thai meals before or after work, shows, or studio days.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boat Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Crispy Pork over Rice
What Makes it Special: High-energy noodle house with deeply flavored boat noodles and a huge following.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient serving boat noodles with intense, generations-old broths developed over 60+ years of noodle-making in Thailand. Small bowls encourage ordering multiple varieties with choice of pork or beef, noodle type, and spice level in a welcoming strip mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Thai Boat Noodles, Dry Thai Boat Noodles, Chili Holy Basil with Ground Pork
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized boat noodles from a 60-year Thai family noodle tradition
8.4
Venice outpost of a modern Thai mini-group serving bold, spice-forward street-food dishes and a natural-leaning wine list in a lively room. Go for punchy salads and curries; stay for the party-atmosphere pacing and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nam Khao Tod (crispy rice salad), Sweet Potato Massaman, Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: New-school Thai flavors and natural wine in a high-energy setting.
8.4
Women-owned neighborhood staple consistently delivers bold flavors with generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Locals praise the panang curry and pad see ew as the best in Pasadena, with accommodating service that handles dietary restrictions with ease.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry with Beef, Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Kai Soup
What Makes it Special: Consistently excellent noodles and curries at unbeatable prices
#22
Same Same Thai
8.4
Katy Noochlaor and Amanda Kuntee of the Chao Krung family blend bold Thai cooking with natural wine since 2016. The panang curry achieves rich coconut-spice balance, while papaya salad delivers proper heat. Dim-lit wine bar atmosphere makes this Silver Lake corner spot ideal for weeknight dinners with biodynamic pours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry, Papaya Salad, Khao Soi
What Makes it Special: Only Thai restaurant pairing serious natural wine program with street food
8.4
Chef Gunn Pankum's plant-based Thai kitchen transforms vegetables into complex, layered dishes without relying on mock meats. Since 2013, this Lincoln Boulevard veteran sources from local farmers markets to create inventive takes on classics like Khao Soi and Mung Bean Pad Thai alongside unique preparations like Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken' made from lion's mane mushrooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken', Mung Bean Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Pioneering plant-based Thai cuisine in LA for over a decade with no fake meats
#24
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
What Makes it Special: Refined, family-style Thai cooking with standout curries and noodles.
#25
Sticky Rice
8.4
The OG Thai comfort food stall inside Grand Central Market since 2013, founded by David Tewasart. This counter-service spot pioneered the market's modern food hall revival with bold Northern Thai flavors, generous portions, and open-kitchen energy. Sticky Rice emphasizes organic, free-range, and locally sourced ingredients while keeping the vibe casual and accessible - perfect for grabbing khao soi or pad Thai while watching the woks fire and downtown crowds flow past.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Chicken Curry Noodles, Beef Panang Curry, Thai BBQ Chicken with Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Grand Central Market pioneer serving authentic Thai comfort food since 2013
8.4
Inside The Goldfish, Sticky Rice’s Highland Park kitchen turns out Thai-style Sticky Rice Wings alongside street food favorites, all backed by $10 cocktail happy hour. Neon-lit decor, a checkered dance floor, arcade games, and regular live music make wings and drinks here feel like a full night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky Rice Wings, Panang Curry Fries, Boat Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Thai street-food wings with full bar happy hour, arcade games, and live music under one roof.
#27
TOI On Sunset
8.4
Open since the mid-1980s, TOI On Sunset layers Bangkok-style homestyle cooking onto a rock-and-roll themed room filled with movie posters and memorabilia. Late hours, a massive menu, and plenty of vegetarian options make it a go-to for pre- and post-show meals along Sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Thai spaghetti, Buddha chili
What Makes it Special: Rock-themed, late-night Thai institution on Sunset with an enormous menu.
#28
Khao Soi Thai
8.3
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned Northern Thai bistro from Chiang Mai specializing in their namesake khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup that draws devoted regulars. The cozy space tucked into a plaza off Ventura serves healthy, made-to-order dishes with accommodating spice levels and generous portions at reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Panang Curry with Salmon, Pad Krapow
What Makes it Special: One of LA's best khao soi outside Thailand, made by Chiang Mai natives
#29
Kin Long Beach
8.3
Modern Thai restaurant with a trendy, contemporary design that breaks from traditional aesthetics. Known for generous portions and creative presentations like Thai tea served with popsicles, plus an extensive cocktail program featuring signature drinks like the Tamarind cocktail.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Curry, Crispy Bok Choy, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Modern interpretation of Thai classics with creative cocktails and unique presentations
#30
La Ong
8.3
La Ong brings elevated Thai cuisine to Beverly Hills with recipes passed down through generations from the chef's grandmother. The modern space showcases authentic flavors with contemporary presentation, featuring standout dishes like the Sea Bass Southern Thai Curry and housemade noodles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea Bass Southern Thai Curry, Khao Soi, Organic Fresh Green Rolls
What Makes it Special: Family recipes with modern execution in an intimate setting.
8.3
This modern Thai café blends street food authenticity with local, farmers market ingredients and Intelligentsia coffee. The kai-kata breakfast set with its tangy ground chicken, sweet sausage, and runny eggs has become a cult favorite, while dinner dishes like crispy pork belly green curry and moo ping skewers showcase chef's childhood memories translated into refined preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kai-Kata Breakfast Set, Green Curry with Crispy Pork Belly, Moo Ping Grilled Pork Skewers
What Makes it Special: All-day Thai breakfast menu paired with specialty coffee and natural wines
#32
Sticky Rice
8.3
A Grand Central Market Thai stall built for fast, flavorful comfort cooking with serious local follow-through. Street-food staples like curries and wok noodles arrive hot, aromatic, and consistently well-seasoned for a market crawl. It’s not a linger spot, but the food earns repeat visits and carries Downtown’s Thai reputation on volume and reliability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry, Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Yellow Chicken Curry
What Makes it Special: High-volume Thai street-food comfort that stays tasty and dependable.
#33
Summer Buffalo
8.3
Summer Buffalo is a compact Melrose Thai spot known for punchy curries, wok noodles, and a menu that balances comfort favorites with a few spicier, regional dishes. It works equally well for dine-in or delivery, with steady quality and portions that feel generous for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad see ew, Green curry
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Thai with bold curries and reliable noodle plates on Melrose.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
A Westchester standby for over two decades, Thai Dishes leans into big portions, fast service, and a sprawling menu built for repeat ordering. From Chicken on Fire to crab fried rice and green curry, it’s the reliable workhorse locals use for last-minute group takeout and casual dine-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken on Fire, Crab Fried Rice, Green Curry
What Makes it Special: A long-running neighborhood workhorse with a deep menu, late peak hours, and serious delivery footprint.
#35
Thai Fantasy
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run since the late 1990s by owner Kongkiat K., Thai Fantasy is a low-key strip-mall spot turning out classic Thai and Chinese comfort dishes with generous portions and steady takeout traffic. Locals lean on it for weeknight curries, noodles, and fried rice that arrive hot, consistent, and well-seasoned without straining the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pineapple Fried Rice, Pad See Yew, Seafood Soup
What Makes it Special: Long-running, family-led Thai spot with big portions at low prices.
#36
Thaister
8.3
Thaister is a late-night Thai noodle and curry shop geared toward delivery and takeout, running deep into the early-morning hours. Bold flavors and solid execution on classics make it a go-to when most other kitchens are dark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice
What Makes it Special: A delivery-first Thai kitchen serving full-flavored noodles and curries until the early morning.
8.3
Chef Kong Wijitsunthornkun brings family recipes from Bangkok's markets to Silver Lake's charming garden patio. The wonton pad thai innovates with crispy textures, while tom kha soup showcases refined galangal-coconut balance. String-lit outdoor dining and lunch specials starting at $7.95 make this Thai Select-certified spot a neighborhood treasure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wonton Pad Thai, Tom Kha Soup, Mango Sticky Rice
What Makes it Special: Thai Select certification and enchanting garden patio with string lights
8.3
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run Thai spot since 2014 serving Chon Buri-style dishes with scratch-made sauces and modern presentations. The Khao Soi draws devoted regulars, while generous portions and quick service make this strip mall gem a neighborhood go-to for lunch specials and dinner takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Tom Yum Goong, Yellow Curry with Vegetables
What Makes it Special: Authentic Chon Buri recipes with made-from-scratch sauces prepared by native Thai chefs
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This noodle-focused spot specializes in boat noodle soup and khao soi, bringing Northern Thai flavors to Koreatown. The signature yen ta fo with its distinctive pink broth and the richly spiced khao soi with crispy noodle topping demonstrate authentic technique, while the small space maintains a welcoming, homestyle atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yen Ta Fo (Pink Noodle Soup), Khao Soi, Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: Authentic Northern Thai noodle soups rarely found elsewhere
8.2
Amphai Kanyawong's 12-seat steam table operation specializes in Chiang Rai-style dishes rarely found elsewhere in LA—smoky nam ngiaw, herb-loaded sai oua sausage, and a coconut-rich khao soi that draws serious comparison to Northern Thailand originals. The strip mall setting and communal seating attract solo diners and Thai food devotees willing to trade ambiance for cooking with genuine regional specificity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Larb, Sai Oua (Thai Sausage)
What Makes it Special: Authentic Northern Thai street food from a family kitchen operating out of a Sunset Boulevard strip mall
8.2
This intimate Thai restaurant brings authentic flavors from Thailand with Chef Wasana Pisaikun's traditional recipes served in an elegantly decorated space with crystal chandeliers. The menu balances familiar favorites like pad thai with more adventurous fusion dishes and house specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellow Curry with Coconut Milk, Pad Thai Bangkok Roll, Emperor Duck Rolls
What Makes it Special: Authentic Thai chef creating traditional dishes in an upscale intimate setting
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
It's Thai Casual Dining sits along Wilshire in a modest lobby-level space serving a long lineup of stir-fries, noodles, curries, and rice plates. Downtown office workers and nearby residents use it for quick lunches or relaxed weeknight dinners where favorites like pad thai and spicy basil dishes come out hot and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Rad Nah Kee Mao (drunken gravy noodles), Yellow Curry with Chicken
What Makes it Special: Lobby-level Thai spot balancing a broad menu with dependable execution for everyday meals.
8.2
Family-run bistro opened in 2018 serves authentic Thai staples with ingredients imported from Thailand. The renovated interior provides a cozy atmosphere while the decades-experienced staff deliver personalized service that makes diners feel at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Janejira Fried Egg Rolls, Skewerless Chicken Satay, Thai BBQ Beef
What Makes it Special: Authentic family recipes with spices directly imported from Thailand
#44
Lacha Somtum
8.2
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Northeastern Thai (Isaan) specialist offering over a dozen varieties of mortar-pounded som tum papaya salad with additions like salted crab and crispy pork belly. Raw shrimp with chile-garlic paste and duck crackling larb bring fiery Isaan authenticity, cooled by creative drinks from their former tea shop days.
Must-Try Dishes:
Papaya Salad (Multiple Varieties), Duck Larb with Cracklings, Shrimp Paste Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Baskin-Robbins of papaya salad with over a dozen creative variations
#45
LOVE
8.2
LOVE Organic Vegan Cafe approaches Thai-inspired curries, noodles, and salads through a plant-based, organic lens, turning Santa Monica Boulevard into a reliable stop for lighter, vegetable-forward comfort dishes. Portions are generous for the style, and the menu leans into gluten-free and allergy-friendly options without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Love on Fire curry, Rainbow salad, Green papaya salad
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Thai-style curries and noodles built around organic produce.
#46
Natalee Thai
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running Robertson staple with a broad, crowd-pleasing Thai menu and a reputation for reliable execution. Curries and noodle plates hit classic comfort notes, and the dining room is built for easy group meals or steady takeout. Strong neighborhood demand and consistent flavor make it one of the area’s safest Thai bets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom kha coconut soup, Pad see ew, Massaman curry
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood institution for classic Thai comfort done reliably.
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Palms Thai is a sprawling Hollywood institution pairing a giant Thai menu with a lively, often late-night crowd. It’s where groups come for curries, noodles, and papaya salad at big round tables, sometimes with live music adding to the room’s energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Papaya Salad, Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Chicken
What Makes it Special: A big, boisterous Thai dining room known for late hours, live entertainment, and crowd-pleasing flavors.
#48
The Thai Thing
8.2
The Thai Thing at the Original Farmers Market is a counter-service operation that cooks far above its footprint, earning Bib Gourmand recognition for focused stir-fries, noodles, and curries. Market regulars rely on it for quick, seriously seasoned Thai plates before or after shopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Green Curry, Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: Bib Gourmand–recognized Thai stall delivering restaurant-level cooking inside a historic market.
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Ubon Thai Kitchen is a busy South Torrance standby inside the Torrance Crossroads center, known for deeply flavored curries, wok-fired noodles, and a broad menu that works for both dine-in and takeout. High review volume and steady crowds point to reliable execution, with standouts like khao soi and crispy pork drawing regulars from around the South Bay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Crispy Pork with Chinese Broccoli, Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood Thai spot with broad menu and strong value.
#50
Chao Krung Thai
8.1
Chao Krung Thai, operating on Fairfax since the 1970s, is one of L.A.’s oldest Thai restaurants and now leans into curries, Northern-style specialties, and small plates. Locals come for dishes like kaeng hung-ley and panang red curry that blend family recipes with a slightly modernized dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaeng Hung-Ley Braised Pork Belly Curry, Panang Red Curry, Lunch Khana Moo Pork Belly Over Rice
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Thai institution pairing family recipes with standout curries and Northern dishes.