Best Thai Restaurants in Sawtelle
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Talay Thai Restaurant
Seafood-forward Thai favorites done cleanly and consistently.
Notable Picks
A neighborhood staple on Santa Monica Boulevard with a seafood-leaning Thai menu and consistently well-balanced curries. Regulars appreciate the calm dining room, friendly staff, and dependable execution across the classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry, Tom Yum Kai, Crispy Garlic Fish
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Thai favorites done cleanly and consistently.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A low-key West LA spot blending Chinese stir-fry foundations with Thai-Chinese seasoning and comfort. The kitchen leans savory and aromatic, with shareable plates that work well for groups who want both familiar Chinese textures and brighter Southeast-leaning notes. Cozy, casual, and easy to revisit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai-Chinese Spicy Basil Chicken, Crispy Garlic Shrimp, House Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Thai-Chinese crossover flavors you won’t find next door.
#3
Tuk Tuk Thai
7.6
A wok-forward Thai counter on Sawtelle that leans into high-heat noodle execution—char and spice are the draw, not polish. It holds its own on a block saturated with Asian food options, which says more than the modest storefront suggests. Best approached as a fast, no-frills noodle run where you order bold and eat quick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles, Holy Basil
What Makes it Special: Fast-moving Sawtelle Thai counter known for wok-fired noodles with enough heat and char to stand out on a block packed with competition