ZipPicks Awards
Best Thai in Goose Island & River West
Master Critic Review
Samila Thai Fusion Cuisine
7.5
A newer, delivery-and-takeout-first operation that leans into playful twists—like pad thai wrapped in an omelet—alongside classic Southern Thai flavors. It’s best approached as a focused order: one signature noodle, one satay-style starter, and skip over-ordering until you know your favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Samila Pad Thai, Crab Curry, Chicken Satay
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A new Thai operation pairing classic flavors with a few modern signature spins.
Who should go: Takeout-first diners who want something different than standard pad thai
When to visit: Weeknight takeout when you want fast, simple ordering
What to order: Samila pad thai; crab curry; chicken satay
Insider tip: Start with one signature noodle plus satay—dial in favorites before expanding.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking in River West with limited turnover—easiest move is quick curbside pickup/drop-off. Expect tighter parking after 6pm; rideshare is the least-stress option.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers totally fine (this is more grab-and-go than a sit-down scene).
Noise level: Low—typically quiet and functional, since it leans takeout/delivery first.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min for takeout; dine-in seating (if available) is usually minimal and not built for long waits.
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typically—fast ordering and quick turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—easy to build a vegetarian order with tofu/veg swaps in curries and noodle dishes (ask to hold fish sauce if needed).
Vegan options: Limited but doable—stick to tofu + veggie-forward dishes and confirm no fish sauce/oyster sauce in the base.
Gluten-free options: Some options possible (curries and rice-based dishes are your best bet), but confirm sauces and cross-contact—this isn’t a dedicated GF kitchen.
Best For
Better for: Playful Thai twists and quick-hit value—great when you want something beyond the standard pad thai routine without spending a lot.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full-service dining experience, cocktails, or a ‘night out’ atmosphere—choose a more established sit-down Thai spot instead.