Best Thai Restaurants In New York City

New York City is one of the most important culinary hubs in the entire United States. In addition to its endless array of celebrity-driven hotspots and Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is also home to nearly every kind of global cuisine in existence. Though its famed Chinatown and Chinese takeout is pretty iconic, Thai food has also grown immensely in popularity. From savory noodle dishes to heartwarming soups, Thai food is generally seen as very flavorful, comforting, and delicious.

While there are many meat-forward dishes, Thai cuisine is also very veggie-friendly, making it a wonderful option for vegetarians or plant-based eaters. Whether you're looking for your new favorite hole-in-the-wall spot or you've caught a major craving for Thai takeout, NYC is full of top-notch options. That said, we've rounded up a list of some of the best Thai restaurants in New York City so that you can start planning your next delicious dinner ASAP!

Looking for the ultimate, authentic comfort food experience? Terra Thai brings flavorful Thai street food to the East Village. With a mission to bring a sense of comfort and community to the neighborhood through food post-pandemic, you can taste the tried and true history that can only be found in the most soulful of family recipes. When it comes to the house specialty, Terra Thai features a five-spice braised pork that is both innovative and tasty. This sweet and savory Thai-style pork stew melts in your mouth and offers deep, rich flavor in each and every bite. Add a poached egg, pickled mustard greens, and hot sauce to get a true taste of Thai street cuisine.

That said, do not be fooled by Terra Thai's humble exterior. In addition to serving up quality take out and delivery, the charming and small interior or sidewalk tables are wonderful for dining in as well.

Located in the infamously cool Lower East Side, Wayla is a stylish dine-in and take-out spot for Thai food with a contemporary twist. The stylish interior is complete with dim lighting provided by exposed bulbs, mixed metals, strategically placed plants, and a moody bar area, each element oozing with unique, stylish flare. The outdoor patio is eclectic and inviting, decorated with architecturally stunning chairs, mixed-matched pillows, rugs, and classic New York City exposed brick.

Beyond the visual appeal of Wayla, the menu is full of delicious and entirely unique dishes. Each dish boasts traditional flavors integral to Thai home-style cooking, reimagined in new and exciting ways. For example, the Moo Sarong is a traditional pork meatball wrapped in crispy noodles seasoned with white pepper and sambal chili for an entirely new take on a classic. Pair with a side of perfectly cooked purple butterfly pea-infused sticky rice for an aesthetically pleasing and wildly delicious meal.

What was once a take-out-only spot for authentic and delicious Thai dishes and desserts has developed into one of the most beloved Thai spots in the Tri-State Area. Chef, owner, and namesake Sripraphai Tipmanee takes pride in the support of the local Thai community, which has allowed the business to thrive and works tirelessly to create a menu with over 120 dishes from different regions across Thailand. SriPraPhai is consistently rated as one of the best Thai restaurants in the city, boasting a number-one ranking from Zagat, among other accolades.

The diverse menu at SriPraPhai offers bold, traditional Thai flavors across the board. The chef's specials menu highlights some of the most popular dishes. Start your meal with the light and airy chicken curry puff, an unassuming small-bite appetizer with chicken, potatoes, and white onion that's a flavor-packed punch. Do not miss the signature green curry entree; a silky delicate curry base served with your choice of meat.

Located on the Upper East Side, THEP Thai Restaurant serves a contemporary take on Thai food in a lively, stylish space. The interior dining room features a collection of eclectic hanging lamps and plants throughout the space creating a supremely photographable background to enjoy your meal. A raised bar-style communal table occupies a large portion of the space, adding to the lively, youthful community-oriented vibe of the restaurant. THEP also offers an entirely unique outdoor "cabin dining" experience, allowing guests to dine on the sidewalk in a tiny cabin fitted with heaters, windows, and charming decor.

The quality of food served at THEP is held to the same high standard as the design. Each dish on the menu is carefully crafted to ensure the taste and presentation are perfect every time. One of the biggest menu standouts includes the park mor (peanut dumplings), a visually stunning and incredible tasting appetizer made with pea flowers to achieve the bright color wrapping.

From the creators of Nolita's beloved Uncle Boon's Thai comes Thai Diner, an ornately decorated spot for high-quality food, drinks, and service. The interior space is teeming with one-of-a-kind Thai trinkets, transporting diners to the quirky world of Thai Diner. Have a seat at the U-shaped bar underneath the golden ceilings to enjoy a selection from the impressive cocktail menu. Check out Thai Diner's take on a Margarita, a bright and refreshing combination of tequila or mezcal, tamarind, Thai bird chili, and lime.

Thai Diner truly shines during the specialty brunch service. The Thai Tea Babka French Toast is one of the most popular menu items. This unique twist on an American brunch favorite takes a tropical, herbal turn and is served with Thai tea butter and salty condensed milk in lieu of maple syrup. Whether you are just stopping in for a drink or sitting down for a full brunch experience, Thai Diner is a hit every time.

Tong Brooklyn is a dynamic bar meets restaurant located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Whether you choose to dine at the bartop, in the traditional dining room, or the heated outdoor patio, this funky spot offers friendly service, a full-service bar complete with a signature cocktail list, and a wide variety of both traditional and modern takes on authentic Thai food. The bold, colorful food is rooted in old family recipes, inviting diners to taste the history in each dish.

Take a seat at the bar for Thai-inspired signature cocktails, such as the Relic from the Sun, a spicy and refreshing drink comprised of Thai chili-infused tequila, lychee, Cointreau, Aperol, and lime. Pair with a couple of selections from the Kub Klaem menu, an array of small bites designed to be shared and enjoyed with drinks in a tapas style. Come by on Tuesday during Happy Hour for drink and food specials to enjoy at the bar top.

Soothr Thai Noodle Bar is bringing fine-dining Thai food to the East Village. Born out of the ingenious idea of a group of friends from across different regions of Thailand, Soothr's mission is to integrate a wide range of regional dishes into a cohesive, elevated dining experience. With a focus on family noodle recipes at the forefront of the menu, Soothr has become the talk of the town, garnering attention from the Michelin Guide in 2021 and receiving rave reviews from The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and more.

In addition to the wide array of delicious signature noodles dishes on the menu (crowd favorites include the rich Duck Noodles), Soothr also offers a limited quantity of seasonal special noodles daily. These chef-curated specialties include the highest quality proteins and local seasonal produce. These items sell out quickly, so make a reservation on the earlier side to try one of these incredible dishes.

Somtum Der originally opened in Bangkok, Thailand in 2013, bringing traditional Isan cuisine to the capital. Since then, Somtum Der has found its way to none other than New York City. This chef-driven spot in the Lower East Side now showcases the best, boldest, authentic Isan-style food through a menu featuring an abundance of Thai chilis, lime, palm sugar, and fermented fish sauce. Somtum Der takes pride in serving spicy, traditional preparations that are not watered down for the traditional American palate and instead encourages diners to experience a taste of genuine Northern Thai cooking.

Some menu highlights include the Larb Tod, a doughnut-shaped deep-fried spicy minced pork served with chili, red onion, coriander, peanut, and lime for a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and citrus flavors. The H'orderves Der is another great choice as it offers a sampling of small bites, including 'Nam Sod' Sour Sausage, 'Moo Yor Tod Khon Khaen' Fried Pork Sausage, and 'Sai Krok Isan' Fermented Pork and Rice Sausage, perfect for trying a taste of new cuisine.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, The Nuaa Table serves a unique take on a modern Thai dining experience. The Nuaa Table works to employ the Slow Food Movement throughout the dining experience, using sustainably sourced and local ingredients whenever possible. You can taste the quality of ingredients and attention to detail in both souring and preparation in every iteration of the delicious menu dedicated to fresh and healthy food preparation.

One of the most visually stunning dishes on the menu is the "CHOR MOUNG" Purple Blossom Dumpling. These handmade appetizers are made of handcrafted butterfly pea flower dough, minced chicken, peanut, preserved radish, golden garlic and garnished with dainty edible flowers. The beautiful presentation is matched by the warm unctuous flavor of the perfectly cooked and delicately spiced chicken. Also, check out the menu's street food favorites section for Thai casual classics elevated for a fine dining experience.

Looking for the ultimate handmade noodle spot? PURE Thai Cookhouse in Hell's Kitchen is a genuine shophouse-style restaurant serving some of the most delicious noodles in New York City. Drawing on inspiration from farmlands, floating markets, and fishing villages across different regions of Thailand, the menu at PURE Thai Cookhouse is diverse and inspired.

Start off your meal with the mixed appetizer dish, the perfect way to enjoy a sampling of some of PURE's most popular small bites. This dish comes with two steamed vegetable dumplings, two root vegetable curry puffs, and two vegetable spring rolls and is great to share with the table at the start of your meal. While PURE Thai Cookhouse offers a great variety of entrees, it would be a mistake not to try one of the signature PURE Thai Noodle dishes. Dive into Ratchaburi Crab & Pork Dry Noodles for a milder, more delicate flavor, or enjoy the bold and spicy flavor of the Sukhothai Pork Noodles Soup.

Located in the heart of New York's Thai Town, Zaab Zaab's menu offers exciting Isan (Northern Thai) cuisine. Zaab Zaab takes pride in its unapologetic spice levels characteristic of the bright chili-forward Northern Thai cuisine. These bright, bold flavors are directly reflected in the unique interior design of the dining space. Hand-painted mural work covers the ceiling of the casual eatery, complimented by a rainbow ordering counter, patterned vinyl booths, and a bar lit up by a neon sign. With such an exciting interior and menu chock-full of flavor, Zaab Zaab offers a full dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

The chefs at Zaab Zaab consistently recommend the critically acclaimed Larb Ped Udon, made from minced duck breast and charred galangal, mixed with fried liver, roasted rice powder, fried lime leaves, and plenty of fresh roasted Thai chilies. Pair with a cocktail or glass of wine from the stylish bar for the full Zaab Zaab experience.

For over twenty years, Amarin Cafe has been serving family-friendly modern Thai food in Brooklyn. The newly renovated dining space features an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the skilled chefs cook up a wide range of Thai favorites as they dine. Enjoy the sights and smells of the kitchen, where each and every dish, sauce, and beverage is made in-house daily. Every item on the Amarin Cafe Menu is perfectly balanced with the quintessentially Thai combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and bitter flavors.

Amarin Cafe's menu is full of classic Thai favorites such as Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, and other classics guaranteed to satisfy any palate. For those looking to venture into more unique Thai flavors, check out the house specialties like the Seafood Curry Powder, a flavorful combination of sauteed shrimp and squid egg, onion, and warm, rich curry powder served with a side of jasmine rice.

Mao Mao is a one-of-a-kind dining experience melding old-school cinema, traditional Thai drinks, and authentic Thai street-style dishes to the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn. The dimly lit interior dining space features an eclectic collection of old movie theater chairs, film posters, antiques, string lights, and seating on the floor level as well as on the wraparound second-floor balcony. The focal point of the space is the massive projector screen, where Thai movies are screened daily for patrons to enjoy.

The menu at Mao Mao begins with affordable Khaem Lao or "drinking bite" snacks that are designed to be paired with one of their many traditional Thai libations, beer, or wine. The small bites section features some of the most delicious dishes on the menu and is perfect to be shared with friends to start off your meal. Check out the luk chin ping, a grilled pork meatball dish seasoned with a perfectly spicy tamarind sauce. Whether you are just swinging by for a movie and a drink or staying for a full dining experience, Mao Mao offers delicious food at remarkably low prices and a unique vibe perfect for a night out on the town with friends.

Ayada began its journey by bringing high-quality Thai food to New York City back in 2008. The original Queens location opened up with the mission of bringing authentic yet elevated Thai dishes to the neighborhood with one of the largest populations of Thai people in the greater New York Area. Since then, Ayada's commitment to quality service and big, bold flavors has allowed them to expand into Manhattan, now boasting a location at Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking district, as well as a bar-focused sister restaurant, Ally, that serves a wide array of specialty cocktails along with Ayada's original and seasonal menus.

The menu at Ayada is bursting with options, making it the perfect spot for the pickiest and the most adventurous eaters. Check out the classic peanut-forward Pad Thai, or spice it up with one of the bright and tangy fish dishes like the fried red snapper served in a sour curry. Whichever item you choose, be sure to pair it with one of the incredible signature cocktails designed to enhance the spicy flavors of the Thai menu.

Located in Noho, Fish Cheeks is a chef-driven, family-style restaurant bringing unapologetic, unfiltered, yet still approachable Thai flavors to the New York City restaurant scene. Chefs and owners Ohm and Chat Suansilphong have designed a menu that highlights Thailand's bright, spicy flavors and serves them in a communal way, recreating the community-oriented aspect of eating found across Thailand, from street food stands to fine dining.

As the name suggests, the Fish Cheeks menu specializes in quality preparations of seafood. Ingredients like dried bird's-eye chili, tamarind, makrut lime, and Sichuan peppercorns are found across the menu, allowing diners to experience signature Thai heat in every dish. One of Fish Cheek's stand-out dishes is the market fresh Dungeness Crab duo stir-fried in a salted duck egg and crab roe sauce with jumbo lump crab meat, scallions, and garlic served with rice. Pair with a selection from the specialty cocktail list for the ultimate shared meal experience.

Another Brooklyn neighborhood favorite Top Thai Vintage makes its way onto our best restaurant list. The mission at Top Thai Vintage is to bring together the five major tastes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter together harmoniously in a single dining experience. With a menu inspired by classic, authentic Thai favorites that have been adapted and innovated to a more modern taste, Top Thai Vintage serves complex, high-quality, beautifully presented dishes across the board.

Check out the Chef's Special section of the menu for a taste of the restaurant's true standout dishes. For a lighter selection, dive into the Shrimp Clay Pot, a refreshing vermicelli noodle dish steamed in the clay with sauteed shrimp, black pepper, ginger, celery, and napa cabbage. The crisp texture of the noodles and the subtle spice of the sauce compliments the sauteed shrimp perfectly. Alternatively, enjoy the grilled skirt steak in a five-spiced Thai herb sauce for a rich, deep entree experience.

Glur is a Flatiron District favorite that serves up traditional as well as vegan-friendly takes on classic Thai dishes. Patrons can start off their meal with the chicken or the vegan puff — two delicious fried and stuffed pastries perfect as an appetizer. The chicken puff is filled with minced chicken, sweet potato, onion, curry powder, and sweet cucumber relish. The vegan version is just as crave-worthy as its chicken counterpart and is filled with chickpeas, sweet corn, and the tasty, beautiful mixture of onion and sweet relish.

The vegan duck noodle soup is a must-try entree no matter your diet and an exhibition of bold umami flavor, as the vegetarian duck sits in a Thai herb broth brimming with flavor. Paired with Glur's handmade rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and shiitake mushrooms, this bowl of vegan Thai cooking is a genius and modern take on a staple in Thai cooking.