Pad Thai is a dish that has become synonymous with Thai cuisine. It's a stir-fried noodle dish that's typically made with rice noodles, vegetables, peanuts, and meat or tofu.
In New York City, there are dozens of restaurants that offer this dish, but not all of them make it equally well. In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best places for pad thai in the city.
Pad Thai is a popular dish for a reason. It's a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and sour flavors, all in one bite. The dish is also incredibly versatile, as it can be made with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Many restaurants in New York City offer their own unique take on pad thai, which makes it a fun dish to try at different locations.
For those new to the dish, it's important to find a place that makes it well. A good pad thai should have perfectly cooked noodles that are not too soft or too chewy. The sauce should be well-balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
The dish should also come with plenty of fresh vegetables and protein. Finding a place that ticks all these boxes can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth the effort.
In this blog post, we'll be sharing some of our favorite places for pad thai in New York City.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of the dish or trying it for the first time, we're confident that you'll find something on our list that will satisfy your cravings. So, without further ado, let's dive into the best places for pad thai in the Big Apple.
1. THEP Thai Restaurant
THEP Thai Restaurant is a sleek bistro serving up refined Thai curries and stir-fries.
The bright and contemporary-style dining spot offers a variety of dishes, including pad thai, which is a must-try. The food is well-seasoned and delicious, and the service is friendly and attentive.
The restaurant also has a gluten-free and vegan menu, making it an excellent option for dietary restrictions. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy some fine Thai cuisine, THEP Thai Restaurant is definitely worth checking out.
2. Thai Villa
Thai Villa is a stylish Thai restaurant that serves traditional and unique Thai fare. The dark-wood accents and ornate fixtures give the place an elegant feel.
The pad thai and spring rolls are particularly noteworthy and the cocktails are worth trying.
The staff is friendly and the service is great. However, the weekends can get busy and the wait time can be up to an hour.
It's best to plan accordingly. If you're in the mood for authentic Thai food in a stylish setting, Thai Villa is definitely worth a visit.
3. Pure Thai Cookhouse
Pure Thai Cookhouse is a small, cozy restaurant that serves up some of the best pad thai in the city.
The menu is small, but everything on it is carefully crafted and delicious. The portions are on the smaller side, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed.
If you're looking for a great spot for some authentic Thai cuisine, Pure Thai Cookhouse is definitely worth checking out.
4. Up Thai
Up Thai is a stylish restaurant that serves upscale Thai street food. The low-lit space with colorful lanterns creates an intimate atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its delicious pad Thai with crispy duck, which is a must-try. The Up Thai fried rice is also a favorite, topped with a pile of meat, sausage, chicken, scallops, and shrimp.
The panang curry chicken is super flavorful and the tom yum soup is chock full of meat and veggies. The service is phenomenal, with friendly and attentive staff.
The portions are big, and the prices are reasonable. If you're in the area, Up Thai is definitely worth checking out.
5. Soothr
Soothr is a cozy Thai restaurant that offers a variety of noodle dishes and soups. The food is authentic and well-presented, with a no-compromise attitude towards quality.
The restaurant also has a lovely ambience, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available.
The service is attentive and friendly, making for an enjoyable dining experience. While the price point may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and service makes it worth it.
If you're looking for a great place for pad thai, Soothr is definitely worth checking out.
6. Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar
Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar is a cozy and vibrant Thai restaurant that serves bold and flavorful dishes. The pad kee mao and dumplings are standout appetizers, while the crispy skin duck in Thai chili sauce is a must-try.
The portions are generous, and the prices are fair for NYC. The service is efficient and respectful, and the staff is friendly.
The restaurant offers a variety of options for vegetarians, and the spicy Cantonese noodle is a favorite among customers.
The coconut pudding is also a must-try for dessert. If you're looking for delicious Thai food in a cozy atmosphere, Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar is the place to go.
7. Wondee Siam
Wondee Siam is a cozy Thai restaurant that serves delicious pad thai. The food is packed with flavor and reasonably priced.
The staff are friendly and hospitable, making for a great dining experience.
The restaurant is small, so it's best to come with a small group or consider doing takeout.
Although there may be a wait to get seated, the food is worth it. If you're in the mood for authentic Thai cuisine, Wondee Siam is a must-try.
8. Pranakhon
Pranakhon is a hidden gem for authentic Thai food.
The portions are generous and the spice levels are just right. The decor is amazing and the service is top-notch.
The menu has a great variety of dishes to choose from, including the must-try pad thai. The drinks are also worth trying.
Pranakhon is perfect for a date night or a dinner with a group. Don't miss out on this amazing Thai restaurant.
9. Sabai Thai
Sabai Thai is a trendy restaurant that serves traditional Thai cuisine in a modern space.
They offer a wide range of dishes, including pad thai with duck, massaman curry, and khao soi. The restaurant has a stylish bar and golden accents, adding to the ambiance.
The staff is friendly and provides great service. Prices are a little higher than average, but the portions are abundant.
Sabai Thai is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and cocktails in a pleasant atmosphere.
10. 7 Elephants
7 Elephants serves up some of the best Pad Thai in town. The portions are large and reasonably priced.
The owners take great pride in their work and it shows in the delicious food and friendly service. The Thai tea is a must-try.
The restaurant also offers other Thai dishes and small plates. The casual takeout atmosphere makes it a great spot for a quick bite or a comfortable meal to-go.
If you're looking for authentic and tasty Thai food, 7 Elephants is definitely worth a visit.
11. Thai Delight NYC
Thai Delight NYC is a great spot for anyone craving delicious pad thai. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including spring rolls, salad, and Massaman curry.
Although the potatoes in the curry were slightly undercooked, the flavors of the dishes were spot on.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the portion sizes were generous.
The restaurant also offers a lunch menu and a variety of spice levels. Thai Delight NYC is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for tasty Thai food.
12. One Two Thai
One Two Thai is a relaxed Thai restaurant that serves up regional dishes.
The restaurant offers easygoing options like courtyard seating and typical snacks, curries, noodle dishes, and desserts.
The food is delicious and reasonably priced, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
The service is quick, and the restaurant is COVID-conscious. If you're looking for the best pad thai in town, One Two Thai is worth checking out.
