NYC’s Thai food scene runs deep, from Isan street food joints in the East Village to royal Thai spots on the Upper East Side.
This list covers 12 spots across Manhattan, from hole-in-the-wall noodle shops to Michelin-recognized kitchens.
Here’s what to order at each one.
1. Somtum Der (East Village)
Step into Somtum Der and BAM – you’re hit with the bright colours and lively energy of Isan, Thailand. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s delicious.
Their specialty is Som Tum (papaya salad), obviously, but don’t the noodles deserve attention, too.
The Pad Thai balances sweet, sour, and spice without drama. Pad See Eiw lands with chewy noodles and crunchy broccoli. Order pork on top. Do it. You won’t regret it.
What to order: A Som Tum (duh!), Pad Thai, Pad See Eiw
Address: 85 Ave A, New York, NY 10009
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2. Thai Villa (Flatiron)
Thai Villa goes big on atmosphere, with ornate woodwork and gold accents that grab your attention right away.
Perfect impress-your-date spot.
Start with the Spicy Chicken Wings, coated in bold Tom Yum flavour.
Then go straight to their curries. Both the Red and Green are complex, rich, and perfect spooned over jasmine rice. You’ll want to lick the bowl clean.
What to order: Spicy Chicken Wings, Red Curry or Green Curry, Pad Thai
Address: 5 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
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3. Soothr (East Village)
Soothr brings that Bangkok street market energy to the East Village with cool, modern-meets-traditional decor.
You GOTTA try the Koong Karee, with the shrimp swimming in this ridiculously creamy, dreamy curry sauce.
The Duck Noodles are unforgettable: rich, caramelized duck, savoury gravy. Yes, please.
Love texture? The Chicken Khao Soi delivers with tender chicken, crispy skin bits, and crunchy noodles.
What to order: Koong Karee (Dairy), Duck Noodles, Chicken Khao Soi
Address: 204 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
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4. Zabb PuTawn (Upper East Side)
This UES spot might be small, but it packs a Michelin-recognized punch with a focus on Northern Thai flavours. Feels intimate and special.
The Kow Muni Gai (steamed chicken over ginger rice) is simple but executed perfectly.
Their Pad See Ew nails that sweet/savoury balance with perfectly chewy noodles.
Finish with the Mango Sticky Rice, absolute classic done right with ripe mango, dense sticky rice, crunchy mung beans. Chef’s kiss.
What to order: Kow Soi Gai (Northern Thai Curry Noodle!), Pad See Ew, Mango Sticky Rice
Address: 1584 First Ave, New York, NY 10028
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5. Up Thai (Upper East Side)
Another UES gem, Up Thai is seriously romantic.
Dim lighting, gorgeous lanterns everywhere, perfect date night spot. Cocktails are part of the draw here, so it’s easy to turn dinner into a full night out.
The Massaman Curry is pure creamy, rich comfort food; you’ll want to drink the sauce.
If you need some heat, the Kea Mao (drunken noodles) brings that perfect spicy-savory kick. So addictive.
Add the Pad Thai if you want a familiar staple to round out the table.
What to order: Massaman Curry, Kea Mao (Drunken Noodles), Pad Thai
Address: 1411 2nd Ave #1, Manhattan, NY 10021
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6. Mitr Thai Restaurant (Midtown)
Just off Times Square, Mitr Thai Restaurant turns a Midtown dinner into something a little more special, with a fine-dining mood and friendly staff. The room is warm, the playlist is easy to settle into, and reservations help since it can get busy.
Begin with the Mango Avocado Salad for a bright, zesty opener. The Tom Yum Goong Hot Pot follows with a real kick and a creamy, lemongrass-forward broth.
Feast on the Short Rib Prik Kang, where braised beef meets southern-style curry paste for a bold, satisfying main.
What to order: Mango Avocado Salad, Tom Yum Goong Hot Pot, Short Rib Prik Kang
Address: 37 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036
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7. THEP Thai Restaurant (Upper East Side)
Craving Thai with a little sparkle, minus the stiff vibe? THEP is your spot. The decor is divine, perfect for feeling fancy without being stuffy.
Their Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice isn’t just tasty, it’s a whole presentation (served in a pineapple!). Insta-worthy AND delicious.
The Khao Soi curry noodle soup is rich and perfectly balanced, with curry depth and noodles done right. Tom Yum? Flavour explosion.
What to order: Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice, Khao Soi, Tom Yum Soup
Address: 1439 2nd Avenue, corner of 75th Street, New York, NY
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8. Wondee Siam (Hell’s Kitchen)
Tiny dining room, huge payoff. In Hell’s Kitchen, Wondee Siam turns out bold Thai food without making a big fuss about it. Extra perk: no corkage fee, so it’s an easy spot to bring your own wine or beer.
The Yum Catfish Salad is a textural delight: crispy fish, fresh herbs, tangy dressing.
Their Key Mao Noodles hit that perfect chewy, spicy, savoury note.
And the Crispy Pork Basil? Succulent pork belly with that addictive sweet/spicy basil sauce. Insane.
What to order: Yum Catfish Salad, Key Mao Noodle, Crispy Pork Basil
Address: 782 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
9. Fish Cheeks (NoHo)
Seafood lovers, assemble at Fish Cheeks! This Noho spot has cool, laid-back vibes, and focuses on incredible Thai seafood dishes.
The Coconut Crab Curry is non-negotiable: creamy, loaded with crab meat, absolutely phenomenal.
Their Crab Fried Rice is hearty enough to be a main while the Steamed Fish with Thai Herbs is surprisingly light, tangy, and refreshing–might convert non-fish fans!
What to order: Coconut Crab Curry, Crab Fried Rice, Steamed Fish with Thai Herbs
Address: 55 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
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10. Lan Larb Chiang Mai (Chinatown)
Walking into Lan Larb Chiang Mai is like stepping into a cozy, family-run Northern Thai spot. The decor is rustic, the vibe is warm, and the flavors don’t hold back.
Start with the Som Tum (papaya salad): super refreshing balance of tangy and savoury.
Their Panang Curry is rich, fragrant, the kind of dish that leaves you wanting more.
If you’re in the mood for noodles, the Khao Soi Chiangmai (beef curry noodle soup) is a must. Tender beef, aromatic broth, and pure comfort.
What to order: Som Tum, Panang Curry, Khao Soi Chiangmai
Address: 277 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
11. Sala Thai (Upper West Side)
Walking into Lan Larb Chiang Mai is like stepping into a cozy, family-run Northern Thai spot. The decor is rustic, the vibe is warm, and the flavors don’t hold back.
Service is impeccable, too.
Start with the Thai Crepe Dumplings for a sweet-salty bite with a fun, delicate texture.
Their Pad Thai Bolan comes wrapped in a cool egg net, it looks good as it tastes. The Green Curry is aromatic and classic Thai goodness, with heat you can dial up or down
What to order: Thai Crepe Dumplings, Pad Thai Bolan, Green Curry
Address: 307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
12. Terra Thai (East Village)
This East Village spot is mostly takeout, with super limited seating, so it has more of a grab-and-go rhythm than a long dinner scene.
The owner is often there, super friendly and knowledgeable.
The Pad Thai is pure comfort: hearty, flavourful, like a warm hug, while The Pad Si Ew’s chewy, umami-packed stir-fried noodles are seriously addictive. Simple food done perfectly right.
What to order: Pad Thai, Pad Si Ew, Satay Chicken
Address: 518 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
Boom! 12 killer Thai restaurants in NYC ready to blow your mind (and tastebuds).
Looking for more food recommendations? Well, check out our picks of the best Brooklyn restaurants!