Okay, NYC. You’ve got pizza on lock, bagels down pat, but what about Thai food? That craving for legit, flavor-packed, maybe-make-you-sweat Thai?
This city is STACKED with options, from Isan street eats to fancy royal Thai experiences. But who’s got the really good stuff?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the delicious legwork (someone has to!). Forget scrolling endlessly.
Here are 12 of the absolute best Thai restaurants in NYC guaranteed to transport your tastebuds straight to Thailand. Let’s eat!
🗽 Foodie? Check out these top-rated NYC food tours!
1. Somtum Der
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 sleep on the noodles.
The Pad Thai hits all the right sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Pad See Eiw? Chewy noodles, crunchy broccoli, pure satisfaction. Get it with pork. Trust.
What to order: A Som Tum (duh!), Pad Thai, Pad See Eiw
Address: 85 Ave A, New York, NY 10009
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Thai Villa
Thai Villa makes you feel like actual royalty. Seriously, the woodwork, the gold accents – it’s STUNNING inside.
Perfect impress-your-date spot.
Start with the Spicy Chicken Wings – they’re loaded with Tom Yum flavour.
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
Soothr brings that Bangkok street market energy to the East Village with cool, modern-meets-traditional decor.
You GOTTA try the Koong Karee – 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
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Zabb PuTawn
This UES spot might be small, but it packs a Michelin-recognized punch with 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.
And the Mango Sticky Rice? Absolute classic done right – 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
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Up Thai
Another UES gem, Up Thai is seriously romantic.
Dim lighting, gorgeous lanterns everywhere – perfect date night spot. Plus, killer cocktails!
The Massaman Curry is pure creamy, rich comfort food. You’ll want to drink the sauce.
Need some heat? The Kea Mao (drunken noodles) brings that perfect spicy-savory kick. So addictive.
What to order: Massaman Curry, Kea Mao (Drunken Noodles), Pad Thai
Address: 1411 2nd Ave #1, Manhattan, NY 10021
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Ugly Baby
UHeads up: Ugly Baby ain’t playing around. This Brooklyn hotspot serves seriously spicy, intensely flavoured Thai food. Not for the faint of heart (or palate!).
It gets packed FAST (only open Thurs-Sun), so go early. The vibe is fun and chaotic, like a real Thai market.
Try the Fried Turmeric Sea Bream if you see it, or the super complex Cumin Beef Shank curry. Just be ready for the HEAT.
What to order: Whatever looks craziest/spiciest on the menu that day! Maybe Fried Turmeric Sea Bream or Hung Le (pork belly curry).
Address: 407 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
7. THEP Thai Restaurant
Looking for elegant Thai that still feels cozy? 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. 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
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Wondee Siam
Don’t let the small size fool you – Wondee Siam in Hell’s Kitchen delivers BIG flavour. Cozy, modern, and bonus points: NO CORKAGE FEE! Bring your own wine/beer.
The Yum Catfish Salad is a textural delight – crispy fish, fresh herbs, tangy dressing.
Key Mao Noodles (drunken noodles again!) 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: 792 92th Ave, New York, NY 10019
9. Fish Cheeks
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.
Crab Fried Rice is hearty enough to be a main. 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
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Lan Larb Chiang Mai
Lan Larb feels like stepping into a family-run spot in Northern Thailand. Rustic decor, warm vibes, authentic flavors.
Start with the Som Tum (papaya salad) – super refreshing balance of tangy and savoury.
Their Panang Curry is rich, fragrant, and leaves you wanting more.
Noodle fan? The Khao Soi Chiangmai (beef curry noodle soup) is a must. Tender beef, aromatic broth – pure comfort.
What to order: Som Tum, Panang Curry, Khao Soi Chiangmai
Address: 277 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. Sala Thai
Sala Thai on the UWS transports you with its seriously lavish, authentic Thai decor. Feels grand and special.
The service is impeccable too. Start with the Thai Crepe Dumplings – they have a savory peanut filling, fun texture.
Their Pad Thai Bolan comes wrapped in a cool egg net. The Green Curry is aromatic and classic Thai goodness.
What to order: Thai Crepe Dumplings, Pad Thai Bolan, Green Curry
Address: 307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
12. Terra Thai
This East Village spot is mostly takeout, with super limited seating, making it feel like a secret find.
The owner is often there, super friendly and knowledgeable. The Pad Thai is pure comfort – hearty, flavourful, like a warm hug.
Pad Si Ew? Those 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!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.