Thai restaurants in NYC range from quick-hit, street cart-style bites to MICHELIN-recognized destinations. But don’t expect to just walk into the best Thai restaurant in NYC unannounced. They’re popular and often fully booked, so plan ahead.
Citywide, you’ll find an eclectic Bib Gourmand recipient in Elmhurst, a former royal palace chef’s spot in the Upper East Side, and a generations-old family noodle recipe in Hell’s Kitchen.
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Discover the 12 best Thai restaurants in NYC today.
For a MICHELIN-recognized meal at the best Thai restaurant in NYC with Bangkok street vibes — book Soothr (East Village)
Soothr has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide since 2021 for its focus on noodle recipes from across Thailand. The signature dish of this East Village restaurant is karee pu noodles of sautéed jumbo lump crab meat in egg curry sauce over yellow noodles, but the duck noodles in house gravy are equally well-regarded. There’s always a buzz of activity in this space of subway tile, textured glass, and neon signs, making Soothr the best Thai restaurant in NYC for the energy of Bangkok streets.
For an old family noodle recipe at one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC — make a reservation at Pure Thai Cookhouse (Hell’s Kitchen)
Pure Thai Cookhouse in Hell’s Kitchen is celebrated for its homemade noodles prepared from a cherished family recipe. Sample signature dishes like ratchaburi crab and pork dry noodles or braised beef pa yao noodle soup. Non-noodle wok dishes like ginger curry calamari are worthwhile orders, too. The tiny interior with its shophouse setting is a cozy experience, making it one of the best restaurants for casual comfort at both lunch and dinner.
For a step back into the intrigue of yesteryear Thailand — reserve a table at SAPPE (Greenwich Village)
SAPPE is a new venture from the team at Soothr, bringing a fresh experience to Greenwich Village. Evoking the excitement and romance of 1950s Thailand, the ambiance is vibrant, the energy is high, and the menu is accessible. Expect Thai street food favorites, a comprehensive skewer menu, and fried meats, plus plenty of heartier noodle and grill dishes.
For a broader taste of Southeast Asia with a Thai focus — snag a seat at Twin Tails (Upper West Side)
Twin Tails serves a sophisticated blend of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines on the Upper West Side. Top orders include tiger prawn pad thai and shaking beef of tender filet mignon seasoned with a recipe dating back to 1902. Southeast Asian-inspired mocktails and cocktails like the salted lychee martini complete the experience. The retro-inspired ambiance channels an exclusive 1980s restaurant and cocktail lounge, making Twin Tails ideal for both intimate dinners and celebrations.
For Southern Thai specialties at the best Thai restaurant in NYC — secure a spot at Chalong Southern Thai (Hell’s Kitchen)
Chalong Southern Thai in Hell’s Kitchen is pioneering as NYC’s first restaurant dedicated to Southern Thai cuisine. Dishes like crab curry with lumps of crab meat and a fried soft-shelled mini crab in a balanced coconut curry and sator goong (shrimp, ground pork, and Southern-Thai-style curry paste with sator beans) introduce recipes less familiar to the NYC scene. Eye-catching woodwork adorns the otherwise unassuming space for a relaxed meal.
For Northeast Thai with MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition — book a table at Zaab Zaab (Elmhurst and Williamsburg)
Zaab Zaab in Queens is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient acclaimed for its mastery of Asian-style cuisine typical of Northeast Thailand, characterized by sticky rice and spice. Larb ped udon (gingery duck breast with fried liver and skins) is the hometown specialty of chef Aniwat Khotsopa, but there are plenty of creative dishes on the lengthy menu. A slightly newer location in Williamsburg hosts a can’t-miss weekend Thai brunch far from the avocado toast and mimosa scene.
For comforting Thai with infectious energy — lock in a spot at Lemongrass (Cobble Hill)
Lemongrass is loved for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse Thai menu. With a selection of familiar curries, soups, and noodles, a few local surprises sneak onto the menu, like halal Brooklyn steak (served with lime over sticky rice). Familiar comforts like chicken satay and pad see ew are the perennial favorites, but it’s the atmosphere that propels Lemongrass to one of the best restaurants in NYC. Though somewhat understated in design, it’s almost always packed and humming with happy chatter.
For traditional flavors with distinctive flair at one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC — score a table at Kraam Thai (Midtown)
Kraam Thai in Midtown presents modern Thai cuisine with an updated presentation of familiar flavors, from crispy chives sticks to sweet corn and papaya salad. A chic cocktail program includes Thai-infused cocktails like the mandarin lychee bellini and Thai espresso martini with ginger marshmallows. Modern social club design with soothing tones and brass accents makes it a polished spot and one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC for business meals or an upscale night out.
For recipes from a royal chef at one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC — reserve Thai72 (Upper West Side)
Thai72 on the Upper West Side takes a straightforward approach to Thai cuisine, serving dishes like spicy basil duck with sweet vegetables, drunken noodles, and mango salad. The space embraces a sophisticated, low-frills aesthetic with simple wooden tables and dark accents amid industrial-chic brick and metal design for a laid-back meal with style. Chef Tee Siriprakaisak cooked for the Thai royal family for 15 years before bringing his expertise to this restaurant.
For one of the best NYC Thai restaurants serving in style — grab a table at Sabai Thai (NoMad)
NoMad’s Sabai Thai serves Central Thai classics in an sophisticated dining experience from setting to service. Noteworthy menu selections include batter-fried chuchi shrimp with broccoli and fried branzino with tamarind sauce. A chic interior with modern finishes surrounding contemporary arrangements of traditional Thai arts creates a polished atmosphere. And the proximity to boutique hotels and offices makes it a prime spot for business meals and special nights.
For the best Thai restaurant in NYC for vegan dining — reserve May Kaidee (Lower East Side)
May Kaidee on the Lower East Side serves only plant-based Thai, presenting classic dishes with thoughtful substitutions. Spicy bamboo “beef,” a traditional “sausage” spread, and tom yam soup are all on the menu, and these are no cheap substitutes—this restaurant originated as a street cart in Bangkok, with sibling outposts in Thailand. The small space is also a Thai cultural hub, occasionally proposing classes ranging from cooking to dancing, all within the best Thai restaurant for vegans.
For Thai comfort with an artistic touch — book Elephant Ear (Hell’s Kitchen)
A Bangkok transplant, Elephant Ear arrived in Hell’s Kitchen in late 2024 and serves classic Thai dishes in a soothing setting. Deceptively simple recipes are artistically presented with evident care, from stir-fried crispy chicken to crying tiger with garlic rice. The ceiling is draped with vines of green and florals around clusters of hanging lanterns that provide a comforting glow at one of the best NYC Thai restaurants for elegant comfort food.
New Yorkers are most familiar with Central Thai cuisine centered around Bangkok, but the best Thai restaurant in NYC spans from southern influence to the far northeast, with plenty of capital cuisine included. From nationally loved curries to regional specialties, it’s all available in New York, but most top restaurants have limited seating.
Reserve a table at one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC on OpenTable today to secure your spot.
Now that you discovered the best Thai restaurants in New York, check out these expert guides for more of the city’s best restaurants:
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- 4 can’t-miss Black-helmed restaurants in NYC
Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others. He is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Follow his adventures on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr.
