The 6 Best Thai Restaurants In Philly

Dara means “star” in Thai, and as it turns out, this casual BYOB in Midtown Village is one. It’s especially useful for their generously portioned $16 lunch special or a laidback group dinner. The flaky chicken puff, drunken noodles with plump shrimp, and whole branzino should have your undivided attention, but the decor may steal some of the spotlight—there are constellations on the wall and a glowing moon behind the counter. But the families and pre-night-out friends in the dining room appreciate those warm, considerate touches just as much as the hint of coconut in the crispy duck curry (our favorite). 

For excellent and exciting Thai food in a chic and sexy package, look no further than Kalaya. The Fishtown restaurant's industrial space includes a full bar and lounge area, booths for large groups, and two-tops surrounding 14-foot Thai palm trees that reach up to an atrium glass ceiling. The southern Thai menu is extensive—your best bet is to come with a group and play table tetris with an order of (almost) everything. You’ll want some chicken dumplings that look too pretty to eat, and the fiery, sweet, and sour grilled squid. Save room for one of the umami-rich wok-fried dishes, and at least one curry from the rainbow of options. From their innovative cocktails to unforgettable dishes, Kalaya is an experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

JJ Thai in Rittenhouse makes consistently great Thai food, both classic—like the refreshing and spicy crispy duck salad and savory, slippery pad see ew—and unconventional, like the tender BBQ ribs. You’ll want to order a bunch of dishes, so it’s a great choice for a group dinner, but the BYOB works just as well for a casual date night. No matter who you come with, make sure the crispy soft shell crabs in garlic sauce are on your table.

Eating at Erawan in Rittenhouse feels like having dinner at your favorite aunt’s house. Everyone gets a personal welcome, the dining room is warm and smells great, and you’ll leave just a bit more full than is comfortable. None of the Northern Thai dishes here are blow-your-mind delicious, but the drunken noodles, fried chive cakes, and massaman curry are all reliable. We usually lean heavily on the chef’s specialties—the tender kor moo yang and mountain of crab fried rice are standouts—especially when we're with a group.

Some people might tell you that the Northeast is all about the steaks and sandwiches. And they wouldn’t be wrong. But it’s also full of Thai places—House Of Thai being the very best. The takeout-only spot is one of our go-tos for a standout casual dinner, but they open at 11am, so you can also grab a quick lunch and Thai iced tea before heading back to the office. Don’t miss the lightly breaded, perfectly chewy Siam chicken, the creamy green curry packed with tender eggplant, and anything with duck in it (it’s their specialty).

Is Smile Cafe going to make your personal best restaurants list? Probably not. But it’s a quintessential neighborhood Thai spot, perfect for a noodle-packed weeknight dinner or spicy takeout order for one. Portions are plentiful, flavors are balanced, and if you’re an especially picky eater (or stuck dining with one), you can even create your own entree. Our order at the Rittenhouse BYOB always includes the juicy papaya salad with shrimp, pineapple fried rice, and the panang curry, packed with crisp vegetables. There are also a few can’t-miss house specials—the charcoal beef is smoky, sweet, and tender—so just gather your friends and pick one item from every section of the menu for the best experience.