Patara Oxford Circus — Restaurant in London

What makes a great restaurant different than the good ones? Here is an experience that I had that made me figure out what it is for me and hopefully to the ones reading this ridiculously long post, it also helps in some manner, otherwise they all have wasted their time. So I made a reservation to eat padthai here as I have had great reviews from a fellow Thai friend. However, my meeting got way too delayed and I called them up. They said they were planning to close down and if I am still planning to come. Since it was my fault for delay, I told them, would like to come there but I am just by myself. They told me to come by. I reached there and the entire restaurant was already closed. It’s just the kitchen staff and the table staff, they were just waiting because I had called and said I wanted to try the pad Thai. So there I was trying a pad Thai, all by myself with a beer and a starter. Just to reiterate, it’s not that they gave me the food and went back to closing the restaurant. It’s all of them talking to me, asking if it’s all good, take my time and everything. I asked them the check and it’s 35 quid. I asked the manager, why would you stay open for just one person; answer is simple “because you said you wanted the pad Thai”.

So what makes a restaurant great then? To me it’s how the place makes you feel, irrespective of your wallet size. While eating a pad Thai in a restaurant all by myself, with all people giving hospitality at their best even the music was soothing. I have had the privilege at eating at 7 star resort in the middle of a desert in Dubai but somehow, the Padthai at Patara, made me feel a even better than that place (and I liked the place. No bad experiences).

So thank you Patara for making my 30...

Sadly dissapointed. Having read the good reviews I was excited to go for dinner here. On arrival for our booked table we were asked to wait in the table waiting area. That is fine but no drink was offered and the bar which we looked at told me he had too many orders to serve us. When we were seated at the table we still waited to be asked if we wanted a drink and the table that sat after us next to us were then served first. Not a great start. We the noticed a slightly drunk man next to us had his shoes off at the table which was pretty gross but made worse when he swiveled in his chair to cross his legs now his foot was just moments away from our table. As he was drunk I didn't feel comfortable saying anything. The waiting staff didn't seem to either notice or care and also said nothing which made it very uncomfortable. I hoped when the food arrived I could be distracted and he was near to the end of his meal so I figured he would be gone soon. Sadly the food was not great. The starter veg spring rolls were lovely, that's it, the satay chicken and prawn was overcooked and prawns it was hard to say if they were prawns they were so chewy. The chicken green curry nice flavour again chicken chewy and tough so not great. The beef my sister had was like tough big chunks of beef nothing like the picture in the menu. The whole meal felt like the staff were irritated to be working the waiter even complained it was very noisy and he couldn't bare the noise of the restaurant! It wasn't the cheapest place (or the most expensive) but it was very dissapointing and I Def won't return. Poor food poor atmosphere, therefore not good value. Such a shame on a night I had looked forward to. Had a much better time...

Patara Thai, Oxford Circus – A Touch of Thailand, but Missing the Spice

Popped into Patara Thai near Oxford Circus with high hopes and a craving for my all-time favourite: Thai Green Curry! Sadly, while the presentation was on point and the service friendly and efficient (k̄hxbkhuṇ ka!), the curry itself lacked that signature Thai kick — the fiery blend of heat, herbs, and richness that makes the dish sing. This one felt a little muted, more Oxford Street than Chiang Mai.

The menu is varied, with lots to tempt the eye, though I’d say it’s a little pricey for the portion and flavour delivery. The vibe? Quite commercial — polished and modern but missing that warm, local Thai charm.

Big plus points: the Singa beer on draught (cheers to that!) and the beautifully presented plates — every dish arrived looking like a work of art.

Overall, while Patara offers a sleek experience, for me it was more “mild lemongrass” than full-on chilli heat”. Nice, but I’ve tasted better.

#PataraThai #ThaiFoodLondon #GreenCurryGoals #ThaiButMild #SingaSavesTheDay...