Padaek Arlington Ridge — Restaurant in Alexandria

The original, OG Padaek in Falls Church is one of my all-time top 5 places in the DMV, so I had great expectations for this place. The location is great. It's so big, you can probably fit like 5 to 6 OG Padaeks in this new location. The decorations and all the staff made us feel a little like we were back in Southeast Asia. The parking lot out front was giant, so you wouldn't need to worry about finding a spot.

But how's the food? Imagine you have an older sister who's a spectacular chef, and your whole family praises her. She focuses on tasty food that's affordable and on making customers happy. That's the OG Padaek in Falls Church. Then, there's you who's trying to be like your sister, but it's just not that easy to live up to your sis. You have a lot of money, so you build up a fancy place. The people who haven't had your sister's food love yours. That's how I feel about this place, Padaek Arlington.

The food isn't bad at all, but there's no way to beat the OG Padaek. Okay, let me judge objectively without comparing. The quality and flavor of the dishes were inconsistent from dish to dish. Some were good. Some were okay. Overall, all the dishes felt like they needed some fine-tuning. What do I mean? The fried rice felt too wet, if you know what I mean. The beef salad had an overwhelming taste in one direction - like sour and not balanced spice-wise. The crispy rice salad was both too wet and sour - it wasn't crispy at all. The sausage and samba were great. It was different, but I like this difference. Samba was phenomenal. Mont Hin Gar was okay. Tea leaf salad wasn't the best I've had. The beans were soggy and not crispy anymore.

Will I be coming back? Probably not because it was quite expensive for what I got. I felt like I paid most of it for the atmosphere. For your context, though, I'm a picky Southeast Asian when it comes to food. If your food bar is not that high, you'll probably like it here, objectively speaking. If you've never been here, at least give it a shot! People have different takes, so maybe...

This is my favorite restaurant in NoVa and I'm very excited about this location because it's closer to my home. My brother visited for a week and we went out to eat for every meal. We saved this for last and he agreed that we saved the best for last.

They have Lao and Thai food. You can either get basic Thai foods or try their unique Laotian cuisine.

Highly recommend: Naem Khao Thadeau is probably the best thing on their menu. Don't miss it just because it is listed as a salad. I don't even eat the lettuce. It is crispy rice and sour pork, peanuts, chili, and a bunch of other amazing flavors. The Satay is better than any I've had in NoVa. Contact me if you find better please! Siin Savanh - is a crispy beef jerky that's super good. Ping (pork shoulder) gives a good portion and tastes great. Paa Tod is a go-to for the Laotian/Thai customers. It is a big portion with a unique flavor. The only drawback is that the smell stays on your hands for a long time. I've had it 3 times.

Other things I've tried but wouldn't recommend: Drunken noodles were ok but you can get them anywhere. Thom Kem is $19 for 3 braised pork ribs. I would have expected 4-6 ribs for the price but perhaps I'm...

I have had the pleasure of dining at Padaek Thai/Lao Restaurant several times from the very opening, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish every time! The food is absolutely phenomenal, thanks to the incredible talents of Michelin Executive Chef Seng and Chef Nyi Nyi. Each dish (and I ha e tried them all) is a perfect blend of flavors, beautifully presented, and truly showcased the rich culinary traditions of Thai and Lao cuisine. The attention to detail in every aspect of the meal is evident, and the chefs' passion for their craft shone through in every bite. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The service is equally impressive—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, adding to the overall experience. If you're looking for an authentic and unforgettable dining experience, Padaek is a must-visit. I can't recommend it highly enough and can't...