Holy Basil Market — Restaurant in Los Angeles

It has built quite the reputation for its elevated take on thai street food. While the ambiance strikes a balance between modernity and street market charm, the execution of the dishes falls short.

The thai sukiyaki cabbage salad was a bright spot. Its fermented tofu sauce and fried shallots provided a funky punch, while the spice crept up stealthily with every bite. The moo krob slab, unfortunately, was a disappointment. While the exterior had a decent crisp, the pork belly itself leaned toward rubbery rather than the tender, fatty richness I was hoping for. The gra pow wagyu beef, while decent, felt underwhelming. Ground wagyu, snap peas, and garlic sat atop a bed of plain white rice, with the flavors feeling ordinary. It wasn’t bad—it just didn’t deliver what I anticipated from wagyu.

The fried black sea bream, though cooked well, was another letdown especially given its price tag. Whole fish dishes at thai restaurants often boast bold sauces and dynamic spice, but this one played it safe with a sweeter glaze. The dungeness crab fried rice was a safe, if unremarkable, choice. It hit all the marks but didn’t exceed any, leaving it as just another bowl of average fried rice.

The hibiscus tea and dragonfruit rosemary drinks were refreshing, well-balanced, and not overly sweet. The service was adequate but lacked warmth or attentiveness. We were seated outside, which was pleasant until it wasn’t. Here’s where things got, let’s say, "unappetizing."

A pigeon problem looms—literally. Halfway through our meal, I noticed droppings on nearby tables and, horrifyingly, witnessed a pigeon in the act. The waiter acknowledged and admitted it’s been a recurring issue, even hitting people’s dishes. It’s a glaring health hazard and something that urgently needs to be addressed.

For a spot with so much buzz, it left me pondering why. Fix the bird problem, elevate the execution, and this place might just reach the heights...

I gave my bullet points and this is the review that we wrote together

Title: Disappointing Experience at Holy Basil: Overpriced and Underwhelming

Location: Atwater Village

I recently dined at Holy Basil, a Thai restaurant in Atwater Village, and unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired. Despite the promising name, the reality fell short in several aspects.

Firstly, my friend and I decided to indulge in the crab curry, a seemingly luxurious choice. However, the crab was merely okay, failing to justify its hefty price tag. The promise of a whole crab order didn't live up to expectations.

Moving on to the Shishido peppers, they were one of the few highlights of the meal. Flavorful and enjoyable, they provided a brief respite from the overall disappointment.

Regrettably, the same cannot be said for the wings. Dry, devoid of meat, and simply unappetizing, they were undoubtedly one of the worst renditions of wings I've encountered.

To add insult to injury, upon receiving the bill, the shock set in. A whopping $150 for what was ultimately a lackluster dining experience. The realization of this exorbitant cost hit hard, particularly considering the underwhelming quality of the food.

In an attempt to rectify what seemed like a mistake, I returned to the restaurant, only to find that the disappointment extended beyond just one visit. Despite its lofty name, Holy Basil failed to deliver both in terms of culinary experience and value for money.

In conclusion, I strongly advise against dining at Holy Basil. The food simply isn't worth the inflated prices, and there are undoubtedly better options available elsewhere. Save yourself the disappointment and seek out a different dining destination. Holy Basil may claim sanctity, but diners beware: the only revelation you'll have is the shock...

Unique Flavors & Incredible Service—Be Ready for the Intensity! This was my first time visiting this Thai restaurant. We arrived a bit late in the evening but only had to wait about five minutes for a table. They seated us in a cozy, slightly secluded 4-person spot in an alley-like area of the dining room.

We ordered based on the recommendations from my two college-aged children. I’ve been to many Thai places, but the dishes we had here were truly unique and highly original—definitely not the standard Thai fare.

The flavors were absolutely delicious, but I must warn you: they are extremely intense and stimulating. I’d heard that groups of four usually order seven or eight dishes, but honestly, the food was so bold and impactful that we couldn't eat that much. Two or three hours later, I’m still thirsty and my lips are tingling!

The staff was wonderful. They guided us kindly and even took the time to explain the menu items one by one since it was our first visit.

Overall, it was an impressive dining experience with memorable flavors and excellent...