Tha Phraya — Restaurant in New York

We arrived at the restaurant around 6pm and were told that only bar seats were available. If we wanted a regular table, it would be about a one-hour wait. Since we were wearing short skirts and didn’t feel comfortable sitting at the bar, I checked Resy and saw that a 6:30pm table reservation was available—so I booked it right away.

However, the host told us, rather dismissively, “Last-minute reservations will probably be cancelled.” When I asked why, he simply said, “I don’t know, it’s usually like that when you make a reservation last minute.” I found that quite strange—30 minutes ahead doesn’t feel very “last minute,” especially since we were already there and had received a confirmation email.

I then asked if we could sit at the bar temporarily while waiting for our table. The host told us to wait outside and come back at 6:30. We stood around for a while, unsure of what to do—the restaurant didn’t even seem that full. Eventually, after seeing us still waiting, the host allowed us to sit at the bar.

After about 10 minutes, a server came over and offered us a regular table. At first, everything seemed fine—the server was friendly and attentive. I hung my tote bag on the back of my chair, but the space between tables was very tight. When a runner brought food to our table, he accidentally dragged my bag off the chair and it fell to the floor. I picked it up without saying anything.

A few minutes later, our server, clearly in a hurry, accidentally knocked it off again. He apologized and suggested I put my bag on the empty chair next to me. During the hour we were dining, we noticed at least three empty tables that remained unoccupied. So we really didn’t understand why we were initially told there would be a one-hour wait and warned our confirmed reservation might be canceled.

Later on, I felt uncomfortable taking up an extra chair for my bag, so I moved it back behind me. Unsurprisingly, when more guests arrived, the space was too tight again and my bag was dragged across the floor for the third time.

When the bill came, brought by a different staff member, we tipped 15%—not because the experience was great, but because our server genuinely tried his best and kept refilling our water throughout the meal. The food portions were a bit small, but everything we ordered tasted good.

Overall, I think this restaurant has potential, but needs to improve customer service—especially the way the host handles seating and communicates with guests. Also, more attention should be given to customers’ personal belongings when space is tight. These small details can make a big difference in the...

When I heard rumors swirling about a contender for the best Thai food in NYC being on the Upper East Side, I quickly dismissed it. Everyone knows the Upper East Side is traditionally the culinary desert of Manhattan.

However, I looked up Tha Phraya and it has 4.9 stars on 867 reviews on Google Maps. I was SHOCKED. Those are first team All NBA numbers.

I made the trek from the East Village to the Upper East Side with my big bro. Whenever my big bro and I go out to eat together, it's biblical. He's the one friend who can eat as much as me. Together we consume the amount of food of 4-5 average civilians.

When we walked in, I turned to him and said "are they Soothr's sister restaurant?" as the vibe in here felt like an alternate universe Soothr. It turns out the co-owner, Manna Che, previously worked there. I knew I was in good hands.

We sat down and debated over the menu like it was the Declaration of Independence. After some strong deliberation and civil discourse, and with the help of our waitress, we decided on the following: Miang-Kham, Chicken Wings, Beef Pad See Iew, Pad-Ka-Prow, Paloh Hang (carmelized pork belly), Crispy Whole Branzino, Chicken Khao Soi, and the Crab Fried Rice. A FEAST!

We are only 31 days into the year, but this is the best meal I've had this year and it's not close. I normally highlight 1 or 2 dishes and really dig into what made them great, but almost EVERYTHING was "the one."

The only dish I could have done without was the Miang-Kham, as I didn't love the texture of the betel leaves, but that's a personal preference.

I loved how the menu had a mix of more familiar thai foods like Pad Thai or Pad See Iew, and more adventurous regional thai dishes that you don't typically see on menus. Something for everyone in here.

My big bro is so critical of restaurants, and he shared my sentiments. The first bite of everything had him "Oh my God this is unreal." High praise from Big bro.

My only regret is not getting the waitresses name, as she was a rockstar. White glove service in here.

I gotta start putting more respect on the UES. THANK YOU THA PHRAYA! THANK YOU MANNA!

IG...

This spot is a must-visit for authentic Thai flavors. Indulge in signature dishes like the refreshing Pomelo Salad and the exquisite Crab Fried Rice Lava. Don’t miss out on their unique Ice Cream Hot Pot Mor Mai, a perfect blend of coconut, mango, and Thai tea flavors. Experience the tastes of Thailand right here at Tha Phraya! 🍴🥥🌶

💓Yum Som-O (Pomelo Salad) This dish bursts with refreshing citrus flavors, thanks to the juicy pomelo at its heart. The addition of dried fish and mint introduces a delightful contrast of savory crunch and cool freshness. The sweet and spicy dressing envelops each bite with a tangy and slightly fiery kick, making this salad both invigorating and complex.

💓Pak Mor (Savory Rice Crepe) These delicate rice crepes are filled with a sweet radish mixture, punctuated by the sharpness of red onion and the creaminess of coconut. The filling is both sweet and savory, offering a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the soft, tender crepe. It's a light yet satisfying bite that encapsulates a blend of Thai flavors.

💓Crab Fried Rice Lava Featuring sweet lump crabmeat and scallions, this fried rice is light and airy, with each grain of rice distinctly coated in egg. The lava crabmeat omelet on top adds a creamy, rich layer to the dish, enhancing its overall decadence. This version of fried rice is especially refreshing, with a subtle seafood sweetness that's both satisfying and not overly heavy.

💓Braised Duck Over Noodle This dish offers a rich, deep flavor from the braised duck, which is tender and succulent. Paired with noodles, the dish provides a satisfying chewiness, with the savory broth adding moisture and enhancing the umami of the duck. It’s a hearty, comforting dish with layers of flavor.

💓Ice Cream Hot Pot Mor Mai A unique dessert featuring three distinct ice cream flavors—coconut, mango, and Thai tea. Each flavor brings its own tropical sweetness and creamy texture. The addition of seasonal toppings, especially the jackfruit, adds a fruity, exotic twist that complements the...