Thai Villa — Restaurant in New York

Stellar Thai restaurant serving some of the most incredible food with equally outstanding vibes. A few friends and I were desperately craving good Thai food and, after stumbling across Thai Villa in our Yelp search, were immediately drawn in by the stellar reviews and diverse menu. The menu included the Thai restaurant classics like pad thai and pad see ew, but also a variety of specialty dishes and more unique finds. It extended across three pages and included two small flaps that fold out to reveal chef's recommendations depending on how adventurous you're feeling and/or your spice tolerance. If that isn't enough guidance, the servers are also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and they do a great job handling dietary restrictions.

As we walked in, we were warmly greeted by a lovely hostess and one of the most beautiful ceiling displays I've ever seen. There were thousands of what looked like golden leaves dangling from the ceiling, and they extended across the entire center of the restaurant. There were three rows of tables; the left-hand side was lined with beautiful wooden booths, and the center and right-hand side with several tables and lovely, super soft brown leather chairs. The walls and furniture were made with a gorgeous dark brown wood, which, paired with the ambient lighting, candles dotting every table, and glistening golden leaves, created a magical, woodsy ambiance.

And then, of course, there was the food. We got several dishes to share for each of the courses, starting off with their pomelo salad, tom kha, and scallop skewers. Each of the appetizers were outstanding -- the pomelo salad was incredibly refreshing, with generous chunks of juicy, slightly sweet, slightly tart fruit mixed with a slightly spicy vinaigrette. The crispy garlic and cashews offered a great crunch, and the salad came with a generous serving of perfectly grilled, tender shrimp. The light, refreshing salad was the perfect contrast against the rich, creamy tom kha, which was packed with flavor and so incredibly comforting. It was filled with various mix-ins, including mushrooms and plenty of veggies. We decided to each get our own cup of soup, since the other folks I was dining with wanted to get the chicken (which was also delicious and came with plenty of chicken), while I am pescatarian. The best bite of the starter course, however, had to be the scallop skewers. They were truly worthy of being one of the chef's signature items, as they were remarkably tender and almost butter-like, with a wonderfully crispy outer shell from the perfect pan-sear. They were marinated in "secret Thai herbs" and then topped with a Thai sweet chili glaze, giving the scallops the perfect symphony of sweet, salty, acidic, and umami flavor notes.

For our main course, we decided to do another mix of classic and chef's specialty dishes with the tofu green curry and branzino larb. The green curry was rich and flavorful; it definitely had a bit of a kick to it, but, especially when paired with a bit of rice, wasn't too crazy to handle. The comforting, creamy curry sauce was packed with all kinds of delightful veggies, most prominently the most tender slices of eggplant, and plenty of fried tofu, both of which acted as the best little sponges to soak up all the curry flavor. The branzino was equally delightful, starting off with an impressive presentation. They served the dish on top of the whole fish, which had been filleted, fried, and mixed with plenty of seasonings. The slices of fish were tender on the inside, with a perfectly crispy shell that was loaded with chili and roasted rice powder. It was all mixed with sprigs of mint and kaffir lime, as well as thin slices of red onion, which offered a great hit of freshness and kept the dish from feeling too heavy or oily. It also came with a light, refreshing chili-lime dressing which also brightened up the whole dish and brought all the...

I am delighted to share my experience at Thai Villa, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan. From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to the vibrant streets of Thailand, where the aroma of exotic spices filled the air and the promise of authentic flavors danced on my palate.

Authentic Flavor: Thai Villa masterfully captures the essence of Thai cuisine, presenting dishes that pay homage to tradition while elevating the dining experience to new heights. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the bold kick of spicy Tom Yum soup to the delicate balance of sweet and savory in the Pad Thai. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every dish bursts with authenticity and depth of flavor, making each visit a culinary adventure.

Outstanding Service: Service at Thai Villa is nothing short of exemplary. The staff's dedication to providing an unforgettable dining experience is evident from the moment you walk in. Warm smiles greet you at the door, and knowledgeable servers guide you through the menu with grace and expertise. Whether accommodating dietary restrictions or offering recommendations, the staff's attention to detail and commitment to excellence elevate the entire dining experience.

Lovely Atmosphere: The ambiance at Thai Villa is a perfect blend of elegance and charm. The intimate dining space is adorned with subtle Thai accents, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Soft lighting and soothing music set the stage for an unforgettable meal, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere makes it the ideal destination for both romantic dinners and intimate gatherings with friends and family.

In conclusion, Thai Villa is a culinary destination worthy of the highest accolades. With its authentic flavors, outstanding service, and lovely atmosphere, it's no wonder that this establishment has earned its place among the stars in the culinary world. Whether you're a seasoned food critic or simply a lover of good food, Thai Villa is sure to delight your senses and leave you...

Went to Thai Villa to celebrate the birthday of my girlfriend, therefore, expectations were high. The place was packed and if we didn’t have a reservation (8pm) we would’ve waited for an hour and a half. Kudos to the ambiance, which seems very thai and the lighting is next to perfect for a relaxing experience. Very loud though, but due to the hype this place has, it’s inevitable.

We tried three different options from the menu. First was some kind of pork appetizer wrapped on leaves. A bit disappointed with the flavor because it’s very similar to the filling found on most pork Guiozas. Second was a duck wrap which I thought was excellent. Quantity, taste, amount of meat, all was great! For the main course we almost tried the Thai salad (we weren’t very hungry) but ultimately decided to try out a curry dish. I asked which was the most popular and if they could take down notch the spicyness (the waitress said she would make it 5/10 instead of the typical 7/10). Therefore, we tried red curry chicken. Honestly, having had Thai food and curry dishes in other places, I thought that the curry dish was a bit predictable and if not for the spicyness, almost bland. The portions (with exception of the duck wrap) are all on the small side.

One enerving thing that happened while my partner went to the restroom: I asked if they could prepare a little something for her birthday, like a small dessert. She just answered I could choose a cake dessert from the menu and they would see to add a candle. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I expect a courtesy for the birthday guest. Specially when we are going there on the exact day of the birthday…

Also, tried a drink that is pineapple and lychee infused vodka which is on display at the entrance in big jars. Very alcoholic. I think it’s just the infused vodka shaken with ice and strained to the glass. Mainly lychee and vodka taste,...