Marlai Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Seattle

I've been here twice with another person, once when it was crowded and another time when we were the only ones there. They have three specials this month (which were the same as last month's...), and I tried all three. (Pictures are posted)

Service: I've never seen the waiters talk that much. However, they're always dressed nicely and professional in how they take orders and bring food out/away. They refill water regularly.

Food speed: both times I've gone, I thought the food took longer than it should have to come out. It seems that this is a popular place to order takeout, which would explain the delays. However, they may be understaffed in their kitchen. Who knows.

Food price: I think even for Seattle and the quality of the food, this place is kind of expensive. Their main dishes are $12+ but the portions aren't very big. They are filling though, especially if you get rice on the side (which is ~$2 for a bowl). Lunch/early dinner for 2 cost $40 for two main dishes, rice, and tea. They do have a slight lunch discount. However, their lunch times aren't advertised and dinner starts as early as 3 PM.

Food quality: the presentation and somewhat small sizes of dishes for the price really does make you think this is "fine dining" as they advertise. The tastiness of the food is probably the strongest point at this place. I don't eat much Thai food, but I haven't had anything I didn't like here. It's all tasty.

Ambience: lighting is warm but not super bright and there are a lot of window seats. There is no outdoor seating. The interior decorations are tasteful and rather sparse, but they do have a small side room for parties, I'm guessing, and a centerpiece Thai deity(?) statue. It's a cool place.

Food rec: pad prik king is the best if you like Szechuan peppercorn (which is definitely present in the dish but not overpowering). The avocado curry and som thai gai-yang are...

We came into eat since it was close to Children's Hospital and my grandson was hungry after his appts. and wanted Thai food. DEFINATELLY NOT KID FRIENDLY .or adult FRIENDLY in my case either they had nothing for kids to eat no juices so we asked for a very simple thing.. plain chicken ...and just a little she said no you have to buy 8 dollar chicken breast that's all we have ..so I asked if we could get it plain no seasoning or sauce. She just walked away we still got spicy flavored chicken for which I had to stick I. My water so the baby could eat it because after she gave us our food she walked away and never came back until we waved her down for boxes and we had to repeat ourselves for each item to get a box. Our food was ok but we kept getting nasty looks every time she came by or we asked for something..i never was able to get fresh water to drink either since I had to use mine so my grandson could eat. We tried to get her attention several times...i tipped the least amount I have ever tipped...never...

Working on a recommendation my daughter and I visited Marlai Thai Cuisine. Parking was very easy and accommodating. We parked in the very front of the restaurant on the main road. From the outside the restaurant looked very clean and inviting. We were greeted and seated very friendly and were made to feel extremely welcome. A young polite girl working helped us with some great recommendations from the menu. The food was extremely delicious and the recommendations were spot on. We both enjoyed our meals and will definitely be bringing back friends and family with us again and again. There is a Thai restaurant closer to my house but this is hands down at the top of my list and my new favorite. Before we left we had the surprising opportunity and pleasure to meet the owner who was a very friendly welcoming gentleman. It is easy to see that this restaurant is successful for many reasons. I'm sure it is a staple of...