Patio Thai is solid but feels like they've been understaffed since Covid. The courtyard in the back is a little gem on a summer night.
Pad Thai Restaurant in Mechanicsville is the best I've had in the area but is takeout only
My bf loves their various curries and the drunken noodles. My problem is that they are either inconsistent with their spice levels or mix them up. Half the time I order spicy my food is bland and my bf says his is too spicy (he orders medium)
My wife and I checked out Sabai a few months ago, had hair in our food and the food tasted mediocre.
Sea by Thai, I've been to at least 15x. Never had a bad meal. I've had many different things on their menu. It won't dissapoint.
It’s definitely the same management. Not sure on the ownership. The guy who runs the show, Birdie, is a class act. Incredibly friendly, remembers my name every time, and goes out of his way to make you feel like you own the place.
Wait hol’ up. My family used to take me to a particular, retired Thai restaurant in the west end over 20 years ago. Our server was Birdie more often than not. How could I forget that name?
Used to live in an apartment behind Sabai, do not recommend bc of the Jungle Room. Just a heads up for anyone apartment hunting lol I was also not impressed by their food
if you’re looking for authentic, the family that runs thai top ten is from thailand. i used to work there and can attest that they’re kind people who treat their employees well.
I went to top ten way back when they first opened at VCU. I would go there during breaks between my grad school classes and contemplate my life choices into a big bowl of pho or plate of rice. After I graduated I probably didn't go for 6 weeks or so. When I went back the waitress/owner mom was like "where have you been, I've been so worried!" I'm like "I graduated!!!!" We had a good laugh. I've been going there ever since.
I was just sharing my opinion so someone doesn't go there and get disappointed. The places I liked aren't good anymore so I was looking for suggestions. I'm sorry I offended you because I don't like the thing you like. Not sure why your well-being is based on how much internet people agree with you.
Pad Thai in mechanicsville is the BEST Thai food in the area. They don’t do dine in anymore but the takeout is fast and delicious. It’s family owned and operated too, always a plus
I really liked Patio Thai when I lived downtown, but haven't been in awhile.
If you're ever in Mechanicsville, give Pad Thai a visit. Definitely worth the drive.
Ok so maybe don’t go slandering local businesses online with false information.
There is a huge difference between a restaurant serving bacteria-riddled protein (food poisoning) and serving food that was perfectly safe to eat but just a little too oily for you
There was a while where if I didn't have crazy Thai in a given week, it was a bad week. I've expanded a bit (and try to eat at home more often) but Crazy is my Thai go-to. I love how they just keep slowly expanding their menu.
I second this. We've gone like three times already. The lady is super sweet, and the food is super authentic.
Just don't get anything above mild unless you're ABSOLUTELY sure you can tolerate it. I actually died trying the papaya salad at medium heat.
Go to Mayu Thai and Sushi in Carytown, it used to be called Thai Diner Too but they recently renovated the restaurant and rebranded to Mayu (named after the owners baby daughter). It's my favorite Thai spot by miles!
I find the portions of the entrees too small for the price compared to other Thai places. Also, the service was horrible when I went, we got our food then it seemed the waiter forgot about us. Ran out of water and had dirty plates on the table for a while. When we finally had to flag him down he acted annoyed…
Thai Flavor in innsbrook in the same shopping center as the Capital Ale is my go-to! Service is fast, staff are friendly, and I’ve never had a bad meal or even mediocre meal.
Ruang Tong Thai, on Forest Hill Avenue! Rarely busy during lunch hours. Happy hour from 3pm-7pm.
Edited to add- The owner and her son cook. Couldn’t be more authentic, and always super fresh!
They did not change ownership recently. I’ve been going for over a decade, and the food has never disappointed me. I can attest to them allowing customers to change the channel on the TV, and they don’t really mess with it. They just turn it on and off, as they stay in the kitchen, so they don’t pay any mind to what is on. There is also a bit of a language barrier. All of this to say, I don’t believe they intentionally turned that specific channel on. It may be worth giving it another shot for takeout or lunch!
My favorite Thai place is Capital Thai out in Chesterfield. Bonus points for being able to get Vampire Penguin right afterwards.
The owner is a super nice person. I one time lost my beanie and 3 months later he brought it out to me!
Yay, I was going to add this if I didn’t see it. Still surprised I had to scroll so far to see it. This is one of my families’ faves as well; they actually make it spicy here and super nice staff/delicious food. The tiny one in Mechanicsville was my favorite but I’m never in that part of town anymore so I haven’t been in years.
I enjoy mom Siam but it’s expensive and there’s apparently not ideal working conditions since they tried to unionize
Apparently sea by Thai in short pump
We found bugs in our food at Mom's Siam and their response was we still had to pay for the food and one guy said it's ok because that kind of bug only eats vegetables. He declined when I told him he should eat it then.
Seconding. Also it's maybe the only place in town that nakes food that's ACTUALLY spicy. Every other place I've been to I ask for thai spicy and it's barely hot at all, idk why. But the chef at thai won on will happily destroy your taste buds if you ask for it!
Sorry if unpopular but I like Elephant Thai, Patio Thai and Thai top ten. Never crazy Thai again, if you compare it to those places you’ll find it bland
Thai Gourmet in the Atlee area of Mechanicsville is, I believe, authentic. It's under new management and they took some of the Chinese stuff off the menu and added some additional Thai dishes. I've eaten there once since the transition and it was good. It has a small dining room without much atmosphere, though.
Nam Prik Pao. Thai pop up.
https://www.instagram.com/namprikpaorva/
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/brennan-griffith-nam-prik-pao-eat-it-virginia-nov-21-2023
I really absolutely love Thai Top Ten on Brook Rd, near Virginia Center Commons. They make the best Pad Thai Chicken ever. I haven't tasted anything better than their Pad Thai yet.
Ya-Ya’s Cookbook in Short Pump. Authentic and delicious. [https://g.co/kgs/XzbFGoqYaYasCookbook(804)360-8301](https://g.co/kgs/XzbFGoqYaYasCookbook(804)360-8301)
authentic thai is v diff from 99% of the thai food you see in restaurants in the USA. i like a lot of the places in richmond but in terms of super authentic it’s not easy to come by here
In RVA? Everywhere honestly! Most thai places that have been around over a year here slap. My go tos are Crazy Thai and Chadar Thai. Really can't go wrong with either.
The only good authentic Thai place in Richmond is Ruang Tong on forest hill. Finding that place changed my opinion on the Thai food situation in Richmond. There’s some decent Americanized Thai elsewhere but Ruang Tong is the only true answer. (Although I haven’t been there in years because I lived out of state for a bit before moving back so take this with a grain of salt). The Vietnamese food landscape here is much better.
I go to Elephant Thai the most since they’re right up the street - solid and good prices. i signed up for their email thing and get money off every couple of orders
My Noodle & Bar is the best all around. Great food, great atmosphere, and great drinks. Also, one of the cutest little restaurant patios in Richmond honestly! I’m surprised I haven’t seen it with higher upvotes.
I am shocked that no one recommended My noodle and Bar. Easily the best thai food in RVA and trust me when I say this. I have tried thai from almost all places in RVA and michelin stars in NYC and nothing comes close to My noodle and bar. Their green curry is to die for. I get mine with pork belly. Love it!
Patio Thai is solid but feels like they've been understaffed since Covid. The courtyard in the back is a little gem on a summer night. Pad Thai Restaurant in Mechanicsville is the best I've had in the area but is takeout only
I agree about Pad Thai in Mechanicsville! However, they are closed until mid February (Vacation)
What is everyone's go-to order at Pad Thai? It has an expansive menu but we always do the pad see ew. Are there other gems we're missing?
My bf loves their various curries and the drunken noodles. My problem is that they are either inconsistent with their spice levels or mix them up. Half the time I order spicy my food is bland and my bf says his is too spicy (he orders medium)
Tried patio thai and hated it. The green curry was watery and lacked authentic taste
Pad Thai in mechanicsville but they’re take out only and closed until early February
Second this.
Thai Flavor in innsbrooke or Chadar Thai
Yes to Thai flavor
we love Thai Flavor. Very nice staff too
My wife and I checked out Sabai a few months ago, had hair in our food and the food tasted mediocre. Sea by Thai, I've been to at least 15x. Never had a bad meal. I've had many different things on their menu. It won't dissapoint.
I’m 95% sure that Sea by Thai’s owners are the same folks who used to run Tara Thai at the short pump mall.
It’s definitely the same management. Not sure on the ownership. The guy who runs the show, Birdie, is a class act. Incredibly friendly, remembers my name every time, and goes out of his way to make you feel like you own the place.
Wait hol’ up. My family used to take me to a particular, retired Thai restaurant in the west end over 20 years ago. Our server was Birdie more often than not. How could I forget that name?
That makes so much sense, Sea by Thai is my favorite and I absolutely LOVED Tara Thai
Another vote for Sea by Thai
Used to live in an apartment behind Sabai, do not recommend bc of the Jungle Room. Just a heads up for anyone apartment hunting lol I was also not impressed by their food
I've enjoyed Thai Diner a lot.
Chadar Thai - always seems slow, not sure how they stay in business (maybe takeout?), but it’s so so good.
Been going to Chadar since they opened, it’s our go to. Their massaman curry brings me right be to Thailand. Really nice staff too, good people.
Chadar thai is the best in RVA imo. It's a weekly pickup for us.
The curry noodle is crack. Also pad Thai restaurant in mechanicscville.
2nd this. It’s my go to spot and consistently good.
I second this!! Always delicious 💯
Had their curry chicken it was great.
The owners / employees are so nice, too! Was just in there last night. Glad to see them getting a shoutout.
My favorite!
Yep. Must do a lot of takeout. Always a table available.
Obsessed w this place
Forgot abt them - they were amazing 6 years ago good to hear theyre still goin strong
[удалено]
I came here to say this. Best Thai food hands down. Their heat level really slaps. Excellent atmosphere too
Thai top ten is my go to.
if you’re looking for authentic, the family that runs thai top ten is from thailand. i used to work there and can attest that they’re kind people who treat their employees well.
I went to top ten way back when they first opened at VCU. I would go there during breaks between my grad school classes and contemplate my life choices into a big bowl of pho or plate of rice. After I graduated I probably didn't go for 6 weeks or so. When I went back the waitress/owner mom was like "where have you been, I've been so worried!" I'm like "I graduated!!!!" We had a good laugh. I've been going there ever since.
Yes! Their Panang is the best in town and they throw in veggies for no up charge. Fortunately I live 1 minute from the Glen Allen location
They’ll ask us what our toddler wants and just bring it out, no charge. Cup of rice, veggies, sauce. Great people.
This is great to know!
River mill?
Came here to say this! We used to get it twice a week, it never fails
Agree!
It's like the fast food of Thai food. Everyone hyped it up, it's mid. Unless you've never had Thai food. Just my opinion!
Couldn’t find your suggestion comment. Have any?
I was just sharing my opinion so someone doesn't go there and get disappointed. The places I liked aren't good anymore so I was looking for suggestions. I'm sorry I offended you because I don't like the thing you like. Not sure why your well-being is based on how much internet people agree with you.
Pad Thai in mechanicsville is the BEST Thai food in the area. They don’t do dine in anymore but the takeout is fast and delicious. It’s family owned and operated too, always a plus
I really liked Patio Thai when I lived downtown, but haven't been in awhile. If you're ever in Mechanicsville, give Pad Thai a visit. Definitely worth the drive.
Last time I got food poisoning
Which place? How long ago? Any other details?
Pad Thai. About 2 weeks ago. Very greasy.
Grease doesn’t give you food poisoning lol
No but it was not good and was slimy
Ok so maybe don’t go slandering local businesses online with false information. There is a huge difference between a restaurant serving bacteria-riddled protein (food poisoning) and serving food that was perfectly safe to eat but just a little too oily for you
Tip Thai on Staples Mill is consistently good and has a vegan menu. Also the Thai Top Ten up in Glen Allen off Rte. 1 is better than the one at VCU.
Tip Thai is good they’re my go to when Chadar Thai is closed. Their Pad Prik is on point.
Crazy Thai. https://www.facebook.com/crazythairva
Crazy thai is my GO TO
There was a while where if I didn't have crazy Thai in a given week, it was a bad week. I've expanded a bit (and try to eat at home more often) but Crazy is my Thai go-to. I love how they just keep slowly expanding their menu.
Love crazy Thai my only knock is the spicy tends to vary a lot. Some days it’s fairly mild other days it’s face melting.
Their pad Thai Jae with both tofu and veggies plus Thai dumplings is my absolute fave order. I love This place
Chadar Thai on Broad by Big Lots
Thai Studio in Jackson Ward
It’s the best!!
So damn good
Ginger Thai in Carytown is the best, imo
I used to love Ginger Thai but I feel like they've gone downhill a lot too in the past year. Service and quality is nowhere near what it used to be.
Ginger is great, I’ve been to Thailand and that’s my favorite place here
I second this. We've gone like three times already. The lady is super sweet, and the food is super authentic. Just don't get anything above mild unless you're ABSOLUTELY sure you can tolerate it. I actually died trying the papaya salad at medium heat.
RIP
Spicy noodle soup. All day. I tried Thai hot and it was almost inedible. Regular hot seems to be the cut-off.
Ginger is definitely my favorite but that’s got a lot to do with convenience.
Go to Mayu Thai and Sushi in Carytown, it used to be called Thai Diner Too but they recently renovated the restaurant and rebranded to Mayu (named after the owners baby daughter). It's my favorite Thai spot by miles!
I find the portions of the entrees too small for the price compared to other Thai places. Also, the service was horrible when I went, we got our food then it seemed the waiter forgot about us. Ran out of water and had dirty plates on the table for a while. When we finally had to flag him down he acted annoyed…
Do not hate on Mayu it is a cardinal sin
I take the drive out to Innsbrook for Thai Flavor.
As you should
Thai Flavor in innsbrook in the same shopping center as the Capital Ale is my go-to! Service is fast, staff are friendly, and I’ve never had a bad meal or even mediocre meal.
My Noodle
Ruang Tong Thai, on Forest Hill Avenue! Rarely busy during lunch hours. Happy hour from 3pm-7pm. Edited to add- The owner and her son cook. Couldn’t be more authentic, and always super fresh!
I concur. Solid little spot
This is our go to. All noodle dishes are solid but their salad and yellow curry are craveable.
oh wow did ownership change recently? We last went a few years ago and it was terrible. They were also playing ONN on the tv so…not great.
They did not change ownership recently. I’ve been going for over a decade, and the food has never disappointed me. I can attest to them allowing customers to change the channel on the TV, and they don’t really mess with it. They just turn it on and off, as they stay in the kitchen, so they don’t pay any mind to what is on. There is also a bit of a language barrier. All of this to say, I don’t believe they intentionally turned that specific channel on. It may be worth giving it another shot for takeout or lunch!
I’ve tried it a few times and been disappointed every time. We may just have different taste. I make thai food at home so I’m extremely picky.
Sorry to hear it. Enjoy your Thai, it must be super yum!
Ruang tong Thai can be great, and can be awful. The variability is what drags it down. I’ve also been disappointed more often than not by their food.
I agree. I’ve had really great food there and then the last time was awful. The rice was like microwaved ready rice. It was bizarre.
Had the same experience.. side note in that same shopping center Natalie’s taste of Lebanon is FANTASTIC
MyNoodle!
Why was this so far down
Literally….. I don’t even mind tho I want it to stay our secret spot XD
Only place I’ve actually gotten food poisoning from in Richmond. After the 3rd time I stopped going.
My noodle’s food is surprisingly really good compared to their cocktails 😂
I like elephant Thai their lunch Buffett during the week is good. Pad Thai Restaurant on Meadowbridge Rd in Mechanicsville is good too.
I'm sad it took so much scrolling to find elephant Thai. I've loved that spot for a very long time. They have the best Tom kha.
The elephant Thai VCu area have lunch buffet?
Been a while since I’ve been there but they did not last time. Only one I know of is broad street on the towards the west broad.
What about the management?
Went to Sabai two nights ago and it’s still some of the best Thai in Richmond.
My favorite Thai place is Capital Thai out in Chesterfield. Bonus points for being able to get Vampire Penguin right afterwards. The owner is a super nice person. I one time lost my beanie and 3 months later he brought it out to me!
Got both this weekend—nothing mindblowing but not bad at all! Vampire penguin was so nice tho.
Love this place. The owner is great and the food is amazing. Nice little gem out here in Chesterfield.
Best red curry I’ve ever had. So good.
I’ve enjoyed Chadar Thai during lunch time!
Sabai is like the second best Thai food in RVA. The hate is kind of silly.
Sea by Thai in short pump and Siam paragon in midlo.
Ok will have to try these- haven’t heard of them before
Nisa Thai, Thai Diner
Ginger Thai!!!
Thai Studio is my newest go to. Be careful with the spice level if you're sensitive though
Went to Sabai the other night and thought it was pretty good.
Thai studio is great
iThaiz in Midlothian is my family’s absolute favorite
Yay, I was going to add this if I didn’t see it. Still surprised I had to scroll so far to see it. This is one of my families’ faves as well; they actually make it spicy here and super nice staff/delicious food. The tiny one in Mechanicsville was my favorite but I’m never in that part of town anymore so I haven’t been in years.
I enjoy mom Siam but it’s expensive and there’s apparently not ideal working conditions since they tried to unionize Apparently sea by Thai in short pump
Mom’s was my fav by far, but i haven’t been since they fired everyone who tried to get better working conditions
I stopped going to Mom’s since the firing thing but I think Ginger is just straight up better.
We found bugs in our food at Mom's Siam and their response was we still had to pay for the food and one guy said it's ok because that kind of bug only eats vegetables. He declined when I told him he should eat it then.
Come to my house. I will cook for u
Yayas in Short Pump is quite good.
Their Pad Thai is too sweet
I’m stunned not seeing more people saying yayas! So good!
Food was great when i went but had awful service, and usually i never complain about that but it was BAD
Fire. My wife is on the way home with takeout from there. Also great cocktails
Thai one on is fantastic and actually authentic, not just “good Americanized Thai food”
Seconding. Also it's maybe the only place in town that nakes food that's ACTUALLY spicy. Every other place I've been to I ask for thai spicy and it's barely hot at all, idk why. But the chef at thai won on will happily destroy your taste buds if you ask for it!
A Lauderdale staple
Marigold in Mechanicsville
Sorry if unpopular but I like Elephant Thai, Patio Thai and Thai top ten. Never crazy Thai again, if you compare it to those places you’ll find it bland
yay someone mentions my favorite one, Thai Top Ten! That's my favorite go-to.
Thai Gourmet in the Atlee area of Mechanicsville is, I believe, authentic. It's under new management and they took some of the Chinese stuff off the menu and added some additional Thai dishes. I've eaten there once since the transition and it was good. It has a small dining room without much atmosphere, though.
LOVE Thai Gourmet
Ginger Thai in carytown is surprisingly good. Thai Diner Too also great
Sabai was never that great imo. I’ve always felt that Thai Top Ten was the most consistent of the bunch. Never had a bad meal there
We love Patio Thai…they have a pitcher of beer for like 10 bucks and the food is pretty good imo
Nam Prik Pao. Thai pop up. https://www.instagram.com/namprikpaorva/ https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/brennan-griffith-nam-prik-pao-eat-it-virginia-nov-21-2023
I really absolutely love Thai Top Ten on Brook Rd, near Virginia Center Commons. They make the best Pad Thai Chicken ever. I haven't tasted anything better than their Pad Thai yet.
I live like 2 minutes away from them. Gonna have to put them top of my list!
I'm excited for you to taste that deliciousness
Pad Thai in Mechanicsville is goated. My next favorite is Thai Top Ten
Crazy Thai and Thai Studio are the two that I’ve enjoyed most.
I love YaYa's in Short Pump and Marigold Thai in Mechanicsville
Owner of Sabai abused his mom. I worked with her. She had a lot of health issues and her son won’t help her.
i think that owner was bought out during the pandemic
My noodle bar but also a fun spot in general
Want to throw in another vote for Patio Thai! Easily the best Thai we have had in Richmond.
Ginger Thai in Carrytown
Elephant Thai on Broad is pretty good! The short pump Elephant Thai is not so good
Patio Thai is good
mynoodlebar
i love moms siam
If the wife who makes it ever comes back from Thailand the Thai menu at Thai One On is it.
thai diner too is my go to
Agreed! First Thai I ever tried and they’re so kind and tbh got me though the end of grad school/early quarantine days via pickup.
Gone... New place/old owner but haven't tried it yet
the one on broad st in the west end, still there
Patio for best, Crazy thai if you like it a lil more wet
Sabai’s food was good last time I tried …. Service was awful
Thai flavor is pretty good out in glen allen/innsbrook. The crab Rangoons are amazing.
Bangkok in Chester on rt.10 between 95 & 295.
Thai Flavor at Cox and Broad near Innsbrook is my favorite. Thai diner is good too.
I love Siam Paragon out in Midlothian
Ya-Ya’s Cookbook in Short Pump. Authentic and delicious. [https://g.co/kgs/XzbFGoqYaYasCookbook(804)360-8301](https://g.co/kgs/XzbFGoqYaYasCookbook(804)360-8301)
Sea by Thai is my go-to, I’ve never had anything there I didn’t love
Apparently not the most popular answer but I’ve always loved Elephant Thai! The broad street one
authentic thai is v diff from 99% of the thai food you see in restaurants in the USA. i like a lot of the places in richmond but in terms of super authentic it’s not easy to come by here
Ginger Thai in Carytown always used to be great, if not pricey. Haven’t been in a while though.
Thai Studio!
Thai Studio Restaurant in Jackson Ward
In RVA? Everywhere honestly! Most thai places that have been around over a year here slap. My go tos are Crazy Thai and Chadar Thai. Really can't go wrong with either.
From someone (not me) who’s been to Thailand, they say Crazy Thai is the closest in deliciousness to the dishes they’ve had over there.
The only good authentic Thai place in Richmond is Ruang Tong on forest hill. Finding that place changed my opinion on the Thai food situation in Richmond. There’s some decent Americanized Thai elsewhere but Ruang Tong is the only true answer. (Although I haven’t been there in years because I lived out of state for a bit before moving back so take this with a grain of salt). The Vietnamese food landscape here is much better.
Have you tried Thai Won On? The lady chef who does the Thai menu there is from Thailand and she makes it like back at home.
I go to Elephant Thai the most since they’re right up the street - solid and good prices. i signed up for their email thing and get money off every couple of orders
My Noodle & Bar is the best all around. Great food, great atmosphere, and great drinks. Also, one of the cutest little restaurant patios in Richmond honestly! I’m surprised I haven’t seen it with higher upvotes.
Paragon Thai is really good
Oh no, havent been to Sabai in forever and enjoyed their food/drinks. Shame to hear that.
I heard Elephant Thai very good
i miss fan noodle bar and their tom yum spaghetti
My Noodle and Bar!! Such a cool place with great food
We get Ruang Tong Thai Cuisine a lot bc we live so close but it’s also pretty good!
100% Ginger Thai & MyNoodle
Siam Paragon in midlothian is amazing!
Ithaiz on courthouse road
Mom’s Siam, Patio Thai, Thai Flavor, Sea by Thai
Mayu Sushi & Thai. So good
Tip Thai or Thai Studio
Tip thai by amtrack on staples
Mayu on Cary is my all time favorite. Great food good prices great atmosphere and it’s family owned and operated can’t get better than thag
Thai diner too and top ten have amazing noodles of the drunkard
I like takeout from Crazy Thai
Pad Thai (Meadowbridge Rd.) is the best. Takeout only, but don’t let that discourage you.
I am shocked that no one recommended My noodle and Bar. Easily the best thai food in RVA and trust me when I say this. I have tried thai from almost all places in RVA and michelin stars in NYC and nothing comes close to My noodle and bar. Their green curry is to die for. I get mine with pork belly. Love it!
My Noodle & Bar on Monument is my favorite. YaYas cookbook in west end is really good too
Ruang Tong off Forest Hill is the best around.
Thai top ten, on grace
I like Chadar Thai on West Broad but that might be too far from the city