A favorite of the Emory crowd, Top Spice serves both Thai and Malaysian food. It has since expanded due to an additional location, but the original is still the best. Calamari appetizer and Roti Canai are both quite tasty and make for hearty appetizers. Curries are fantastic here especially the Red Curry and Masaman curry. Don't forget to order a Thai Iced Tea to compliment your meal. If you are visiting at dinner order a Lychee-tini. It does get quite noisy in the restaurant, so you may want to consider takeout if you aren't up for a noisy dinner. Hate phoning in orders? Just use their website to place an order.
Recommended for Asian because: Get some outstanding Thai food with heat level to your liking. A great place for both the Thai food newbie and a seasoned veteran.
Local Expert tip: Order quickly online.
Little Bangkok, located in the Cheshire Bridge area, has quite a loyal crowd. Expect to find them at both lunch and dinner times. The Pad Thai, while arguably the most popular Thai dish is done very well here. So is the Tom Ka soup. The duck in red sauce is also delightful. Regulars love the green curry as well. They have good options for vegetarians and also offer some Chinese dishes too. Prices are extremely low and service is nice and efficient. A good choice if you need to be in and out in a hurry. The decor is kitschy with walls covered in Thai artwork.
Recommended for Asian because: This restaurant has been around for quite some time and really does an excellent job of pleasing customers.
Local Expert tip: Visit at off peak hours to nab a parking spot.
This unique, modern restaurant provides a sensual escape for all with its candlelit dining room, rich red walls, sexy Mediterranean sountrack, and Silk Road inspired menu. Tantra's dishes are exotic and flavorful, with selections such as the hummus tahini and sautéed lamb appetizer and the grilled ostrich filet entree. Oh and don't miss the tuna which comes with a lovely edamame hummus. Also make sure to order a side of the cauliflower with a slightly nutty taste. They also offer a variety of "playful libations" to round out the meal. Tantra masters the art of combining exciting tastes with a calming atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.
Recommended for Asian because: Asian includes Chinese, Thai, Japanese and more, but have you ever heard of a restaurants that blends Asian and Mediterranean influences. Tantra does is expertly.
Local Expert tip: This spot is uber sexy making for a great date night!
Located in a strip mall, meander to the the back of the shopping center to get here. This is authentic Szechuan food as you can see by most of the patrons. Try the salt and pepper squid or the spare ribs. Some customer favorites are the Crab meat soup and snow pea leaves as well as the Fish Maw. They have a terrific lunch menu at reasonable prices. Expect to get a portion of food that can feed you for two to three meals for only about seven dollars. Weekends get crowded but waits are not long.
Recommended for Asian because: Many of the regulars you'll see at Canton Cooks are of Chinese heritage. They come here because the food is authentic.
Local Expert tip: Open late night, but curiously, they are closed on Wednesdays.
If Atlanta has only one uber classy Thai restaurant, that restaurant is Nan Thai Fine Dining. As the name suggests, this is very upscale. From the giant golden tamarind to the rattan furniture inside and the servers in their authentic attire, attention to detail is obvious in everything at Nan. It has also has the price tag to match the upscale décor found here. Nan is the sister restaurant to Tamarind Seed. Two of the best dishes on the menu are the Sea Bass and lamb. The midtown location is perfect for those taking in a play after dinner. If you really want to splurge order the Chef's Table at $115 per person and 5 courses.
Recommended for Asian because: It is one of the truly upscale Thai restaurants in the city. Expect to find servers dressed in traditional Thai attire as they wait on you.
Local Expert tip: Seafood lovers should order the sizzling Snapper.
