We went to Gai Noi for dinner last Saturday, August 8, and had a wonderful time. We got to the restaurant around 7PM. The line outside looked intimidating but we told them any table would do. We were told that the wait is 20 min. but was seated after only 10 min. wait. We ordered the egg & basil fried rice, crispy tofu, Laab Seen (beef) , Fried Walleye, and Curry. Everything we ordered was delicious. I appreciate the added 18% reflected in the price so no surprise and the waitstaff earned their 18% tip. The dining room is cozy and clean. We loved our experience at Gai Noi. read more

Stopped in for a little happy hour & some bites and was absolutely blown away! The happy hour deals are great and we started with some cocktails; all their cocktails are premixed and on tap and the flavors are balanced perfectly. We ordered some dishes to share and it was the perfect amount between 3 people. The laab seen was delicious and flavorful, paired well with the vegetables and house hot sauces that were provided. The curry fried rice packed a punch with its spice in the best way, and I definitely want to come back for more of it. We were huge fans of the basil wings, and these were the winners of the night. Served with deep fried jalepeno slices, these wings were to die for! They're perfectly crispy and seasoned to perfection. Can't wait to come back with more people so we can try more dishes! This is definitely a spot to do some family style sampling of all the different delicious plates they have. Our server was knowledgeable and very kind; they shared their recommendations with us and we are so thankful. We were also sat upstairs and what a gorgeous space it is! So many beautiful plants and the skylights make it into a lovely green haven. read more

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I always recommend Gai noi to anyone visiting the area. There are so many classic options packed with flavor, and great vegetarian options. All the laarb options - tofu, chicken, and beef are refreshing, spicy, sour, and sweet. Pad Thai always blows people away and ends up as the #1 order. The staff were incredibly diligent and helpful, trying to make the experience the best. read more

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As much as I loved Gai Noi, I don't think I'll ever be eating here again. Last night for dinner we sat on the patio upstairs. Unfortunately so did a family (or three families) of mice. It was absolutely horrifying how many mice were scurrying around by our feet. I counted more than 6. Given the fact that GN opens those doors, I know the mice have infiltrated the inside as well. Even the people that worked there were stomping their feet as they came out to get all the mice away. This is a huge problem and needs to get fixed ASAP. We quickly packed up our food and left. read more

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Came here a year ago, and it was just as good - actually even better - than I remembered. We came late on a Thursday evening and had no problem getting seated immediately. I did not realize how larger the restaurant during my previous visit! Not only is there an upstairs section, but the upstairs has different areas. Our servers were friendly and attentive, but also let us stay to finish our meal after the kitchen closed and they were cleaning up. I appreciate not feeling rushed. Now for the food - ordered the basil wings again, and it was as good as i remembered. the fried basil! I think that all chicken wings should be like this. Can't go wrong with the fried green beans. I also loved the Jeow eggplant. It was so flavorful - it was a small amount, it punched way above its weight in terms of flavor. We also ordered the Mok Paa. The fish is very flavorful. Really liked the large amount of dill flavoring it, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the texture of the thick sauce. For our carb/entree, we ordered the tum noodles. I thought that this was a bit unremarkable compared to the other things we ordered. Or perhaps because this came out last and we were already quite full by this point. Heavy on the tarmarind and fish sauce. It seemed a bit stringy in texture. read more

Gai Noi was a great spot! It's a bit hyped up (and has lines so beware) but was very good. FOOD: Very enjoyable and well priced. See photos. SERVICE: met/exceeded our expectations and was a very pleasant experience AMBIANCE: bustling but not too loud. Comfortable. Overall I enjoyed this restaurant and if not for the wait time/logistics, would be back more often! read more

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Outstanding option for happy hour and dinner in Minneapolis. I've gone with friends, clients, and coworkers and highly recommend. Highlights on the menu include the cocktails, the tofu (an absolute favorite), and the green beans. Almost everything I've had has been delicious and flavorful. Service is generally friendly and attentive. It's a huge space with many different dining areas with different vibes. Definitely enjoy the rooftop if you can. Also great options for private events! One favorite thing: they are great about labeling for dietary needs which I really appreciate read more

The vibes here are so so cute and staff are super friendly! Got a bunch of dishes to share family style. What I really love is that this place isn't afraid of pungent and strong flavors which is exactly what I'm looking for when I'm trying to get Laotian food. The sausage was a little bit dry but loved the flavor. Can't wait to come back and try more things! read more

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Came with a group on Friday night and sat on the patio. Our server, Serena was phenomenal! Very kind and made good recommendations and some warnings (that we should have heeded). The rooftop vibe was very cozy and cute, especially at night. We tried a variety of meals and enjoyed everything, aside from the green papaya, which Serena had tried to gently warn us about, saying it can be funky. But my friend had tried it before, so she thought she would enjoy it (not our favorite). We as a group did love the Thai tea, yellow curry, fried tofu, pad thai, and egg & basil fried rice! Everything was phenomenal, aside from that green papaya dish, which wasn't bad just not for us! The tips are included here, which is an interesting business model but makes it easy to pay! We'll be back for sure! read more

Gai Noi - Yellow Curry - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nice location near Loring Park. Trendy spot, reservations probably a must. Parking could be a challenge as it's limited to a small lot and street. Staff were sweet, food was delicious. We weren't aware that random dishes would just come out when they're done, which was fine, just new to us. read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wow exceptional dining experience. This is my first time in Minneapolis and I have to point out how impressed I am by the quality and diversity of food here. Our friend from Minneapolis recommended this place and I am so happy he did. Everything we ordered was a hit - our favorites including the basil wings, fried rice, laab and khao poon gai. The spice here is real and we definitely leaned in. Everything was so flavorful and fresh and I am so happy we shared everything. It was a great time. We sat upstairs and had a great view of the park. Service was great. Everyone's moods seemed so high especially on Monday. Highly recommend to go with your food friend(s) and try a little of everything! read more

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Holy smokes. First off, the place is huge - table for 2 on a Friday night on a place that doesn't take reservations... we thought we'd be toast but NO ... zero wait at all. We sat outside and it was well shaded and despite being hot out we didn't feel it that bad. And then the food - one of the more difficult ordering experiences recently because there was so much we wanted but only so much we knew we could eat. We got the basil wings, drunken undon, laab seen, and pork fried rice... not a single bad bite across everything we ate. Someone of the crispest wings I've ever had ... good crunch and wet juicy insides.... The udon was DRUNK as hell and deliciously tangy The laab was so good... we need more sliced beef ... minty fresh and so good with the lettuce wraps and sticky rice Then the pork fried rice... great fried rice with pork belly AND sausage? Get out of town. This feel like the kind of place you could come to weekly and have a different meal each time. read more

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This restaurant was a short distance from an event we went too. The place had a nice vibe with plants on the top floor. The service was great. My personal favorite was the noodle dish. It was sweet with a little savory. The bathrooms were clean. It was an overall good experience. The dishes are shareable depending on your preference. read more

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If you're only ordering one bowl at Gai Noi, make it the Khao Soi. The Khao Soi is everything you want in Northern Thai comfort food--rich coconut curry broth with just the right amount of spice, incredibly tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and a fresh cabbage slaw that adds the perfect crunch. A squeeze of lime brightens the whole bowl and keeps every bite balanced. What I love most is how layered the flavors are. It's creamy, savory, a little spicy, and somehow still feels light enough that you keep going back for another bite. Gai Noi continues to prove why it's one of the Twin Cities' best restaurants, and this dish is a perfect example of why. This is the kind of bowl you'll be craving before you even leave the restaurant. read more

Gai Noi - Khao Soi--rich coconut curry broth, tender braised meat, silky noodles, and fresh cabbage with a squeeze of lime. Comfort in a bowl. - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Went here when it first opened and I thought it was ok Gave it another chance since they've had a few years to improve. Dont get me wrong this was good but I was not as impressed as I feel like most people are. Nothing had a large amount of packed flavor and was all one noted flavor. Service was ok but it wasn't busy when we went and they didn't really check on us much. read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Overall, it was an okay experience. The food was flavorful and tasty, but everything was extremely salty. We actually had to order an extra serving of rice to balance out the flavors. The desserts were definitely the highlight and are worth trying. I'd probably come back for the desserts, but I hope they can tone down the saltiness in the main dishes. read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I start with my one regret lol which was paying for parking - if you are willing to walk like five minutes, there's free street parking to be found near the famous cathedral/basilica nearby. Either way, the food was good and we had a delightful lunch here. The drunken udon was flavorful (I do love udon) and the basil wings were flavorful and crispy. Lowkey the fried veggie garnishes that came with the basil wings were even better, which is not a dig at the wings but a testament to they seasoned and fried those garnishes so well. The dole whip was a pretty green color but a skip for us (and my boyfriend has a sweet tooth / loves a sweet drink aka a piña colada but found this whatever). It's also very cute in here and we chose to eat upstairs which was a lovely vibe. read more

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I was in Minneapolis for a work conference three weeks ago. My colleagues and I enjoyed our last sit-down dinner at Gai Noi. This was my foodie destination dinner spot. I'd read about the restaurant and wanted to try a few of their Laotian dishes on the menu. We ordered a bunch of dishes and ate family style so we could try a little of everything. Below is what we ordered as a group: -- Crispy Pork Belly (this was a hit at the table) -- Laab Seen with Sticky Rice (like a meat salad - I liked this a lot) -- Mok Paa (steamed white fish in banana leaf - aromatics off the charts good) -- Peanut Noodles -- Lemongrass Chicken Skewers (thumbs up) -- Pad See Ew (thai fav of one colleague) -- Yellow Curry with Chicken & Jasmine Rice -- Mango Cremeux (always leave room for dessert - light and tasty) If you dine here, please be aware that there is an 18% Service Charge that is added to all orders. 100% of this charge is paid to the service team as additional wages. read more

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I had the most incredible Lao/Thai dishes today. Definitely might've been the best calamari I've ever had in my life. The squid was very fresh and it was not robbery or not chewy it was literally the perfect texture. I absolutely love the pad Thai here. It is so delicious. It does not come with protein and there's no protein option. It just comes as with the eggs, scallions and bean sprouts. I can't wait to come back here and try the fried tofu and some of the other skewers. There's only metered parking in this area. The parking lot next to the restaurant is not their parking lot. It is a pay lot only. The service was spectacular, very attentive and not too pushy. The interior is very dark small it does have an upstairs however I dined at the bar in the main room main entrance. read more

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The crispy tofu here is life changing. Just WOW! Likewise, their drunken udon noodles were beyond fantastic. Their patio is lovely on a warm summer evening. Truthfully I wasn't a fan of their Thai tea but I'm not a big fan of super sweet drinks. read more

Great experience! We went for lunch and chose to sit under the covered outdoor patio, but the space is so large there are tons of seating options and all were available. Split a few dishes, I would say the mango sticky rice and lemongrass chicken skewers were the stars of the lunchtime show. Service was great and explained the menu and spice level well. Would definitely go back to try more of the menu! read more

Gai Noi - Mango sticky rice! - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nobody should be surprised that Gai Noi is this good, but it just is. Having been here a couple of times now, it continually exceeds expectations. The food - amazing, vibes - immaculate, service - stellar. There really isn't a "wrong" choice here, and I love shaking it up from time-to-time. My only downside is the parking situation, but that could be said about anything in Loring Park. Plan ahead, be patient, and you're golden. read more

One of my favorite spots for Lao and Thai food. The flavors here are incredibly unique, every dish feels thoughtful and packed with authenticity. The atmosphere is just as impressive as the food -- the upstairs dining room and patio are filled with lush greenery and offer amazing views that make the whole experience feel special. Everything comes out beautifully plated, and you can tell there's so much care put into each dish. It's usually busy (for good reason), so if there's a wait, grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the vibe while you wait for your table! read more

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Decided to try out this place with my sister and at first we didn't have a good impression. You're not allowed to do any modifications such as adding protein or adjusting spice level (there was no spice, they do offer red pepper on the side which i was never given) I was not fond of the prices at first especially that it includes the service charge but after trying the food, it was well portioned and flavorful which changed my mind only a bit. Our server expressed it well that the restaurant recommends and have it set up as a "family style" dinner to share with each other but we didn't even get the dish to share the soup. We didn't think the portions are shareable among a family either. I did not like how I had to order sticky rice for my $20 laab, I would expect it would come with it, even jasmine rice would be okay. We requested pad thai to-go for my partner and found out we could not add any protein with it which was disappointing. We also tried to order 2 sticky mango rice which was on their dessert menu but to be told that mangos aren't in season. (it is still in season..) so we ended up ordering the mango cremeux which was okay. With the included service charge I would expect we would be able to modify some changes to our dishes such as spice. My server offered bringing me a side of red pepper but I was never given in the end. I'm just surprised because I love lao food so much especially for its spice levels, but this place doesn't offer that. Overall, I won't go back here as I don't think it's worth the price (service charge is understandable so not in that regard). I think they cater to a certain crowd more and like to keep things simple as there's no modifications. They also don't have a phone number for contact as my sister and I wanted to call ahead since we were driving from a city a few hours away. We felt like we were better off ordering if they had a kiosk if the service was not as involved. The atmosphere is nice but it's very loud and hard to talk with others. read more

Gai Noi is an excellent place to come and share plates family style with a few other folks! This is my second time coming and I appreciate the consistency in quality throughout the years. The dining rooms are all beautiful and the food is flavored wonderfully. I wish the portions were just slightly larger, but other than that you can depend on Gai Noi for a great meal! read more

One of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities! I love the atmosphere and the waitstaff are always very friendly.

Oh heck yes!! Please can I eat the lunch special everyday of the week?? And let me tell you how much I love places including tip!! I freaking love it!! Especially because our service from Megan was superb!! Like it was so so so good!! I loved the green curry even though my lip felt like it was going to burn off. The flavors were so fresh! And, I didn't get the yellow because I don't like potatoes in my curry and I like the vegetables better in the green one. The lunch platter had white rice, two gyozas, one cream cheese wonton and slaw. The star dish was the mango sticky rice for dessert!! I haven't eaten a dessert that good in a while! Mango perfectly ripened, rice with the perfect amount of sweetness, like so so so good! Getting hungry just thinking about it!! read more

Gai Noi - Mango sticky rice - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I looove Gai Noi! The authentic Laotian cuisine paired with the elegant, lush vibes is always amazing here! You don't need a reservation, which is nice, but parking can get kinda packed--just something to keep in mind. It was such a beautiful day out, so my family and I stopped by for some mocktails and a few small bites. We ordered our go-to favorites: the green beans and basil wings, both tempura-fried and coated in their signature dry rub. Absolute chef's kiss--rich, tangy, and perfectly spiced! We also tried the crispy pork belly, which was deliciously crunchy and savory. My only note is that the portion was rather small. For drinks, I had the Pineapple Butterfly, which was sweet and refreshing, while my husband enjoyed the Guava Mule. I highly recommend Gai Noi--great food, drinks, and just an all-around good vibe. read more

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Look y'all. I'm from Louisiana so when someone from Louisiana say the seasoning on point, trust and believe it's on point. The service was excellent. The server was very attentive and pleasant. I was there a little early for dinner but the ambiance was quiet, comfortable, and genuine. I typically don't get two fried dishes but I wanted to try the Crispy Pork Belly and the Basil Wings. Listen, let me tell you. If you have a standard on seasoned food that incorporates spices, these dishes were on point. Everything was lightly coated, fried and well.... Very tasty. Although fried, it was not overly battered which I appreciated. I'm a wing person. This is now my top wing spot because they were very well seasoned throughout with a crispy outer crust, also seasoned but not salty. If and when I return to Minneapolis, this most definitely is a place to return for me. Now, if you're a cocktail aficionado, their cocktails are worth trying. I would rate them a 9.8 out of 10. I could easily return just for the cocktails. read more

Gai Noi - Crispy Pork Belly without the skin. I appreciate that. It bring fried was enough fat :) - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Really excellent food, ambiance and service all around. The restaurant itself is huge. We opted to sit outside on their patio. I'm not familiar with Laotian food, but I found it to be identical to Thai food. I had questions about dairy in their food and the kind server brought out a huge binder with all of their menu items and their allergens. read more

A memorable mean in Minnesota. I saw this place recommended from TikTok before my trip and it did not disappoint. Everything was delicious! We had a late reservation and the place was still pretty crowded! It's got a chill vibe - great place for dinner and drinks with friends. We ordered so much food and everything was delicious, we ended up having leftovers that we took home and ate in the hotel a few days later. I would definitely come back here if im ever in this area again! read more

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Went here recently during a visit. Ambiance is good. Food is good. Service is good. The negative, and why I rate it a 3 is because they force gratuity/service charges, but do NOT go above and beyond. And mind you 18% is already above standard gratuity. Tired of all these restaurants thinking 18% is the baseline. If STEM careers dont offer 18% as a standard bonus, what makes you think you deserve that? Basically, the waiter did not offer to pack the left overs. At steakhouse like Mortons, Flemmings, Ruthrchris, etc they offer to pack the food and do NOT expect that high of a gratuity. Other than the lack of above and beyond service, the rest is acceptable. Basically the service charge does not align with the service provided. Below expectations would be the rating in the end. read more

Gai Noi is the real deal. The restaurant does not disappoint in food, service or ambiance. Whenever I have folks visiting from out of town this is a staple. The 2 dishes that I always order are 1. Basil Wings 2. Tofu Snack. The basil wings are known for being a stand out star but the tofu snack gives it a run for its money as an underdog in a menu crowded with gems & variety. Go explore read more

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Highly recommended from the Visitor's Center (Meet Minneapolis). Everything was great! We now have recommended to multiple others while in town! Got the green beans which were battered, fried, and coated in a dry rub. Also got steak laab - great and complex flavors. Served more "lettuce wrap" style. Other people seemed to be enjoying their food too; made us want to order more ;) Go to the rooftop if you can. Prices include an auto-gratity. read more

If you're looking for a flavorful, unique dining experience in Minneapolis, Gai Noi absolutely delivers. Every dish we tried felt intentional, fresh, and packed with personality. The restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere with lots of wicker and woody designs. We started with the gai basil, which made the perfect appetizer, flavorful, slightly spicy, and surprisingly fresh. It set the tone for the rest of the meal in the best way. The peanut noodles were a standout for me. They had this creamy, almost carbonara like texture, but with a subtle sweetness and crunch that made them really memorable and different from your typical noodle dish. The basil wings were easily a highlight, super crispy with tons of flavor in the breading. They had this lemony, spicy kick that made them hard to stop eating. For our main, we had the red curry with jasmine rice, which leaned on the milder side. It had a gentle sweetness with gingery notes and bamboo that made it feel comforting without being too heavy. To drink, the guava mule (mocktail) was fresh and tropical, light, refreshing, and a great balance to the richness of some of the dishes. Overall, Gai Noi feels like a place where every dish is thoughtfully crafted, with bold flavors and a menu that's fun to explore. It's perfect for sharing plates and trying a little bit of everything. read more

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Been to Gai Noi a few times, including for a private tasting event through the Minneapolis Community Education. Food has been pretty great every visit. The latest visit was this past Friday for an early dinner (before 6pm) with friends before going to a performance at Orchestra Hall. One of our friends arrived early so she hung out in the bar area and put our name of the list for a table. We were lucky that our table was ready when we all arrived because it was the busiest I have seen Gai Noi (probably because it was a very warm Friday eventing) in mid-March. Keep in mind that Gai Noi is walk-in only, no reservations unless for a private party/event. Our group got a variety of dishes to share and it was delicious! We also liked sitting in the top floor of the building because it has a lot of nice decor and natural light. Our server was super friendly and helpful. However, it felt like everything took some time because he was pretty busy managing many tables. Highly recommend Gai Noi for the delicious food and great atmosphere. read more

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I loved my experience at Gai Noi! There was a long line for a table around 530pm on a Friday, but luckily there were several spots available at the bar top which was first come first serve for food & drinks. We started off with cocktails - the passionfruit punch was delicious. The menu is designed for shared plates so its fun to try several items to share. We ordered the crispy wings which were as described - perfectly crispy - and topped with fried jalapeños. Also not pictured (because it was so good) was the crispy pork belly - yum! We ordered the peanut noodles as a main dish which had incredible flavor. read more

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I love the peanut butter noodles here and the vibe is great too. Great Asian fusion blend.

This is one of the most upscale Thai/Lao restaurant with delicious and authentic cuisine from our culture. We love every dish on the menu! Service was incredible - our server was friendly, attentive and took such great care of us. The vibe is comfortable, family friendly, accommodating for a big group and the decor is just lovely. They have the best cocktail drinks! We had the Mok Paa, Pad Thai, Jalapeno Wontons, Khao Poun Gai, Fried Walleye, Laab Gai, and lots of sticky rice. Everything was perfect and so delicious! Highly recommend this spot!! **Something to note: this is a no-tipping restaurant and an 18% gratuity charge is added to the price of each entree. read more

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I love the food and drinks here so so much. I think my friends get sick of me saying this is where we should go ! So go go go go go to Gai Noi. read more