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

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

We were staying down town for a conference and wanted something we couldn't get at home. So glad we found this place. We arrived early (5) and got a table, but by 6 it was pretty full. The waiter suggested the Basil wings which were perfectly crispy and the fried jalapenos and basil were outstanding. The peanut noodles were really flavorful and I liked the laab gai (chicken lettuce wraps - though next time I'd probably get the beef). The cocktails we tried were all unique and very tasty. So happy we found this spot and would recommend it to anyone. 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 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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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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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 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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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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Normally I have laab with sticky rice but the beef laab came with just the right amount of lettuce to pair with. The sticky rice is still great texture and was great for soaking up the sauce. Panang spaghetti is a fun twist, and the dish was spice-forward. The pad Thai was unexpectedly so good, especially if you like extra peanuts and bean sprouts - and the waiter brought extra lime wedges unprompted (mvp) I've sat in the regular dining, patio, and atrium and they have all been great (not sure how accessible it is - but going up a few flights of stairs are required for the patio or atrium seating). read more

I've been coming to Gai Noi regularly since they opened several years ago, and they NEVER miss. The mocktails are just as yummy as the cocktails. The food is flavorful, shareable, and satisfying. Perfect for groups or date night! Note that your whole party does need to be there to get seated and parking can be a bit tricky if the lot next to the building is full. Give yourself time to get there and get ready for a great meal. read more

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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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THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE!! We were visiting from out of town and were recommended this restaurant and we are so happy we came. All the entrees we received were delicious and came out quickly. The waitress warned us about how spicy each dish was and we are glad we went with her recommendations. The space is massive with a downstairs and upstairs and both are beautiful. Wish we could come more often or had a place like this back home. It's a MUST try! read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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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The restaurant is busy and you will wait when you get there during prime time. Things are controlled and you can monitor the wait list. They have a walk up bar area for you to keep your blood alcohol elevated with superb drinks such as the lemongrass Collins and the star fruit Margaritas. The food was exceptional. If they have the watermelon salad get it. Watermelon with spicy fish flake embed topping. The laab was spicy and hard to stop eating. The noodle dishes are also full of spice and flavor. A great meal. read more

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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We went for dinner and ordered a lot of yummy food! The food came out pretty fast one by one. Everything tasted great! I also tried their Passionfruit Punch cocktail and that was also pretty good. My favorite was the basil wings! Love the dry rub and mayo sauce that came with it! read more

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My friends have been raving about this place, and I finally got to try during a recent visit back to Minneapolis. Southeast Asian food is where the Minneapolis food scene really shines, and Gai Noi did not disappoint. We were having a leisurely weekend day, so dropped by the restaurant around 4:30 in the afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner (lunner?). This worked out well in our favor, because we were seated right away, without the customary wait at peak hours, because this place does not take reservations. The restaurant interior is very interesting and is divided in multiple areas which almost feel like different restaurants. We were originally seated in a dark cozy corner, but noticed there was a beautiful sunroom on the second floor which was not yet full, and thankfully, were able to transfer over there for a more beautiful sunlit dining experience (so definitely ask!). We ordered drinks (my friend a cocktail, and me a Thai tea), a rice dish with minced chicken and an egg, a noodle soup dish, salmon skewer, and an eggplant sauce which came with sticky rice as a side. Everything was well made and delicious, although the fish sauce and lemongrass were quite overpowering in the noodle dish for us, and we did not finish it. The rice dish is our absolute favorite (my friend's standing order). The salmon skewer was well cooked, but in my opinion, the skewer flavors probably went better with other meat options, and overall was nothing to write home about. The eggplant sauce portion was very small, which we were initially very perplexed by, but it turned out to be very flavorful and spicy (in a good way), that the portion size turned out to be perfect, not to mention a pair perfectly with the sticky rice it came with in a very cute bamboo container. Our server told us to think of it like a salsa we could add to everything, and it was perfect. Overall, excellent experience although some food items were clearly better than others. (This is of course a preference thing. We saw Penang spaghetti was very popular amongst the other guests, but my friend did not like that at all the last time she was here.) Our bill came out to about $50 per person, which seemed reasonable for the experience. (Something like Hot Grainz in my mind is a similar type of cuisine, at a more affordable price). Will be back! Street parking (we were luckily able to snag a place right in front of the restaurant). I think coming during off peak is definitely a great idea if you can be flexible. read more

Food was delicious! I just wish they had more of a selection of filling dishes. Most dishes were more like appetizers, even the main entrees. read more

Gai Noi - Chocolate Cremeux and Mango Cremeux - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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 absolutely love Gai Noi- if I lived closer I would be getting this at least once a week. They don't take reservations which I honestly really like! The tables open up pretty quickly! The service is always top tier and there's constantly servers, managers, and staff asking if everything tastes good and if they can get you anything else. For drinks we got the Star Fruit Margarita and Over the Horizon. Food- basil wings. Literally a 100/10- best wings ever!! Pork fried rice- perfect flavor and so yummy! Seasoned fried beef- so flavorful and really good with or without the sauce! I love how open and big the tables are on every floor. It never feels crowded and everything feels so welcoming. I love coming here because they serve the food as family style! read more

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One of my favorite TC restaurants- great food, quick service, lovely spot. Parking can be tricky but otherwise go here and try one of everything. read more

I have been meaning to try this restaurant for MONTHS! I was a little apprehensive because they didn't take reservations and I live 45 minutes outside of town, but good news is they have plenty of seating and my friend and I were able to get seated within 10 minutes of getting there! The menu is robust! I had a hard time deciding what I wanted but went with the infamous basil wings, green curry noodles and wontons. The wings were well worth the wait and are so good! They were fried but not too heavy which I always struggle with when eating fried food. The wontons were not great. Could have done without those. The green curry noodle was the perfect entre and I was so happy with it! Perfect for a cold Friday evening meal and it hit the spot! There is so much more I want to try so will be back! Tucked into the Loring Park neighborhood, the restaurant itself was buzzing and so cozy. I felt very at home and loved it! Will be back!!! read more

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I was nervous about this restaurant not taking reservations, but I shouldn't have been. Plenty of seating and got in right away. Really fast service and attentive. Absolutely incredible food, will be back! Fun place to come during a Minnesota winter as it feels tropical and warm inside. read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Got the sticky rice and the gai basil it was so yummy!! perfect amount of spiciness. Definitely reccomend!!

This restaurant doesn't take reservations and is huge but still gets packed, so go at a time when you're able to wait for a table! It's so cute inside here, I love the second level that had the beautiful windows. For a drink I got the Thai tea, which I don't think I would get again. Food: - Basil Wings (9.4/10): One of my favorite things to get at their restaurants. The dry rub is spicy and delicious. Love that it comes with fried peppers too - Jalapeño wontons (8.7/10): the star of this is the pineapple sauce imo! So good - Drunken Noodle (6.6/10): The noodles were cooked well however, I didn't like the tamarind sauce on it - Gai Basil (7.1/10): Not my favorite Thai basil chicken type of dish - Mango Custard (9.3/10): Light and refreshing! Perfect end to the meal read more

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Food was excellent; I was blown away by how light and crispy all the fried food was (not oily at all!). Flavors were all very strong and almost every dish had a bit of a kick to it. Highlight for me was definitely the basil wings. Don't skip dessert! read more

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Gai Noi was a delicious experience! I remember when the restaurant 4 Bells used to be in the same location. Gai Noi maintained some of the same fixtures like the round silver suspended balls from the ceiling as decorative accents. We went here for dinner and the website says they do not take any reservations so we walked in and got promptly seated upstairs. There was a large party on one side of the restaurant. Upstairs had a great view with the greenhouse style ceiling allowed light to come in from the patio and the sky. My companion loves everything on this menu but we decided to share the Basil Wings which is very popular and the Sticky rice. Both delicious! Basil Wings- Well seasoned piping hot and full of halepeno peppers Sticky rice- Cute presentation, small portion so needed to order a second serving. For my main course, I had the green curry! Now this was a large portion that I can consign on. It was wholesome and very well favored. The aroma was devine. read more

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

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Ate here for work hosting a guest. Started at the bar while waiting for a table. Appreciated that the barkeep let us try the drinks, as the ones they had were on tap (cocktails on tap) so they couldn't whip up something custom. We had the pork fried rice, green tofu curry, wings, drunken noodles, and a lamb salad. All were fantastic, my fave was the curry. We ate on the patio, and except for a few minutes when the sun was in my eyes it was perfect. Server was great, and prices reasonable. Highly recommend. read more

Gai Noi has become my go-to restaurant when I'm in Minneapolis. The place is always bustling and has a great vibe. I've tried most of their sides and everything is incredible. The basil wings are a must have. The egg rolls and dip have become my new favorites. For entrees, I've gotten to enjoy the curry rice. It's hearty, filling, and packed full of flavor. read more

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I've been to Gai Noi a handful of times and each experience is always pleasant. The service is great and the food is great. The fried green beans, seasoned fried beef, pad Thai, and green curry noodles were so delicious. For dessert we had the Mango Cremeaux which is an absolute must try! Portions are great for sharing. The restaurant is very nice. The only downside is its walk in only and parking can be tough depending on how busy it is. read more

Gai Noi - Mango Cremeaux - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I went with a group of five, and we split seven items: two appetizers and five entrees. The basil wings and crispy pork belly were ok but nothing special (3.5/5) . The pork belly was more just crispy pieces than meat. The mok paa was interesting but not something I would get again (3.5/5). The lab seen was pretty good and was the favorite for a few people at our table; it surprised me with how flavorful it was (4.5/5). The mee tom yum was also quite good and was slightly spicy (4.5/5). The red curry with chicken was my favorite (4.5/5); I was surprised how good the potato was with the curry. We were still a little hungry after the first four, so we got the drunken udon, which was also great (4.5/5). Overall, I would pass on appetizers and get more entrees. The service was great; they did a good job of helping us select dishes and keeping our drinks filled (4.5/5). Also, we got our check immediately when we asked for it. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, but it is pretty big. The interior is quite nice (4.5/5), and it looks like they have a nice balcony. I'm excited to come back again and try more dishes. read more

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So delicious! My second time coming to Gai Noi and they did not disappoint. They don't take reservations but we were able to walk in on a Sunday evening for a party of 5 and got seated right away. The top floor is stunning with greenery everywhere and a skylight roof. The food is also served family style, and while portions may look a little small, we were actually quite full. The Mak Po was delicious but also quite spicy, so keep that in mind. The chicken skewers were so juicy and flavorful, the sauce it was paired with was perfect. The beef laab was tart, salty, and very nutty from the sesame seeds. My favorite was the pork fried rice! Will be back. read more

Service is always good. Food is delicious. I order either the red curry or green curry whenever I've gone. It's so good and clean tasting. Great, distinct flavor between the two dishes. The red curry has just the right touch of oil while the green is lighter. Vegetarian egg roles are a hit and so is the fried rice. Food is ordered a la carte. The menu is simple. You won't get a huge variety of items or vastly different cuisine. Drinks are awesome too. I love the watermelon and dill '75 and the jungle bird riff. Came for lunch once and discovered they don't have coffee or tea so that'll be an excuse to try the great coffee shop in back adjacent to the parking lot, Fawkes Alley Coffee. Decor has a traditional Thai aesthetic. The place is large with 2 floors. The stairway and upper level is beautifully decorated and more opulent looking. There is cafeteria style seating and a rooftop for the summer months. read more

Gai Noi - Green curry with chicken - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Visited Gai Noi while I was on a work trip in Minneapolis and I was pleasantly surprised at how popular this restaurant is! I loved how their menu is a mix of Thai and Laotian cuisine with a modern twist. I ordered one of their beef specials and a Thai tea. The Thai tea wasn't too sweet which I appreciated and my entree serving was HUGE! Conveniently located a few blocks away from the convention center, Gai Noi is a wonderful restaurant to try if you have a big group or looking for a unique date night! read more

Gai Noi - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Although the food is delicious and unique, it's a bit salty and too spicy for us. Service and ambience are great. Will revisit and ask for less salt & spice if possible read more

I'd been wanting to try Gai Noi for years, so my friend and I planned a pre-show dinner here. I arrived a little early, so I grabbed a seat at the bar. The ambiance was great. I ordered the Over the Horizon cocktail purely because it listed fish sauce as an ingredient. I love fish sauce, but in a drink?? Curiosity won. I couldn't actually taste the fish sauce, but the cocktail itself was delicious. I ordered the crispy fried tofu and it was so good. My friend ended up trying it too and shockingly enjoyed it, even though tofu has historically been outside of her comfort zone. Once she arrived, we moved out to the patio. They apparently have multiple patios. One was rented out for a wedding (congrats to those people), but our patio still had great vibes. My friend ordered the basil wings and was extremely happy with them. I went big and ordered the Panang Spaghetti, Green Papaya, sticky rice, and a side sauce recommended by our server. I originally asked for fish sauce, and she was like, "Trust me, try this instead," and it was the right call. I wish I remembered the name, but it was incredible--salty, funky, perfect. My friend tried it and said it "tasted like a lake," which is somehow accurate and still a compliment in my world. The Panang Spaghetti was the star of the night--unique, rich, flavorful, and honestly just a fun dish. My friend said it was a little spicy, but I survived just fine, which is impressive because my spice tolerance is... humble. I'd 100% order it again. The Green Papaya, however, was not my favorite. Not terrible, just... aggressively okay. Next time I'll go for the cucumbers--they seem like the emotionally stable sibling. Dessert was the Mango Cremeux, and WOW. Light, refreshing, and so good. We both loved it. Our server was great. But also, Josh, the manager, made it an extra special experience. He was checking on tables all around the restaurant and provided excellent service for us. I've been thinking about coming back ever since. I recently tried their sister restaurant, Khaluna, and it was phenomenal too. Gai Noi and Khaluna share restaurant DNA with Lat-14 and the now-closed Lemongrass, which I still mourn like a fallen hero. Whoever owns these places knows exactly what they're doing. I can't wait to come back to Gai Noi - I'm taking my husband with next time. I know he will love it as much as I do. 10/10 recommend. read more

Gai Noi - Over the Horizon - Desserts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Gai Noi surpassed our high expectations! It's a beautiful space that feels both sophisticated and cozy, modern and classic. I wish we had gotten to see more of it! The patrons ranged from well-dressed couples on a date night to people in Halloween costumes with their kids. It's the sort of restaurant experience you can make your own. The service was friendly and prompt. I appreciated that the staff had their own sense of style that was unique to them while still being professional. It made the experience feel welcoming! The tip (18%) is included in the menu prices, which is SO nice, especially since the prices are very reasonable considering the quality and quantity of the food. And the food--oh my god, the food! We started off strong with a Guava Mule Mocktail, which was as refreshing as it sounds! We got the pad thai, the pad see ew, and the basil wings. All of it was incredible. Flavorful, fresh, and comforting. The basil wings, which are topped with fries basil and jalepenos, are a MUST. My date and I agreed that they were the best fried food we've ever had. I don't even like jalepenos and I devoured them! One of the best restaurant experiences I've had all year. read more

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