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First time here, tried the crying tiger and pad thai. What stood out to me was the interior, prob one of the most aesthetic thai restaurant in this area. The interior was modern and even the bathroom was beautiful. The crying tiger was very tasty, good tenderness but the portion was too small based off the $40 price tag. Pad thai wasnt over oily, it was good as well. Servers were attentive and nice. On the more expensive side but would come back
Great place if you're looking for an ambient lighting and aesthetic dining. Like some of the other comments mentioned they only have few vegetarian meal options like the curries. But their noodles dishes do have oyster/fish sauce, which is pescatarian friendly but not vegetarian (if you are a strict vegetarian) friendly. However, the server did explain this to us after asking for my party's dietary restrictions. So I am happy that they did voice this before we ordered, unlike some other restaurants that just say they can't guarantee everything is vegetarian. Other than that, I loved their cocktail options and the roti + curry was flavorful! Would probably not come back again due to my own dietary restrictions but great for those who aren't strict vegetarians.
Overall, this place was okay. Love the location in Orchard Hills but this plaza definitely needs more stores. It's almost like a ghost town past the Pavilions store. When walking inside, this place was beautiful. Love the dark themed vibe and tall ceilings. I have to say, it's pleasantly clean and the service was very good. We ordered the thai sausages and papaya salad for appetizers. The sausages were really flavorful. I just wished that they were cut better and provided more garlic. The salad had great seasoning, though I don't get the presentation with the wooden stick inside. Also, I never had it with raw green beans, which gave off a weird raw veggie flavor. For mains, we ordered the panang curry with chicken and the pad thai with shrimp. The curry was nice and aromatic, flavor was great. However, nothing mind-blowing. The pad thai however, was probably one of the better ones I've had. The noodles were very chewy and the flavor was fantastic. The shrimp was nice and plump, absolutely nailed. We ended with the mango sticky rice, which was delicious. I would want to give this a higher rating but my issue was the price and this is on top of the 4% surcharge they include. It's probably one of the higher price spots in the area for humble thai food. Also, it's a little weird that they have to act like a fine dining spot. There was absolutely nothing different other than serving the food in fancy bowls and plates. I do like the no children for dinner policy... probably should post it on the door though rather than just the website haha.
The Tom Yum soup was absolutely delicious! The broth had the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors without being overwhelming. You could really taste the lemongrass, lime, and herbs, and everything tasted fresh. It was comforting but still packed with flavor. Definitely one of the better Tom Yum soups I've had, and I'd order it again!
Nara Thai does an amazing job with both flavor and presentation. The Som Tum was beautifully plated, colorful, and fresh, making it just as enjoyable to look at as it was to eat. The Lobster Red Curry was another standout, presented elegantly with generous pieces of lobster and a rich, vibrant curry that made the dish feel truly special. Overall, a beautiful dining experience where the presentation complements the food perfectly.
I went on a Tuesday evening and while the food tasted good and the ambiance is nice, the service was extremely disappointing. When my husband and I arrived, we waited for over 5 minutes at the front for someone to acknowledge and assist us. Once we were seated, it took almost 30 minutes to get our shared appetizer. Then my husband's meal came out 10 minutes before mine and so he was done before I started eating. We paid around $115 for two meals, an appetizer, and one drink. For the price I expected better service and will unfortunately not be coming back as a result.
Amazing food! I got the namtok filet mignon and I loved it! Great flavors that comes with either a jasmine rice or sticky rice with coconut flavor. The service is great and super friendly. Nice ambience as well.
The best Thai food we have had, it was so worth the hour drive! It will now become our go to spot! The shrimp rolls were absolutely delicious , and the pad Thai amazing !
I came here for a date and it was so amazing! My boyfriend and I loved the ambiance and the food was delicious. We also really enjoyed the service that our server Angelita provided, she was very attentive and kind!
The food was absolutely delicious! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Highly recommend this restaurant!
Nara Thai is an upscale Thai restaurant in Irvine that opened in 2023. It has an elevated and high-end atmosphere with an intimate ambiance. When we walked in I really liked the dim lighting and the candles everywhere. We made reservations online ahead of time and were seated immediately for a party of two. THAI ESARN SAUSAGE ($14) - this was flavorful and I loved the char. I also liked the varying accompaniments like garlic, lime, and chilis for added flavors. This was my favorite dish. 4.5/5 THAI STYLE FRIED CHICKEN ($17) - this was crispy and I liked the sweet chili dipping sauce. There were only four pieces and I wish there were more given the price. 4/5 CRYING TIGER FILET ($40) - we ordered medium rare and it was slightly undercooked and chewy but the flavor was decent. It was also super spicy (for us) and addicting because of the nam jim jaew. I thought it was the star of the dish but I would've preferred they put the sauce on the side instead of drizzling it all over the meat so I could control the spiciness. 3.5/5 DRUNKEN NOODLES ($23) - we ordered it mild and were told it was a 2-3/10 on the spice level. There was a decent spice and I thought this dish was just okay. 3.5/5 For cocktails the yuzu offering ($18) and butterfly bloom ($18) were light and refreshing. The green aura ($16) was one-dimensional and just okay. I noticed that some of their cocktails were either soju-based (no hard liquor) or were non-alcoholic (although not explicitly mentioned) so beware when you read the ingredients. We also ordered the thai iced tea ($8) which was more tea-forward than others I've had. It was not as sweet and had hints of sweetened condensed milk instead of the typical heavy cream. It was one of the better ones I've had at restaurants. We finished with Nara's mango sticky rice ($17) which looked cool and was decent. Some of the dishes were flavorful while some were more disappointing. The cocktails were just okay. The prices were on the high side and some of the portions didn't match those prices. The interior was really cool and is a great spot for a nice night out.
The ambiance and food were great, along with friendly service have made our dining experience memorable.
9 months ago
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Michael A.
Thank you for dining with us and for taking the time to share your…
8 months ago
Been here a few times but didn't get to review it until now. Love the place very cozy and inviting. Always great service. The food I say is one of the best Thai I have experienced. It's very flavorful and just the right spices. But unfortunately I noticed that the quantity of the food has decreased significantly. The price does not do justice to the amount of food you are getting now. I mean soup we got was good for only one person and the rest is good for two people. I mean their food is delicious no doubt. But the quantity is not the same anymore. read more
1 year ago
Very unhappy with this restaurant. We had 5 people, and they charged a 20% "large party" tip without telling us when we made the reservation. The portion sizes were also extremely small -- a $42 steak came with only five pieces of meat. We also ordered a to-go order and waited 20 minutes, but it was still not ready. When we asked to cancel, they refused. To make things worse, they also charged a 20% tip and a 4% "restaurant support" fee on that to-go order. I've never seen a restaurant charge an extra 24% on top of the bill without clearly informing customers. They don't tell you when you walk in or make a reservation -- it's just hidden in fine print on the menu. So please, read the fine print carefully before dining here. If you don't want to pay an extra 24% and still leave hungry after waiting over 30 minutes for your food, I do not recommend this place. read more
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Michael A.
Response from Nara Thai Kitchen:…
1 month ago
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Michael A.
We’re very sorry this happened, especially on your anniversary. Our…
8 months ago
The inside was soo pretty and aesthetic! Perfect for pictures. The food was also so yummy, we got the green Thai iced tea, drunken noodles, and crying tiger filet. I could eat a whole plate of the drunken noodles myself- it was that good! read more
8 months ago
Changing my review because the owner was extremely kind in his response. The food here is still a 10/10! read more
Business owner information
Michael A.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re truly glad to hear you…
Nara Thai Kitchen provides and upscale Thai dining experience. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the elegant ambiance -- warm lighting, tasteful décor, and a refined atmosphere that leans more toward fine dining than casual eatery. It's definitely the kind of place where you'd want to dress nicely and expect the same from your dining companions (including well-behaved kids). The service was polite -- attentive without being intrusive, and friendly. Our server made great recommendations and was happy to explain ingredients and spice levels (medium for me, please!). We started with the Tom Kha soup, which was rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced between creamy coconut and tart lemongrass -- comfort in a bowl. For the main courses, we shared the steamed Chilean sea bass, which was incredibly tender and infused with a delicate blend of herbs, and the Panang curry with shrimp, which was full of bold, nutty flavor and had just the right amount of heat. Overall, Nara Thai delivers a sophisticated experience with authentic, high-quality dishes. It's perfect for a date night, special occasion, or a classy dinner out. read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
Overall, food quality and taste was great. As was the ambiance. However, the prices compared to the amount of food given was extremely off. For only having ordered two appetizers and 2 entrees, I was shocked at how much we spent. The portion sizes were very small, so I don't recommend sharing with more than one person. The Tom Kha soup was super good but again, shocked at how small this soup was. It was more of a personal size. The cocktails were all good, especially the Lychee Mojito, however, all of their drinks here are sake based, but still the price of a normal alcoholic cocktail elsewhere. read more
More like a 3.7 star than 4 but I can't figure out how to do half stars lol anyway food quality and portion was amazing. The massaman curry and green curry we loved with their brown rice. Short rib in massaman curry was an interesting twist but too much fat on the ribs. Service also could be better with only one server... ambiance was super cute tho I feel like if it wasnt in a parking lot they could get so much traction. Most Thai spots never have nice ambiance so pleasantly surprised with interior decor; brown wooden vibes cool wood piece tables. Bathroom dark and sultry. Loved ambiance. also one of the best Thai iced teas I've had!! wish their menu did have dumplings tho lol read more
2 years ago
Just an overall nice place with a good ambience and food--I liked the decor and their bathroom feels like you're inside a fancy spa. The food is pretty tasty but I can see why people have some reservations about the amount of food in comparison with the price. We got the panang curry and fried rice with beef and we to-go tom kha. All the dishes are tasty and I don't think you can go wrong. The curry is filling but yes, I'd have to say the fried rice was more like a shareable amount in my opinion. We added beef to the fried rice and while the beef is very tender, the amount you get is not much and the current menu for adding beef is an extra $18. Basically a bougie place that sells Thai food--I think it's worth a try and it seems like the people in that area enjoy coming here for a date or girls' lunch. read more
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Michael A.
Thank you for your review; we use the finest ingredients in all of…
1 year ago
This place is so nice and the food is soooo good. The Thai Jerky was ridiculous good. I ate it all myself. And I had to get my favorite Drunken Noodle with filet. Sooo good. I just sat here taking my time drinking Singha enjoying the nice atmosphere and great service! read more
Nara Thai Kitchen is an upscale Thai eatery focusing on delicious food, aesthetic presentation, and amazing ambiance. This spot is located in the Orchard Hills plaza where there is a good amount of parking spots. Wifey and I made reservations for our anniversary dinner and were seated right away upon arrival. Inside, they have about 7-8 tables for seating surrounded by boho chic tulum-inspired decor. The dimly lit lighting in tandem with the decor made for a very nice and romantic atmosphere. As for their menu, they have all the Thai staples with some upscale twists along with some more imaginative Thai inspired dishes. We opted to try the Thai Style Fried Chicken, Tom Yum Fried Rice with Filet Mignon, and Pad Thai with Black Tiger Shrimp for our dishes and a Thai Iced Tea and Nara Thai Lime Tea for our drinks. To top it all off, we got the Fried Roti with Mango Sorbet for our dessert. Everything we had was beyond flavorful and delicious. The portion sizes were great for sharing and every bite was as delicious as the last! Overall, I would definitely recommend this spot for your next dinner date or for a more upscale environment for your next hangout with friends/family. All of the staff here are very friendly and accommodating. We will definitely be back forsure! read more
1 year ago
10 months ago
Complex flavor profiles and high end ambience. Our waitress Grace had some great suggestions from the menu. Massaman curry and lettuce wraps were excellent. Wonderful experience read more
3 months ago
Business owner information
Michael A.
This made our night to read. So glad your date night was a hit and…
9 months ago
Love this place! Nice service, nice vibe, and the food was super authentic. I feel like this is a perfect spot to catch up with friends! definitely coming back! read more
5 months ago
This is a good Thai restaurant in Irvine. When you walk in the decor is beautiful boho chic and inviting. First glance at the menu, they offer many traditional Thai cuisines, and also if you have a gluten intolerance they are able to accommodate. Unfortunately, after speaking to the server she didn't recommend dining with them if you have any other allergies such as sesame (we asked for the future if we ever wanted to bring our children). We started with the Tom Yum and the chicken satay. The Tom Yum was delicious and full of flavor, and so was the satay. For our main course we ordered the shrimp Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and the Beef Short Rib Massaman. The pad Thai and pad see ew could use some more flavor, but it wasn't bad. Unfortunately, the short rib I didn't love. The beef was not tender at all, but the curry was good. The food was more on the pricey side, but I think you are paying more for the ambiance and presentation. I would come back and try different things on the menu. read more
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Michael A.
Thank you for your feedback. Please ask for the manager on your next…
This place is so pretty and beautiful and I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately, the food is okay. The service is okay as well. I ordered green curry which comes with egg plants, but I didn't get any eggplants and they brought another dish out and I was too full by that time and it was just alright. We also ordered tom kha, but the flavors weren't as good as other places I've been and we also ordered pad se ew and it was just alright. It's also interesting they make you pay extra for all kind of proteins. Even for tofu! I wish I would say I would be back, maybe in the future one day. I am glad I got to try it though read more
3 months ago
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Michael A.
So glad you gave us another try after the earlier reservation mix-up.…
3 months ago
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Michael A.
Love hearing this. We’re so glad the curry and mango sticky rice hit…
5 months ago
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Michael A.
Thank you for your feedback. Thai coffee, much like Vietnamese…
Coming here, make sure you're aware of the prices and what you might be paying. I'll base my review entirely off the food because it's given that this place is on the pricier end. I got the moo ping pork skewers, Thai fried rice (shrimp), and pad see ew (chicken) just north of $90. Every dish had the "wok hei" aka smokey flavor that I look for in Thai food. The gorgeous ambiance and price might throw you off to think it lacks authenticity, but the flavors here were well done and very deeply seasoned. We liked the pad see ew the best and the vegetables were cooked down, noodles seasoned and nicely oiled, and chicken that was not dry. Moo peng skewers had that grill taste, and the sauce was like a sharper, more citrusy Vietnamese fish sauce which I liked. Fried rice had really apparent wok hei and was also seasoned nicely and not bland. Overall, the food here is good! But if you're willing to pay the price. Service was great, thanks for dining us. read more
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Michael A.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful review! We’re delighted…
4 months ago
1 year ago
Food and service were amazing! Came here with one of my friends for her birthday. Ambiance / Interior is definitely a plus as well. Would definitely recommend the Tom Yum Fried Rice & Massaman Curry. I wish I heard about the place sooner !! read more
1 year ago
3 months ago
Business owner information
Michael A.
Love hearing this. The pad kaprow is a favorite, so we’re glad it hit…
1 year ago
7 months ago
Had a great first experience with out family! The drinks were yummy, the food delicious & presentation was lovely & fresh. The service was excellent, the servers were also kind & attentive. Such a cute vibey place. Will definitely be coming back again another time. Thank you! read more
1 year ago
Nara Thai ( In Orchard Hills Shopping Center) has quickly become one of our favorite restaurants in Irvine--we find ourselves coming back almost every week. Tonight, being a Friday night, we brought the whole family along once again and finally have time to write about our experiences! We ordered four dishes, Thai flied rice, curry with angers beef, papaya salad,...each beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The four drinks we tried were vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavor: Thai Pink Milk Drink, Mango Soda, Thai Ice tea. The moment you step inside Nara Thai, it feels like you've been transported straight to Thailand. Every detail in the decor--from the tables and lamps to the wine rack and wall art--reflects the owner's thoughtfulness and passion. Even the restroom is immaculate, with the feel of a 4-star hotel! The dining experience is elevated by high-quality plates, utensils, candlelight, and above all, attentive service. The staff knows the menu inside and out and provides genuinely warm hospitality. It's worth every penny to enjoy such a well-rounded, flavorful experience with friends or family. We wouldn't hesitate to give it a full 5 stars! read more
2 years ago
Been going to Nara Thai in the Orchard Hills plaza as it has great quality Thai cuisine + service, and the interior is gorgeously arranged with dim but warm lighting, a very chic and an ambient mood for a dinner. Their dishes are all very flavorful with varying levels of spice, and they can be pricey as it is more on the upscale end of Thai restaurants in OC. My family always loves their Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodle, Som Tum/Papaya Salad but also liked their Beef Short Rib Massaman Curry - it was on the sweeter side with fragrant spices, and the beef was a little tough but could be cooked a little less next time. In regards to the price, the portion is a bit small so probably will check out their other entrees as well on our next visit! read more
2 years ago
The food was tasty but the price doesn't match the portion... I only ordered 3 sides but the portions I received are ridiculously small. I'm not sure if it's a $$ restaurant. It might be $$$$$$$... I am feeling a deceived by the online ordering. Edit: The owner replied that the inflated prices are through third party services but I actually placed the order directly through their website. read more
Business owner information
Michael A.
As you might not know, online orders are controlled via a 3rd party;…
6 months ago
Business owner information
Michael A.
We’re sorry you feel that way we use high-quality products Angus beef…
4 months ago
2 years ago
I experienced Nara Thai with a friend in June 2024. Nara Thai is located in Irvine off Portola in the Orchard Hills Shopping Center. The vibe is like a modern, upscale Thai spot. Super cute for a first date, lunch meeting or if you're just craving Thai food. We ordered pad Thai and curry. Both 5/5 I've been to Thailand a few times, so I feel like I can say I know what good Thai food is :) The dishes here are flavorful and you can tell they really focus on the presentation. The prices are a bit on the higher end for Thai food. Otherwise, service is attentive and professional. read more
1 year ago
3 months ago
Business owner information
Michael A.
Love hearing your first visit was a 10/10. Our team works hard to…
1 year ago
We had an amazing experience here! Tofu green and chk red curry were absolutely delicious perfectly balanced flavors and just the right amount of spice. Everything else we ordered was also fantastic. We were celebrating a friend's birthday, and the staff made it feel extra special. Dessert was yummy. Highly recommend! read more
More info about Nara Thai Kitchen
3931 Portola Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92602
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(949) 822-8799
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https://www.narathaikitchen.com
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