Always an incredible meal, cannot recommend enough.
Young Lee
Overpriced, but the service and atmosphere are 5/5 each. But food is okay. Just my two cents after spending $200 in lunch.
Jordyn
11/10. Laab, dumplings, crab curry, squid appetizer, all to die for. Save room for dessert.
Leah W.
Everyone was super kind—really gentle and welcoming staff. Our waitress was amazing and helped us build a whole feast. The stir fry? So good. The lamb shank curry? Unreal. Grilled chicken entrée? I’d get it again… maybe without the chicken foot next time. That kind of threw my girlfriend off and we ended up leaving early because she was seriously skeeved out. I’m a Kentucky girl, so I wasn’t too bothered—probably would’ve taken a nibble if it didn’t totally kill the vibe. Not sure if that’s a common surprise for folks, but I can see it catching people off guard. Other than that, I’d eat here every night if reservations were easier to snag! 10 out of 10🤘
Erik Baker
The food was as delisious as we hoped it would be. The service was spot on and very professional. Just a little slow at times but I think they allowed us to sit without being bothered. Cocktails were perfect. Bartender delivered the drinks and each one was perfectly balanced. Overall excited and would definately go back.
Lamar
Back in mid-May, I stopped into Kalaya after hearing solid reports about it. I got to test the Shaw Muang (Flower shaped dumplings), Laab Ped (ground duck salad), Gaeng Pae (Goat and Lamb curry), and the Goong Thod Kluae (Wok-fried Prawns). Look, this Thai place is off the charts, but it is expensive, so be prepared for that. The Shaw Muang is a burst of flavor with the chicken stuffed inside and topped with a pepper to give it a zing. The Laab Ped has one of the most complex flavor profiles that I've had, and it is a spicy salad with duck, freshness, and crunchy textures throughout the dish. I could honestly eat three of these and call it a meal. :) The Gaeng Pae is a phenomenal goat and lamb curry dish with deep spicy flavors. Finally, the Goong Thod Kluae had a dynamite sauce the prawn was sitting in, that I wish I asked for more of. This place had very friendly servers, a beautiful atmosphere, and not one dish that I would rate less than 5. Great presentation and serious execution.
Karissa Pousson
One of the best places in Philly. Nok puts extreme care into her restaurant and the quality exudes through the front and back of house.
Lucy
This place has become a ripoff
Duck salad was too spicy. Not enjoyable. The softshell shrimp was a measly portion. The cabbage side dish was pretty good but a little too sweet. Overall, I think this is the last time we’ll be going to Kalaya. It was just too expensive for what you get. Although the Atmosphere and the service were phenomenal. Lychee soda was really good, so may consider coming back for a drink in the future.
Ping Regis
The Taste of Trang tasting menu for our party of 8 is now one of the top dining experiences I have in my life! The staff are exceptional, making us feel welcomed, thoroughly explaining the menu without interfering with personal convs, and checking on us to ensure everything was perfect.
The dining room was packed and lively without being too noisy. Even at our large table we had an easy time speaking to each other and plenty of space. There were groups of all sizes and even a few solo diners enjoying meals all around. People dressed up and also in nice but casual fits!
Each course of the menu was so wonderfully thought out. It truly took us through a journey of flavors and combinations. Everyone in our party loved a different portion the most. For me, the balance of spice, sweet, and sour were the most fun! My friends loved the branzino, the tofu, mushrooms, the beautiful dumplings BLEW OUR MINDS with how unexpected their flavor and richness were! In this city, you can find many different and good dumplings, but none are like the ones at Kalaya. Even the pickled mushrooms were amazing!
I could write a whole news article with how much I loved this experience. You gotta try it! And if you go... can I come with? I can't wait until my friends and I all get together again to try the other dishes!
Vegetarian options: Even the meat-lovers collided their utensils over the tofu and vegetarian dishes! The whole menu is spectacular, you can't go wrong if you're looking for well-thought and considered vegetarian items!
Dietary restrictions: The staff were very careful to ask if we had any dietary restrictions and make recommendations and slight adjustments based on them (we had a pescatarian and a vegetarian that received small modified dishes!)
Parking: There are paid parking options from 3rd parties all around the neighborhood. Limited street parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Khao Pad Poo, Tom Yum Goong Mae Num Pla Kra Pong, Shaw Muang, Sauce, Goong Ob Woon Sen, Shaw Muang Dumplings, Pu Pad Pong Karee, Coconut Shaved Ice, Gui Chai, Whole Branzino, Tiramisu, Jui Guay Dumplings, Salad
Megan Reiss
Kalaya has become our favorite restaurant in the city! We love the atmosphere here. The service is always incredible, and the food is outstanding. Phoebe, the GM here is lovely. You can tell she genuinely cares about the service provided! Highly recommend coming to Kalaya!
If you can, you should come. It's amazing in every aspect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emil Yao
Fresh, tasty and authentic Thai cuisine. Beautiful decor and open/bright dinning room. AMAZING service!! The only downside is a bit pricy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Julia
The whole experience was great! From drinks, to the food, to the service everything was amazing. I have been wanting to come here for awhile and they lived up to every expectation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ken Baum
First time here for an anniversary dinner. Reservations required. We were seated within 5 minutes of arrival. I really enjoyed sharing the unique Thai dishes that are unlike other Thai restaurants. Enjoyed several curries, dumplings and the shaved ice dessert.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Mindlin
Kalaya promised a night of unforgettable flavors and aesthetics, with an ambiance and service that initially set the stage for a memorable meal. The cocktails, in particular, were a strong start, showcasing the restaurant's knack for mixology; the Lum Yong was refreshing and unique, and the reposado shots were a nice addition to the experience. Our waitress was the embodiment of hospitality—attentive without being intrusive, and kind-hearted in every interaction. Service moved at a perfect pace throughout the evening. The setting itself was captivating, with an atmosphere that immediately immerses you in a sense of vibrancy and warmth.
But the magic, unfortunately, ended with the drinks and service. Where Kalaya truly missed the mark was in the food—an area that should be the core of any dining experience.
The first course, Shaw Muang dumplings, held promise with their pleasant kick of spice. However, a dipping sauce would have tied the flavors together into a harmonious bite. The second course, the Laab Hed salad, was a highlight, delivering a well-balanced and thoughtful arrangement of flavors that stood out from the rest of the meal. It was the one dish that felt fully realized.
From there, the meal became a study in lost potential. The Gai Golae chicken was well-cooked, but tasted like an overly dressed barbecue chicken—good, but not remarkable. Its messy nature required a hands-on approach, which would have been fine if wet wipes had been provided. Thankfully, our waitress graciously brought warm linens upon request.
Then came the Nua Tod & Som Tom ribeye. Although the meat itself was skillfully prepared, the broth it was served in fell flat, lacking depth and leaving the dish somewhat lifeless. By the time the Pu Pad Pong Karee arrived, expectations were low but the visual presentation still managed to excite. Unfortunately, one bite was all it took to reveal a deep mismatch between the stunning appearance and the disappointing taste.
Dessert, a Thai Tea Tiramisu, closed out the night. It was a decent but uninspired ending that merely confirmed what had already become evident: Kalaya's strength lies in style and presentation, but somewhere along the way, they lost sight of substance.
The biggest disappointment was the illusion that each dish could offer something extraordinary—only for the flavors to fall dramatically short. It’s a place with charm, outstanding cocktails, and lovely service, but in the end, Kalaya’s beautiful plates remain just that—beautiful, but lacking the soul of an unforgettable meal.
Always an incredible meal, cannot recommend enough.
Overpriced, but the service and atmosphere are 5/5 each. But food is okay. Just my two cents after spending $200 in lunch.
11/10. Laab, dumplings, crab curry, squid appetizer, all to die for. Save room for dessert.
Everyone was super kind—really gentle and welcoming staff. Our waitress was amazing and helped us build a whole feast. The stir fry? So good. The lamb shank curry? Unreal. Grilled chicken entrée? I’d get it again… maybe without the chicken foot next time. That kind of threw my girlfriend off and we ended up leaving early because she was seriously skeeved out. I’m a Kentucky girl, so I wasn’t too bothered—probably would’ve taken a nibble if it didn’t totally kill the vibe. Not sure if that’s a common surprise for folks, but I can see it catching people off guard. Other than that, I’d eat here every night if reservations were easier to snag! 10 out of 10🤘
The food was as delisious as we hoped it would be. The service was spot on and very professional. Just a little slow at times but I think they allowed us to sit without being bothered. Cocktails were perfect. Bartender delivered the drinks and each one was perfectly balanced. Overall excited and would definately go back.
Back in mid-May, I stopped into Kalaya after hearing solid reports about it. I got to test the Shaw Muang (Flower shaped dumplings), Laab Ped (ground duck salad), Gaeng Pae (Goat and Lamb curry), and the Goong Thod Kluae (Wok-fried Prawns). Look, this Thai place is off the charts, but it is expensive, so be prepared for that. The Shaw Muang is a burst of flavor with the chicken stuffed inside and topped with a pepper to give it a zing.
The Laab Ped has one of the most complex flavor profiles that I've had, and it is a spicy salad with duck, freshness, and crunchy textures throughout the dish. I could honestly eat three of these and call it a meal. :) The Gaeng Pae is a phenomenal goat and lamb curry dish with deep spicy flavors. Finally, the Goong Thod Kluae had a dynamite sauce the prawn was sitting in, that I wish I asked for more of. This place had very friendly servers, a beautiful atmosphere, and not one dish that I would rate less than 5. Great presentation and serious execution.
One of the best places in Philly. Nok puts extreme care into her restaurant and the quality exudes through the front and back of house.
This place has become a ripoff
Duck salad was too spicy. Not enjoyable. The softshell shrimp was a measly portion. The cabbage side dish was pretty good but a little too sweet. Overall, I think this is the last time we’ll be going to Kalaya. It was just too expensive for what you get. Although the Atmosphere and the service were phenomenal. Lychee soda was really good, so may consider coming back for a drink in the future.
The Taste of Trang tasting menu for our party of 8 is now one of the top dining experiences I have in my life! The staff are exceptional, making us feel welcomed, thoroughly explaining the menu without interfering with personal convs, and checking on us to ensure everything was perfect.
The dining room was packed and lively without being too noisy. Even at our large table we had an easy time speaking to each other and plenty of space. There were groups of all sizes and even a few solo diners enjoying meals all around. People dressed up and also in nice but casual fits!
Each course of the menu was so wonderfully thought out. It truly took us through a journey of flavors and combinations. Everyone in our party loved a different portion the most. For me, the balance of spice, sweet, and sour were the most fun! My friends loved the branzino, the tofu, mushrooms, the beautiful dumplings BLEW OUR MINDS with how unexpected their flavor and richness were! In this city, you can find many different and good dumplings, but none are like the ones at Kalaya. Even the pickled mushrooms were amazing!
I could write a whole news article with how much I loved this experience. You gotta try it! And if you go... can I come with? I can't wait until my friends and I all get together again to try the other dishes!
Vegetarian options: Even the meat-lovers collided their utensils over the tofu and vegetarian dishes! The whole menu is spectacular, you can't go wrong if you're looking for well-thought and considered vegetarian items!
Dietary restrictions: The staff were very careful to ask if we had any dietary restrictions and make recommendations and slight adjustments based on them (we had a pescatarian and a vegetarian that received small modified dishes!)
Parking: There are paid parking options from 3rd parties all around the neighborhood. Limited street parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Khao Pad Poo, Tom Yum Goong Mae Num Pla Kra Pong, Shaw Muang, Sauce, Goong Ob Woon Sen, Shaw Muang Dumplings, Pu Pad Pong Karee, Coconut Shaved Ice, Gui Chai, Whole Branzino, Tiramisu, Jui Guay Dumplings, Salad
Kalaya has become our favorite restaurant in the city! We love the atmosphere here. The service is always incredible, and the food is outstanding. Phoebe, the GM here is lovely. You can tell she genuinely cares about the service provided! Highly recommend coming to Kalaya!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
If you can, you should come. It's amazing in every aspect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fresh, tasty and authentic Thai cuisine.
Beautiful decor and open/bright dinning room. AMAZING service!!
The only downside is a bit pricy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The whole experience was great! From drinks, to the food, to the service everything was amazing. I have been wanting to come here for awhile and they lived up to every expectation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time here for an anniversary dinner. Reservations required. We were seated within 5 minutes of arrival. I really enjoyed sharing the unique Thai dishes that are unlike other Thai restaurants. Enjoyed several curries, dumplings and the shaved ice dessert.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kalaya promised a night of unforgettable flavors and aesthetics, with an ambiance and service that initially set the stage for a memorable meal. The cocktails, in particular, were a strong start, showcasing the restaurant's knack for mixology; the Lum Yong was refreshing and unique, and the reposado shots were a nice addition to the experience. Our waitress was the embodiment of hospitality—attentive without being intrusive, and kind-hearted in every interaction. Service moved at a perfect pace throughout the evening. The setting itself was captivating, with an atmosphere that immediately immerses you in a sense of vibrancy and warmth.
But the magic, unfortunately, ended with the drinks and service. Where Kalaya truly missed the mark was in the food—an area that should be the core of any dining experience.
The first course, Shaw Muang dumplings, held promise with their pleasant kick of spice. However, a dipping sauce would have tied the flavors together into a harmonious bite. The second course, the Laab Hed salad, was a highlight, delivering a well-balanced and thoughtful arrangement of flavors that stood out from the rest of the meal. It was the one dish that felt fully realized.
From there, the meal became a study in lost potential. The Gai Golae chicken was well-cooked, but tasted like an overly dressed barbecue chicken—good, but not remarkable. Its messy nature required a hands-on approach, which would have been fine if wet wipes had been provided. Thankfully, our waitress graciously brought warm linens upon request.
Then came the Nua Tod & Som Tom ribeye. Although the meat itself was skillfully prepared, the broth it was served in fell flat, lacking depth and leaving the dish somewhat lifeless. By the time the Pu Pad Pong Karee arrived, expectations were low but the visual presentation still managed to excite. Unfortunately, one bite was all it took to reveal a deep mismatch between the stunning appearance and the disappointing taste.
Dessert, a Thai Tea Tiramisu, closed out the night. It was a decent but uninspired ending that merely confirmed what had already become evident: Kalaya's strength lies in style and presentation, but somewhere along the way, they lost sight of substance.
The biggest disappointment was the illusion that each dish could offer something extraordinary—only for the flavors to fall dramatically short. It’s a place with charm, outstanding cocktails, and lovely service, but in the end, Kalaya’s beautiful plates remain just that—beautiful, but lacking the soul of an unforgettable meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
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