Padaek is the real deal. I have loved their food for years, was thrilled when they opened this location, which is beautiful inside, as well. I recently returned form a trip to Thailand, and IMHO padaek is on par with Michelin mentioned thai places. In fact, I think the Khao Soi at Padaek is better than Huen Phen in Chiang Mai (if you're tracking the Michelin guide). Chef Seng brings out such beautiful depth of flavor and she doesn't hold back on spices if you ask for things Thai or Lao hot. This place really is a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Georgia Lucas
Food is just as good as the original padaek, plus some new dishes and great cocktails. Next to the original location, it’s the best food in NOVA. Anybody coming here complaining it’s too spicy needs to grow up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
E Hay (ehay2k)
Went for the first time and realized it was restaurant week. Food was great - I had blue catfish in a pumpkin curry. My wife had the ribs. Great flavors and preparation. Service suffered a bit from the restaurant week crowd, but it was fine. Same for the atmosphere - the place was packed and loud. They do have outdoor seating, as well as a covered porch-like area. Would love to sit there next time.
Parking: Located adjacent to a strip mall with a Giant food. No problem parking on a Friday night
Kid-friendliness: Seems like a fine place to bring kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Emily Harris
Delicious food! Restaurant week a little over priced in my opinion, and service was a little slow. Catfish curry wad amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Andy Greenwood
Excellent food and service. Tried the whole chicken dish and was a lot of food for one person. We also tried the crispy basil dish and it was excellent.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Belle Neal
Tum Lao can get an improvement, but overall good foods and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Laab, Pork Grilled Pork, Tum Lao
Ania Sowinska
The crispy fried eggplant salad was excellent.
Vegetarian options: Tofu as a protein option in many dishes, excellent veggies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Tofu
Tony Munoz
2nd time coming and both times food was top notch. Ordered hot tea and it came in literally 14 seconds, i timed it the second time. Found the catfish a little over fried this time. Cocktails should not be missed either. Will be back again! Papaya salad and laab were probably spiciest we got othres are more easily manageable.
Engaging aesthetic, great meal with food available at all spiciness preferences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Valov
I have had the pleasure of dining at Padaek Thai/Lao Restaurant several times from the very opening, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish every time! The food is absolutely phenomenal, thanks to the incredible talents of Michelin Executive Chef Seng and Chef Nyi Nyi. Each dish (and I ha e tried them all) is a perfect blend of flavors, beautifully presented, and truly showcased the rich culinary traditions of Thai and Lao cuisine. The attention to detail in every aspect of the meal is evident, and the chefs' passion for their craft shone through in every bite. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The service is equally impressive—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, adding to the overall experience. If you're looking for an authentic and unforgettable dining experience, Padaek is a must-visit. I can't recommend it highly enough and can't wait to return!
Loved my first visit here. The food was delicious and it's the first time I've had Khao Soi in over 15 years. The last time was in Chiang Mai, where I learned how to make the dish in a cooking class. My only wish is that the price wasn't so high. I remember when our favorite Thai dishes were between $9-$12, but now it's $15-$25. We ordered quite a bit of food for 7 people plus we ordered extra to go and spent over $300. Amazing staff and service was fast and friendly. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Bobby Avstreih
Love the giant paintings and the bright colors. Appetizer tamarind sauces much too sweet!!! Easy to spend a lot of money here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Eric P
This my first time here and as a certified chef, this place will not last in this area. The food is absolutely NOT GOOD! There are so many better Thai and Laotian cuisine places in the area. If you want authentic and amazing Thai and Laotian food don't waste your money on this place! Go to Bangkok 54 it has way BETTER food!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Panang Curry, Laab, Pad PHED, Piimg Muu
S H
I don't understand how this place gets such good reviews. It is SO expensive, I couldn't believe the prices! I wasn't impressed by the food at all. It was bland. Worst Tom Yum soup I have ever had. Bangkok 54 has much better and cheaper food!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Dave Larkin
An outstanding restaurant in the DC area. The Thai-Lao dishes are excellent, mind blowingly excellent. It's also reasonably priced! Service is always prompt, patient, courteous and helpful. (We're talkers and take a long time to order! ?♂️)
Padaek is the real deal. I have loved their food for years, was thrilled when they opened this location, which is beautiful inside, as well. I recently returned form a trip to Thailand, and IMHO padaek is on par with Michelin mentioned thai places. In fact, I think the Khao Soi at Padaek is better than Huen Phen in Chiang Mai (if you're tracking the Michelin guide). Chef Seng brings out such beautiful depth of flavor and she doesn't hold back on spices if you ask for things Thai or Lao hot. This place really is a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is just as good as the original padaek, plus some new dishes and great cocktails. Next to the original location, it’s the best food in NOVA. Anybody coming here complaining it’s too spicy needs to grow up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for the first time and realized it was restaurant week. Food was great - I had blue catfish in a pumpkin curry. My wife had the ribs. Great flavors and preparation. Service suffered a bit from the restaurant week crowd, but it was fine. Same for the atmosphere - the place was packed and loud. They do have outdoor seating, as well as a covered porch-like area. Would love to sit there next time.
Parking: Located adjacent to a strip mall with a Giant food. No problem parking on a Friday night
Kid-friendliness: Seems like a fine place to bring kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Delicious food! Restaurant week a little over priced in my opinion, and service was a little slow. Catfish curry wad amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Excellent food and service. Tried the whole chicken dish and was a lot of food for one person. We also tried the crispy basil dish and it was excellent.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tum Lao can get an improvement, but overall good foods and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Laab, Pork Grilled Pork, Tum Lao
The crispy fried eggplant salad was excellent.
Vegetarian options: Tofu as a protein option in many dishes, excellent veggies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Tofu
2nd time coming and both times food was top notch. Ordered hot tea and it came in literally 14 seconds, i timed it the second time. Found the catfish a little over fried this time. Cocktails should not be missed either. Will be back again! Papaya salad and laab were probably spiciest we got othres are more easily manageable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Laab, Crab Noodles, Beef Jerky, Fried Catfish
Engaging aesthetic, great meal with food available at all spiciness preferences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have had the pleasure of dining at Padaek Thai/Lao Restaurant several times from the very opening, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish every time! The food is absolutely phenomenal, thanks to the incredible talents of Michelin Executive Chef Seng and Chef Nyi Nyi. Each dish (and I ha e tried them all) is a perfect blend of flavors, beautifully presented, and truly showcased the rich culinary traditions of Thai and Lao cuisine. The attention to detail in every aspect of the meal is evident, and the chefs' passion for their craft shone through in every bite. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The service is equally impressive—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, adding to the overall experience. If you're looking for an authentic and unforgettable dining experience, Padaek is a must-visit. I can't recommend it highly enough and can't wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Loved my first visit here. The food was delicious and it's the first time I've had Khao Soi in over 15 years. The last time was in Chiang Mai, where I learned how to make the dish in a cooking class. My only wish is that the price wasn't so high. I remember when our favorite Thai dishes were between $9-$12, but now it's $15-$25. We ordered quite a bit of food for 7 people plus we ordered extra to go and spent over $300. Amazing staff and service was fast and friendly. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Love the giant paintings and the bright colors. Appetizer tamarind sauces much too sweet!!! Easy to spend a lot of money here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
This my first time here and as a certified chef, this place will not last in this area. The food is absolutely NOT GOOD! There are so many better Thai and Laotian cuisine places in the area. If you want authentic and amazing Thai and Laotian food don't waste your money on this place! Go to Bangkok 54 it has way BETTER food!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Panang Curry, Laab, Pad PHED, Piimg Muu
I don't understand how this place gets such good reviews. It is SO expensive, I couldn't believe the prices! I wasn't impressed by the food at all. It was bland. Worst Tom Yum soup I have ever had. Bangkok 54 has much better and cheaper food!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
An outstanding restaurant in the DC area. The Thai-Lao dishes are excellent, mind blowingly excellent. It's also reasonably priced! Service is always prompt, patient, courteous and helpful. (We're talkers and take a long time to order! ?♂️)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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