Wherever your cravings take you in Cleveland, there’s a good chance they’ll lead you to seek out authentic Thai cuisine. As a city with a growing culinary scene, we get how finding the perfect spot can seem overwhelming—so we’re happy to offer this updated guide to the very best.
Lotus Thai House
$ | (216) 371-9575 | WEBSITE
Lotus Thai House celebrates authentic Thai cooking with vibrant murals and warm lighting that make you feel transported. Most importantly for diners, its primary focus is serving traditional favorites, vegetarian options, and careful attention to dietary needs. Try the flavorful chicken red curry served hot with plenty of veggies and rice—we’re still dreaming about the tender chicken satay that comes with peanut sauce.
The dish is so good you’ll want seconds, but by then, you’ll have to literally roll out of this cozy spot.
Siam Cafe
$$ | (216) 361-2323 | WEBSITE
While there’s a host of generic Asian spots around Cleveland, Siam Cafe’s long-standing presence is the best authentic option and the only place where you can get Chinese classics while also enjoying a nice mix of Vietnamese dishes. But unlike at the trendy, fusion-decorated restaurants around town, here you select from a straightforward menu with numbered favorites. Pat yourself on the back for making the proper order of the No.
20 Noodle dish (fresh noodles, savory broth, tender meat, and vegetables), the No. 1 soup, and a refreshing iced tea you can savor at your clean, well-lit table or from the cozy booth by the window.
High Thai’d Cafe
$ | (216) 321-5000 | WEBSITE
High Thai’d Cafe provides the most satisfying take-out Thai food in Cleveland, and it’s perfect for those evenings when you want a flavorful meal without the fuss of dining out. A simple storefront leads into this bustling spot that’s been thriving since the pandemic, where the pad thai and noodle dishes start satisfying cravings as soon as you order. Go for the country pad thai—our top pick from their menu of classics.
It’s just flavorful enough to delight while the perfectly seasoned meat and rich peanut sauce take you to a place of culinary comfort, which will serve you well later when you’re enjoying every last bite at home.
Thai Gourmet
$ | (216) 986-2828 | WEBSITE
When those Thai food cravings hit in Cleveland, Thai Gourmet is the cozy spot that delivers satisfaction. The only thing more authentic than having the name “Thai Gourmet” is serving red curry and basil chicken that taste fresh and flavorful. Although the quaint ambiance could use a lil’ improvement and the atmosphere needs the assist from the friendly staff, we still keep Thai Gourmet in consideration since all the other Thai places lack the variety and vegetarian options.
And if you’re here for delivery, you can snag something from their full menu, like spicy wontons that arrive hot and nice and a side of exceptional Thai cuisine.
Saigon Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (216) 344-2020 | WEBSITE
When that craving for authentic Vietnamese hits after a long day downtown, you might think you’re limited to takeout. But Saigon Restaurant & Bar on E 4th street offers a genuine solution for those evenings when you’re in need of something flavorful and comforting that won’t disappoint like generic Asian fare often does.
While the full dinner rush atmosphere isn’t present at quieter hours, the Pho presents a perfect choice: rich broth simmered to perfection and filled with tender beef and fresh herbs in a steaming bowl. It’s a satisfying way to answer those persistent Vietnamese food cravings.
Brown Sugar Thai Cuisine
$$ | (216) 221-1015 | WEBSITE
The real reason Cleveland food lovers recommend Brown Sugar Thai Cuisine isn’t about authentic Thai cuisine, but for reliable takeout that hits the spot every time. Yes, that’s a bold claim, but we stand by it. A (dare we say) cozy restaurant with friendly staff, Brown Sugar is where you park at the nearby free garage and get lost in their consistently good menu.
For the optimum experience, order the Basil Fried Rice with chicken extra spicy while enjoying their delicious Orange Tofu with white rice and peer down at your phone waiting for that delivery notification.
Banana Blossom Thai Cuisine
$ | (216) 696-5529 | WEBSITE
We’d rather circle the block for fifteen minutes than settle for mediocre takeout, which is why we just head to Banana Blossom if there’s a craving for authentic Thai. Plus, sharing generous plates of coconut sticky rice while soaking up the relaxed, upbeat vibe beats any stuffy fine-dining spot. Since opening, this friendly restaurant has had Clevelanders rearranging their dinner plans for a taste of their standout dishes.
The menu offerings are a highlight, especially since they accommodate various dietary needs with many vegetarian and vegan options. The kitchen also delivers crowd-pleasers like perfectly balanced pad thai, rich yellow curry with salmon, and refreshing papaya salad.
Map of Thailand restaurant
$ | (216) 361-2220 | WEBSITE
If you’re just exploring Cleveland, all you might notice about Map of Thailand is its straightforward menu of pad Thai, curries, and other Thai staples. What we see is a delicious extension of a culinary tradition rooted in Thailand for generations. But the thing we love most about this Cleveland gem is that it doesn’t cut corners in the kitchen.
The forkfuls of authentic delight you get with the Country Style Pad Thai and Massaman curry here in this cozy space is nearly the same as what you’d find in Bangkok—only thing missing is the tropical humidity and street-side bustle. Vicky, the impressive owner-chef, ensures every dish is well-executed, and the fast service keeps things moving smoothly in the clean, well-lit dining room where lunch specials offer excellent value.
Ty Fun Thai Bistro
$$ | (216) 664-1000 | WEBSITE
When we’re craving the best Thai food in Cleveland and need a meal that’ll satisfy a group before a night out, we head straight to Ty Fun Thai Bistro—a popular spot known for its fresh and tasty southeast Asian cuisine. Although the casual and cozy atmosphere doesn’t offer white-tablecloth formality, you’ll still find bright and clean surroundings, speedy and friendly service from the caring owners and staff, and a menu full of flavorful dishes.
Get the Masaman Curry, which comes with your choice of protein and is loaded with rich spices, potatoes, and peanuts, perfectly complemented by a sweet Thai Iced Tea.
Pho and Rice
$ | (216) 563-1122 | WEBSITE
This Vietnamese spot isn’t the only game in town, but they’ve mastered the art of bringing authentic flavors to Cleveland’s west side. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, so if you haven’t yet embraced the suburban pilgrimage this distance might be what seals the deal. But we’d happily make this journey to enjoy a relaxed neighborhood setting as we dive into comforting Vietnamese dishes like their Pho Ga with tender chicken, aromatic broth, and fresh herbs.
If you really want to treat yourself, pair it with their Thai bubble tea for a burst of sweet, creamy refreshment tinged with chewy tapioca pearls. While it’s not quite as bustling as the downtown alternatives, we’d still clear it for takeout.
Thai Kitchen Restaurant
$$ | (216) 226-4450 | WEBSITE
A cozy dining room, a kitchen window to watch as chefs prepare your food, and menu options like khao soi and avocado massaman curry almost make us forget we’re in Cleveland when we eat at Thai Kitchen—although the local regulars chatting at nearby tables provide a helpful reminder. Hit this authentic Thai spot when you’re craving comfort food because service doesn’t exactly reach lightning speeds.
But spending time with a bowl of coconut noodle soup and one last generous serving of pad see ew before heading home always feels like a win.