There's no shame in asking for a mild dish at the best Thai restaurants in Toronto. These spots bring the heat with their authentic, flavourful Thai cuisine, but many of them allow diners to customize their spice level — and offer vegetarian and vegan iterations as well. With plenty of protein options from seafood and chicken to tofu, and loads of veggies along with rice and noodles, Thai food offers a myriad of choices for different palates.
Like Chinese restaurants and Filipino restaurants in Toronto, Thai restaurants have also blown up in popularity in recent years, expanding far beyond the westernized fast-casual takeout spots. Now, Toronto's authentic Thai restaurants are topping lists of the best restaurants in the city and being recognized as favourites on the Michelin Guide. In Toronto, diners have become more open to trying a variety of cuisines from the diverse cultures that make up the city's population, and it shows in the breadth of options that we're so lucky to have.
From barbecue joints to fine dining establishments, Toronto's Thai restaurants run the gamut. Find authentic traditional dishes, modern takes on the classics and more — often paired with excellent cocktails and great bar programs — at the best Thai restaurants in the city.
8 of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto
1. Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Multiple locations
Since opening, Pai has grown from a popular spot to a Toronto staple. Chef Nuit Regular’s Thai cuisine is as authentic as they come — she’s even been recognized by the government of Thailand for it. Tuck into creamy khao soi, flavourful gaeng panang or the famous Chef Nuit Pad Thai in the small downtown or sprawling uptown location, both decorated with colourful flags.
2. Favorites Thai BBQ
141 Ossington Ave.
Rounded doorways, terrazzo floors and a pink neon glow set the scene at this cute hole in the wall on Ossington that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand two years in a row. Here, charred meat and veggies are grilled over sumi charcoal, craft cocktails offer creative takes on the classics and the lengthy wine list reps Canada, Italy and Spain.
3. Kiin
326 Adelaide St. W.
Around the corner from sister spot, Pai, this casual fine dining restaurant is inspired by royal Thai cuisine. Chef Nuit Regular’s eight-course or 15-course dinner tasting menu showcases the diversity of dishes from across Thailand. Both menus can also be made vegan. Add on a wine and sake pairing for the full experience or sip cocktails.
4. Khao San Road
11 Charlotte St.
Tucked down a sidestreet in the Entertainment District, Khoa San Road is a two-story Thai restaurant brought to life with punchy art, a wall of colourful tiles and hanging flags. Authentic Thai dishes can be customized to suit guests’ dietary restrictions and spice tolerance from “no spice” to “extreme Thai spicy.” They have an entire vegan menu for our plant-based pals.
5. Imm Thai Kitchen
651 College St.
View on Instagram
Colourful cocktails and impressively plated dishes aren’t just for show at Imm Thai Kitchen. Their authentic Thai cuisine is some of the best in the city. Find all of your favourites on the robust menu, from fresh rolls and mango salad to red and green curry, pad Thai, stir fry and fried rice. It’s all served in a vibey spot with an exposed brick mural and bistro lights hanging overhead.
6. Salad King
Multiple locations
View on Instagram
Don’t let the name fool you — this iconic restaurant dating back to the 1980s is a full-blown Thai restaurant. After changing hands twice, Salad King has been owned by the same duo for 30 years and recently expanded to a second location. If their longevity doesn’t win you over, their beautiful-yet-casual interior design and menu of noodles and homemade curries sure will.
7. Thai Barn Na
Multiple locations
View on Instagram
West-enders can get their fill of authentic Thai food at Thai Barn Na’s Etobicoke and new Mississauga locations. The family-run restaurant offers vegan, gluten-free and halal options, and lets diners choose their spice level. Dig into heaping portions of noodles, fried rice, curries and stir fry, but try to save room for desserts like butterfly pea coconut tapioca.
8. Chao Lay
Delivery only
While Chao Lay isn't technically a restaurant, this vendor on Cookin serves some of the best homemade Thai fare in the city. The food delivery app connects hungry customers with professional home chefs who are making exceptional cuisine — and Chao Lay is no exception. Order classic dishes that have been reinvented with a twist, like creamy pad see ew truffle with seared wild scallops, or classics like street pad Thai shrimp from the seafood-forward menu.
