Unearth The Voyage
Florida’s culinary scene isn’t just about Cuban sandwiches and Key lime pie, hidden among the palm trees are authentic Thai restaurants that locals adore. From bustling Miami to quiet Gainesville, these family-run spots serve up fragrant curries, tangy papaya salads, and noodle bowls that transport you straight to Bangkok. Whether you’re craving a cozy date night or a quick lunch escape, these six Thai gems deliver big flavors in welcoming, unforgettable settings.
1. Lung Yai Thai Tapas — Miami (Little Havana)
Michelin inspectors keep returning to this Little Havana hotspot, and it’s easy to see why. Lung Yai packs bold, street-market energy into a snug dining room where every dish arrives buzzing with flavor. Closed Mondays, the restaurant transforms the rest of the week into a parade of tamarind-glazed ribs, fiery curries, and crispy fish cakes.
Tapas-style portions mean you can sample half the menu without loosening your belt. Servers move fast, the music hums, and tables turn quickly—yet nobody feels rushed. Regulars swear by the crab fried rice and the tom yum that tingles on your tongue long after the last spoonful.
2. Krungthep Tea Time — Winter Park (Orlando area)
Imagine biting into a sandwich where gra-prow basil meets melted cheese, or tom yum paste sneaks into a grilled-chicken panini. Krungthep Tea Time reimagines Thai classics as handheld bites, served alongside an impressive wall of loose-leaf teas. The Winter Park café feels more like a friend’s sunlit kitchen than a restaurant.
Locals drop by for a midday pick-me-up or a leisurely weekend brunch. The menu changes seasonally, so you might find lemongrass-infused croissants one month and mango sticky rice parfaits the next. Check the official Locations page for current hours, and prepare to linger over your second pot of jasmine tea.
3. Isan Thai — Sarasota
Northern Thailand’s bold, fermented flavors take center stage at this Sarasota neighborhood favorite. Isan specializes in dishes you won’t find at every strip-mall Thai spot—think sticky rice served in woven baskets, som tum pounded tableside, and grilled pork neck marinated in lemongrass. The dining room stays low-key, with wooden tables and zero pretense.
Open daily, with slightly later hours Friday and Saturday, the restaurant draws a loyal crowd of expats and adventurous eaters. Don’t skip the larb—minced meat salad spiked with toasted rice powder and lime. It’s funky, bright, and utterly addictive, just like the rest of the menu.
4. Jasmine Thai — Tampa (Carrollwood)
Step through the door at 13248 N Dale Mabry Hwy, and you’re instantly wrapped in crimson walls, twinkling lights, and the scent of basil and coconut milk. Jasmine Thai has been Tampa’s go-to date-night spot for years, thanks to its romantic vibe and rock-solid execution of pad Thai, panang curry, and crispy spring rolls.
Portions are generous, spice levels are customizable, and the staff remembers regulars by name. Weekends can get busy, so calling ahead helps. The official ordering page lists current hours, making it easy to plan your visit around a craving for their famous mango sticky rice dessert.
5. Siam Garden Thai — St. Petersburg (Allendale Park)
Since 1988, Siam Garden has anchored St. Pete’s Thai scene with wood-paneled walls, gentle lighting, and recipes passed down through decades. It’s the kind of place where grandparents bring toddlers and college kids celebrate good report cards. Closed Sundays, the restaurant hums Monday through Saturday with the clatter of woks and the hiss of frying garlic.
Regulars rave about the green curry’s silky coconut base and the pad see ew’s smoky char. Lunch specials offer wallet-friendly portions, while dinner service slows down just enough to savor every bite. Check the official site for hours before you go—this gem deserves your full attention.
6. Bangkok Square — Gainesville (Archer Rd & NW 39th Ave)
Family photos line the walls, and the owners greet you like you’ve been coming for years—even if it’s your first visit. Bangkok Square runs two Gainesville locations, each radiating the same homey charm and dependable flavors. University of Florida students swear by the drunken noodles after late-night study sessions, while families claim booths for weekend feasts.
Prices stay student-friendly, and the kitchen doesn’t skimp on portions or spice. Local delivery sites and whatsfordinnergnv.com list current hours, so you can time your visit around a craving for crispy basil chicken or massaman curry. It’s comfort food with a Thai passport.
