Have you ever had Thai food so good you’ll battle tuk-tuk traffic in Bangkok to have it again? Well, the good news is, you don’t need to leave Auckland to experience it again! 

After way too many curries (and zero regrets!), our team finally has a list of the best Thai restaurants in the city. We found gems gatekept by locals, as well as go-to family spots for many expats.

Now, when you’re looking for the best stops that actually deliver, just pull this list up! 

1. THAIGER

THAIGER has all the key things we’re looking for in a Thai restaurant, from food options to quality service. With generous portions, we can see how they’re popular with families and small groups who want to try various dishes.

Service-wise, we loved the attentive hospitality despite being relatively busy. During our visit, they were quick to offer suggestions and were able to tailor spice levels to suit individual tastes (just make sure to request it).

We also appreciated that they catered thoughtfully to dietary preferences. There were various plant-based options, which makes them a good choice for those looking into vegan and vegetarian options.

One area of improvement, however, was the reservation system. Despite calling days ahead, we were given less-than-ideal seating, though it only happened once across the 3 visits we made. Walk-ins may also not always be accommodated. 

Incredible food and gorgeous decor

“THAIGER very easily became one of my favourite spots to eat out in Auckland. The food is incredible and the atmosphere and decor are gorgeous. If you do not try the Shrimp and Pineapple Red Curry at least once in your life you have missed out. I could not recommend it more.”

Laura Nicholson | Google Reviews

Absolutely fantastic dishes 

“Every dish we ordered was absolutely fantastic! The Thaiger Skewer Rack was our favorite – incredibly tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The restaurant boasts amazing Thai-inspired ambiance that instantly transports you to Thailand. With its vibrant decor and atmospheric lighting, it’s a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. A truly immersive dining experience that delights all the senses!”

mengdi li | Google Reviews

2. Nahm

Located in an unassuming location, Nahm definitely surprised us with its offerings. It has some of the best traditional Thai dishes, including their beloved som tum, tom yum fried rice, and delicious mango sticky rice for dessert.

Portion sizes are just right – one meal is ideal for a single dinner and big orders are perfect for small to big groups. We just find certain dishes pricier than most options, so it’s definitely best to come with company and split costs.

Service at the restaurant is just as impressive as the food. The staff was friendly and quick to accommodate requests (whenever possible). We also didn’t have to wait long as food was served within 10 minutes.

Another stand out is how relaxed their atmosphere is, and in fact, one of the most stylish Thai restaurants we’ve seen. It has that nice intimate feel, so you can grab a meal here, whether  with kids or with a date.

Top-notch service

“At Nahm restaurant, every visit is a culinary adventure filled with delicious flavors and warm hospitality. The Somtum dish is a personal favorite, delivering a perfect blend of taste and texture that leaves me craving more. The attentive service only adds to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience. For those seeking tasty Thai cuisine and top-notch service, Nahm restaurant is a must-try.”

Awa Sora | Google Reviews 

Great overall experience 

“What used to be our favourite Korean basement restaurant is now a vibrant Thai/South East Asian eatery that is modern and unique in it’s chosen flavours. My first dish was their pad Thai and personally a fan of the thinner rice noodles and saucy delivery! Did I say the prices are well priced and overall experience is great with the service we got during lunch. Will definitely be back!”

Odyssey L | Google Reviews

3. Secret Thai Garden

Visiting the Secret Thai Garden was an experience in itself, being one of the most beautiful Thai restaurants we’ve seen. Guests are welcome to walk through a maze-like garden path that’s lined with lighting and traditional decor.

The atmosphere is a fantastic draw, just like the food. Some of the best dishes we’ve had were pad thai, green curry, and satay chicken. 

Apart from the portion, the presentation was also great, making the experience feel more premium.

However, since we sampled various dishes across 5 separate visits, we’re sad to note that quality can be a bit inconsistent. On some visits, the meat was on the tougher side, which definitely killed the experience.

On the good side, the staff maintained amazing service all throughout. They were happy to accommodate results and ensured that orders arrived quickly. 

With all these mentioned, we can see it as a great place for date nights and group outings.

Fantastic little spot

“What a fantastic little spot. We took our two young children and they thought it was just magical. We ordered the set menu – food came out quickly (just what you need with young children) and there was so much of it… which is great as it was sooo tasty. The best part? We have left overs for lunch tomorrow. We will be sharing our wineries experience with all our friends and we will be back.”

Alex Smith | Google Reviews 

Exceptional dining experience 

“Exceptional experience. Never seen a place like this in Auckland. Designed culturally and really sets a fun mood. Customer service was amazing, clean restaurant but I love how they went above and over the top to get the look. Only down fall was that I’m not the type of person to try different culture foods and I didn’t like the taste of anything. Keep up the good work Secret Garden Thai, 20 years and still going well.”

Kathleen Reihana | Google Reviews 

4. Bona’s Thai Cuisine

Bona’s Thai Cuisine keeps it simple with straightforward dishes at amazing prices. It’s your typical cosy spot in a convenient location, making it great for those who need quick meals during a normal lunch day.

The food is as authentic as it can get, with some of the best pad thai and prawn tom yum we’ve ever tasted. Their street-style flavours really stand out, with generous portions that are good enough for sharing.

While the experience is generally good, one of our team members encountered a severely limited menu during their visit. This is why we advise to dine in during the early hours, as weeknights limit your options.

Still, we appreciate all the little details, like the clean atmosphere and the smiling staff. There are even meat-free options, making them a good choice for many vegetarians.

Authentic and delicious dishes 

“A small place but clean and lovely. The husband-and-wife tandem is really cool. The cook is Thai so the food is authentic and delicious. They serve unlimited water and you can ask for their homemade chilly flakes. Prices are also good for the servings.”

Gleeko Magpoc | Google Reviews

Affordable and awesome food

“Stumbling upon this place with friends felt like striking gold. Mr. David was so kind and attentive and his wife manages to cook delicious and well-portioned dishes in such an efficient time frame. Everything came out hot and tasted so fresh. Super affordable as well. We only wish we were staying around Auckland longer and could taste more of the menu! If you have the chance, definitely stop by.”

Casey Magee | Google Reviews 

5. Red Elephant

The Red Elephant is a great option if you want a more refined dining experience. The interior alone feels upscale, so we can see how many couples can enjoy a date night here.

The food is consistently good too. Across multiple visits, a few dishes stood out to us including the satay chicken, red curry, and their signature red chicken. Flavours are so well-balanced that nothing is overpowering.

The restaurant’s seating capacity is a good 120, so it’s perfect for large gatherings. There’s even a private dining area for small celebrations like birthdays and corporate events.

However, we did notice that they sometimes squeeze large groups into a table, resulting in cramped seating. This doesn’t seem to happen a lot, though, but do keep in mind if you’re planning to have plenty of company.

Serene and picturesque 

“Red Elephant Restaurant comes highly recommended for a memorable dinner experience. We celebrated our birthday at this esteemed establishment and were impressed by the exceptional cuisine. Their red curry was a personal favorite, and my companions relished every bite of their Pad Thai, which was brimming with flavors. The atmosphere was serene and picturesque, making it an ideal venue for families and those seeking a peaceful ambiance.”

gurpreet kaur | Google Reviews

Packed with flavour 

“I spent my birthday with hubby here and had the most amazing experience. The service is fantastic, the food is packed with flavour and served with beautiful presentation. All the staff take pride in what they do. I will definitely be back very soon to try some more of their delicious menu options.”

Robyn Kriel | Google Reviews 

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