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Master Critic Review
Ekkamai Thai Restaurant
7.8
A straightforward West LA Thai kitchen that runs a tight rotation of curries and noodle dishes at prices that let you eat here twice a week without thinking about it. The rear patio is the main draw for regulars who treat it as a low-key weeknight default rather than a destination. It delivers reliable comfort-level Thai cooking where the value proposition does most of the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Mango Sticky Rice, Panang Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A West LA Thai kitchen where consistently executed curries and noodles come at neighborhood-friendly prices with a well-loved patio.
Who should go: Budget-minded Thai food regulars who prefer outdoor seating
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service and open patio seats
What to order: Start with the wontons or egg rolls, build around the pad see ew and a curry, then close with mango sticky rice — swap white rice for black rice on any entree.
Insider tip: Ask for black rice instead of the standard — it pairs especially well with the panang curry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind the restaurant fits about 6-7 cars—fills up fast. Plenty of 1-hour metered street parking on Washington Blvd as backup.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated 'Vegetarian Entrées' section on the menu with tofu-based versions of popular dishes like pad see ew.
Vegan options: Vegan options available—tofu substitutions across curries, noodles, and rice dishes. Restaurant explicitly advertises vegan-friendly dining.
Gluten-free options: Menu items individually marked as GF or not GF—curries (red, green, yellow, pineapple) and pad Thai are among the marked options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — this is a casual, no-frills spot in a compact converted space with about 8 indoor tables. It can get busy and loud during peak hours with limited elbow room. Great food at great prices, but the vibe is more 'favorite neighborhood spot' than 'impress a date.' Better suited for a low-key, casual hangout than a romantic evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Ekkamai is primarily a walk-in operation and does not appear to offer online reservations. Most of the time you can grab a table, but expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours, especially weekend evenings after 6:30 PM. Parking is tight with only 6-7 on-site spots, so plan for nearby street parking. Takeout and delivery are also popular options if you'd rather skip the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Likely fine for older kids — it's a casual, family-run restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere where kids wouldn't feel out of place. However, no dedicated kids menu or high chairs have been confirmed, and the compact space means less room for restless little ones. Best to call ahead (310-827-2777) if you need high chairs or have very young children. The casual noise level means kids won't disturb anyone.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups dining in — the space is small with roughly 8 indoor tables, so parties over 4-5 would be hard to seat together. No private dining room. For larger gatherings, they offer catering with party trays (about 5 portions each, roughly $11/person), which they recommend ordering as far in advance as possible. For seated group dining, this isn't the spot.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a small covered patio out front with a few tables. It's dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup. Whether it's heated is not confirmed — call ahead in cooler months. The patio is cozy rather than spacious, so it fills up quickly. Their sister shop, a boba and coffee spot, is right next door if you're waiting for a table.
Best For
Better for: Affordable weeknight takeout or a casual outdoor lunch—order online to skip the phone queue since they get slammed with calls.
Skip if: You need easy parking on a Saturday afternoon or want a quiet sit-down dinner—the small lot fills up and the dining room gets hectic when busy.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm