Marlai Thai Cuisine

Delicious flavors. Terrific service. Authentic cuisine.

Best Pad Thai that I've ever had. When they add spice, they mean business. If you're sensitive to spicy foods, ask for zero. My friend ordered their green curry to be a 2 and it was borderline too hot for me.

I've been here twice with another person, once when it was crowded and another time when we were the only ones there. They have three specials this month (which were the same as last month's...), and I tried all three. (Pictures are posted)

Service: I've never seen the waiters talk that much. However, they're always dressed nicely and professional in how they take orders and bring food out/away. They refill water regularly.

Food speed: both times I've gone, I thought the food took longer than it should have to come out. It seems that this is a popular place to order takeout, which would explain the delays. However, they may be understaffed in their kitchen. Who knows.

Food price: I think even for Seattle and the quality of the food, this place is kind of expensive. Their main dishes are $12+ but the portions aren't very big. They are filling though, especially if you get rice on the side (which is ~$2 for a bowl). Lunch/early dinner for 2 cost $40 for two main dishes, rice, and tea. They do have a slight lunch discount. However, their lunch times aren't advertised and dinner starts as early as 3 PM.

Food quality: the presentation and somewhat small sizes of dishes for the price really does make you think this is "fine dining" as they advertise. The tastiness of the food is probably the strongest point at this place. I don't eat much Thai food, but I haven't had anything I didn't like here. It's all tasty.

Ambience: lighting is warm but not super bright and there are a lot of window seats. There is no outdoor seating. The interior decorations are tasteful and rather sparse, but they do have a small side room for parties, I'm guessing, and a centerpiece Thai deity(?) statue. It's a cool place.

Food rec: pad prik king is the best if you like Szechuan peppercorn (which is definitely present in the dish but not overpowering). The avocado curry and som thai gai-yang are also very good!

Okay it isn't really 5 stars but it was much better than I expected so it gets a surprise star. Friendly but not doting service, I sat after a large party but received excellent food quickly, close to a theater but still good.

Outstanding location for Thai food. Service is always excellent even when they have a full house. Service is typically great. This place has a nice design. This place has many reviews for a reason.