The very best Thai restaurants in Dublin right now

Red Torch Ginger in Sandyford is serving up authentic Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, complemented by European influences in a playful and relaxed setting. The menu emphasises seasonal and sustainable ingredients sourced from Irish suppliers, with all your favourite Thai dishes available. Browse through their extensive a la carte menu and feast on the likes of crispy sea bass, drunken prawns, duck tamarind, sweet chilli chicken stir-fry, Thai curries, garlic and pepper beef, and so much more. Additionally, they have an entire vegan menu too, so no one has to miss out!

Ballsbridge is home to many things, and great Thai food is easily one of our favourite features! Baan Thai is hands down, actually scratch that, the best Thai Restaurant in Dublin. It’s pretty unassuming from the outside – nestled between a pub and a bookies. A quick ascent up a narrow staircase and you are greeted by a couple of traditional Thai buddha statues. The dining room is almost like stepping back in time. Wooden panelled walls give the room a cosy feel, and each staff member friendlier than the last. An oldie but a goodie – their Tempura Prawns are a must. They are super crunchy and fresh. Stand out mains are the Red Curry with Pineapple, and their steamed Seabass with Chilli and Lime. 

A newer addition to the Thai scene in Dublin, Full Moon is owned by a husband and wife duo. It’s in Temple Bar – but not quite in the madness of the stag party zone. Their menu is bleedin’ massive and if you’re a fan of the traditional Thai Papaya salad – this is the place to go. They have seven varieties of that oh so spicy crunchy goodness. Other highlights are the Moo Ping Pork Skewers (their signature dish allegedly), and the Curried Rice Balls – the latter being perfect for veganos. Their wine list is pretty spot on too – with less generic boring whites, and more interesting varieties that actually pair with spicy food. We like the look of the American Riesling or the Austrian Grüner V.

A slight trek out of the city to the über hip neighbourhood of Ranelagh – we have (just now) crowned Nightmarket as “Best Thai Restaurant in Ranelagh”. A more upmarket, classy spot – this place is a little gem. Highlights are the Grilled Scallops, with Chilli & Lime and their Red Curry served in a full coconut – and trust us, the addition of the coconut meat in the curry is delish. And, out of all the spots on this list, they are the only cats with the superior dessert that is Thai Sticky Rice with Mango & Coconut Cream. Oh! And did we mention Nightmarket has a full page in their wine list dedicated to Riesling? This alone would make the trip worthwhile. These guys know what’s up.

How could we not mention Saba in this list? With two establishments in Dublin (the other is in Kildare Village) – we’re featuring the city centre location on South William Street. They have somewhat recently moved from their little hidey-hole sleepy street location behind the Westbury to a much more open plan location. The new space has super duper high ceilings – it feels almost like a Thai cafeteria meets a greenhouse, making it a gorgeous spot for lunch. But, let’s talk about the drinks. Go here if you want good cocktails with your Thai food. The Basil Smash goes perfect with the chow, and the Smoked Old Fashioned is a solid choice. Saba gets the prize for having the most eclectic Thai menu. The only menu on the list that serves up Thailand’s Beef Tiger Cry – it’s the steak dish you never knew you needed. Their Spicy Tofu Popcorn starter is as fun and cute as it sounds too.

The Chilli Club is Dublin’s most old-school Thai joint, and probably the fanciest. It’s been around since before the Celtic Tiger and they pride themselves in being the first Thai restaurant in Ireland! Their menu has all the staples one could need from a Thai restaurant, but what sets them apart is their white linen table cloths and the fact that they offer Cheese boards from their neighbours Sheridans. One to bring the folks who prefer the finer things in life.

One of the better spots on the Drumcondra Strip, San Sab is perfect for a casual bite if Shouk is booked out. We recommend their Larb Ped Duck salad (watch out it’s spicy!) or their Crispy Chicken with Ginger Sauce. Oh and their lunch deals are whopper value too. €8 for a Green Chicken Curry is a pretty good deal in our books. With a third Northside (yeorw!) location on the way, they also recently opened up a spot in Clontarf on Vernon Ave – so put them on your list when the summer (spring) rolls around.