Located at the Byward Market, Khao Thai is a gem among the city's Asian restaurants. Opened in 2004, it has quickly gained a huge following among foodies for its authentic preparations and friendly atmosphere. Menu choices are extensive, and you'll find everything from traditional curries and Pad Thai to seafood specialties. Vegetarians will be delighted with a separate menu of specialties. Menu highlights include Grapao Chow Kho, Pad Pak Ruammit and Gaeng Panang. The cozy dining room is warmly lit, with contemporary, Thai-inspired decor choices. Takeout is available.

Set in snug surroundings, Talay Thai restaurant serves authentic Thai fare. Its central location attracts several office-goers who stop by for a quick lunch. From their extensive menu, most popular dishes include the flavorful Mango Salad, Fried Chicken Dumplings and Chicken Pad Thai. Talay Thai also offers lunch combos that allow experimenters to try a little bit of everything. The cherry on top of an excellent meal here is the wonderful Cocnut Crème Brûlée that comes with a fine crust and a silky texture.

This casual Thai eatery is located in a strip mall off Walkley Road. Aiyara Thai Cuisine features an extensive menu of Thai fare, ranging from curries, meat stews, sauteed seafood, noodles and low-carb vermicelli dishes to appetizers, soups and spicy salads. Winners include the Aiyara Spicy Chicken and the omnipresent Pad Thai. The Pad Preaw Wan is as delicious as it is beautifully presented, with carved vegetables on the side. The decor is simple, with a recurring elephant motif running through the restaurant, appearing even on the cutlery. Friendly, attentive service and consistently tasty food makes this a favorite Thai spot among Ottawa locals.

Located in Nepean, this cozy eatery has been serving fiery Thai eats to the neighborhood since 2003. Known for its generous portions that come at fair prices and in a lovely ambiance, the Baan Thai is for anyone who is looking for a quiet, relaxed dinner option. The food is authentic and beautifully plated. While the flavors in the food are inherently spicy, one can request the restaurant to tone down a dish for a milder preference. For starters, the Tom Yum Soup comes highly recommended, and the Yellow Chicken Curry is thoroughly enjoyed as a main dish. However, the Pad Prik Khing wins over with its delicately spiced meat sauteed with broccoli, beans and snow peas in a tantalizing curry sauce.

Owned by the Sinhasenis, Sukhothai has been serving home-style Thai dishes since 1999. The restaurant sees packed crowds throughout the week, with Thai enthusiasts in the Bells Corner neighborhood popping in for a visit. The menu features a delectable spread, although Sukhothai enjoys especially rave reviews for their Red Curry which is served with shrimp, tomatoes and pineapple, and the fresh Mango Salad. Meats are succulent and adequately spiced, although fire-eaters can take it up a notch by asking their servers to increase the spice level. The waitstaff is knowledgeable as well as patient, which makes for an added bonus.