When you’re craving the authentic Thai noodles Florida has to offer, you’re in for a culinary adventure. From the bustling streets of Orlando to the sun-drenched coast of Fort Lauderdale, the Sunshine State is a hidden hotspot for some of the most incredible Thai noodle dishes outside of Thailand itself. Whether you’re hunting for an award-winning Pad Thai or the perfect bowl of Khao Soi, this guide is your ticket to the most authentic and highly-rated destinations for Thai food in Florida.
1. Isan Zaap Thai Cafe – Michelin Bib Gourmand winner with award-winning Pad Thai
Stepping into Isan Zaap Thai Cafe feels like discovering a hidden culinary treasure in the heart of Orlando. This isn’t your typical Thai restaurant—it’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient that focuses exclusively on the bold, fiery flavors of Northeastern Thailand’s Isan region. Chef/Owner Fin Patsawee’s grandmother’s Pad Thai recipe earned the prestigious “Best Pad Thai in America 2025” award, making this a true destination for noodle enthusiasts.
- Address: 4693 Gardens Park Blvd., Ste 113, Orlando, Florida 32839
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: (407) 203-1868
- Price Range: $15.00 – $17.00
Must-try noodles:
- Award-Winning Pad Thai ($15.00): The nationally recognized recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors with an ideal noodle texture.
- Boat Noodle Soup ($17.00): A rich, complex street-style soup with meatballs that captures the authentic essence of Thai street food.
The Michelin Guide praises their “impressive level of attention to detail and nice balance of spice and fermented flavors.” However, some first-time visitors might find the authentic Isan flavors more intense than typical Thai-American cuisine, and the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours.
2. Pattaya Thai – 35-year Jacksonville institution with bold family recipes
Pattaya Thai carries the weight of three decades of culinary tradition in Jacksonville, founded by the legendary “Momma Lek.” Today, Chef Russ Clayton continues his mother’s legacy of “bold, fresh, and in-your-face flavors” while adding his own creative twists learned during trips back to Thailand.
- Address: 1526 King St, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
- Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Phone: (904) 503-4060
- Price Range: $17.00 – $22.49
Must-try noodles:
- Pad Kee Mau (Drunken Noodles) ($18.00): A local favorite with customizable spice levels and robust, authentic flavors.
- The OG Shrimp & Pork Belly Ramen Pad Thai ($22.49): Chef Russ’s modern creation using ramen noodles with rich pork belly and dried shrimp.
Jacksonville locals consistently call this a “hidden gem” and praise the family’s annual trips to Thailand to refine their techniques. The main drawback is its limited operating schedule of only five days a week, and the bold flavors might overwhelm those preferring milder Thai food.
3. Thai Spice – Five Star Diamond Award winner offering luxury Thai dining
Thai Spice stands alone as the first and only Thai restaurant worldwide to receive the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award, transforming traditional Thai cuisine into an upscale dining experience. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this award-winning establishment has maintained Zagat ratings for “Extraordinary Food & Top Service” every year since 2000, making it perfect for special occasions.
- Address: 1514 East Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: (954) 771-4535
- Price Range: Premium pricing (average dinner entree ~$50)
Must-try noodles:
- Lobster Pad Thai: A luxurious interpretation combining traditional Thai flavors with high-end ingredients.
- Traditional Pad Thai: A classic preparation showcasing the restaurant’s technical excellence.
Diners describe the atmosphere as “intimate, authentic, and very relaxing” with “fantastic” service, making it ideal for romantic date nights. However, the premium pricing places it out of reach for casual dining, and some have noted that delivery orders don’t always match the quality of the in-restaurant experience.
4. Nour Thai Kitchen – “Unapologetically Thai” with farm-fresh Isaan specialties
Nour Thai Kitchen in Oakland Park takes pride in being “Unapologetically Thai,” specializing in the authentic, home-cooked flavors of Thailand’s Isaan region. Chef Edric Espinoza and owner Ken focus on making curry pastes and sauces from scratch while sourcing produce from local farms to capture the vibrant, often spicy flavors of Northeastern Thailand.
- Address: 3554 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park, Florida 33334
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: (954) 533-0569
- Price Range: $22.00 – $25.00+
Must-try noodles:
- Pad See Ew: A popular choice demonstrating perfect execution of beloved classics with rich, savory flavors.
- Pad Mee Isan: A signature regional noodle dish offering a different flavor profile from the common Pad Thai.
- Chiang Mai Noodle Soup (Khao Soi) ($25.00): A creamy coconut curry soup with a perfect balance of comfort and complexity.
Patrons rave that it is the “BEST restaurant in South Florida,” with incredible fresh flavors and a beautiful, art-filled ambiance. The authentic Isaan preparations can be quite spicy for those unaccustomed to regional Thai cuisine, and prices run higher than typical Thai spots due to the premium ingredients.
5. Sea Thai Restaurant – Orlando Sentinel’s “Best Thai” winner with refined family recipes
Sea Thai earned the Orlando Sentinel’s “Best Thai” Foodie Award in 2021 by combining family tradition with professional culinary training. Owner K Shavitranurak and his wife Fay started this venture in 2007, later elevated by Chef Jack Tawa Chavitranurak’s formal culinary education and experience in high-end kitchens like Capa at the Four Seasons.
- Address: 3812 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:15 AM – 2:15 PM & 5:15 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 11:15 AM – 2:15 PM & 5:15 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday: 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM & 5:15 PM – 9:30 PM, Sunday: 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM & 5:15 PM – 9:00 PM
- Phone: (407) 895-0985
- Price Range: $13.95 – $24.00
Must-try noodles:
- Pad Thai ($13.95): Hailed as the “Best Pad Thai ever” by enthusiastic reviewers and their most popular delivery item.
- Pad See U ($13.95): Perfectly cooked wide rice noodles in a savory sauce.
- Woonsen Pad Thai ($20.00): A house specialty with jumbo freshwater prawns and delicate glass noodles.
With over 5,000 ratings and an average of 4.8 stars on Uber Eats, Sea Thai has proven its consistent quality and customer satisfaction. The family atmosphere creates a welcoming environment, though the restaurant’s popularity can lead to longer wait times during peak dining hours.
6. Lim Ros Thai Restaurant – Modern elegance meets traditional Thai heritage
Lim Ros, meaning “to taste” in Thai, brings modern sophistication to traditional Thai cuisine in Maitland. Founded by Thai immigrants led by Puttipong Smithipanon, this upscale restaurant refuses to use substitutes for key Thai ingredients, ensuring authentic flavor intensity while presenting dishes with contemporary elegance.
- Address: 933 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida 32751
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Tuesday: Closed
- Phone: (321) 972-1825
- Price Range: $17.00 – $23.00
Must-try noodles:
- Khao Soi Gai ($23.00): A standout dish with tender egg noodles and a whole chicken drumstick in a rich, fragrant curry—”unmatched anywhere else in Orlando.”
- Pad Thai ($17.00 – $19.00): A crowd-pleasing classic that showcases their fundamental Thai cooking mastery.
- Pad Se Ew ($17.00 – $19.00): Chewy wide rice noodles with crisp Chinese broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce.
The modern, spacious interior and excellent service create a “perfect date night spot” atmosphere. However, the upscale positioning results in higher prices than more casual Thai restaurants, and the Tuesday closure might be an inconvenience for some weekday diners.
7. Royal Thai Cuisine – Orlando’s reliable 25+ year veteran
Royal Thai Cuisine has anchored Orlando’s Thai food scene since 1996, building a reputation as a beloved community staple through consistent and comforting authentic preparations. Their philosophy is straightforward: bring authentic Thai flavors to the community using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients with careful attention to detail.
- Address: 1202 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32807
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday: Closed
- Phone: (407) 275-0776
- Price Range: $15.95 – $16.95
Must-try noodles:
- Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) ($15.95): A local blogger favorite with authentic wide rice noodles and a balanced sweet-spicy sauce.
- Pad Thai ($15.95): A consistently popular classic known for its solid, satisfying preparation.
- Pad See Ew ($15.95): Wide rice noodles stir-fried with egg, broccoli, and carrots in a sweet soy sauce.
Customers praise the fresh flavors, excellent service, and willingness to accommodate dietary requests, including vegan versions. The restaurant’s age shows in some interior elements, but the quality of the food remains timeless.
8. Pop Thai Restaurant – Mills 50 district favorite with balanced pricing
Pop Thai has earned its reputation as “Orlando’s Favorite Thai Food Restaurant” in the vibrant Mills 50 district through strong word-of-mouth and consistently glowing reviews. The skilled chefs focus on using fresh ingredients while achieving a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every made-to-order dish.
- Address: 1227 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday: Closed
- Phone: (407) 203-5088
- Price Range: $10.95 – $22.95
Must-try noodles:
- Pad Thai: A well-regarded classic, though some reviewers have noted slightly overcooked noodles on occasion.
- Drunken Noodles: A flavorful stir-fry with wide rice noodles, fresh basil, and a house-made basil sauce.
- Thai Beef Noodle Soup ($17.95): A dinner exclusive featuring tender flank steak in a fragrant five-spice broth.
Described as an “absolute gem” with “incredible” food and a “welcoming, relaxed” atmosphere, Pop Thai offers excellent value. The Monday closure and occasional inconsistency in noodle texture are minor drawbacks to an otherwise outstanding experience.
9. Pinto Thai Restaurant – Tampa’s authentic flavors with generous portions
Pinto Thai brings authentic Bangkok-style cooking to Tampa with a massive menu and generous portions that have made it a must-visit destination. The owner’s background from Bangkok, combined with a commitment to using the “finest meats and freshest vegetables,” creates an authentic experience that locals consistently praise.
- Address: 4205 S MacDill Ave Suite F,G, Tampa, Florida 33611
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM & 4:30 PM – 8:45 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM & 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:15 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:45 PM
- Phone: (813) 374-5378
- Price Range: $15.99 – $32.00
Must-try noodles:
- Pad Thai ($15.99): A standout dish praised for its delicate flavor balance and perfectly cooked noodles.
- Drunken Noodle ($15.99): A popular choice with a satisfying spicy and savory profile.
- Duck Noodle Soup ($18.99): A rich rice noodle soup featuring tender boneless duck in a flavorful broth.
Reviewers consistently describe the food as “amazing” and “delicious,” with “very fresh” ingredients and “good portions.” The large menu can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, and the restaurant’s popularity means potential wait times during peak hours.
10. Nan’s Thai Noodle – Port Charlotte’s hidden gem with authentic training
Nan’s Thai Noodle evolved from a humble Asian market into Port Charlotte’s go-to destination for authentic Thai cuisine. Owner and cook Nan brings genuine culinary knowledge from her training in Thailand, creating what many locals consider the area’s best Thai food with generous portions and reasonable prices.
- Address: 1900 Tamiami Trail #112, Port Charlotte, Florida 33948
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday: Closed
- Phone: (941) 624-0778
- Price Range: $14.50+ (Lunch) – $25.00+ (Dinner)
Must-try noodles:
- Pad Thai ($14.50+): Multiple customers call it “the best you will find” and the “best Pad Thai I’ve had in the area.”
- Drunken Noodles: A popular spicy option with customizable heat levels from 0 to 5.
- Big Bowl of Pho’ Noodle Soup ($16.50+): A large, comforting Vietnamese-style option that showcases their culinary range.
Regular diners praise its consistency over 8+ years, with many reporting they’ve “never had a bad meal” there. The limited hours and Monday closure can be restrictive, and the smaller dining room may not accommodate larger groups comfortably.
Florida’s vibrant food scene offers an incredible journey through the world of authentic Thai noodles. From Michelin-recognized excellence in Orlando to cherished hidden gems in Port Charlotte, the quest for the best Thai noodles Florida has to offer is a delicious adventure. Each restaurant on this list brings something unique to the table—be it an award-winning recipe, a luxurious presentation, or a time-tested family tradition—ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for every noodle lover in the Sunshine State.