Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Nua Thai – Seattle
Nua Thai - Seattle
Photo from Nua Thai
Nua Thai at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#70 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 Thai Restaurant out of 36 in Seattle
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
299
Reviews
90.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Attentive staff
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Steak quality
- Portion size
- Service speed
The restaurant Nua Thai is a welcoming Thai Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find a truly exceptional experience here, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection.
This spot offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’ll feel right at home in this inviting space.
Overview: Introducting Nua Thai
Nua Thai offers a delightful dining experience, consistently delivering on its promise of quality. Guests frequently highlight the flavorful and authentic dishes, making it a strong contender for Thai cuisine enthusiasts.
The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service further enhance the visit. While the culinary journey is largely positive, some specific items, like the Steak, have received mixed feedback.
A few patrons also noted that portions could be more generous, but these points are generally outweighed by the overall positive sentiment.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
299
Reviews
90.3%
Satisfaction
21
negative
8
neutral
270
positive
Nua Thai earns a strong overall score of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is notably high at 90.3%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This solid performance is built on consistent positive feedback across various aspects of their operation. The restaurant shines particularly in its Service (9.1) and Ambience (9.0), which are frequently commended by guests.
The Food (8.7) also stands out for its quality, though some specific dishes receive mixed reviews. Value (7.2) is considered good, with many finding the pricing reasonable, based on 299 customer remarks, including 270 positive and 21 negative.
What people like
- Flavorful Thai food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Disappointing steak
- Small portions
- Occasional service delays
Nua Thai presents a compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded Thai dining experience. With a strong recommendation score of 8.8, it’s a place that consistently delivers on its promises, especially regarding its core offerings and welcoming environment.
If you appreciate excellent service, a comfortable ambience, and generally flavorful Thai cuisine, Nua Thai is certainly worth considering. Just be mindful of specific dish choices, as some items might not live up to the overall high standard.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nua Thai
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the food! With an excellent score of 8.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 89.2%, its clear the culinary experience here is a major highlight. Out of 186 comments, a whopping 166 praise the deliciousness.
Guests particularly loved the flavorful Tom Yum soup, crispy rice and pork salad, and the classic Pad Thai, noting the amazing flavors. However, it's not entirely perfect, with 14 critical remarks. Some found the steak disappointing and mentioned that portions could be a bit small.
A few also felt that the Tom Kha soup and certain Pad Thai dishes were below average, suggesting some inconsistency in specific menu items.
Food
186
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful Thai dishes
- Authentic cuisine
- Vegan/vegetarian friendly
What people don't like
- Disappointing steak
- Small portions
- Below average Tom Kha
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Thai in Ballard, offering delicious food at reasonable prices. It's also open late, which is a huge plus.
- Thai foodWe ordered the Tom Yum soup, crispy rice and pork salad, and the Pad Thai. Everything was incredibly flavorful – far better than any Thai food we've had so far in Seattle. The service was friendly and quick, and the prices are very reasonable.
- cocktailsWe ordered our dishes with 2 stars (out of 5) for heat, and it was just the right amount. For drinks, I enjoyed the delicious cocktails with unique Thai flavors, especially the one with lychee. The service was impeccable, rated 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was pleasant, rated 4 out of 5, with a quiet noise level that made conversation easy.
- FoodThe food we ordered ranged from very solid
- Kao SoiParticularly enjoyed the Kao Soi (noodle curry)
- dishesMany of the dishes are made with rice noodles, making it perfect for those of us with gluten intolerance. The menu dishes were described in detail and all the dishes we ordered were delicious. Mine was pad pong kari talay, a seafood-based dish with mussels, shrimp, and the tenderest calamari I've ever had.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredible, with delicious flavors that were unlike anything I've had before. I especially recommend the Mae Ploy 24 cocktail, which was truly unique and delicious.
- Mango Sticky RiceFor food, we started with the Peek Gai Tod (Fried Chicken Wings), then I had the Gang Keaw Waan (Green Curry), which had a wonderful depth of flavor. We finished with the Mango Sticky Rice and it was a perfect sweet ending. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back and exploring more of their menu.
- Pad ThaiI'm on an absurd mission to find the best Pad Thai in Seattle, and after 5 years of living here, the flavor of this Pad Thai is absolutely amazing. I've tried Pad Thai from over 30 restaurants in the Seattle area, and this is honestly the best. Shockingly, on a Friday night at 8: 00 p.
- Thai cuisinea true promise to Thai cuisine of Seattle
Frequently criticized
- SteakThe Steak was particularly disappointing; it was gray on the outside and purple in the middle, a far cry from the advertised photo. I tried it anyway, but it was chewy and raw. I called twice to request a refund for the steak, as it was not edible, and was promised one, but never received it, losing $20.
- Pad ThaiPad Thai were below average
- Pad Thai in the areathe Pad Thai that I've tried in the area has, for the majority, been disappointing
- Tom KhaTom Kha were below average
- broccoliThere was no broccoli on it 😭
- dipping sauceThe steak and rice dish I had was pricey, plain, and not that great. I should have skipped the dipping sauce 🤢 Probably a 2 star plate. I needed some chili sauce for flavor but by the time I could get the server's attention, my steak was already cold.
- ingredientsa lot of ingredients were missing
- portionsthe portions are a bit small
- protein amountprotein amount was low
- seafoodit came w two clams, one shrimp, decent amount of mushrooms and 2 slides of tomatoes -_-
If youre looking for authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of the steak and portion sizes, and youll likely have a great meal.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 93.3% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about the experience. Out of 60 remarks, 56 were positive, highlighting the friendly staff, amazing service, and how attentive everyone is, often noting theyre even "open late.
"While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 4 negative comments mentioned "slow service" during busy times and difficulty getting the "servers attention. " However, these seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue, especially given the high praise for the staff's overall helpfulness and warmth.
Service
60
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Amazing service
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Slow service sometimes
Often praised
- servicegreat service! The staff were super friendly.
- staffWe ordered the grilled steak, grilled pork jowl, Sai Oua, pumpkin crunch bites, pineapple fried rice, and the Sansane drink. Every dish and drink was absolutely delicious, and the staff made us feel so welcomed and comfortable. We had a wonderful visit and will definitely be returning to try more items on the menu!
- ServiceService:5
- serverOur server, who happened to also be the owner, was very friendly
- AustinAustin, was super personable and was easy to talk to
- employeesThe employees here are very attentive and friendly
- wait timeThe atmosphere was satisfying, especially on a Sunday afternoon. I ordered the beef pad thai with a Thai ice tea, and the wait time was short! The Thai ice tea was made to perfection, and the pad thai was absolutely delicious.
- waiterour waiter was super nice, made us feel welcome and was super warm
- chefThe chef was able to customize a few things
- customerHappy to be a regular customer
Frequently criticized
- refundCalled twice to ask for a refund for the steak
- ServiceSo I would go back but I would order something else. Service was a bit slow during lunch hour, but they only had one server.
- server's attentionby the time I could get servers attention
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this is it. The service here is a major highlight, making it well worth a visit for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic 94.7% customer satisfaction! Based on 36 positive comments out of 38 total, guests consistently rave about the beautiful decor, fun vibe, and clean atmosphere. Many appreciate the late-night dining options and the overall friendly and cozy feel.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. With zero negative opinions among all the reviews, its clear that the restaurant has successfully created an environment that consistently delights its patrons.
Ambience
38
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great decor
- Fun, cozy vibe
- Open late nights
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe vibe is cool, but not taking itself too seriously or being over the top.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe decor is very nice
- hoursthey're open 'til midnight most nights (1am on weekends)
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Double door entrance and wide spacing between tables and aisles.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- barMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I ordered take out and also enjoyed drinks at the bar, and I loved both. This has become my new go-to for a phenomenal dinner.
- bar atmosphereNice quiet bar atmosphere as well
- clean atmosphereVery clean and slick atmosphere
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its excellent ambience, from the decor to the late-night vibe, consistently impresses guests, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2, many diners rave about the reasonable and fair prices, often finding them quite a steal, especially for the delicious cocktails. Out of 15 customer remarks, a whopping 12 were positive, highlighting terms like prices and menu price as pleasant surprises.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled. While customer satisfaction sits at a strong 80%, a few voices, 3 to be exact, mentioned that certain items, like a steak and rice dish, felt a bit pricey or didnt quite match the price point'. It seems a couple of dishes might not offer the same bang for your buck.
Value
15
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable overall prices
- Cocktails worth money
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Some dishes pricey
- Value not always there
Often praised
- priceI recently visited a new restaurant with friends and had a great experience. We ordered a variety of dishes, and they were all fairly tasty and reasonably priced. I particularly enjoyed the Kao Soi (noodle curry) and the Kao Moo Yang (pork).
- pricesWe went around 6 pm and were seated promptly. All 4 of us had amazing meals and the prices were reasonable. Our waiter was professional and friendly.
- cocktailsThese cocktails are worth the money.
- Thai placecoming in a little cheaper.
- menu pricethey actually charged me LESS than the menu price
Frequently criticized
- priceWe paid $45 dollars, tbh not worth it at all
- price pointdidn't match the high price point
- steak and rice dishThe steak and rice dish I had was pricey
Overall, youre likely to find good value here, with most customers feeling they got their moneys worth. Its definitely worth a visit if youre looking for reasonable prices, but perhaps check the menu carefully for specific higher-priced items that might not always impress.
How are the prices at Nua Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 44 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits in the mid-range, we see a nice spread in what people spend, with many enjoying options in the $11–$20 bracket and some opting for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Thai restaurant in Seattle, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It seems to offer good value whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nua Thai
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious food, worth the drive!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the house special curry in the coconut, which was absolutely delicious. Although I don't live locally, I would definitely drive back for this place.
- house special curry10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Thai in Ballard!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Thai in Ballard, offering delicious food at reasonable prices. It's also open late, which is a huge plus.
I'm happy to be a regular customer here!
- Thai food10
- prices9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Thai Food and Service!
I had the best experience at this cute Thai restaurant, thanks to the excellent service and, of course, the food. The shrimp fried rice was amazing, perfectly seasoned, and packed with shrimp. The beef noodles were equally delicious, with tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles.
10/10✨
- service10
- shrimp fried rice10
- beef noodles9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Incredible Thai Food Experience!
I'm not very familiar with Thai food, but on a whim, I decided to take myself on a date and tried a green Thai soup dish. Oh wow, the food was incredible! It had me burning my mouth, it was so good I couldn't wait for it to cool off 😩.
The staff is super sweet and helpful. The atmosphere is classy, modern, and romantic. It was a 10/10 experience.
They've only been here a year! Go give Nua Thai some love guys! ❤️
- green Thai soup10
- staff10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Thai Dining Experience!
My experience at Nua Thai Restaurant was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. The service was excellent, the environment was clean and cozy, and the food was truly amazing. We ordered the grilled steak, grilled pork jowl, Sai Oua, pumpkin crunch bites, pineapple fried rice, and the Sansane drink.
Every dish and drink was absolutely delicious, and the staff made us feel so welcomed and comfortable. We had a wonderful visit and will definitely be returning to try more items on the menu!
- service10
- environment9
- food10
What Nua Thai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Nua Thai in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood?
When you visit Nua Thai, you’ll find convenient free street parking nearby. The restaurant also ensures accessibility for all guests with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their dining experience in Ballard.
Does Nua Thai offer options for various dietary preferences and what kind of beverages are available?
Nua Thai caters to diverse tastes, offering healthy options and delicious vegetarian options. You can also enjoy a wide range of beverages, including a great tea selection, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails, alongside their small plates and full dinner menu.
How does Nua Thai rate overall?
Nua Thai scores an impressive **8.7** overall, with customer satisfaction at **90.3%**. Its **Service** (9.1) and **Ambience** (9.0) are particularly strong, while **Food** (8.7) is highly regarded, and **Value** (7.2) is considered good.
What do customers enjoy most about Nua Thai's food?
Customers frequently praise the **flavorful** nature of the dishes, highlighting authentic Thai flavors and the variety of options. Many appreciate the unique cocktails and the ability to customize spice levels.
Are there any common complaints about Nua Thai?
While generally positive, some customers have expressed disappointment with the **Steak** dish, describing it as chewy or undercooked. A few also noted that **portions** could be a bit small, and occasional **service** delays during busy periods.