Little Plearn Thai Kitchen

3.9 (444 reviews)

ModerateThai, Noodles, Vegetarian

Closed • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Updated 2 weeks ago

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Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Curry Puff | @whaevaeats - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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LITTLE PLEARN THAI KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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Lisa N.

Stopped by Little Plearn for lunch since it's just a block down the street from me. We ordered the duck over rice and the mild pumpkin curry lunch special. The duck over rice was probably a 2/5 for me, and I definitely would not order it again. At first, I thought it was decent because my first bite was mostly sauce and rice, but once I tried the duck, it fell short. The skin was more slimy than flavorful, and the meat itself had a noticeable funk to it that made it seem lower quality. Luckily, the pumpkin curry saved the meal. I really enjoyed the flavor, and it was easily the better dish (still would rate it a 3/5 though). If you're like me, I'd skip the lunch special and just order the curry as a regular plate since I did not care much for the side salad or vegetarian spring roll. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to come back since there are so many Thai restaurants to try in Berkeley, but Little Plearn is definitely a convenient option near campus, especially for students looking for a quick lunch.

Tim L.

I've been exploring Berkeley more for food and i came here during Restaurant Week. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is nicely decorated with hanging flowers and lights.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was quick. Food was amazing, each plate being a shareable size as your typical Thai restaurant. I definitely recommend the Mussamun Curry. Their plant based curry is also good, but has a strong kick to it, even on a mild. Overall, all items were enjoyable.

Jonathan F.

We stopped here for a quick dinner after walking through downtown Berkeley. We got there around 5pm, so the restaurant was still empty since it just opened. By the time we finished, there were still some tables open but it definitely started to fill up by 6pm. We got the yam fries to start, and shared both the beef pad see ew and crab fried rice. The yam fries were super crispy, but also so light and tasty. Loved them! The beef pad see ew was cooked perfectly and rivaled some of the better pad see ew's I've had. The crab fried rice, however, was just decent. I wasn't a huge fan of the warm rice and cold crab combo. I think this would be a huge hit if it was served in a hot clay pot instead to let the bottom get nice and crispy. Just my personal preference though. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, still really enjoyed the food and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would definitely come back if I'm in the area.

Annette C.

The food is so fresh and delicious that I couldn't get any pictures! We were all so taken aback by the aromas rising from our plates that everyone just fell silent and started digging in. I could hear the sound of approval in between bites and sips. Service was friendly and prompt. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The high ceilings and decor gave the place a freshness, like a pristine glass of water.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was wonderful.

Eggplant served on a cute plate and Papaya Salad was so fresh with great presentation

Cristina P.

i drove an hour across the bridge from the peninsula just to try little plearn thai kitchen after seeing this restaurant all over my tiktok feed and it was so worth it! [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant was poppin' on a friday night, maybe because it was berkeley restaurant week and students returned from spring break.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] fun fact: this restaurant is family-run, on its 3rd generation working hard to preserve the roots of thai culture started by the grandmother/ founder of this restaurant (Plearn is her name)! [[HIGHLIGHT]]They've done a great job putting in effort to keep this restaurant innovative and fresh down to its indoor decorations and dish presentation appealing to aesthetic and trends while still preserving the authentic taste of the food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] they shop for their fresh produce, meat, and noodles every morning while still making everything homemade like their curry. every dish is PACKED with flavor and extremely flavorful. you could definitely tell all the dishes served take so much time to make and are made with love by the kitchen. show-stopping must-order dishes: green curry: i will dream about the taste of this curry!! wow. perfect spice. papaya salad: the spice paired with the freshness and texture to this dish was exquisite. perfect crunch and soaked in flavor. basil - thai sweet basil pork, zucchini, green bean, bamboo, red chili & chili: such a comfort dish filled with so much flavor. eggplant: vegetables were cooked perfectly and fresh. felt healthy and full of flavor. beef pad see ew: noodles were so fresh they also have this housemade chili sauce that was so bomb and i was dipping everything in it. dishes were reasonably priced, especially in this economy and is so considerate for the students in the area. the workers were so kind, attentive and quick to serve and cater to their customers as if they were welcoming everyone into their home. i had a wonderful and meaningful experience dining here.

Christine D.

Flavor (5/5): Not a lot of places do pumpkin curry and it's an absolute favorite of mine. When I saw they had it on their menu I had to order it, and it hit every craving I had for it. It was loaded with protein of your choice and lots of veggies. Highly recommend! Instagram Worthy (5/5): I didn't expect this place to be so cute from Yelp but when I walked in I was surprised! They went hard on their Halloween decor and the food presentation was chefs kisses! Service (4/5): We got seated quickly and ordered and got our food in a timely manner! Food came out piping hot and the portion sizes were crazy! Takeaways: Lunch special is such a great deal, portion sizes aren't cut down and you get a free eggroll with your plate! The brunch spot down the road was 1.5 hour wait so we stumbled into this place instead and I'm so glad we did. Little hole in the wall, I would definitely come back!

Charlene D.

Enjoyed my dining experience! Thai food is good but finding a good restaurant that serves a variety is tough. Came here with family celebration of a birthday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I like the holiday decorations and festive feels.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is a good size for seating but I suggest making reservations because this place became packed and waiting time became long after we were seated.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Arrived around 4 pm on a Sunday. Service was professional and waitress was nice and knowledgeable. The staff knew how to serve well. We had a big group but each of our entrees came out at a decent time. Also the portions were generous. I thought the Thai ice tea lemonade was good and something new to try. Highly recommend and would come again!

Sapphire D.

This place came highly recommended by a fellow foodie who's recommendations I really trust! She explained the family history and authenticity behind the food and I told myself I had to try it asap. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is quaint and charming. They even had Christmas decor up adding to the already charming atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We tried the pad Thai of course, it was delicious. We added crab, cause why not and prawns. Unfortunately the fish only came with two fairly small prawns. That was a little disappointing, but no points deducted for taste. The food was excellent. We also tried the duck over rice and I thought it was very good. The duck was nicely cooked and came with a tasty sauce. Service was very attentive, constantly making sure our table was clean, waters were full. It was really nice. All in all we had a great time and we'll definitely be back!

Brian H.

I felt like I was in Thailand. The food was fantastic. Chicken pad Thai was just like I was in Bangkok . The staff are very friendly and fast service. You will be very pleased. I felt very welcome here - you can park out front and the menu is on the window. It has nice seating and plenty of room for 4. Every seat is a good seat . Everything on the menu is a win. I got the lunch special. With a Thai iced tea. I will be back . And I hope you will too.

Tiffany P.

We found the perfect Valentine's Day date @Little Plearn Thai but honestly? Delicious all year round [[HIGHLIGHT]]Little Plearn Thai has been on our list since last year since we love festive restaurants, but what really impressed us is that the food is just as good as how pretty the space is[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] What we ordered: Fresh Spring Rolls, Curry Puff, Pad Thai (SO fresh best Pad Thai I've had in the Bay, no debate), Panang Nua, Basil pork, Thai Yaki Soba, Duck Over Rice, Moo Dang & Crispy Pork Over Rice. They also have a limited Valentine's drink menu We can taste how fresh everything is. Hearing the story behind the restaurant made it even more special The owner's grandmother started the business and STILL personally picks the fresh ingredients at the store. That kind of care shows in every bite. #foodie #bayarea #valentinesday #datenight #thaifood

Uyen L.

We ordered a few things togo and had a great experience. The server was super friendly, and even though it wasn't quite dinner time yet, the place had a steady flow of people. The food took about 20 minutes, and everything was still warm and fresh when we ate them about 30 mins later. Portions were solid for the price. We got the shrimp pad thai, chicken pad see ew, and potstickers. Everything tasted great! The pad see ew could've used a little more seasoning, but still good overall. Would come back again!

Rachel Z.

my first experience wasn't great. the food lacked flavor. we tried the basil and the pad thai. both dishes were bland. i love pad thai typically and everywhere i go, it has always tasted similar with a nice tang but this one really just tasted like nothing? i didn't plan on coming back but was passing by and had some doordash credits to spend. out of convenience, i tried their crispy pork for takeout and it was actually really delicious. i would easily come back for this dish. the sauce it's paired with enhances the flavor nicely. the crunch of the skin and the softness of the meat creates a nice texture balance. the cucumbers were so sweet as well. perhaps the first time was an off day, or maybe those specific dishes aren't as great anyway. either way, i'm glad i ended up coming back because i really loved the pork

Jocelyn G.

Brought my wife to this spot because we saw it on IG. I wanted to surprise her with a date night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They were showcasing their Christmas themed atmosphere. I made a reservation because it was suggested if going on the weekend. They get very packed. I made the reservation through their website. It was easy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We got there and immediately noticed how beautifully festive it was. That was really beautiful and intentional.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My wife was real happy with her surprise. We were seated immediately, so that was a plus. Our waitress provided helpful food and drinks suggestions. We ordered chicken wings as appetizers, I ordered Pad See Eew and my wife ordered the dry glass noodles with various meats and tofu (I forgot the name). The wings should have came out 1st.. but that was not the case. My food came out 1st without my wife's. The chicken wings came out about 5 to 7 miss later and then my wife's food came out.. about 2 mins after the wings. While we both enjoyed our entrees, the wings were undercooked. Like they seemed done, but you could tell and taste that they needed to have fried a bit longer. One of them had a little redness on the bone. Nonetheless, we ate them. Our drinks were so delicious. She had the green Christmas one and I had the blue Christmas one. We put Soju (Korean alcohol) in them both. I got mine w/o whipped cream because I'm lactose intolerant (They were fine with leaving it off)...BUT, I did have her bring me sprinkles to add because I love sprinkles. So far, the night was actually Purdue decent minus those lil hiccups. However, when the waitress came over to check on us and asked us if we needed boxes for the leftovers, we said we did.. but I still had half a drink left. Sure then brought the boxes and check. I did not understand why because I was actually going to order more drinks. However, at that point, I felt like we were being rushed to get up from our table. I told her that I was not ready for the check and she was adamant about me placing it on my section of the seating. I had to tell her again.. that we did not ask for the check and that we were not ready to leave yet. She walked away and then less than 5 mins from when she came.. someone else brought the bill. I had to day the same thing to him to.. that we were not ready for the bill. I did not like that at all. No one else around us was provided the bill while so having food/drinks on front of them. I watched the movements, so why did this happen to us? No one should be rushed to get up while still enjoying their meal and/or drinks. Although this did not happen to us, I am still putting it into my review due to witnessing it. The party next to us found a small crystal that looked exactly like glass in their noodle dish. One of them actually had it in his mouth due to taking a bite of his food. He stated that it was hard and definitely not food. He reported it to the same waitress who simply said " Oh sorry, do you want me to get you a new plate of food". She did not ask him if he was alright nor did she bring any manager over too talk matters over with them. They agreed to a new plate, but after we all discussed what just happened, they decided to get the plate of food taken off the bill. Even when they attempted to do that, they were met with the food is already cooking.. so they had to push a little bit to be heard. She took it off of the bill. I disliked how that situation was met. Lack of full apology, no managerial apology nor followup, no automatically insisting to clear it from the bill without being asked by the customer and the fact that they do expected the customer to pay any bill after going through possibly eating glass. My wife and I were appalled.

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Review Insights

Chris S.

Elite 26

4 years ago

The food and decor will definitely be appreciated by any prosp you take here on a date.

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Vedika D.

3 years ago

One of the best Thai restaurants in the area. The vibes inside are so nice and it's a little less known than some of the other joints in Berkeley so it's easier to get a table here. I usually go for the curry dry noodles and ask for it to be made spicy. These are really good with a solid yellow curry flavor, but the sheer quantity of bean sprouts in the dish can be a bit overwhelming I've also gotten the Rad Na a few times. The gravy in it is so good but the noodles often come matted together which is kind of unappetizing so I don't get it too often. Still, the gravy is pretty tempting on its own The portions are decent here--enough to get 2-3 meals depending on how hungry you are. Overall a really cute spot for food with some room to grow in terms of food quality read more

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Julius A.

197

2 years ago

panang nua mmmm so very yummy tomkha yeah good yummy yummy tummy hurts i ate too fast read more

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Anusha K.

Elite 24

106

4 years ago

Great Thai spot in Berkeley! I got the Lunch Special with Pad Thai with Tofu and Fried Spring Rolls. I really loved the Pad Thai! The Spring Roll was really crispy and delicious, and the side salad was a nice accompaniment to the rest of the plate. Overall, really delicious and great portion size for the price. Would definitely come back! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - pad thai with tofu lunch special - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Sara A.

Hi Anusha! We are so happy you enjoyed our lunch special! We make…

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Kanani L.

3 years ago

Great food and low-key ambiance. Comfortable and has never disappointed me in the 20+ years I've been eating here.

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Jessie B.

4 years ago

Got sick around 2 hours after eating take out from this place. The entree I got (pad see ew) had very little flavor and wasn't very good. Edit: Not sure how to respond to the business manager response. I got sick from either the pad see ew or from the fried appetizer I got. I didn't eat anything out of the ordinary and did not eat any take out other than this place in the 48 hours prior. Food born illness can happen within hours of eating a dish, which is what I experienced. Just because there are 30 dishes that didn't make anyone sick didn't mean it didn't make me sick. In addition, order notes were missed concerning allergy requests. Regardless, the pad see ew had zero flavor, very little sauce, and was a brick of noodles with 4 pieces of broccoli and 4 pieces of tofu. I didn't like it and spent the evening throwing it up. read more

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Sara A.

Hello Jessie. It’s so unfortunate to hear you felt sick. This is the…

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Minti M.

2 years ago

Rude customer service, food came late and it was incorrect. I wasn't refunded or given right order after but instead told to leave.

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Sara A.

Hi Minti. We’re committed to providing excellent service and ensuring…

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Abby A.

118

5 years ago

Solid place. My family of 10 came in and they were accommodating, including all our little special requests and what have you. We ordered a lot. Curry noodle soup (3/5): a bit bland. Needs a little something. Not bad but wouldn't order again. Panaang Nua (5/5): very good. No wonder it's world famous (from description). Tender beef and good flavor. Fried spring rolls (5/5): good flavor, I which it came with a different sauce but the sweet chili sauce it comes with is ok too Fried tofu (3/5): good texture but bland. The peanut sauce it comes with is pretty good, but I would like a savory sauce too. Spicy fried rice (5/5): tastes good. Not too spicy, just a lil kick. Pad Khee Mao (4/5): would definitely be good takeout. Again, not too spicy. Pad Thai (3/5): it's ok, a bit too sweet. It will hit the spot if you're craving pad Thai. Yum Woon Sen (4/5): nice and refreshing. Pretty spicy (although it might be because my mom added the spicy fish sauce they gave us) read more

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Crystal B.

4 years ago

Wings- loved the sauce!! Wish there was a more meat Rating 3/5 Potstickers - will order again! 5/5 Thai Suki Noodle Soup- 4/5 BBQ Chicken with jasmine rice - Needed more sauce, Needed more meat 3/5 read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Thai Suki Noodle Soup - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Geraldine H.

294

130

3 years ago

I'm trying to be as objective as possible, so I didn't rate it as one star. The food was just okay. I went on a recommendation of a friend, since I was in the area. I ordered the duck rice plate and clear noodles. I told the waitress that if she could just put it in a takeout container and I'll eat some of it there. Save a plate, I was thinking. She suggested it would just be as easy to put it on a plate and whatever I don't eat, she would pack up. Well, I didn't eat anything. I asked her for a box and she gave me a cardboard box, the usual white, folded box. I told her that since I didn't eat anything, I would like the plastic box I saw them use for other takeout orders. She said that would cost me extra. I was on fire. I told her she was the one who insisted on giving it to me on a plate and had I known she wouldn't give me the plastic box I saw them use for all the other takeout orders, I wouldn't just ordered the entire order to go. The owner, who, she said, determined this rule, came out and said okay, they would make an exception. Well, I was still angry and I told them you can forget a tip. I did not leave a damned tip. I haven't done that in years, but I felt so pissed about the service that I was adamant about it. I had to walk back to work and the bag she gave me was so flimsy and thin, too. The paper was starting to rip. It was a twenty minute walk, about six blocks. I'll never go back, ever. I'm sorry. I just can't forget the way I was treated. read more

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Su-Yee L.

Elite 26

137

479

446

5 years ago

I went here on a whim to pick up a late lunch to go, after seeing all the good reviews. Really unimpressed by the pad kee mao here. I ordered the pork pad kee mao, spicy, but it was sorely lacking flavor except for an odd sourness that I don't associate with pad kee mao. No spice whatsoever and no basil flavor either. Portion size was okay although it could've used some more veggies. Staff was nice enough and the place is cute for dine-in. read more

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Delia D.

4 years ago

One of my favorite things about Thai food is the abundance of crisp vegetables, e.g., a vegetable fried rice with scallions, cilantro & typically a few other veggies, or a pad thai with many chunks of broccoli. That's **not** what it was like at Little Plearn. Even the Vegetable Fried Rice had hardly any veggies, just white onions, a very few slices of carrots, a very few tiny pieces of zuchini & that's about it. The Pad See You and Pad Thai were also nearly devoid of veggies, much less than at most Thai restaurants, so the dishes were less appealing, less tasty & less healthy than we expected. Other than that the food and service were fine, but choosing between 2 stars = "could have been better," and 3 stars ("OK"), I'd have to go with "could have been better. read more

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Ben R.

3 years ago

Great food, very nice staff. Packed so we knew it would be good. Exceeded exceeded even those expectations.

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Ruihuan R.

3 years ago

Very delicious! Love how the pumpkin melts into the curry, and the pad see ew tastes so good! The Halloween atmosphere is great as well! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Pad See Ew Pumpkin Curry - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Jennifer X.

332

7 years ago

Dinner combo wasn't bad but you could probably get tastier Thai food or larger portions of food for around the same price other places in Berkeley. Service was quick and easy. Cash only! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Param (veggies + peanut curry sauce) with pork as a dinner combo - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Jack V.

250

7 years ago

Great authentic Thai family business! Amazing food and an even better story: The owners' daughter represents Thailand on the Women's National Soccer team and their son serves our country and still manages to find time to come around and help in the kitchen. Ordered pad-see-ew, a curry and some stir fried vegetables and everything tasted very good. Please come here instead of other surrounding 'Thai' restaurants and support this great family read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Pad see ew - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Cleaned all the plates - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Lemon in the WATER - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Toilet smells like flowers - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Bruce S.

3 years ago

Pad ke Mow is great but worth the drive to get it. Generous portions for the price Would order again

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Denny J.

3 years ago

jesus....never had I ever had such terrible Thai food. The rice is wet and there are only 4/5 prawns in it. Nothing in there is fresh. read more

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Desta G.

3 years ago

In town for work, ordered dinner to go twice from this place. It will be a go to when I'm in town.

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Bianca Y.

2 years ago

the food is delicious and the workers were very fast and efficient. always love their thai tea and pad thai

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Sophia C.

4 years ago

Pad see ew was delicious! Maybe the best I've ever had. Came at 12pm on a weekday and became full relatively quickly. Very cute interior. Hope to try their other dishes sometime. read more

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Marylynne C.

Elite 26

294

222

7 years ago

Love this place because its vegetarian friendly. I walked over on my lunch break and was kindly greeted walking in. The guy could probably tell I worked in the area and asked if I was ordering to-go. I ordered Pad- Thai; he suggested the lunch combo for $2 more. It came with a salad, a spring roll (fried or fresh; I got fresh) and the noodles. I was very impressed with the fresh spring roll; very tasty. The salad was fresh and the dressing was light. Pad-Thai was VERY hot and fresh. Keep in mind they do serve the lunch combo with all three items in the same to-go box; so if you're weird about hot and cold food mixing make sure to ask for a separate box. Overall great food; this is the second time I have been here, the last being I dined in and I had the same great experience. Thank you! read more

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Skyler N.

5 years ago

I got the Pad Thai the Pad Kee Mao and the Fried Spring Rolls and it was all soo good I love little Plearn. They also have a really great portions and kind staff. I saw reviews about them not accepting credit cards but they do now! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Pad Kee Mao Pad Thai - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Sara A.

Hi Skyler! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed our food and had…

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Maggie J.

213

5 years ago

My go to Thai spot in berkeley. Imm is also great, but I love how friendly and accommodating the staff is about any dietary needs. They use really fresh veggies and with generous portions, you really can't go wrong with this place! My go to's are the pad see ew, pumpkin curry, green curry, really any type of noodles, and pumpkin curry (yes, I said this twice because it is SO good and filling and generous with their meat and veggies!) If you're in the mood for some homemade, comfort Thai food, must come here! read more

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Sara A.

Hi Maggie! We are so grateful that you take time leave us this…

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Diadora W.

3 years ago

My friends and I popped into this restaurant after a long trip. We were ready to eat and it wasn't bad. The plating was standard but inside this restaurant, everything looked 2x more aesthetic. The servers were polite too but the food hasn't blown my mind. read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - BBQ Chicken - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Inside - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Saowanee C.

4 years ago

Second time coming back and this hidden gem never disappoints! We ordered the panang nua curry and my husband couldn't get enough of the curry sauce! Great tasty food and they serve a good amount of portion size as I am always leaving very full from this place. This is my fav Thai restaurant in Berkeley for sure! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Fried spring rolls - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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KIM Z.

198

122

5 years ago

The spicy basil shrimp rice dish is delicious. I enjoyed their spring rolls too. Always super fast too! read more

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Camille G.

174

5 years ago

My co worker and I DoorDashed from this place for lunch. She ordered Pad Thai and she liked it. I tried their sticky rice with mango unfortunately my order was disappointing.. the mangoes on my order was bad.. it had rotten spots and tasted so sour.. i paid $7.50 for it.. which is really expensive for how small the serving is.. I'll post a picture for reference. read more

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Sara A.

Hi Camille. We are truly sorry you got bad experience from our food.…

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Ashley W.

1709

8 years ago

I'm really glad I found this Thai place in Berkeley! Many of the other Thai food restaurants in Berkeley leave you feeling very greasy after leaving but this left me so content and pleasantly full. They many different menu items with a vegetarian option which was super refreshing and made it so I have more of a selection than usual when eating out. My boyfriend said it was "bland", but I'd describe it as simple and that's just what I was looking for! If you go with a large group, it is very loud when the restaurant is full so you most likely won't be able to hear anyone further than 2 seats down from you (I was on the edge of the table). Price wise this restaurant is very reasonable ($8-10 per dish). read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Vegetarian noodle soup - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Joyen C.

3 years ago

Best Thai restaurant in Berkeley!!! The portions are HUGE and super FLAVORFUL, and the ambiance is always super welcoming, I love that they change the decor every month or so according to the holidays. This place never fails to impress and the service is always consistent! Ive tried many Thai places in Berkeley but I end up back here no matter what!! I consider myself a big eater but one dish can definitely stuff more than 2 people so definitely try it family style. read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Spicy Wings - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Curry Noodles - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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David T.

412

8 years ago

Wow this place is a hidden gem!! The food is amazing, great decor, and the waiter is a cutie. Came for the food, stayed for the service read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - My 5 star waiter, bang his line at 510-383-6750 - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Terrel W.

2 years ago

The food was OUTSTANDING! I ordered the Spicy Fried Rice, the Thai fried with chicken, and the Spring Rolls. The only bummer was reaching the bottom of the empty container. Service was quick, and courteous. Will return for the quaint, inviting atmosphere!! read more

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Martin G.

5 years ago

It's been a few years since I've had an outstanding duck noodle soup. This little restaurant hit a home run last night. The duck was tender the broth was rich the noodles and vegetables were cooked perfectly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place. My son had the duck soup two nights ago so he ate the roasted duck with rice and a side of bok choy. He said it was perfect. read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - If I could get my face in there I'd lick the bowl - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Get in my belly - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Ample spacing between tables - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - The entrance to Thai heaven - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Duck and rice dish with bok choy - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Business owner information

Sara A.

Hi Martin. We are so happy to hear you had great experience with us.…

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Claytie D.

3 years ago

Very tasty and affordable Thai food near the Cal campus. The staff is great and the food to go is timely, if you're in a rush!

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Joy M.

4 years ago

The pumpkin curry with shrimp is some of the best curries I've ever had. The lunch special was a great deal: $14 for the curry w/ rice, side salad, spring roll and it came with 6 shrimps! Dinner was less of a bargain; I got fewer shrimp and had to pay extra for rice. The Thai iced tea with milk was also delicious. Highly recommend this place! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Pumpkin curry with shrimp lunch special - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Thai Iced Tea - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Kelly D.

3 years ago

Has great food with friendly and fast service. I recommend going for the lunch special :)

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Warrior N.

7 years ago

I really like this place I ate the lettuce wraps (no meat) unexpectedly amazing!! And shared the Pork Pad Thai with my friend ! (Add some pad Thai to your lettuce wrap and it will be even better ) Awesome Jazz in the background Uniquely traditional Thai spot! read more

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Menu - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Lettuce wrap with pad Thai - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen - Lettuce wrap - Thai Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lauren C.

2 years ago

one of the waitresses humiliated us for not tip despite us not being pleased with the rude service we were given at the restaurant because "it's manners in america to tip," and kept my card and started re-running the bill to make me pay for a tip. she was talking down to us as if we weren't americans too. feels slightly racist and absolutely ridiculous. they told us dont come back--we won't be coming back anyway :-) read more

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Brownie B.

5 years ago

Delicious little this food restaurant. Great food, very fresh. Great customer service. I had yellow curry lunch special and everything was cooked perfectly. I've been here many times over the years and it doesn't disappoint. Love Little Plearn! read more

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Xenia H.

6 years ago

Open for take out during COVID (but cash only, so bring some purell). They're unusually vegetarian friendly. Most non-meat dishes can be made veggie-friendly. The family that runs it is friendly and professional. I've eaten here many times now. My favorite dishes are: Pad Kee Mao, Yellow Curry, Pumkin Curry, Pra Ram, and the crispy spring rolls. If you really want it unspicy, make sure to ask for that. read more

Business owner information

Sara A.

Hi Xenia! Thank you so much for your kind words! Just to give you an…

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Page 5 of 12

2283 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
Directions
(510) 704-1442
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.littleplearnthai.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen open?

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Little Plearn Thai Kitchen opens at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen close?

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Little Plearn Thai Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen serve alcohol?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen allow dogs?

No, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen does not allow dogs.

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have TVs?

No, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have bike parking?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen has bike parking.

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have outdoor seating?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen has outdoor seating options.

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Little Plearn Thai Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Little Plearn Thai Kitchen have free WiFi?

No, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Fresh ingredient everyday! Everything is homemade; curries make from scratch and they are gluten-free! Chili sauce is a must as we continue grandma (Plearn)'s recipe!

History

Established in 1984.

Plearn has been a name in Berkeley for over 30 years! She opened an authentic Thai restaurant on University Ave. in 1984. After retirement, she has left her mark on many customers and mentored many in those years. Since 2000, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen has continued her recipes and influences. Her favorite curries and taste have not changed. We still continue to make curry from scratch, soups are made to order, sauce are from Thai herbs and spices. This takes time but we wouldn't have it any other way. That also means spice levels are out of our control! The fresh Thai chili produce we get every other day will determine the spice level. We hope you enjoy our Thai American family recipes!

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

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Soo good! Came on Cal Day and it was a little busy but we were able to join the waitlist outside…read moreand were seated outside in 10 minutes. They also have a restroom for customers. We got the pad thai and pad kee mao with a side of sticky rice. Everything was super tasty and flavorful. I really enjoyed the flat rice noodles. The sticky rice sides came wrapped in foil and were so compact (but delicious)!

Great food, hit or miss service. Definitely get signed into the Yelp waitlist as Imm Thai is always…read morebustling, even at 3pm on a weekend! -2 stars for service. One of the staff members were so sweet and regularly checked up on everyone, but our main server was incredibly rude. My vegetarian friend wasn't able to eat eggs but the rest of the table could, so we asked kindly if it's possible to just have it put on the side. I understand if they couldn't do it for whatever reason, but we were just met with so much passive aggressiveness for asking. It made the mood very unpleasant. But honestly, I find it strange as most restaurants are pretty understanding of dietary restrictions and can make modifications to cater to their many costumers. I previously had their pad thai for takeout in 2024 and remember being very disappointed. That said, I would give it another try if dined in. RECS: + Pad see ew ($16) was good, one of the better ones I've had + Green curry ($16) was delicious and full of flavor! + Crispy pumpkin ($10) had a light, airy coating of batter and was paired with a tasty sweet and sour sauce

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$17 mixed chicken and rice was: really good! The boiled chicken was dry but worked really well with…read morethe sauce. Rice had a lovely lime seasoning and I couldn't not eat it. The fried chicken was flavored well and juicy. Definitely can eat again.

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Very good yellow curry, big portions, friendly waiters, good ambiance, I liked it, James was very…read morenice

I've dined at both the SF and Oakland locations before. Oakland started off really strong for me…read morebut over time the food felt a little inconsistent, and the SF location personally just did not hit for me. But this Berkeley location? Okayyyy now let's get into it. Parking here is definitely challenging, so give yourself extra time. We came on Mother's Day with reservations at 2 PM, right before they closed for their dinner reset at 3, and we were still seated pretty quickly which I appreciated, especially with how busy it was. We sat outside on the patio and honestly it was such a nice vibe. They do have outdoor heaters if needed, but the weather was perfect that day. We did everything à la carte for a party of 7. Appetizers: Vegan Spring Rolls: 5/5 Super crispy and fresh. The chili peanut sauce was so good we kept going back for more. Crispy Pork Belly: 1/5 Way too overcooked for our liking. It came out super dry and chewy, almost like a thick pork jerky. Definitely not something we would order again. Main dishes: Panang Neua: 5/5 OMG. This was the dish I came for and it absolutely delivered. The meat literally falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The sauce leans salty, so pairing it with the blue rice balances everything out perfectly. So rich and flavorful. Crab Fried Rice: 5/5 The large chunks of crab really made this dish stand out. It was flavorful, not dry, and not overly mushy either. Solid all around. Hat Yai Fried Chicken: 2/5 Too thin and too dry for us. I would not reorder this dish, but the roti it came with was actually really good dipped into the sauce. Beef Larb: 5/5 Wagyu beef? Say less. This dish was perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor. Straight chef's kiss. Yellow Curry: 4/5 Honestly you really can't go wrong with yellow curry here. Comforting, flavorful, and paired well with everything else we ordered. And of course we ended with the mango sticky rice to share because you simply have to. It was the mango on top to finish the meal. Overall, this Berkeley location easily gave us the best experience out of the three. Great service, beautiful patio seating, and several dishes that were genuinely memorable. We'll definitely be back for that Panang Neua alone.

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No complaints about the service; they were quick and very friendly…read more Unfortunately, I was not the biggest fan of the food. The green curry noodles came with vermicelli, and I wanted to try it since it's what they recommend, but it just was not the right texture for the curry I felt. The flavor of the curry itself was not super flavorful. I felt like more coconut milk could have been added to coat the noodles more. The spring rolls were good. I enjoyed the peanut sauce. We also sat at the front by the door, and it was rather cold in that seat.

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Absolutely incredible. I had this place bookmarked for a while, but rarely get up to Berkeley…read more So... I thought I might just order a bit more than necessary in case I didn't have the opportunity to come back for a while. I seriously cannot believe how consistently fantastic all of the dishes were, from the moo tod to the chicken skewers to the orange cake. Pad Thai is great, but I'd venture to try dishes that you don't see that often on other Thai menus. Pandan tea is also extremely refreshing. It's a small operation, so do your part by ordering at the kiosk. However, if you have any questions, the extremely friendly and helpful staff are happy to help. Enjoy your food in the extremely cute interior if you prefer to dine in, but I had to take everything to go to beat the afternoon traffic. Spoiler: the moo tod did not make it home - I didn't realize it would make for such a delicious car snack and should've gotten two orders.

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My friend and I came here around openning time on a Saturday and were sat right away. We ordered a…read moreKao Soi and Pad Thai to share. After ordering the food came out really quickly and we were able to dig in right away after some pictures. Both dishes were huge and we definitely had left overs to bring home. The kao soi was very flavorful as it was sour, spicy, and very creamy due to the coconut. The egg noodles really soaked up the sauce and made each bite taste so good. I wish there was a little bit more meat in it though. The pad thai was very saucy tasted so good. The noodles weren't soggy at all and had a lot of meat throughout. Overall a really nice place to share food with your friends and family.

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Yesterday was my first time at Ippuku. My friends and I were a group of 8 and they were able to…read moreaccommodate us but in 2 separate tables - I believe their large table was already reserved. This worked out fine for our group. The menu had various options and eye-catching beverages! My table ordered 3 versions of the Chu-Hi's. Quite pleasant. I liked my Meyer Lemon Hi, it came with half of a lemon which I freshly squeezed and poured into my drink. I thought that was very fun! The quality of each dish was cooked well. My favorites were the crab croquettes, chicken heart, one of the marinated skewers (I can't recall the name of it), gizzards, and the squid ink fried rice. I'm definitely curious to try the bacon-wrapped mochi at a future visit. The only downfall was that the kitchen was extremely backed up during our visit. It took well over what felt like 20-30 minutes from our 1st order to our 2nd Chef's Choice dish. That negatively impacted our experience, but it happens. I'd like to try Ippuku again and hope there will be less of a delay. Our server was nice & attentive, came around a few times to refill our water.

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The food is amazing and the even the customer service within the working staff is great. However I…read morehad to give it 3 stars because the manager treated us very poorly. From the very beginning, he stated that we couldn't sit upstairs due to it being full but kept sending others upstairs to sit. Then he told us that the upstairs area was meant for couples of 2 when there was clearly already people of threes and fours sitting upstairs. Lastly the waiters told us we could move seats to a bigger table and he came to take the table from us and stated that his staff didn't control where we were sat and he placed another group that he preferred there instead. I felt the manager Benny was very dismissive to his staff and very rude! Will not return soley based off this experience.

Came here on a Saturday, I'd advise to come early because the line gets super long…read more Ate upstairs, the ambiance is super chill. Service was excellent and attentive! My friend and I ordered the steak chilaquiles verde and tres leches French toast. I forgot to take a pic of the French toast- but both was 5/5. The steak was cooked perfectly, presentation was pretty, and it all tasted so good together. The French toast with berry compote was super yummy and balanced. Not too sweet. My friend and I also got a bottle of champagne to make mimosas. We had the guava, mango, and cranberry (I think I didn't taste this one) on the side in little glasses I love guava but the mango was the best flavor! I would recommend this place for the service and especially the food! I want to come back and try more.

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Cherry Ann V.

303

3 years ago

Little Plearn Thai is an absolute gem in the heart of the city, offering an extraordinary dining experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I knew that I was in for something special. The warm and welcoming ambiance, adorned with traditional Thai decor, instantly made me feel at ease. The staff, greeted us with genuine smiles and provided exceptional service throughout my visit. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate dietary preferences was commendable. Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food! Little Plearn Thai truly masters the art of Thai cuisine, delivering an explosion of flavors that left me craving for more. Each dish was prepared with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the freshest ingredients and authentic Thai spices. From the aromatic Panang Nua soup to the perfectly seasoned Pad Thai, every bite was a burst of deliciousness. One dish that stole my heart was the Curry Noodle Soup. The rich, creamy curry paired flawlessly with rice noodles and a medley of vegetables, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that I couldn't get enough of. It's safe to say that this dish alone is worth a visit to Little Plearn Thai! Not only is the food exceptional, but the portion sizes are also generous, ensuring you leave with a satisfied belly. The menu offers a wide variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, making it a perfect destination for a group with diverse dietary preferences. To complement the mouthwatering dishes, Little Plearn Thai offers an impressive selection of beverages. The Thai iced tea was a delightful companion to my meal, providing a refreshingly sweet contrast to the savory flavors. In conclusion, Little Plearn Thai is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Thai dining experience. The combination of friendly service, cozy ambiance, and exceptional food makes it a standout among other Thai restaurants in the area. I cannot recommend this place enough, and I am already planning my next visit to explore more of their tantalizing menu. read more

Con D.

2 years ago

If you're in the Berkeley area and craving solid Thai food, Little Plearn Thai Kitchen is definitely worth checking out. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes that highlight classic Thai flavors, and you'll find great options like chicken curries, flavorful noodles, and a tasty green papaya salad. One standout is their Pad Thai, which leans towards the sweeter side, making it a bit different from other versions you might find, but still very satisfying. For those looking for vegan-friendly options, they offer tofu and plenty of plant-based dishes if you ask for no egg. The service is typically friendly, and while the ambiance may not be the fanciest, the cozy, low-key vibe is perfect for a casual meal. Though the atmosphere may not be as polished as some other restaurants, the food quality and affordability make it a great spot for a no-frills, flavorful dining experience. If you can't make it in person, they also offer takeout. read more

Francisca L.

2 years ago

This is a modern and casual dining Thai restaurant with affordable price that provides various appetizers, soup, chef's recommended menu, salad, barbecue, noodle, curry, wok, along with alcholic and non alcoholic drinks. We tried Panang Nua for $15.95 as one of the chef's re commended menu here. A plate of white rice with the tender beef, Thai chili, coconut milk, peanut sauce, basil, zucchini, green bean, red bell in a thick sweet and savory curry sauce. For the drink, my friend recommended Singha Thai Beer. This was my first time having this Thai beer, and I could say that Singha is good! It's not bitter, but not overly sweet. read more

Jimmie T.

11 years ago

There are a couple of "Plearn" restaurants in Berkeley, and I believe that they are related. I have only eaten at this one, and I eat there often. I travel to Berkeley several times a year and this is a standby. The food is good and authentic although the chili is dialed down, if that's an issue for you. The service is friendly and efficient, the menu has some interesting things on it as well as all the standbys, and it's pretty darn cheap. We were seeing a show on the UC Berkeley campus, and the restaurant was just a short walk away. read more

Grace T.

Elite 23

265

260

466

1 year ago

Little Plearn Thai Kitchen is a gem just a couple blocks from UC Berkeley! The food here is authentic and bursting with traditional Thai flavors--every bite feels like a warm hug from Thailand. Their lunch special is an absolute steal: you get a delicious main entrée, crispy egg rolls, and a fresh salad, all for a great price. The cozy vibe and friendly staff make it a perfect spot for students or anyone craving legit Thai food. Highly recommend! read more

Sarah P.

15 years ago

As far as Thai food goes this place is good but nothing exceptionally special. Its cheap Thai food for a decent price and that's pretty much all I ask. Though you should know they do not take credit cards so make sure you have enough cash. They are busies on Friday nights aside from that you can almost always get a seat. read more

S N.

5 years ago

This spot is so cute and authentic! I love their Pad kee Mai, pad thai, and fresh spring rolls. They are super helpful with modifications and always do a good job. Portion size is phenomenal!! They always give such a generous amount of food and I appreciate little plearn! read more

Yoshi J.

4 years ago

Great Thai restaurant in Berkeley. First time here and the pad Thai was great. It's an affordable price compared to other places and the portions are big. Service is great too. read more

Sara Y.

6 years ago

The best authentic Thai food in Bay Area. Their pad Thai is the best!! Very authentic since I'm originally from Thailand. I highly recommend to try the food here! read more

Ashely J.

15 years ago

My favorite downtown Berkeley Thai Restaurant! Drunken Thai Noodle w/Tofu! Yumm!!!! But make sure you've got cash! The trip to the ATM is worth it!! read more

Michael Y.

6 years ago

Stop by Littleplearn today to get some food. I try duck over rice , special menu. Mannn it's really good! Definitely will be back for duck over rice. read more