Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rai Lay Thai

    4.2 (508 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Thai, Soup
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:20 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Rai Lay Thai Takeout or Delivery

    Rai Lay Thai Photos

    Business Info

    RAI LAY THAI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Rai Lay Thai

    Recommended Reviews - Rai Lay Thai

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Kao Soy
    Laura B.

    I really love this Thai restaurant!! I used to go frequently for lunch when I worked in the area. Now it's more of a treat. I think the prices are a bit high for Thai food (and don't think they have a lunch special so it's pricey for a lunch), but the quality is amazing and it's one of the few Thai places where I've found khao Soi. I pretty much always get that since it's my favorite dish on the menu, and it's a huge portion, I usually have enough for a second meal later. The Thai iced tea is great too. The service is always quick and friendly.

    Pad See Ew
    Sofia H.

    This is a little hidden place next to Avena Hair School and I must say I ended up here by accident. I needed to have lunch and I miscalculated how far another restaurant was so I ended up returning to the car and finding this. I had been craving PadSee Ew for a while not because I've had it before but due to a video. So I may not be the best judge for this, but as well made as it was I founded to be too sweet. the price was good for the location. Parking is limited close by but there is plenty of public parking around. It's a bit dark to good for a casual simple dinner date. The decor insinuates that there might have music at night... not sure tho. I must say however, the service was friendly, they worked well as a team, and fast. The smell of the curries was amazing and I will return to try it. My guess this is their best seller. Not bad for a random lunch.

    Pad Thai
    Lesley P.

    I have been craving Thai food forever so I stopped in for lunch. Both the girls serving were very sweet and very attentive. My servers name was Cameron I think and she was very good. My dish came out initially way too spicy for me and Cameron said that she would get me a new one made, and she was very professional and accommodating. I would 100% recommend.

    Wilted, broccoli, and a bowl of coconut milk
    A J.

    Just ordered from your store near Pineville. Rai lay Thai express. The TOMKHA soup was like white coconut water, none of the flavor, profiles, overly sweet and missing the spices and other things expected. Ordered the broccoli with shrimp, and the broccoli was wilted and old and drowning in sauce, I will never order from there again, since they are owned by your store on South Boulevard, which I think is consistently good I thought you needed to know about this, as I am basically going to not be able to eat the food I paid for, beyond disappointed.

    Love roll
    Ike N.

    I came here for dinner because it was close to an event I was attending and it was a great choice. We were able to be sat immediately. The team of waiters were very attentive and checked in pretty frequently to make sure we had everything we needed. The restaurant was pretty big and had a great "outdoor" seating area that was well covered. The food was great! I have to admit I only got the love roll because of the shape but it actually tasted pretty good as well. The highlight of my meal was the Moo Ping though. It as very well seasoned and the teriyaki sauce was great. The only complaint was that the sticky rice seemed a little undercooked. It was dry on some parts and difficult to break apart.

    Massaman curry (chicken), white rice, and a side of peanut sauce. Back: beef and chicken Lo Mein Noodles and a Side of Fried Rice.
    Maddie R.

    I've been here a few times before and have enjoyed it. We walked in for dinner on Friday and we were able to be seated right away. Our server was super friendly and helpful when we placed our orders. We started with the steamed gyoza and Philly steak rolls as our appetizers. Both appetizers were delish. The gyozas came with a nice dipping sauce. For our entrees I split the chicken massaman curry with steamed white rice with my sister. We also ordered the side of steamed vegetables which were actually really good. My boyfriend ordered the lo mein noodles with beef and chicken with a side of fried rice. The peanut sauce on the side was so good too! All of our choices were delish and we will definitely be back soon!

    disappointing Pad See Ew. There's no sauce and spring rolls taste frozen not freshly made.
    Alyssa T.

    This was the most disappointing Pad See Ew. You could taste a slight hint of the sauce they tossed it in, but there was barely any sauce at all the noodles weren't coated, and there was none left in the bowl. The spring rolls were also disappointing; they tasted frozen, not freshly made.‍

    Treba D.

    This was an intimate dining experience located in the Southend. We took advantage of the Thursday $7 cocktail special. I will say I wasn't a fan of the bang bang shrimp. It was a little soggy. However, everything else was delicious. The shrimp curry specifically was very flavorful. Now I know what to order for next time!

    Thanh V.

    A friend and I came on a Sunday night with no reservation and was seated immediately. We ordered the green curry and panang curry. The food came out quick, fresh and delicious! The curry was less thick than I'm used to, but it was still delicious and had all the elements of panang curry that I'm used to. Inside is a little narrow but it is decorated nicely. It will always be a favorite for friends and family to go to!

    Nicole L.

    My favorite Thai food in Charlotte. Love the Pad Thai and spring rolls, super fast service, all the servers are great. Really recommend!

    Thai coffee
    Nicholas S.

    Wanted to try this place for a while now and what better way to start the new year off with a bowl of Tom Kha. When I got to the restaurant I was sat right away and greeted by my server within seconds. I ordered my Tom Kha and a Thai Coffee. I was served the Thai coffee and it was a show stopper, it looks as good as it tastes! A few minutes later I was served my Tom Kha and was delighted that the spice matched the level I ordered (Thai Hot). It was also accompanied by three spices on the side which complimented the soup! This place was amazing and would definitely be back!

    Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
    Christopher K.

    Rai Lay is a casual Thai restaurant located on the south end of Charlotte. It is a casual and inexpensive restaurant. Upon entry, you'll notice that the restaurant is cozy and average. The price of the items on the menu are average as well. The hubby and I opted for the spring rolls. They were delicious. I ordered the drunken noodles bowl and added chicken. My hubby decided on the pineapple chicken fried rice. Both dishes were nothing special or spectacular, but they were decent. The service we received was average as well. My rating - The spring rolls - 4/5 Drunken Noodles - 3.5/5 Hubby's rating - Spring Rolls - 4/5 Pineapple fried rice - 3/5. He said the pineapple sauce it comes with was not good. The service - 3.5/5 We would have given a higher rating on service but near the end, our waitress disappeared and we had to waive her down to provide us with our bill and then she disappeared again. We had to give another waitress our payment. Overall Rai Lay gets a 4. I am not sure that I would return, but I would recommend it for a cheap and casual lunch or dinner.

    This is the Peach Tea Martini

    I love this place! They have the best food! I won't go to another Thai place. And this Martini is

    Drunken Noodles and Green Curry

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A J.
    8
    23
    19

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sophia D.

    Sophia D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony T.
    0
    190
    0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    It's the equivalent of fast food Thai. If you're looking for authentic Thai don't come here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sophia D.

    Sophia D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eugene R.
    3
    38
    100

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S B.
    0
    36
    25

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 13

    Ask the Community - Rai Lay Thai

    You might also consider

    Sushi Hana - Charlotte Roll (D)

    Sushi Hana

    4.2(264 reviews)
    0.1 miSouth End, Dilworth
    $$

    Anytime you stumble across all-you-can-eat sushi , it already feels like a win, but this place…read moremanages to bring much more to the table. The restaurant is stylish, modern, and surprisingly chic , with a great location that makes it easy to add to an evening out. As first-time guests, we especially appreciated our server, who patiently walked us through the process and made sure there were no surprises. The explanation about the charge for uneaten all-you-can-eat sushi that guests want to take home was particularly helpful. Knowing the rules upfront makes all the difference and sets the right expectations from the start. The food was excellent. We worked our way through several rolls , sampled dumplings , and didn't find a miss among them. My Lycheetini was delicious, and after tasting a couple of sakes , I ended up buying a bottle to take home. Zero regrets there. Parking requires a little planning, with a paid lot nearby unless you're fortunate enough to snag a street spot right in front. Overall, I'd happily return and enjoy the entire experience all over again.

    Really good service but sushi left a bit to be desired! I will say all our food came very quickly…read moreexcept the hibachi plates. It's probably a really good spot for a quick work lunch where you're truly limited on time! However, in the spirit of honesty, I would probably venture elsewhere in Charlotte to some of the other all you can eat sushi options based on quality and flavor of sushi rolls alone. I really appreciate that this spot offers free parking in the dimensional garage, but we had a really difficult time accessing the garage when we left? Like I'm not sure where the entrance and exits are really supposed to be- it was really difficult.

    Photos
    Sushi Hana - Sitting area

    Sitting area

    Sushi Hana - Nigiri

    Nigiri

    Sushi Hana - Chef Special Rolls

    See all

    Chef Special Rolls

    Konnichiwa - Charlotte

    Konnichiwa - Charlotte

    4.3(269 reviews)
    1.1 miDilworth
    $$

    I was coming home after days of traveling and asked my husband to pick a place to eat not too far…read morefrom the airport because I was going to be starving once I touched down. So his choice was here. Google directions suck they took us around the back to the parking garage for the 2nd level and since we have never been here before it took us a few minutes to figure out how to get down to the first level. When we entered there was a waiter taking an order and no one else on the floor so we had a little bit to get seated even though there were only two other parties in the restaurant. We were able to sit wherever we wanted so I sat with a view of the screen with the replay of the Brazil FIFA game on. My husband wanted the unagi don but didn't order because the price seemed high. The table next to us all ordered bowls and the serving size was huge so my husband regretted it. We order takoyaki, spicy wings, and 3 rolls Godzilla, Hadouken, and Master Roshi. The wings had amazing flavor but were not spicy. Takoyaki was flavorful and the perfect temperature. I get a lot of takoyaki that is entirely too hot and have to crack them open to cool before eating them. My husband did not enjoy the Godzilla roll he said the topping was too much and didn't add to the flavor. But enjoyed the other two. I enjoyed all three rolls the flavor was fresh and very little need for soy sauce fine without it. If we are ever in Charlotte with time to eat I would stop here again.

    We came in the middle of the afternoon so pretty much were the sole focus of the waitstaff…read more Delightful service. Had probably the best sushi we've ever had- quality ingredients, nothing felt overdone or unnecessary. Will be back again and again when we are visiting Charlotte.

    Photos
    Konnichiwa - Charlotte - Indoor seating

    Indoor seating

    Konnichiwa - Charlotte - Good size portions as you can see

    Good size portions as you can see

    Konnichiwa - Charlotte - Streetview

    See all

    Streetview

    Muraya - Beef empanadas

    Muraya

    3.8(185 reviews)
    0.2 miSouth End, Dilworth

    Really enjoyed this restaurant. The atmosphere was great, and the staff was very friendly and…read morewelcoming. The food came out surprisingly fast, which was a nice bonus. The octopus honestly wasn't fully my type flavor-wise because of the seasoning, but it was cooked extremely well -- probably the most tender octopus I've ever had. The cocktails were also very good and definitely strong in a good way. Overall, a really good experience, and I'd come back again.

    After a couple hours scrolling on the internet, my friend and I agreed to try this spot. I…read morepersonally have been craving latin food since coming from Honduras. Great location in south end near the light rail. We had a reservation for 6:30 and were seated promptly. The restaurant is gorgeous! I was in amazement walking to my seat. The host was about to sit us at a table, but we requested a booth and were accommodated. Our server was very nice and thoroughly explained the menu. We started off with the empanadas and I ordered my first virgin "pinny yolada" :). The empanadas were mind blowing! They were nice and hot, flavorful, and absolutely a delight! We were so impressed, we decided to order the double fried wings afterwards. The wings were good and had an interested flavor with the tamarind. After the wonderful appetizers, it was time for the entrees. I ordered the short rib yuca gnocchi and my friend the arroz con pollo. On paper the gnocchi sounded sublime, but in actuality it was lacking a lot. The entire dish lacked so much flavor, even with hot sauce, additional salt, and lime it tasted bland. I was very disappointed. The empanadas and service were a saving grace, I ordered two orders of empanadas to go for my family. However they were so expensive. I paid $14 for 3. Even though I loved the empanadas, I probably would not be back.

    Photos
    Muraya - Atmosphere

    Atmosphere

    Muraya - Calentado Criollo

    Calentado Criollo

    Muraya - Limonada de Coco

    See all

    Limonada de Coco

    O-Ku - Sushi Roll (??)...Tiny portion, and terrible presentation!

    O-Ku

    4.3(721 reviews)
    0.4 miSouth End, Dilworth
    $$

    Incredible service, outstanding fish, and a chicy-boob-boom vibe!…read more Probably the place to go number one for a fantastic sushi experience in Charlotte, this is definitely a place where a cool kids go, but you can be 100% DadBod and, as long as you're not in White new balance and cargo pants, they'll let you fit right in. The menu has so many great things on it, and skipping the tuna flight might darn well be criminal. You're gonna enjoy that quite a bit. The service team there is long tenure and really knows what they're doing. They just got a new general manager, and she's got great energy and standards of excellence around her. The AGM is the best dang manager you're ever gonna see! When I have close friends in town, who really want great meal, this is one of the places that we will for sure go. To a great walkable area and while the youngsters there tried to get all the tail feathers up a little too much, don't let that bother you. The restaurant knows what it's about and who it is serving ultimately

    My daughter wanted an Omakase experience for her birthday. After reading reviews and comparing a…read morefew places, I decided on O‑Ku. We'd never tried Omakase before, but we've had other curated dining experiences. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately. Our waitress was pleasant, she started on beverages, and explained that the Omakase would be a two‑hour experience...totally fine. Within the first 20 minutes, our first dish arrived and it was excellent...But then...nothing. We waited, and waited, and waited. An entire hour passed before the next dish appeared. I pulled the waitress aside to check on the delay, she explained they had a sudden influx of customers but she'd ask the kitchen to move a little quicker. The food did start coming out after that, and the managers came over to address the delay, which I appreciated, but the damage was done. I wanted a memorable birthday experience for my daughter, and unfortunately it ended up being a bit of a disappointment considering the time and cost. The food itself was delicious, but poor pacing and lack of attention to the customer overshadowed the entire experience. I didn't ask for compensation but the managers took it upon themselves to comp my wine flight. I hope this was a one off experience but I can't say that I'll return to this restaurant.

    Photos
    O-Ku
    O-Ku - Black Magic, Salmon Usuzukuri, Cucumber Maki, Top Shelf Roll

    Black Magic, Salmon Usuzukuri, Cucumber Maki, Top Shelf Roll

    O-Ku - Red Dragon and Volcano Roll

    See all

    Red Dragon and Volcano Roll

    Rai Lay Thai - sushi - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...