Order Wayla Takeout or Delivery
Wayla Photos
WAYLA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Wayla
Recommended Reviews - Wayla
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I didn't like Wayla immediately upon arrival. Their layout is so weird the way there's two storefronts and you have to go up and down metal stairs. It was pouring when I went, so I was worried I'd slip every step of the way. It's also awfully dark for stairs too. Now that NYC is a subtropical climate with pouring rains every summer, this setup really isn't going to work. Being downstairs also meant there was no signal at all. What a great way to unplug . No I really preferred to have internet access to figure out the menu. Inside is also a weird long rectangle with horrible acoustics. There was a larger group in the corner that was really loud and made it impossible to hear my friend across from me. When you make reservations online, you can pick which store to go to. I picked the dining room but I don't think picking Little Wayla or backyard would make a difference. We shared: gui chad tod (chive pancake), pla muk tod (fried calamari), gang keaw wan ped (duck green curry), khao pad pu (crab fried rice) Chive pancake was my favorite because I just like chives in general. The exterior is crunchy. Inside has a mushy paste texture which isn't a preference but tolerable. I like the sweet soy sauce-like sauce that came with it because it would add another layer of flavor without being too overpowering. Fried calamari was chosen because we saw another party order that when we first arrived and the smell was attractive. I think we were just hungry at that point. Our fried calamari wasn't that good. The batter was too tough and dry. The sauce that came with it felt a bit Mexican, containing lime and avocado. Duck green curry seemed like a unique option to us since we don't often see duck offered as a protein. The duck itself was alright, can go without it. The problem is how the duck came with bone which was hard to eat with. We both thought it would be slices without bone. We didn't end up finishing it because it was too inconvenient and tiresome. The curry flavor is nice and I like the eggplant pieces. Crab fried rice always seems to be a good go-to for a non-spicy dish. It was disappointing because the crab was dry and rice was tasteless. We actually ordered a separate bowl of rice for the curry because I wanted to enjoy the crab fried rice by itself. Turns out we shouldn't have and could've just used the crab fried rice for the curry since it's that tasteless. I also got a Thai iced tea which I gotta say for $5 is cheaper than most places out there. It's not the best tasting $5 Thai iced tea but I'll let it pass. I think it comes with oat milk by default which seems like a nice touch given the price. Overall I found Wayla to be disappointing and worse than I last remembered. The food was so mediocre that both my friend and I didn't take leftovers even though there was ~40% left for each dish.
We discovered Wayla because it was nice day out and we were looking for a restaurant with some outdoor seating. Unfortunately, they were all booked up but we're impressed by the aethstetics of it and opted to try to make a reservation for another night. So we came here on a late Friday night (like 9:30pm), which surprisingly was not crowded. It may have been due to the Knicks Game. Anyway, we ordered the lemonade and the pear drinks. Both were very good, especially the lemonade. For apps, we ordered some puffs. They were good as well but we were surprised at the portion as it was only 2. For mains, we ordered the veggie curry, the mushroom fried rice, the half duck and the pork dish. All were very good. The only critique that we have was that the duck took a while to get to us as it was accidentally delivered to the wrong table and we ended up taking most of it to go. All in all it was a good dining experience with great food, nice ambiance, and relatively attentive service.
Overall, this restaurant is pretty solid to go if you have a lot of time and don't mind waiting for the waiter to order or having to remind them 3 times for utensils or a bowl of rice. Upon arriving at this cozy restaurant downstairs, there was a good amount of people inside, but a few open tables and seats at the bar. However, it was shocking to hear a couple sat by the table grab the waiter and say they've waited over 15 minutes and no one checked in and they barely got water at the table. Ignoring that, the food is definitely tasty, starting with the apps that we got, with a creative dip for the calamari that most other places don't offer. The fish is also a standout, and very worth the value, providing a crispy take on the branzino with a marvelous dipping sauce. However, the rest of the dishes were lackluster in taste and very expensive compared to the other top Thai restaurants in NYC. I think the ambiance is good for smaller groups, but the wait staff all seem very rushed and not patient when we ordered or asked for simple things around the table.
We were very excited to try Wayla and had a reservation on the upstairs section. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for us. We were seated right next to the restroom and the door was consistently kept open so we could see the toilet. Not the greatest ambiance. We also asked our waiter what to order and he straight up said "everything is good". We would have appreciated a little more guidance than that. For the food, I got beans with tofu. I've ordered this dish multiple times at multiple other Thai restaurants, and the beans are usually very well cooked and wrinkly. My order was almost completely raw beans. My friends ordered a soup which was too spicy for her, and the waiter didn't ask for our spice levels. My other friend ordered the lettuce wraps which she said were decent, but quite expensive for a small plate of food. Also, the rice on the side was $5, but came in a really small portion barely enough for two people. It was really yummy rice though (the purple kind!) and came in a leaf that they steamed.
10/10!!! Great service, food came fast, tasted like I was transported to Phuket. The crab curry was absolutely amazing. The curry puffs were also delicious. I came on a Friday evening- definitely recommend making a reservation.
YUM! I've been to Wayla twice now and the food was delicious both times. Some of the usual Thai restaurant classics aren't on the menu (drunken noodles, pad see ew) but the variety offered here more than makes up for it. Dishes I would definitely order again include the mango salad, duck green curry, crab curry, crab fried rice, and the fried branzino. We received a fair warning that the crab curry was on the spicier end, and it really was. It's more of a building spice, but still flavorful and delicious nonetheless. I hoped to enjoy the NY strip steak more than I actually did - I would opt for the fried branzino instead. Drinks here are a bit on the pricier side, even for the non alcoholic drinks. My drinks both times were also unfortunately full of ice. Service is attentive but not overbearing at all. Highly recommend reservations as this gets PACKED even for a Thursday evening. Seating is catered more towards smaller groups - 3-4 would probably be best here. Ambiance is cozy & intimate.
If you are planning to visit Wayla, here is the short answer: Go for the food, but do your best to skip Saturday nights. I went recently with a group of friends before heading out for the night. The food is genuinely excellent. The Whole Fried Branzino (Larb Pla Tod) is the absolute standout. I am usually skeptical of whole fish because it often comes out dry, but this was perfect. The batter is light and keeps the meat incredibly juicy. It is served with a lime vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. It was honestly one of the best things I have eaten in a while. The service was also a highlight. Despite how busy it was, our server was attentive and happy to walk us through the extensive menu. They clearly care about the food and the guests. However, the atmosphere on a Saturday night is overwhelming. The restaurant is located down a flight of stairs and gets incredibly packed. We were seated on the patio, which sounds nice in theory. In reality, it consisted of plastic tents that looked like emergency shelters. It felt like an overflow holding area rather than a dining space. It was not cozy at all. The energy tips from "buzzy" into "stressful" on weekends. You feel like a number in a tightly choreographed rotation to turn tables. The Verdict: The food is worth the trip. I can absolutely see myself craving that fish again. But next time, I will make a reservation on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the weekend circus and actually enjoy the meal. Pro Tip: Order the Branzino and make a reservation well in advance, but aim for a weeknight if you want a relaxing vibe.
This is a very solid Thai restaurant. All the food I had had unique flavors that were still rooted in authentic Thai food, and I felt like everything was executed very well. The papaya salad was refreshing and flavorful. The chicken wings were crisp and also quite flavorful, although I do wish they were bigger. The chicken curry was good, and the mango sticky rice mousse dessert was great. It was a nice day, and we sat outside in the back, which was very enjoyable. The service was great too!
It looks like the restaurant owns a floor above and underground. Watch out for the stairs if you're going below as the steps are steep and narrow. It almost feels like a speakeasy. Upon entering in the place looked cozy and seemed great for a fancy but casual spot to eat. We ordered the moo sarong, noodles wrapped in pork meatballs for appetizer. I think it was a little too hard for us and didn't realize how small it was, they seem about 1.5 inch big. For someone with braces it was really hard for me to bite down and eat so if you have sensitive teeth I would recommend to order something else. We enjoyed the crab fried rice and the sauce that came with it. The portion of the crab was meaty and it was flavorful. The ribs were also really soft and fell off the bone. Wish it came with a bowl of rice for the price since it was 35 for about 6 pieces, but because we had the fried rice to go along with the dish it was okay for us. I think it's a decent spot with good dishes but maybe we didn't order the right items for us that it didn't hit the mark completely for us.
I get the hype around this place because the food was absolutely amazing. Each dish was flavorful and fresh. My favorite was definitely the crab fried rice with the noodles as a close second. The duck was super tender and the green curry definitely had a kick to it. The seating is intimate and the vibe of the restaurant really topped everything off. The service was efficient and friendly. I would highly recommend this thai spot for date night or to bring friends!
Wayla brings the soul of Thai home cooking into a polished space that still feels relaxed and inviting. The energy is lively, the cocktails are playful, and every dish pops with layers of flavor. The Lobster Curry were incredible--the fish cooked beautifully and the lobster so rich. But the showpiece for me was the roasted duck paired with a bold green curry... tender, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. If you're exploring Chinatown and craving something vibrant and comforting, this spot delivers. Dont forget to get the durian sticky rice for the dessert.
The food was pretty good -- interesting flavours, different across the several dishes we ordered, and good textures too. We ordered the beef jerky, beef curry, papaya salad, seafood pad char, and crab sen chan pad pu. The menu had many dishes I wasn't familiar with, but our server was patient and thorough when it came to explaining everything and helping us choose our order. The beef jerky was a surprise favourite with a crispy texture, and the seafood dishes were great too. Relatively quick service and nice atmosphere. It did get pretty loud as the evening progressed, but easy to talk earlier in the evening.
If I could give Wayla more than 5 stars, I would. We had an exceptional experience! Great service, chill ambiance. Every dish was fresh, hot and delicious. We enjoyed: Nua Sa Wan - thai style crispy beef jerky Khao Krep Pak Mor - crepe dumpling Gang Keaw Wan Ped - roasted duck green curry Sen Chan Pad Crab - crab pad thai Beautiful plating, generous portions equals win-win! Looking forward to our next visit.
I used to find Wayla a solid 4 but during the last visit, I found the food to be a bit flat. For apps, we got the calamari, papaya salad, chicken spring roll, and the bbq beef. Surprisingly, I found the calamari to be the stand out from the apps. It was crispy and seasoned well, paired with their delectable sauce. The disappointment was the papaya salad, not as much flavor as I would like and medium spice was very mild. Additionally the chicken spring rolls were dry and flavorless. Onto the mains: Crab fried rice - I would recommend this as they give chunks of crab. It's always a solid dish and very simple but delicious when pairing with the other dishes. Ribs - they were solid but nothing too special for me personally. Fried whole fish - I enjoyed this! Fish stayed crispy and the sauce was enjoyable. Steak - Would skip, nothing too memorable Lobster pad Thai - would skip this. Pad Thai noodles were clumpy and gluey. For an expensive dish and for it being Pad Thai, I was highly disappointed. It also didn't taste as traditional as I would like (flavor wise). Curry - vegetarian but surprisingly I enjoyed it because the curry itself was flavorful. I would get this again. Also my Thai iced tea tasted very watered down. The other individuals in my group who ordered same also agreed. That said, service was good. To be honest, there's a lot of Thai restaurants, especially good ones coming up in the last couple years so I'm not sure I'll be coming back that soon. read more
Had this on my list for some time and finally gave it a try. Good Thai food; vibe was chill and good music playing. Service was on point; waiter suggested dishes based on our liking and he couldn't have been wrong! My fav was the kua kling kung if you were looking for something spicy and delicious. My mouth was on fire but I enjoyed every bit of it. We also had the salmon and lobster noodles and both were flavorful. Will def return to try other items on the menu. read more
The food here is really good. I tried the vegetable curry and pad thai here. The pad thai had a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce, and I really enjoyed the texture of the grilled tofu on top. The curry was rich without being overwhelming, and full of plenty of vegetables. The meal worked out to about $35 per person, which is a bit pricey but worth it. read more
Hidden Thai food restaurant in LES ! I was hosting my friend's birthday and actually I planed to reserve here before pandemic and finally accomplished !!! Food was excellent especially crab meat fried rice was everyone's favorite, I also love pork meat ball is really unique And Brussels sprouts was spicy yummy!! The wait stuff were all very kind and attentive. Of course their interior was worth of photograph not only patio also cool box seat. read more
A restaurant that has got it all down to the details! A rare find. Delicious food, highly competent, friendly staff, and warm, well-designed environment. The restaurant is tucked away in a ground level space, so it's a restaurant you seem to have to know about in order to find. I am glad to have stumbled upon it online. The curry was full of seemingly super fresh vegetables - Brussels spouts, the sort of medium-sized carrots with stems that remind me of a farm-to-table restaurants, broccoli. Ie unique vegetables for a curry. The added grilled shrimp to the curry were grilled well. The side of purple sticky rice was unique and elevated the dish. It's nice for the restaurant to have thought of ways to make simple things like rice special. My friend got the tofu "long beans" dish which was similarly delicious. For dessert I got the mango mousse which was great, but I thought the purple sticky rice it came on top of was unnecessary. I know it's a play on mango and sticky rice but rice after rice for dinner wasn't too appealing. I would recommend they do away with the rice but other than that about as good as it gets for an upscale yet casual meal. read more
3 years ago
RATING: 7.5/10 PRO TIP: Get the branzino - it was our favorite dish. One thing this place is good for is not holding back on portion sizes. BRANZINO - wasn't sure what to expect but this was my favorite. Tender, frittery, crispy pieces of branzino fish in Thai sauces/seasonings with veggies. Makes for a pretty delicious stir fry that you don't really see too often. This was recommended to us, too, and glad we went with it. CRAB FRIED RICE - crab fried rice is hard to knock out of the park solely because there's so many places that make this. It was a good fried rice, fluffy, well cooked, no hard pieces, and there was a good portion of crab, and if you make sure to use the sauce on the side, it will take it from good to GREAT. LOBSTER PAD THAI The pad thai noodles themselves I've had better at many other places; it's not bad by any means, but it was a little soggy/perhaps overcooked or too much sauce. The lobster was good, but not sure this dish was greater than the sum of its parts. I'm not huge on lobster, though. FINAL CATEGORY: GREAT (terrible / bad / ok / good / GREAT / excellent) read more
9 months ago
So Thai is one of favorite food. So I tried this cute place and I enjoyed my time there. I ate outside but inside was also nice. Outside had a nice scenery, lots of plants & mural. Waiter was pleasant. I ordered the moo sarong (pork meatballs) but they weren't for my liking. We ordered the lobster dish and the duck. Although it's in the basement the esthetics is very nice read more
2 years ago
Ambiance: good, a bit dark but nice kinda fancy. small but not crazy for ny Food: everything we ordered was solid across the board but theres a lot of good thai in ny, so it didnt particularly blow me away. Crab fried rice is generous w the crab and the vegetable curry is good too. The fried branzino id skip - ive had better nonfried branzino elsewhere the food is very good but i just feel like nyc has a lot of good thai so the bar is higher. the crab fried rice is good but yea just nothing crazy special for ny. if youre visiting the city tho this will guarantee a good meal Dessert: had high hopes; got the mango sticky rice mousse and it was just ok. quality ingredients but nothing crazy flavor or texture-wise. no mango chunks read more
(Overall: 79% | C) - I found the service to be relatively nice, attentive, and accommodating. There are some flaws in the food, but overall has high potential for improvement! (Calamari: 82% | B) - The calamari itself interestingly lacks color but remains crispy and tasty. The spicy avocado crema pairs well to add creaminess and acidity, though I think it could work better if it wasn't spicy to provide more of a cooling vibe since the squid was already fried. (Thai Tea: 70% | C) - The drink looks good but unfortunately has a lot of crushed ice, making it not contain a lot of tea and quickly tasting bland and watered down. IG: @amei.eats read more
2 years ago
Great hidden Thai spot on the lower east side. Immersive flavors and helpful service. Some of the dishes could be improved with additional protein (e.g. the curry) but the ambiance can't be beat read more
Excellent Thai fusion in the LES by Delancey. The space is also quite unique as the main restaurant space is located in the basement but they have garden, curbside/outdoor, and indoor seating. The staff is great - friendly, attentive, and they are FAST. The fare itself is quite excellent - and the prices are reasonable for the portions and the quality of the ingredients. I would highly recommend the lobster noodles, pork ribs, and fried branzino. The lobster noodle is a premium version of a pad thai with a whole lobster - it is a must-try. The pork ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the branzino is flavorful and perfectly fried. We also got the bone-in strip steak which was solid as well. Will be back and this is worth a visit if you are downtown and craving some upscale Thai fusion. read more
We dined at Wayla last night and loved the food, drinks, and overall experience! However, we won't make the mistake of sitting in the curbside booths again. The restaurant is located right along Chrystie Street, which sees a ton of gridlocked traffic on the weekends. The horn-blowing was constant, very loud, and really distracting, so lesson learned: it'll be inside dining or back patio only, should we make it back. And really, everything else was great. The service was on point, with top-notch recommendations and friendly attitudes. And it WAS nice to have the relative privacy of the spacious curbside room, so if you're looking for that and don't mind the noise, then the sidewalk dining might be for you. I was extremely impressed with this trendy Thai restaurant's inventive cocktail list. The infusion of Thai herbs, fruits, and spices really enlivens the drink menu. -Sway Wayla (gin, butterfly pea blossom, cucumber, lemon, shiso): Maybe it was just the color, but this cocktail reminded me of an aviation but with more herbal tea notes. -Bangkok surprise (mezcal, Suze, Thai grenadine, ginger syrup, pineapple juice, lemon). Wow. So good. This has tropical vibes from the ginger, pineapple, and grenadine, but also has this really impressive depth of flavor, almost like something you'd get from black sugar. Hard to describe, but we agreed that the cocktail hits a pleasure center in the brain, like foie gras or chocolate. It's just that good. Starters: Moo Sarong: This might very well be Wayla's signature dish. Those little pork meatballs wrapped in crispy noodle are too cute and unique not to order. They taste pretty good, too- especially the addictive chili sauce, which has sweetness, spice, and just a hint of pungency. Karipup Gai (minced chicken, onions, and potatoes in puff pastry): so good! Get these. They're a bit like Indian potato samosas but with a mild, savory, coconut-based yellow curry (karee curry) as a dipping sauce. Larb Pla Tod (whole fried branzino, shallots, mint, lime, chilies): as others have noted, the presentation of this fish dish is unique. It's the whole dish, but the flesh has been removed, deboned, friend into little crispy cubes, and mixed with fragrant spice. The marinade boasted a sour, fermented, pungent, umami flavor found in dishes like Penang laksa. The airy consistency of the cubes are reminiscent of fried tofu. Khao Pad Pu - crab fried rice with egg and chives. Great accompaniment for the branzino. We were going to go with the lobster pad Thai, but when we saw that it was $50, we were like, eh. The crab fried rice was like $20 cheaper and was very good. read more
Always such an amazing experience and delicious food! We came with a group on a Friday night, and the place was packed! We were lucky to get table in the backyard, which was so spacious. The service was on point and very attentive. We basically ordered everything on the menu! We couldn't resist as the dishes were all so wonderfully prepared and flavors so bold and authentic. Some of the highlights that are a must get: - beef salad - chicken wings! - fried calamari with an avocado dipping sauce - fried branzino - string beans - of course the lobster noodles If we could eat here daily we would! read more
Returned for dinner with a party of 4 and had another great meal! Didn't feel rushed this time, which was nice. I tried: + Pandan colada + Bangkok surprise + Sen chan pad lobster + Larb pla tod (whole fried branzino) + Yum nua yang (bbq beef) + Peek gai tod (chicken wings) + Kanang pad krapow (Brussels sprouts) + Maa's gaeng pak (veggie curry) + Mango mousse with sticky rice The highlights were the pandan colada, the chicken wings (so nice we ordered them twice - potentially the best chicken wings I have ever had, ever), the veggie curry, and the dessert. Definitely some of the best Thai food around! read more
Great Thai place in Manhattan. Maa's Gaeng Pak was a yellow curry with a complex balance of sweet coconut milk, umami fish sauce, and spicy chili peppers. The Gai Yang roasted chicken had a crispy skin and juicy inside. The chicken inside could be a little bland but the dipping sauce helped. My table of two had a 15-min wait for Saturday lunch--I highly recommend getting a reservation before. Prices are a bit high, and rice is not free (~$4 for a small bowl). Decent amount of seating in the basement, although the interior may seem a bit claustrophobic. Friendly and fast service. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
We were seated outside on the patio which was beautiful. In the summer it can get pretty hot so inside would be better for next time. The service was great and the servers were knowledgeable about the food, portions, and recommended some great cocktails. Some of the cocktails were too sweet but overall great. The highlights of the meal were the branzino which had a perfect crispy texture and juicy taste and the crab fried rice. I think the fried rice could have been slightly more seasoned but overall was delicious and you could actually taste the crab. The curry and brussel sprouts (recommended by the server) were also great additions. The brussel sprouts were perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The curry had a great variety of vegetables that added different flavors. The portions were also bigger than expected which was nice to share with a large group of people. For a total of 8 people, we got 9 dishes and that was more than enough. A wonderful spot for small or large groups, and special meals! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Crowded restaurant! Love the vibes and look of the place. Scarily steep steps to get in but aside from that the place is great. Pretty tasty food, but relatively small menu. Thai iced tea was very tasty but would've been even better with non crushed ice! Would generally recommend though read more
The food was absolutely delicious and flavorful ! The branzino was amazing. The beef fried rice had the perfect amount of spice. I would 100000% come back and try more things on their menu and definitely get the branzino again! read more
3 years ago
Came for a group dinner, perfect for the occasion. We were seated outside in a patio area. Inside seemed a little bit more cramped so we were happy with outside. Food tasted great as expected, not super unique as I've had the same at other Thai restaurants but good for sharing. Service was excellent. read more
I just heard about this place from a friend. There are a lot of 6/10 Thai places around. Pretty mediocre, but Thai food is great so I just keep settling. Well look out! Here comes Wayla! The food is AWESOME. Worst-case: 9/10. I got the crab fried rice. Pretty solid. Good complimentary flavors. My sister got the bbq pork rice. GET THIS! It's spicy and acidic and barbecue and I am fantasizing about it right now. I cannot wait to get back here. The thai iced tea was also great. Much creamier and less chalky than others I have had. Service was also exceptional. read more
3 years ago
Not a fan. Whole experience was terrible. Fried branzino was good but overpriced for the value/portion. crab fried rice was cold and bland. thai tea was straight water. papaya salad was okay. whole place was over gentrified. NOT authentic at all. Our waiter was straight tweaking and whispered the whole time while the restaurant was blasting music like it was a club, couldn't even hear my friend who sat across from me. the purple rice was maybe like 4 tables spoons and COLD. honestly terrible experience we didn't even want to finish our dinner. surprised it has good reviews. don't fall for it. i'll never come back. read more
I went to Wayla with a group of 6 friends on a Friday night. It was tough to get a reservation but they had openings early in the evening (6pm), and were accommodating when we ran a little late. The decor and music are really nice, you walk down stairs into a moody, mid century modern space. They sit larger parties outside on the patio, which is a cute and large space. The only issue we had was that it was a chilly evening and even with jackets we were quite cold since there were no heaters. This also made the food get cold quite quickly. The server was very nice and took our order fast, we got papaya salad (medium spice level), long beans, ribs, crab fried rice, and salmon. The papaya salad was definitely a medium spice level, so if you don't have a great spice tolerance, I'd recommend mild. The beans and crab fried rice were great texture but could have used a little more flavor and complexity. My favorite was the salmon which was very flaky and came in a coconut sauce that was very tasty. The ribs also tasted great with a sweet sauce they provided on the side, but weren't extremely tender. We skipped dessert since it was cold outside, but enjoyed the time at Wayla. read more
The servers were friendly. We had reservations and they seated us. The atmosphere was cozy. We had lobster noodles which was delicious! If you don't have any seafood allergies, give it a try, all the shells are taken out except for the lobster head for the aesthetics of this dish. Would recommend coming back with reservations because this place can get busy! read more
Did the curbside dining here. Would have preferred the outdoor garden seating since the scenery looks nice from the pictures. However the curbside dining felt more private. Food was good overall. Ordered the fish, crab fried rice, ribs. The ribs were a lot bigger than I expected. The meatball appetizers were hard on the outside, be careful trying to pick it up with a fork since it's hard to stab. I enjoyed the dessert. Mango sticky rice was on point and the coconut ice cream was really good. read more
This place is hard to spot if you're just walking around chinatown and passing grand street. It's a hidden gem inside the basement with an outside dining experience. The calamari was amazingly good. The curry vegetable dish was delicious, wish it came with coconut rice on the side. The crab fried rice was good but the spice sauce and the scallion was kind of weird. The lemonade drink was filled with 75% ice. Would come back again to try other dishes. read more
Came for dinner with a friend from out of town and got the rec from a relative. The restaurant was a little hard to find but thankfully they had someone outside who noticed me walking back and forth who told me where Wayla was We sat at the bar which i typically like doing to make small talk w bar tenders. We were hungry so ordered both food and drinks! We started with the "dumplings" (forgot what they are called but they look like an empanada) and the chicken wings. although small the wings were SOOO good - but i wish they were bigger it was seriously one bite and gone. the buns were dry but once paired with their spicy dipping sauce flavors were 10/10 the rice was so filling! thank goodness we shared all this food. we added the spicy sauce here as well and loved all the basil and chili flavors that were going on. my friend doesnt like egg in her rice although i think that protein would have been perfect for this dish 10/10 recommend and would come back! read more
4 years ago
Small restaurant in the LES / Chinatown area, serving excellent modern Thai cuisine. There isn't a huge amount of seating so reservations are recommended especially if you're a larger party. I would suggest ordering family style so you can try a variety of dishes. Some of our favorites were the beef fried rice, chicken wrapped in leaves, lobster noodles, and the Thai curry. The cocktails were also beautiful and complimented the food very well. Prices are a little on the higher side for this area, but the quality of food made up for it. The outdoor dining shacks don't have any fans though, so it is quite uncomfortable to sit outdoors when it's hot. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Loveeeee this place! A client bought me here for dinner and I've been back a few times. First off get the branzino !!! If you're more than two then get two because you will not want to share. I like to get brussel sprouts anytime it's on the menu and there's did not miss at all. I'm sort of having flashbacks about their food it's delicious, a flavor party for your mouth. I finally got to try their lobster noodle it was just as good as I expected it to be. Their drinks are just as good as well. Everything is well worth the price. Although the place make look small, it is sort of a tight fit, there's several seating options. They have heated seating out front and a back patio. I've eaten at the bar and didn't mind it. Just be prepared to be asked or ask what someone else is eating. read more
Second time visiting this place (from Chicago) and this will always be a staple on our trip. Service is top notch. Everyone is so friendly and the food comes out super fast. I loved what I ordered the first time so I ordered the same things: Maa's Gaeng Pak and the Khao Pad Pu. It is the best Thai yellow curry I've ever had in my life. Everything about it is amazing---the veggies, the sauce over jasmine rice. I added shrimp this time and they were jumbo and succulent. The lump crab fried rice. That is some real juicy crab meat and they put quite a bit on top. They pair it with a lime wedge and some chili sauce which just makes it even better. Get the mango mousse with sticky rice for dessert. Not too sweet. Perfection. read more
4 years ago
The service is pretty good. All dishes are so tasty, which out of my expectation, especially the Larb Pla Tod - Fried Branzino, the fish filets are crispy and then the sauce and powder on the top are sweet and sour. I really love it! See Krong Moo Yang are the ribs, which is soft too. Everything went well except little too expensive. Our bills is $70/person read more
3 years ago
This restaurant is below ground - you need to step down stairs in order to get to the entrance (they didn't really have restaurant signage at the street). Food was good! Everything in the food felt intentional. Nice outdoor seating in the back. Was a fan of all the small doggos hanging about. My favorite dishes: Kaoh Pad Pu (Lump Crab Fried Rice) Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) Kua Kling (wok fried shrimp) The pork meatballs (Moo Sarong) and Papaya Salad weren't too memorable for me - next time I visit I'd probably try other appetizers. read more
More info about Wayla
100 Forsyth St
Basement
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(212) 206-2500
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://waylanyc.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Wayla Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Wayla
I saw on Resy they don't have a vacancy for reservation on Friday. Do they accept walk-ins?
yes if they have space
Does the outdoor seating have heat lamps for the cold?
Yes and the work very well.
I have a reservation in the courtyard - what happens if it rain?
As of a few weeks ago when I visited, they had canopies set up covering the courtyard seating area. It was pouring rain and it was enough to keep my whole group dry. Hope this helps!
Do you need a vaccine card even if you're dining outdoors in the backyard?
Yes you need vaccination proof along with your ID even if you want to dine in their open backyard. We were there last evening and they did check.
Are they open for brunch on the weekends?
What is the setting of their outdoor dining like? Will it be nice and insulated?
They have an outdoor patio that is uncovered and currently does not have heat lamps.
Is outdoor seating available during the colder months?
When we were there it was not available (early November 2019).
Is brunch prix fix or you can order anything from the regular menu? Also how vegan friendly is the brunch?
Sorry can't help with this
What if anything is gluten free or can be made gluten free?
Yes, they do offer gluten free food. Even the waffles can be made gluten free, we tried them, very tasty.
Are they vegetarian friendly?
Yes, my wife and I are vegetarian and they were very accommodating. Had the curry noddles, a fresh salad and spicy green beans. Was amazing.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
49 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
7 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
6 months ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
3 years ago
Wayla - thai - Updated September 2026
Best of New York
People found Wayla by searching for…
Trending Searches in New York, NY
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
BEST of New York, New York Restaurants near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Coffee near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Desserts near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Things to Do near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Parking near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Sushi near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Pho near Wayla
BEST of New York, New York Vietnamese Food near Wayla
Reviews from Wayla
Browse Brands
Related Searches in New York, NY
Authentic Izakaya Dining Experiences in New York, New York
Best Chinese Takeout Options Available in New York, New York
Best Clam Chowder Options in New York, New York
Best Crawfish Restaurants and Vendors in New York, New York
Best Fish Tacos Served in New York, New York
Best Places for Poke in New York, New York
Best Places to Enjoy Curry in New York, New York
Best Shabu Dining Options in New York, New York
Best Smoothie Spots and Cafes in New York, New York
Best Soul Food Dishes in New York, New York
Best Spring Rolls Served in New York, New York
Best Wonton Soup Options in New York, New York
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in New York, New York
Discover Authentic Bun Bo Hue in New York, New York
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in New York, New York
Discover Delicious Noodle Soup Options in New York, New York
Enjoy Authentic Mango Sticky Rice in New York, New York
Enjoy Authentic Papaya Salad Dishes in New York, New York
Enjoy Crab Rangoon Appetizers in New York, New York
Enjoy the Best Cocktails in New York, New York
Enjoy the Best Pad Thai in New York, New York Today
Experience Flavorful Asian Fusion Cuisine in New York, New York
Explore BBQ Restaurants Near New York, New York
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in New York, New York
Explore Popular Foodie Restaurants in New York, New York
Explore Popular Fried Rice Recipes in New York, New York
Explore Spicy Food Options Near New York, New York
Explore Top Taiwanese Food Choices Around New York, New York
Explore Vietnamese Food and Culture in New York, New York
Find Delicious Rice Bowl Options in New York, New York
Find the Best Hot and Sour Soup in New York, New York
Find the Best Mariscos in New York, New York Today
Find the Best Teriyaki Dishes in New York, New York
Fresh Ceviche Options Available in New York, New York
Highly Rated Japanese Restaurant Locations in New York, New York
Order Fast Chinese Delivery in New York, New York Today
Order Fresh and Tasty Salad Options in New York, New York
Popular Garlic Noodles Served in New York, New York
Savor Authentic Yakitori in New York, New York
Savor Beef Noodle Soup Specialties in New York, New York
Savor Delicious Udon in New York, New York
Taste Authentic Omakase Sushi in New York, New York
Taste Delicious Hawaiian Food in New York, New York
Taste Delicious Korean Food Options in New York, New York
Taste the Best Peruvian Food in New York, New York
Top Wonton Noodle Soup Choices Available in New York, New York
Top-Rated Orange Chicken Dishes in New York, New York
Top-Rated Soup Dumplings in New York, New York to Try
