The Patio Thai

“My first visit to The Patio Thai Restaurant was excellent from start to finish! We started with a couple beverages, Thai tea of course and my bf tried the Muay Thai IPA, which he didn’t love but was glad he gave it a shot. Next, we enjoyed the larb gai for our appetizer. The flavors were so perfect together. We damn near licked the bowl clean!! For the mains, I ordered drunken noodles with chicken, Level 4/5 spicy, which was absolutely perfect for me. The portion was huge, I took leftovers home. My bf had the panang curry with salmon, Level 2/5 spicy. The salmon was cooked perfectly medium and it had crispy edges. He said he would increase the heat on that dish next time to 3/5 🌶️ We sat outside right next to the little fountain and it was so lovely. We purposely went between peak lunch and dinner, so it wasn’t too busy yet. They had several large parties coming in for graduation weekend, and service was on the slower side, but that didn’t bother me at all. Just know that this isn’t a place to visit if you’re in a rush. Everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating. The manager/owner checked on us and I was very happy to tell her how delicious everything was, which she passed on to the kitchen. This restaurant received the Thai Select certification which is only awarded to Thai restaurants who prepare authentic dishes and utilize classic Thai cooking techniques. Thai food is my favorite and this was such a treat. Please give them your business and enjoy all the wonderful Thai flavors!”

“On a perfect spring evening, dinner on the namesake patio of the restaurant is a most pleasant affair. The cooking here is fresh and authentic. We enjoyed an excellent green papaya salad, the chive pancake, here done as a tasty roll with crisp outside and creamy, soft inside (just as described in the menu). The only miss were overly seared lamb chops, still tasty and good but too well done. Service is friendly and (mostly) efficient. A good place to enjoy Thai food in Richmond.”

“I was recommended The Patio Thai Resturant, and I can say that it is worth every bit of your time and penny. The ability to indulge in an authentic and delicious Thai cuisine always satisfies the tongue, holding a very diverse palate in itself. I greatly enjoyed the Kai Soi | Northern Thai Curry (featured in the 1st photo), which was one of the five seasonal Chef’s special recommendations. It is an easy spot to pick for friends and families to have lunch or dinner. Depending on the hours, it can be extremely peaceful and calm, while other days it might be bustling with energy and laughter. The staff are extremely welcoming and generous and will continue to check on customers throughout the entirety of their stay.”

“The Patio Thai Restaurant is an absolute hidden gem in the urban setting that is Richmond. It’s a very unassuming place from the outside but the atmosphere when you enter is eclectic. We sat on the patio (hence its name) next to the fountain. The service was excellent. Oscar was very attentive. My husband ordered the spicy basil soup and the spicy kra pow which were delicious. We shared a Thai curry puff order which were buttery, flaky, and delicious. I ordered the tom yum soup and the chicken drunken noodles which were delicious. And you can’t go wrong with the Thai iced teas as well. The atmosphere on the patio was wonderful. I did feel as if I was transported back in time as the restaurant appears to be in an old building as evidenced by the low ceilings and brick structures. It was very peaceful and a wonderful dining experience. If we ever find ourselves in the Richmond area, we will be sure to come back for another meal.”

“If you’re looking for solid Thai food in Richmond, Patio Thai is a dependable choice — especially for takeout. I’ve ordered from here a handful of times, and while I usually grab it to go, the food consistently hits the mark. The flavors are bold, portions are satisfying, and everything tastes fresh. Whether it’s a classic pad thai, curry, or one of their stir-fry dishes, they deliver on what you expect from a good Thai spot. That said, dining in can feel a little… unexpected. The first time you walk inside, there’s a brief moment where you wonder if you’re in the right place — the vibe isn’t the most welcoming, and it almost feels more like stepping into a sketchy apartment building than a restaurant. It’s not necessarily bad, just a bit confusing at first. Price-wise, it runs a little higher than you might expect for a casual Thai place. Still, the consistency and quality of the food make it worth it if you’re craving dependable Thai flavors. Overall: great for takeout, reliably tasty, just don’t expect a warm, polished dine-in atmosphere.”