2010 Best of Sacramento Winner - Best Thai

Thai Basil is one of those delightful dining surprises you don’t expect to find in a large shopping mall. Located next door to a Goodwill store on busy Douglas Avenue, it’s easy to overlook this charmingly decorated and very friendly restaurant, which serves up vibrantly flavorful Thai cuisine. Intense violet and scarlet-colored walls are adorned with intricate Thai artwork and musical instruments, and delicate statuettes are scattered throughout the small space. A fun faux coconut tree is snuggled playfully into one corner, and if you glance upwards you’ll see the ceiling is covered with pretty patterned forest-green tiles. There’s much to like at Thai Basil, but I suggest you try the crunchy, satisfying pad prik king, fresh green beans sautéed in a lively ginger curry sauce with your choice of meat or tofu; and the pad kee mow, thick rice noodles pan-fried with minced chicken, tomatoes, basil, and chopped fresh chilis. Soups are always a good choice (feeling lethargic? Order the blast-your-palate-awake tom kar gai, Thai hot and sour soup), and if you have any room left after your meal, make sure to order the fried, pastry-wrapped bananas with coconut ice cream. – Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Thai Basil has three other locations—in Lincoln, Laguna and midtown Sacramento. See the restaurant’s website for details.

Reservations: Recommended for parties of 6 or larger

Payment methods: AmEx, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Beer and wine

Hours:
Monday–Thursday: Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner 4:30–9 p.m.
Friday: Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner 4:30–10 p.m.
Saturday: (dinner only) 4:30–10 p.m.
Sunday: (one menu all day) 11 a.m.–9 p.m.