Payakk Restaurant
Payakk is a Thai restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and creative dishes
Payakk is a new restaurant from chef Nattaporn Pinpech, also known as chef Tobb, who previously ran the popular restaurant Secrets of Tiger. According to the source, Payakk has a more considered atmosphere than Secrets of Tiger, with moody lighting and gorgeously plated dishes. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients to create bold Thai flavors.
The vibe
The restaurant has a cozy, worn-in feel, with two dining rooms that have distinct atmospheres. The first dining room has wood-paneled walls and plentiful plants, while the second dining room is sleeker, with a dark green color scheme and gold accents. The source notes that the restaurant's decor includes knick-knacks, antlers, and Thai prayer flags, which add to its unique atmosphere.
What to order
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including small plates like the fried Hodo tofu custard and crispy prawn toast. The source recommends the fried eggplant and tomyam soymilk cream, which is a huge, fried eggplant half plated on top of a creamy sauce and studded with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced figs. The pad Thai is also a popular dish, made with rendered coconut milk, red curry paste, and shrimp fat. The source notes that the fried pork jowl fried rice is a must-try, with a crispy, breaded, fried pork jowl over fried rice.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Fried Hodo tofu custard | $16 |
| Crispy prawn toast | $18 |
| Fried eggplant and tomyam soymilk cream | $22 |
| Pad Thai Chaiya | $39 |
| Fried pork jowl fried rice | $29 |
| Tender Chilean sea bass with turmeric curry | $39 |
| Keang-som fried white seabass | $39 |
The drinks
The restaurant offers a mix of signature and classic cocktails, including the tequila-based Love is the Drug and the Blush, a take on the white Negroni. The wine list includes red and white options from California brands, with most glasses priced around $13. The source notes that the restaurant also offers bottled and canned beer options, including Singha and Fieldwork IPA, as well as nonalcoholic options like Bagheera, which combines green grapes with lime and makrut lime leaves.
Insider tip
The restaurant hosts vinyl listening nights, and the source notes that the records behind the bar are not just for decor. The restaurant recently secured a DJ to spin every other Friday, and customers can check out the restaurant's Instagram page, @payakkstory, for the latest event info. As with any popular restaurant, it's a good idea to check the standings of local eateries to see how Payakk compares to other restaurants in the area.
Best for
The source notes that Payakk is a hidden gem, located in the Montclair neighborhood, which is an area that is not often visited. The restaurant's unique atmosphere and creative dishes make it a must-try for anyone looking for a new dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Thai food or just looking for a new restaurant to try, Payakk is definitely worth checking out, and you can find more information about the restaurant and its menu on our fixtures page.
