This Northeastern Thai restaurant frequently goes viral on social media, and for good reason. Located in a strip plaza away from the bustle of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown, Larb Thai-Isan is colorful, casual and authentic, with a robust menu of family recipes passed down generations, prepared by traditionally trained chefs.
The vibe: Perpetually slammed, especially since earning a recommendation from the Michelin Guide. They don’t take reservations, so expect to wait—but once you do sit down, it’s festive and unfussy with hanging basket lanterns, walls plastered in Thai posters, and a tuk-tuk cart stationed off to the side.
The food: Definitely order Larb’s namesake dish, a spicy and herbaceous minced chicken or pork salad that works as an appetizer or lighter main course. You also can’t go wrong with any of the curries, the crunchy papaya salad or the deeply flavorful duck noodle soup. Be warned: the spice levels here are authentic, too. Portions are generous and the pricing is fair. And don’t skip dessert, like the often sold-out mango sticky rice.
The drink: You’ll find a small selection of beers, including Thai options, plus a variety of Thai coffee and teas.
Time Out tip: Larb gets busiest during dinner service, around 7pm. For the shortest wait times, plan to go for an early lunch, between 11:30 and 12:30pm.