Phone: +15108412002
Address: 1549 Shattuck AveCA 947091516, Berkeley, United States
City: Berkeley
Menu Dishes: 35
Reviews: 1598
"I wish I had given this restaurant zero stars. I ate in this restaurant a few years ago and the food was decent, not great, but reasonable. We had dinner there last Saturday night and the food was nothing less terrible. Now I have been a little pampered since I lived in Thailand and my wife is from the Isian area of Northeast Thailand (Nongbua Lamphu Province). At first we were attracted to this place because the chalkboard in front of the restaurant advertised both Lao Raw Beef Salad and Ant Egg Salad (Ant Eggs imported from Laos). Since my wife loves both dishes because they are popular in her hometown, we went in. As it turned out, the restaurant had neither even though we were there at 6:30. We ordered Som Tam Ba La (Lao style), but the waitress said they did not have Ba La (not sure how you cook Lao style food without it). My wife spoke to them in Thai and told them to make them “Thai spice as in Thailand” but the court came only slightly spicy. We ordered Larb Pla, a Thai salad, made from slightly cooked minced meat and spiced with rice powder. The dish they had brought out had pieces of deep fried fish and many Khao Taut (Fried Rice Cake pieces) and no spices at all. We also ordered Pla Rad Prik and the sauce tasted as it had been made with canned tomato paste. But the thing that really told me that this was not a Thai/Lao restaurant was the rice. We ordered Khao Neow (Clebrian rice) but what they brought us was the short-grained, non-glutinous rice that is very common in northeast China, Korea and Japan and not the Thai sweet (glutinous) rice that is common for Thai/lao cuisine. I would avoid this place at all costs."
Full menu - 35 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Lao Finger Food
Soups
Tom Yum
Spicy Thai soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, and lime for a tangy, aromatic experience.
Noodles
Sautee&Amp;Apos;S: Lao Dishes
Salad
Thai Dishes
Pad Thai
Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, egg, bean sprouts, and peanuts, in a tangy tamarind sauce.
Rice Noodle Soups
Curries: Lao Curries
Chef's Specials
Rice And Noodles
Starters
Appetizer
Koi's Entrees
Seafood
Calamari
Tender calamari rings lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with tangy marinara sauce for a delightful appetizer.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Salads
Yum Talay
Yum Talay: Spicy seafood salad with a medley of shrimp, squid, and mussels, tossed in a tangy lime dressing.
Sandwiches
Egg Rolls
Crispy rolls filled with seasoned vegetable and meat mix, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
House Specialties
Jose
Amazing food. Excellent service. I never tasted something like that before. Completely recommended.
Address
Reviews
Lucious
The foods are authentic and good. Glazed chicken wings with sticky rice amazingly delicious. Lao sausage and papaya salad recommended.
Lakshmi
I must admit that I love Dara Thai primarily for their Pad Pet Makuer, also known as eggplant in chili basil sauce. My love for eggplant knows no bounds.
Jocelyn
Located on a bustling street at the corner of Shattuck, this restaurant is conveniently situated across from a Safeway where you can park. That's what I did at least. LOL... View menu
Juan
I finally had the chance to visit this restaurant when it was open. I have walked by it many times and always wanted to try it. I was so happy when I finally caught it while it was open and I was hungry. The establishment is...
Bryan
The food here is wonderful flavors are intense and l would venture to say some of their dishes are the best i have ever had. Especially the phad kee mao. Deliciously spicy, fresh ingredients, relaxing atmosphere make this a great place to eat.
Prithvi
OK Thai food. The curry was more thin than I am used to, and the prices are a little on the high side for vegetarians since most places give lower prices for tofu. Taste was OK though I've been here before and loved it, so usually it's good which is why I have 4 stars. View menu
Madeline
Went here with my Mum Auntie while they were in town. Service was excellent very sweet server, prompt, and good sense of humour. Food was delicious (we had a noodle dish, a stir fry, and something on the specials menu the red snapper served in a coconut . Everything was yum, and the outdoor seating area was perfect for us. The indoor seating looked really nice too. New favorite Lao/Thai restaurant :
Dan
We came to Dara on a warm day and was lucky enough to be able to eat at the outdoor wooden table. The food was really good, but not in the typical way. I'm so used to Americanized Thai and Lao food, which I enjoy, but at Dara it seemed more authentic, with flavors and feeling more like in Thailand and Laos, both of which I've been to various times. We ordered all veg. The service and presentation was also good, as was portion size, pricing, and everything else. I've known about this place for a loooong time, but for some reason, never made it there. Now I know I'll be back!
Finn
I wish I had given this restaurant zero stars. I ate in this restaurant a few years ago and the food was decent, not great, but reasonable. We had dinner there last Saturday night and the food was nothing less terrible. Now I have been a little pampered since I lived in Thailand and my wife is from the Isian area of Northeast Thailand (Nongbua Lamphu Province). At first we were attracted to this place because the chalkboard in front of the restaurant advertised both Lao Raw Beef Salad and Ant Egg Salad (Ant Eggs imported from Laos). Since my wife loves both dishes because they are popular in her hometown, we went in. As it turned out, the restaurant had neither even though we were there at 6... View menu
Berkeley
Berkeley, a vibrant city known for its university, offers diverse dining options, featuring farm-to-table cuisine, organic produce, and international flavors like Thai, Indian, and Mexican dishes.
Categories
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Tea Explore our selection of soothing teas, offering both classic and exotic blends. Perfectly brewed to awaken your senses, indulge in our range for a moment of tranquility and flavor in every sip.
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Thai Savor the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our menu featuring a delightful array of dishes, from spicy curries to fragrant stir-fries, all crafted with authentic spices and fresh ingredients. View menu
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Fish Delight in our exquisite fish dishes, crafted from the freshest catch of the day. From grilled favorites to savory stews, our menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with flavors to satisfy every palate.
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Meat Explore our mouth-watering meat selection, featuring expertly grilled steaks, tender chicken, and flavorful lamb dishes, each seasoned to perfection for an unforgettable dining experience.
Amenities
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Wifi
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Outdoor
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Takeout
- menu
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Television
