Northlake Thai Cuisine

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
The black-and-white combo used on tablecloths and chairs is reiterated in classy framed photos and faux flower arrangements, creating a high-end hotel vibe in an unlikely strip-mall setting. The earliest arrival on Atlanta's fine-dining Thai scene, the restaurant wins with fancy presentations and immaculate table service.

The Food
Exotic dishes, like sauteed escargots with Asian basil and black soy broth. The soft-shelled crab with tamarind-brown butter sauce looks promising, but a bland, crunchy exterior yields an overcooked interior. Barbecued minced shrimp skewered on a hunky stick of sugarcane and a side of sweet and spicy chili sauce makes a much better appetizer. Entrees are served with haute-cuisine temperament. Best bets include the roasted duck breast layered with plum sauce atop a mashed taro concoction and grilled filet mignon over a noodle cake in an Indonesian curry.