Reviews & Ratings for Panita Thai Kitchen

08/14/03

Exotic northern Thai food entices in an enchanted garden setting.

by Contributor

The Scene
Entering Panita is seductive: a twinkly-lit, trellised walkway delivers you into a large, inviting room with soaring wooden beams, earth-toned decor and a stacked flagstone fireplace. There's a patio, but eating inside feels like dining alfresco, thanks to ceiling fans that languidly circle overhead and wrought iron screened windows. In cooler months, heat lamps take off the chill. The soothing setting makes conversations drop to hushed tones, while the service is attentive yet unobtrusive.

The Food
You'll find both familiar and refreshingly new dishes. Thai staples such as drunken noodles and chicken satay sport light, thin sauces that allow flavors to shine. Bags of gold is a knockout. The dish features bean curd crisped into a purse holding bean threads, perfectly prepared vegetables and tofu cubes, with a piquant garlic and honey sauce adding contrast. Fork-tender chilied lamb has the right kick, while pra pla mueg's perfectly grilled squid is bathed in a too-hot chili sauce.

06/29/03

Keep it our secret!

by chrismack62

One of my favorite restaurants. Authentic! The owner built many parts of the restaurant himself. He stops by your table, time permitting, to say "Hello". The chef will alter the food ingredients to suit your taste. The wait staff is very friendly and loves to anwer any questions you have. If you are looking to dine, in and out quickly... Go to a diner. If you want a relaxing freindly authentic Thai dining experience, this is your place.

• Pros: Wait staff, ambience, food
• Cons: not a "quick bite", parking

04/11/03

dont bother

by alrightnow

Although the atmosphere is nice, the food was oily and more like Indian than Thai. The service was horrible!

• Pros: Atmosphere
• Cons: Everything else

11/02/02

Horrendous Service=Not Worth It

by hkm105

Despite its seemingly charming atmosphere, our group had a terrible experience here. There is only ONE person serving as host/waiter and chef. When we were there, there were about 10 tables of patrons for this one person to serve AND cook for and it did not go well. We waited TWO HOURS for our food and received no apology. The waiter/chef seemed very annoyed by the situation, but from what I understand, there has never been anyone else working there. Three tables that arrived AFTER us were paying their checks before we got our food. We all got the same mish-mash of chicken, onions, and peppers--not even close to what we ordered. We only got one small bowl of rice (for the whole table). When we asked for more, he dumped our remaining rice on my plate (some in my lap) and stormed off. DO NOT EAT HERE.

• Cons: Service

05/21/02

Don't Sweat the Service

by mstampley_citysearch

A great little secret tucked in a serene setting off of N. Highland. In the winter, sit in the candlelit backroom with murals covering the walls. In the spring, sit outside on the patio amid the greenery. Don't expect much from the service. That's just part of Panita. Order a bottle of wine and enjoy it while you wait. Because you will. And dont sweat it if you arent served exactly what you ordered. Really. Its going to be good regardless. This is the perfect little spot for a long date or a casual dinner with friends.

• Pros: romantic, great food
• Cons: service

05/16/02

Make a Night of It

by GingerMassey_Citysearch

This restaurant is a gem because its not trying to be hip or even extra popular. Not visible from the N. Highland strip, you have to know to turn off on Greenwood (at Surin and Dark Horse). The food is without a doubt some of the best Thai in Atlanta. Some have complained about being left alone for too long. Thats because the owner is a wonderful eccentric who insists on being a one-man act. He cooks, serves and buses all by himself. Just realize this ahead of time and dont come in a hurry. What you get in return is a picturesque setting with very few people around you, almost like youre dining in a private villa. This is a great place to come with a group of friends if you want to spread out and have long conversations.

• Pros: Great Thai, Calm setting
• Cons: Spotty Service