Anajak Thai

Tucked along Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, Anajak Thai has evolved from a humble family-run spot into one of Los Angeles’s most celebrated dining destinations. Under the creative direction of Justin Pichetrungsi—a former Disney imagineer who took over from his parents—this decades-old restaurant has transformed into something truly singular, blending traditional Thai cooking with inventive California sensibilities while maintaining its charmingly quirky Valley character.

The food here walks a thrilling line between honoring family recipes and pushing boundaries. Start with the legendary laab tot—pork meatballs loaded with herbs and crispy chicken skin—before moving on to what might be the restaurant’s most Instagram-famous dish: dry-aged whole fish with skin so crispy it shatters like a chip. The southern Thai fried chicken has been a menu staple since the early days of the transformation and remains unmissable, while the grilled cabbage with roasted garlic chutney proves that vegetables can absolutely steal the show. Don’t skip the killer natural wine list either—unusual bottles are stacked in crates throughout the recently expanded dining room.

A recent renovation nearly doubled the seating capacity, opening up sightlines to the kitchen where you can watch cooks working the woks and grills. The best seats put you right in the action, though the string-lit side alley brings its own charm—especially during the legendary Thai Taco Tuesdays when the space buzzes with energy as diners dig into dry-aged fish tacos and uni tostadas. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or introducing out-of-town guests to LA’s food scene, Anajak delivers an experience that feels both elevated and genuinely fun.

This is the kind of restaurant people fly across the country to visit, and one bite explains why. From the Pichetrungsi family slicing mangoes at the counter to Justin himself pouring rare wines tableside, the attention to detail and genuine hospitality make every visit feel special. Reservations can be tricky to snag, but the effort is more than worth it for what remains one of the most exciting Thai restaurants anywhere.