Jitlada

Tucked into a Thai Town strip mall on Sunset Boulevard, Jitlada stands as one of those rare LA institutions that genuinely lives up to its legendary reputation. Since a brother and sister duo took over in 2006, this unassuming spot has evolved from a standard neighborhood Thai joint into a destination that serious food lovers consider essential. The cozy dining room, filled with eclectic decorations and memorabilia, feels like stepping into a family kitchen—albeit one that serves some of the most intensely flavored Thai food you’ll find anywhere.

The menu here is staggeringly large, featuring around 400 dishes rooted in Southern Thai cooking traditions from the owners’ hometown of Pak Phanang. Fair warning: the spice levels are no joke. Most dishes bring genuine heat that will have you reaching for your napkin, but that’s exactly what makes eating here such a thrill. The khua kling phat lung, a dry beef curry, delivers waves of complex flavor alongside its considerable fire. The crispy catfish salad, served over sweet mango, offers a textural contrast that’s immediately addictive. And then there’s the mythical Jazz Burger—an off-menu creation only available at the chef’s whim, so call ahead if you want a shot at it.

Jitlada works beautifully for different occasions. Their takeout operation runs like a well-oiled machine, making it easy to bring this food home when the dining room gets packed in the evening. But for newcomers, sitting down and soaking in the atmosphere is part of the experience. This is the kind of place where you can taste decades of family recipes refined over generations, where dishes like the jungle curry with crispy pork or the turmeric wings over fried rice remind you why Thai cuisine has such devoted followers.

Whether you’re bringing out-of-town guests to impress them or simply craving a meal that will challenge and delight your palate in equal measure, Jitlada delivers. It’s been setting the bar for Thai food in LA for years, and remarkably, it keeps meeting its own high standards. Just come prepared for the heat—and maybe a few extra napkins.