Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Thai restaurant · Steveston

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Thai restaurant · Steveston

2

4100 Bayview St, Richmond, BC V7E 6S8, Canada

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Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine by null

Highlights

Nestled in historic Steveston, Baan Lao is a culinary gem where award-winning Thai cuisine meets exquisite Canadian ingredients, promising a vivid dining journey.  

Featured in Food & Wine
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4100 Bayview St, Richmond, BC V7E 6S8, Canada Get directions

baanlao.ca
@baanlaosteveston

CA$100+ · Menu

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4100 Bayview St, Richmond, BC V7E 6S8, Canada Get directions

+1 778 839 5711
baanlao.ca
@baanlaosteveston

CA$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Jul 4, 2025

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@eater

"From the lemongrass-infused warm towels on arrival to the impeccable, personalized white glove service, elaborate pandan leaf garnishes, and Japanese-style warmed toilet seats, no detail is skipped at Baan Lao. Head to Vancouver’s nearby photogenic seaside neighbor, Steveston (which you may recognize if you’re a Hallmark movie fan), for a rare chance to revel in a Royal Thai food experience from chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng and her team. Book for afternoon tea service or the dinner tasting menu to experience something truly magical. Using ingredients from local farms, flowers and microgreens from her own garden, and organic rice from her Thai family’s fields, chef Phanthoupheng’s multicourse tasting menus twist standards such as green curry or pad thai to ethereal bites, whimsically presented with intricately carved fruits and vegetables and adorned with edible flowers. This is an experience worth the splurge. Know before you go: Baan Lao closes from January to March while Phanthoupheng travels back to Thailand and spends time creating the set menu for the year ahead. Only 20 tables a night are available, so book early." - Nikki Bayley

The 38 Best Restaurants in Vancouver, Canada | Eater
View Postcard for Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine
@foodandwine

"Named Canada's Best Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024, Baan Lao offers Thai cuisine with Canadian seafood and produce, crafted by chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng." - Bianca Bujan

This Charming Vancouver Fishing Village Is Worth the Detour
View Postcard for Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Sebastiaan Messerschmidt

Google
We celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary at Baan Lao and we sure did choose the right place to do it! Fine dining with Quality with a big Q. 18 courses of delicious combinations of Thai and Lao tastes carefully crafted to please and wake up the subtlety of the palettes. We loved the surprises in taste twists and unexpected combinations. All presented in artistic forms and shapes that make it hard to break for a bite. Every aspect of the journey has a unique story, from the ingredients of the dish to the cutlery and plates and glasses and the art on the walls. Sommelier, waiter, chef all tell you the special story how it blends together in an unforgettable journey. We have had the opportunity to experience culinary quality before, and this beats them all. Wholeheartedly recommend to those who have the opportunity to experience this journey.

R.U

Google
Wow, it was the first time I ever ate somewhere and enjoyed everything start to finish. I went for their afternoon tea which I believe is reasonably priced for the experience you get. You get to choose between caffeine or non caffeine tea. It was really fun getting the opportunity to taste multiple types of tea. It was also surprising how well the tea actually went with the food. Every bite of the food selection was delicious and it definitely does leave you feeling full. Not only that, the presentation of each course is art itself. I definitely will be returning for their set meal one day!

cindy

Google
I came here for the first time for their high tea lunch and that was surely memorable. Everything was very detailed and was tiny but definitely so flavourful. I enjoyed each and every dish that I decided to book the dinner the following week. The dinner was just as good and I appreciate the chef coming out to introduce herself at the end of our meal. The restaurant and the chef put a lot of effort into each meal/item. The cocktails were exceptional and delicious as it complimented each dish perfectly. The Thai tea wasn’t apart of the set but it was probably the best Thai tea i had that was similar to the ones in Thailand. It is a bit pricey but it is a great restaurant to try for special occasions. I’ll definitely try out this restaurant again when the menu switches up.

Alec Yu

Google
My wife and I came here to celebrate a special occasion, and we had a wonderful time. The atmosphere is peaceful and you can see the river just outside the window. The dishes were gorgeous and each had its own story told to you by the server. The food itself was delicious and over the course of the 2.5 hour meal, very filling. My favorite was the Pad Thai - probably among the top 3 things I've ever eaten. It's a full fine dining experience with a mix of local and Thai culture that is so unique.

Hayley Garland

Google
Been wanting to dine here for ages just haven’t had the chance. After being voted 2024 Best Restaurant in Canada I went for Valentines Day - it was phenomenal! There is always set menu that changes seasonally (maybe more often). I love this as you know you’re getting the freshest ingredients. Chef even grows as much as possible in her own garden/greenhouse. Be mindful of that in case of any food allergies/restrictions although I know they can accommodate some. I am a total foodie “food snob” as some would say and this was the best meal I have had in lower mainland area for quite some time. Michelin star worthy for sure if Richmond had them. Will be back soon for high tea lunch with girl friends :)

Matthew Chau

Google
This is probably the first time I’ve thanked a restaurant for making me feel utterly inadequate to handle the experience they gave me. I was absolutely blown away by the strong, bold flavours and the service was impeccable. Everything was explained reverently like it was a religious experience and there were moments where it felt like one. If I had to describe it more I’d compare it to a little schoolboy going to the orchestra and trying to understand the length and breadth of the symphony. I often times found myself still trying to catch up on all the things my senses were trying to convey to me; it almost felt like the awesome was being bottlenecked by my own inadequacy. When this place inevitably gets its Michelin Star(s) I will proudly be able to declare “I ate there before they became super famous!”. Of course I recommend going here. Any of their pairings are worth your time but, if you can’t pick, go with the tea one. You can thank me later.

Douglas Leung

Google
Dear Chef Nutcha and the team, Thank you for making my wife’s birthday so memorable. It was by far one of the best culinary experiences we had, not just in Canada, but in the world. From the moment we approached the restaurant, you treated us like royalty. The details were meticulously carried out. As I remarked to one of the managers, “many restaurants offer hot hand towels with an unpleasant bleach smell, but yours were perfumed with lemongrass.” Not to mention, our napkins were restored to their folded shape every time we stepped away from our table. You also greeted and addressed us respectfully by name whenever you served us. And before the night was over, Chef Nutcha, you came to our table and gifted my wife a birthday card signed by everyone on the team. This was indeed world-class service. And let’s not forget about the star attractions of the evening - the courses. The amuse bouche set the show with beautifully crafted mini bites. They were so exquisite that my wife and I didn’t want to even consume them; they were meant for display in our humble opinion. Other unforgettable creations included the airy dungeness crab mousse, the sensational Tom Yum reduction, the irresistibly, creamy green curry vermicelli, the cooked-to-perfection water buffalo, and last but not least, the smoke-infused ice cream and the apple-shaped, mung bean pastry (imagine a dessert version of Heston Blumenthal’s famous meat fruit). My wife and I also tried two of Baan Lao’s signature cocktails: Pirates of the Chao Phraya and Thai Blossom. Sipping them slowly transported us momentarily to the beaches of Thailand. We held ourselves back as we could have easily ordered a few more. In our lifetime, we have been blessed to dine at some of the finest restaurants in Asia that have been awarded one, two, and three Michelin stars. After last night’s dinner, we can say Baan Lao deserves to be in that royal company for a long time. Douglas and Melanie Leung

Albert Luk

Google
The phrase “You get what you pay for” certainly rings true here. Expensive ($200 per person) yet the experience is unparalleled. White glove service. We came around 20 minutes early before the reservation time but they sat us down and began service right away. Their prix fixe menu changes once a year, so this review is based on a January 2025 visit, and what I thought was exceptional. The white coconut soup was quite amazing it could’ve been a meal on its own with rice. Possibly the best Pad Thai I’ve had. Smoked ice cream delectable. Dumpling was delicious. Some of these dishes takes up to 4 hours to make, and intricate carved garnishes 20-30 mins of labour, so you can appreciate the amount of effort put into each dish. A (whoop-de-doo) mishap was they seated us in the wrong spots (our welcome letters were swapped). I recommend the tea pairing over wine. Regrets? Not upgrading to the Wagyu (+$100), but the tenderloin was quite good already. I appreciate the chef coming out to greet us during the meal, and the support staff is quite knowledgeable, warm and welcoming.

Melanie A.

Yelp
It is not only a meal, but an experience. The atmosphere is serene and calming. The service is impeccable. I went for their tea service and was amazed at the food and the tea pairings. They have a non-caffeinated tea menu as well and all the teas are so flavourful. The white gloved server explains each dish and the accompanying tea. The dishes are a work of art. We took the time to appreciate the expertise of the chef before enjoying the dish. I can't pick a favourite dish, they all were unique and tasted as good as they looked. The attention to detail in the decor, the service, the food, the tea, and even the plates and cups they serve you with is second to none. When we left, we felt we had been treated like royalty.

Michael G.

Yelp
The food is exquisite, being equally beautiful in artistic presentation, as well as layered with complex delicious flavor profiles. The space is gorgeous, and the service is literally white glove, yet warm, attentive, and comfortable at the same time. Above all, it's the little extra attentive details of hospitality and the intangibles that make it such an amazing dining experience.

Mon T.

Yelp
We were greeted and sat promptly, I was pleasantly surprised by the personalized welcome letter. But I'm curious though, my husband didn't specify in the reservation that he's bringing me, yet in the letter they address me as 'Mrs X', so it makes me wonder how they obtain that information. What if my husband was to bring a family member or a friend or same sex partner, then that well intentioned letter would have been awkward. As the journey of our tasting menu and wine pairing starts, every dish is a work of art. From sourcing, explaining of each dish and its story/inspiration, presentation and taste are magnificent. The most beautifully decorated dishes amongst the menu is the Tom Kha (coconut galangal soup). It's colourful, intricate and tasty. The most delicious dishes amongst the menu is the Pad Thai. It's perfectly al dente, not oily, yet noodles do not stick together. Each noodle is evenly coated with tamarind sauce, yet is not a saucy dish at all. The beautiful egg net wrapping the noodles like a present is definitely a fancy cherry on top. The wine pairing I enjoyed the most was the one paired with the dessert. The Riesling ice wine paired with the smoked ice cream added so much depth and almost like a salted caramel taste to the dessert dish. All servers are very professional and courteous, with the exception of our main server William. Perhaps he was too occupied to think of logistics or felt too busy/stressed, he was polite but he was the only one on the floor without a smile. Unfortunately he made our first half of the dining experience rather uncomfortable and intimidating. When we asked for the bill, my husband asked William whether he was nervous, it opened up the conversation and he was actually very friendly and pleasant when he loosen up and smiled. As for the restaurant ambience, it has a very high ceiling and more of a minimalistic industrial feel to it. Since it was already night time, it was pitch black so we couldn't enjoy the beautiful serene view. I wish there's some way to enjoy a hint of Thailand scenery and decoration at night. It would also be amazing if there's some transcendental soothing music background. I believe that would help elevating the whole dining experience. One last thing, at no fault of the restaurant or servers, one of the other table, a guest kept using his cell phone to watch videos, and his volume was rather loud and disturbing. It was totally unexpected at such a high end restaurant. If we're only talking about sourcing, presentation and taste, I think Baan Lao is worthy of a Michelin 2 stars. I look forward to trying their afternoon tea some day.

Maya Mayuko T.

Yelp
This was my first time trying Thai-themed afternoon tea at this authentic Thai restaurant. The service was excellent when I entered the restaurant. They already knew my name and smoothly guided us to our table. Each waiter explained the afternoon tea course, including the tea sommelier. First, they served a refreshment drink, then the appetizer course began, as you can see below. Khao Kriap Pak Mo(Stir fried Organic Chicken breast with steam rice paper dumpling) - Very delicious. ground nuts made dumpling sweeter side Yum Salmon Fu(Crispy Wild Sockeye salmon salad in crispy golden pastry) - A bit sour side, the pieces of vegetable was amazing. Kuai Tiao Lui Suan(Rice noodle Butterfly pea salad roll with Thai Herbal sauce) - This one is also sour side. beautiful appearance. Paired with Thai Hibiscus tea (tad sour matched with salad) Thung Thong Nuea Kwai(Stir Fried water Buffalo Money bag) - Delicious. Khao Chi Nuea Yang(Sticky rice with Marinated beef tenderloin with tomato chilli sauce) - One of the best. The beef was so tender and paired perfectly with the sticky rice. Thot Man Kung(Crispy Mangrove Prawn Cake) - Very delicious. Deep fried prawn cake never go wrong. Tao Hu Thot(Deep Fried Organic Soft Tofu with Wild seaweed Caviar)- very unique one.. Can't recognize tofu until I see menu. Gai Sa Tay(Homemade Brioche and Grilled Yellow Curry Organic Chicken breast) - very interesting texture. Paired with Chrysanthemum and chamomile tea(rich texture, really matched with savory item) Khao Niao Ma Muang(Sweet Mango with Coconuts Milk Sticky Rice) - delicious. Another item never go wrong. Khai Tao Phueak Sang Kha Ya BaiToei(Deep Fried Taro ball with Pandan coconuts custard) - Pandan coconuts custard was amazing, really good with Taro ball. Phon La Mai Kae Sa Lak(Hand carved seasonal fruits) - Amazing little carving fruits. Paired with Honeybush tea - sweet flavor, I really love this tea. Finale - White Rose blend tea - Nice to drink as final item I was really amazed by their afternoon tea and service. Before we paid the bill, the owner chef came over to our table and greeted us. It was very impressive. Excellent service and excellent food. I don't usually make a rating 5 star, but, this place is definitely 5 star restaurant. It's really worth trying. I hope I can try their dinner one day.

Miriam C.

Yelp
We've been meaning to try Baan Lao for a while as we are intrigued by what Thai fine dining entails. If I can describe the restaurant in one sentence, I would say the story is richer than the food. Don't get me wrong, every food item was presented beautifully - I can see the time and hard work that was put into each dish. I appreciate the creativity for some of the dishes that has interesting components (eg insects). However, I wasn't really wowed by any of the dishes. I understand they use better ingredients (organic/imported) so that may justify the pricing of the meal ($175+ tax pp); but the portion seems a bit too small. Aside from the food, the service/ambiance are top notch. We received warm welcome as soon as we walked through the door. The server explained every dish with such details that you feel immersed in the experience. That is the reason why I gave 4 stars - the service here is truly a fine dining experience. Would I come back for a second time? Most likely not. But I would say it is great for a one time experience.

Robyn L.

Yelp
This was truly such a 5-star experience that I could not recommend enough! Location: the restaurant is in a residential neighbourhood of Richmond. When we got dropped off by our Uber, we thought we were lost. We went at night, so we didn't have a view, but if you went a little earlier, you would have a nice view of the water. Since it's in a residential neighbourhood, you can see people walking their dogs. Food: Truly exquisite, amazing food! We did the Taste of Baan Lao, and even though it is the shorter menu, we left full. The dishes were complex with a variety of flavours and textures. Lots of the ingredients were locally sourced, either from BC or even from the Chef's own greenhouse. Some of the food was a little spicy, but that's part of the experience! The presentation of the food was also amazing, and was definitely a highlight. Service: The team at Baan Lao were all amazing. The service is French Service, so everyone is served at the same time and all the dishes are taken away at the same time too. Each person we spoke with about the food, or the restaurant, was clearly passionate about their work. It truly showed that there's a culture that has been built, and speaks highly of Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng. Atmosphere: Upscale, very nice atmosphere. There are only maybe 10(?) tables, so it's definitely intimate. Perfect for a celebration, like a birthday. To top all of this off, Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng is a Thai woman chef! The restaurant aims to support Canadian and local businesses, and is farm to table. Truly could not recommend this experience enough - and this restaurant is truly deserving of a Michelin. Cannot wait to return!

Angie K.

Yelp
Amazing meal; worth every penny (minus the cocktails - more on that later). Five stars for the food, tea pairing, and service. Let's start with the booking. All booking is done via Tock, where you prepay for the meal. You can pay for your tea or wine pairing while you book, but if you're not sure, you can add these when you're at the restaurant. All online payments include 20% gratuity. There's two types of meals: the Taste of Baan Lao and the Signature Dinner. The Signature is more expensive and only once a month on a Saturday. My group did the Taste of Baan Lao, and the dinner truly exceeded all of our expectations. They had each place setting with our individualized names (which we didn't realize - oops!). This coordination was important for considering allergies/food sensitivities, of which I notified the restaurant at the time of booking. They go all out with making sure food sensitivities are addressed. They don't just omit something, or replace with something inadequate. A lot of thought is put into an alternative. For example, my friend cannot eat cilantro or microgreens. They have a house made fish sauce, which was out of this world - and they made a special one for my friend. Every course was thoughtfully prepared and delicious, and easily the best version of that dish we've ever had (opinions are unanimous). Three of us got the tea pairing, and I loved all of the teas. We were rationing the tea at first for each course, until we realized we get refills! The only down side was that I couldn't sleep that night due to all the yummy tea! One of my friends got a number of cocktails, but none of them quite wowed us. Usually, we can find at least one that we love, but it wasn't the case here. The service was impeccable with friendly staff that explained all of the food, tea, and cocktails. I had noted on the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, and they hand made a beautiful card for my friend, which was signed by all the staff. The chef also came out to greet us at the end of the dinner. Definitely coming back for the Signature dinner at some point!

Susie L.

Yelp
5 star dining! The best dining experience I've had ever! Everything from the reservation, communication, excellent service, quality of food and environment. This place is a hidden gem. The servers are very knowledgeable and experienced. I loved how they explained where all the food is sourced and story behind each dish. All the dishes were prepared fresh and you can taste the difference. The thought behind every dish is very well executed. The Thai curry, salmon with basil crunch was exquisite. The dessert was divine, almost too pretty to eat. Chef Nutcha is a culinary artist. Make sure to try their drinks and wine pairings. FYI Need to make reservations in advance. Get there early to walk and enjoy a stroll along the water before dinner. Also ask for parking because it's limited in the area.

Elena M.

Yelp
My husband and I love Baan Lao's food and enjoy the experience just as much. The service is always on point, friendly and special. The food is so tasty and beautiful. Chef Nutcha prepares everything with care and serves amazing flavours on every dish. The food carvings were exceptional, and the very enjoyable stories that accompanied every dish made our dinner a lovely experience.

Spena H.

Yelp
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine不仅提供了令人难忘的泰国美食体验,更是让人感受到了皇家般的待遇。这家餐厅的环境优雅,菜品精致且美味。每道菜都展现了泰国菜的独特风味,而且使用的是新鲜、当地的食材。服务员态度非常友好,服务周到,让整个用餐体验提升到了一个新的水平。非常推荐给喜欢尝试泰国美食的朋友们。这里不仅是味蕾的享受,更是一次文化的探索。

Michael H.

Yelp
Baan Lao is more than just a restaurant, its an experience like no other. With every amazing dish you're served comes with a story about the history of Thailand and the experiences of the Chef. The service was top notch down to the little details and is helped by the staff who are very informative and kind making it easy to strike up a conversation. The restaurant itself is beautiful from the artwork and décor that comes from Thailand to the location being on the waterfront.

Mike G.

Yelp
My visit to Baan Lao was one I will not forget. It was more than just fine dining, it was an artistic cultural experience. Being located right on the Fraser River, we were able to experience the light of the setting sun all around us. From the unique art that hung on the walls to the food itself, everything had an amazing origin story and significance. The flavors were so rich, and the colorful presentations were so creative you almost didn't want to disturb them, but everything was so delicious I had to dive right in. You felt that the owner, John, and chef, Nutcha, wanted you to experience the wonders of their culture with every bite you took. I have never felt so connected to the dining experience and the culture from which the dishes themselves originated. I can't wait to bring my friends and family again.

Jimmy B.

Yelp
Baan Lao is everything one should expect when visiting a fine dining establishment. The décor was exquisite and the location of the restaurant gives guests a beautiful view of the Steveston Harbour. Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by staff that were very hospitable and professionally dressed. The 14 course dining experience was delectable. Nothing was short of impressive, from the taste of the food to the beautiful food plating presentations. Each dish was particularly made to accentuate the authentic flavors of Thailand. Each bite of the food brought back memories of my visit to Thailand and the wonderful culture. The option of Wine or Tea pairings provided an elegance to the cuisine. I opted for the Wine option to compliment the dishes. I had no regrets as the pairings were chosen perfectly by a Sommelier. After our meal the Head Chef Nutcha personally took the time and came out to ask us how everything was to ensure that we had a wonderful experience. Chef Nutcha has personally trained with Michelin Star Chefs, an Iron Chef of Thailand, and a Chef who served the Thai Royal Family. This is why it comes as no surprise that the food came out perfect in every aspect. I especially loved that this establishment is Family owned. Other than the rice that is grown on the family's rice fields in Thailand, the restaurant obtains their ingredients from local businesses. Baan Lao was the best fine dining experience that I have come across and I would put this establishment at the top of your list of places to visit. Just make sure that you book a reservation in advance as the restaurant can get extremely busy resulting in limited availability.

Jason F.

Yelp
There is a reason why this restaurant has won many awards in Vancouver. From the exemplary service from all staff to the exquisite interiors and of course to the delicious food, Baan Lao sets the new bar very high. The full experience is something severely lacking in the Lower Mainland. I'm going to let you in on a secret about me. Years ago when we went to the Herbfarm in Washington state, there was one dish that was so beautiful it was a work of art and my eyes started to fill up. Well last night it just about happened again. While every dish was beautifully presented, the Pad Thai was just gorgeous. I'm not going to go into detail about everything as I would like you the reader to take in the full experience yourself. Please go. Thank you again Chef Nutcha.

Thom N.

Yelp
Not just the best Thai restaurant in Greater Vancouver, but perhaps the best restaurant in Greater Vancouver period. Our fixed menu was perfectly balanced. We could not have made such thoughtful selections ourselves. Light floral appetizers were followed by reinterpretations of Thai classics: Pad Thai and Green Curry. Reinterpreting classics can be dull and pretentious but these were inventive and delicious. Then desserts. I won't try to describe them - you have to go and taste for yourself. Mango and coconut flavours in surprising shapes and textures. Wine pairings were good. Tea pairings if you prefer. Service was attentive without being awkward. Some ceremony. But relaxed. Perfectly balanced. The room is also a balance of casual and formal. Spectacular sea urchin chandeliers in matte black on white background are trendy but fun. The view of the river (from which the salmon is fished) is beautiful. Pricey. But yolo.

William G.

Yelp
Located in Steveston, British Columbia, overlooking the ocean, is Baan Lao. Inside, you are given a heartwarming welcome and referred to by surname. A note addressed to you detailing Chef Nutcha's restaurant philosophy and an amouse bouche trio awaits for you at your table. After being walked to your table, draped in white table cloth, you are given a warm lemongrass infused hand towel. A brightly smiling server removes, with white gloves, the sun hat shaped cover of the amouse bouche and explains the artful dish's ingredients, culture, and inspiration. As the appetizer, soup, and mains are presented the essential lemon grass oil from the warm hand towel is still fragrant in the air. Every detail possible is truly thought out; from pulling out your chair for you to sit, heated restroom seats, and stunning decor - paintings by a fifteen year old female Thai elephant, who signs her own name "Suda" on the canvases, adorn the wall. The gestalt of all this is to allow you to fully appreciate the dishes; such as the the Chib Thai dumpling, so well hand crafted into a chiclet that you pause before you can bite into it; The incredible sweet and tangy two year fermented wild anchovy sauce, perfectly paired with a Hakkaido scallop donned in 23k gold from Florence, Italy and seaweed caviar; and a red curry sauce with unimaginable depths of soft waves of hand pressed coconut, anchovy umami, and earthy curry spice poured onto organic beef tenderloin, to name a few. At Baan Lao, you experience royal fine dining.

Dale A.

Yelp
My wife and I came here with two other couples as we had heard that the dining experience was second-to-none; we were not disappointed! The remarkable service from the staff started from the minute we came through the door. We were given in-depth explanations of every appetizer, main course, and wine/tea pairing, which were exquisitely made and incredibly delicious. I would definitely recommend this fine dining restaurant for your next special occasion.

Viviann L.

Yelp
Amazing service with friendly staff. Clean place and nicely decorated but still elegant and simple. Reservation needed and parking lot and street parking around the area. In the winter there's not much to see but when the season and winter is better, you can see the sunset since it's by the dock. The plating is creative and the food is delicious. Great texture and flavour. It's not the best I've had from other similar experiences and with the price, but it was still a very enjoyable evening. Some of the tea I loved like the Japanese one but a couple were okay. There are still some details that could be paid more attention to but overall it's great!

Sarika F.

Yelp
We had an absolutely stellar meal.. the most memorable ever. The food was innovative and outstanding, with superbly imaginative presentations. We loved the exquisite Thai dancer between the complimentary amuse bouche and the many other courses. The menu was perfectly executed and there was more than enough to be filling. The staff was most attentive, with each dish being followed by a detailed verbal description of the components. The decor is gorgeous, with lovely music creating a beautiful ambience. The actual plating and serving dishes are dramatic and unique. Incredible artistry.. no effort is spared. We enjoyed meeting the lovely talented chef and her most personable and knowledgable husband. We enjoyed chatting with our friendly server and also the manager of this new fine dining establishment. We wish them well and hope to be back! The menu changes every three months we were told.

Mark M.

Yelp
Four of us had a remarkable dinner at Baan Lao last evening. Gorgeous premises, stunning food, brilliant service. A joy from start to end!

Auntie E.

Yelp
Meal was lovely and service was very good. Amuse (a little Berkshire pork ball) was excellently flavoured, if slightly dry. Money bags appy was delicious. Loved the lacey eggs around the phat Thai. A few misses (dirty gloves on one fellow) and the wine was nicely paired, flavour-wise but a complete fail for value. Pours were absolutely chintzy 1 1/2 oz per glass for 5 glasses, and 1 oz for the dessert wine. The wines were all local except a couple. I calculated the exact cost of each pour and the grand total cost of all the wine we consumed was $17.30... and for this the charged $70... SEVENTY DOLLARS! Although the food was good, we will not return because if you want to enjoy wine with your meal (which we do) you do not have the option of buying a bottle.

Billy D.

Yelp
So it's been a long time coming watching the sleepy Stevenston community all of a sudden come alive on a different level.. I decided that I wanted to go down there with my family to sample Chef Nutcha's creations ( whom learned under the careful eyes of one of the Chefs to the King of Thailand as well as the only 2 star Michelin Chef in the Kingdom along with a number of other 1 star Michelin chefs plus one of the latest carving champions of Asia).. Reservations were 4-6 weeks in the making so if you have a Special Occassion coming up.. do plan ahead and make your reservations.. Situated on the banks of the Fraser River, sits a Red Building that Houses this Gem..we order the 9 course set menu as well as a Tea Paring .. The service is entirely White Glove reminiscing of the days of when our team looked after Lady Di and Prince Charles at the Hyatt..Servers served from the Right side and after each presentation, the explanation of what we were served was extremely helpful..thoroughly entertained not only visually but our tastebuds .. timing of cleansing the palate sorbet to lemongrass/pandan shots were perfect before the next course.. the history of each tea served as well as how it was prepared was lead by Leonardo Torio and the floor staff by Jose Monterio..the wonderful creations were carefully plated as to arouse our senses.. give them a call and tell them that I sent you

Rod V.

Yelp
Wow, what an amazing place. We had a fabulous experience for over 3 hours. The staff was courteous and attentive, the 11 courses of food were over the top and the setting was super comfortable. We have eaten at the French Laundry and while Thai food is obviously completely different, this experience equalled and possibly exceeded our experience at the French Laundry. It is not for those on a strict budget but it is worth every penny. Rod and Febe