NAN THAI BUCKHEAD

"Nan Thai Fine Dining's original location in Midtown has been a go-to for fantastic Thai dishes for decades. So it makes sense for them to open a second location in Buckhead (in the Chai Yo space). Their menu will feature many of the same dishes like kai siam and geah yang." - juli horsford, jacinta howard

"This Buckhead Thai place offers a modern setting perfect for lunch dates, business meetings, and dinner with friends. During the week, opt for lunch appetizers like kanom jeeb (steamed chicken and dumplings) and specials, including the Thai lunch box with choice of entree, vegetables, and rice. At dinner, order the Thai lamb chop with papaya salad and sticky rice or nouveau pad Thai prepared with fried lobster tail, tamarind sauce, tofu, bean sprouts, and an egg crepe. Cocktails here are also a must." - Carolyn Desalu

"Nan Thai Buckhead (formerly Chai Yo) is the kind of grown-up spot where evening plans with friends or lunch dates feel effortlessly elevated. Now, as the trendier sibling to Midtown staple, Nan Thai Fine Dining, this Buckhead location swaps out formal white tablecloths for sleek wooden booths and whispery lighting while serving some good fine-Thai dishes. The menu is more compact, but signature dishes from the original Nan, like the crispy whole red snapper, make an appearance. And former Chai Yo highlights jazz up date night, like tender panang wagyu beef cheeks served with green beans and red bell peppers in a rich, flavorful curry. Food Rundown Panang Wagyu Beef Cheeks The slow-cooked wagyu beef cheeks are practically melt-away tender. They're served in a velvety panang curry sauce that balances spice and sweetness, and it’s kept warm by a tea light beneath the sleek metal dish. photo credit: Courtesy of Nan Thai Buckhead Tom Kha Lobster This soup has a nice creamy consistency, but it's a little bland, especially the pieces of lobster tail. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Lunch Box If you go at lunchtime, you can get a bento box-style lunch with velvety shrimp green curry, fettuccine with savory ground chicken, and tasty vegetable consommé. For $20, it sure beats your sad desk lunch. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Pho Pia Tod The spring rolls are crunchy and well-seasoned with cabbage, celery, carrots, and glass noodles." - Jacinta Howard

"The Midtown staple, Nan Thai, is now expanding to a new location in Buckhead set to open on October 18 at 3050 Peachtree Road. Atlanta restaurateurs Nan and the late Charlie Niyomkul’s daughter, DeeDee Niyomkul, will help lead the new location with her mother. Expect elevated Thai dishes including a mushroom wonton soup ravioli with shitake, chives, shallots, garlic, cilantro, and vegetable consomme, and Nan’s signature filet of whole red snapper with savory three-flavor chili sauce, fried okra, and eggplant. Linda Boualavong will lead the cocktail program with drinks like Forbidden Fruit with 400 Conejos mezcal, tamarind, cardamom syrup, and chili-lime bitters." - Henna Bakshi

"Maybe you have a big anniversary coming up or your performance-based bonus just hit. Either way, when you have a big occasion and some money to spend, Chai Yo is where you should be eating. Most entrees at the fine dining Thai restaurant range from $25-$60, but menu items like their tender beef cheek panang curry almost make you forget the prices. Everything on the menu feels a little special, and it’s a great alternative to the places you already have in your splurge rotation." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard