Rushie B.
Yelp
I kept seeing food video reviews of White Elephant all over Instagram, and the dishes looked enticing, so I decided to check it out for a Saturday afternoon lunch date while exploring DTLA.
Located inside the Spring Street Arcade Building, which houses a variety of restaurants including: Guisados, Blu Jam... White Elephant offers a charming patio seating area. However, given LA's unpredictable weather (the temperature dropped 10 degrees from the previous day), we opted for indoor seating.
The interior had a sleek yet cozy feel, featuring bright white tones and elegant floral arrangements on each marble table. Our host was welcoming, quickly seated us, and provided menus. Throughout the meal, both the host and our server consistently refilled our water. Our server was friendly, attentive, and soft-spoken, making for a pleasant dining experience.
We decided to try some of the most hyped items from social media: the fried mushrooms, wings, crudo, drunken noodles, and papaya salad, along with their Thai tea and green tea.
Food Ratings & Breakdown:
Drunken Noodles (4/5)
I opted for steak as my protein, and it was cooked perfectly, tender, well-seasoned, and flavorful. The spice level was medium, which added just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming. The noodles were nicely coated in sauce, delivering that signature bold, savory kick that makes drunken noodles such a classic.
Wings (4.5/5)
These wings were a standout! They had a delicious glaze that was slightly sweet and savory, complemented by crispy basil on top, which added an herby crunch. The wings had a light crisp on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, definitely a must-try if you visit.
Papaya Salad with Shrimp (4/5)
This was an absolute flavor bomb! The sauce had the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, making every bite refreshing yet bold. The shrimp was a great protein choice, adding a light, fresh touch to the salad. The spice level was medium, giving it enough heat to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Enoki Fried Mushrooms (2.5/5)
As a mushroom lover, I really wanted to enjoy these, but unfortunately, they missed the mark for me. While the batter was light and crisp, it overpowered the natural flavor of the enoki mushrooms. Given the delicate nature of enoki, the batter ended up taking center stage, leaving the mushrooms lost in the mix. If you love a crispy texture, you might enjoy them, but if you're looking for that earthy mushroom flavor to shine through, these may not be for you.
King Crudo (3/5)
I was really hoping this dish would be a hit since crudo is one of my go-to orders at restaurants, but this one didn't quite deliver. The fish didn't taste as fresh as I expected, and the sauce was missing something, maybe a bit more acidity or a brighter flavor to elevate the dish. I wouldn't order this again.
Drinks:
Thai Tea (4.5/5) - Rich, creamy, and well-balanced in sweetness.
Green Tea (4/5) - Had a hint of jasmine on the back end, which I personally didn't care for, but still a solid option.
Service: Excellent - very attentive and friendly.
Cleanliness: Great.
Ambiance: Casual and cozy with a chic touch.
Parking: There's a lot directly across the street ($13), but you'll need to pay at a machine since there's no attendant. (Visited on a Saturday afternoon.)
Please note that there's an automatic 18% gratuity for 1 or more, added to your check.
White Elephant is definitely worth a try, and the food is solid, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way for it, especially since I've had better Thai food in my own neighborhood. That said, it's a great spot for a DTLA day date, especially if you're planning to explore nearby spots like The Last Bookstore or a local bar afterward.