Dara

- 1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Nestled in the bustling heart of Philadelphia’s Midtown Village, Dara Thai is an exceptional culinary retreat that brings the authentic, comforting flavors of home-style Thai cooking to the residents of Pennsylvania. Named for the Thai word for "star," Dara lives up to its name by offering an out-of-this-world dining experience characterized by an innovative menu, meticulous presentation, and an unexpectedly charming ambiance. The restaurant, led by a co-founding team with roots in Central and Southern Thailand, focuses on delivering the genuine tastes and cherished memories of their homeland, utilizing traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.

Dara is rapidly becoming a local favorite for those seeking high-quality, flavorful Thai cuisine that extends beyond the typical Americanized menu. Diners consistently praise the exceptional service, the speed at which the delicious food is served, and the generous portion sizes, ensuring a satisfying meal every time. Whether you crave classic street food noodles or richly flavored regional specialties, Dara provides a cozy and casual setting for all occasions. They are immensely Popular for Lunch and Dinner, making it a reliable spot for a delightful meal, whether you are dining alone or with friends and family.

A unique feature of the Dara dining experience is the interior design, which is described by customers as having a distinct "space-themed vibe" or "stargazing décor." This playful and engaging atmosphere, combined with the love and care put into every dish, transforms a simple dinner into a memorable occasion. The menu is structured to offer both beloved staples—like the highly-rated Tom Yum Soup—and exclusive, chef-driven creations, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try. Dara’s commitment to providing flavorful options also extends to offering a wide array of Vegan and Vegetarian options, with several plant-based interpretations of Thai favorites.

Dara is perfectly situated in a prime Center City location, making it highly accessible for residents, professionals, and visitors in Pennsylvania. The exact address is 1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. This spot places it squarely within the vibrant dining and entertainment district of Midtown Village.

The restaurant offers convenience for various modes of transit:

• Walking: Its location is central to major transit lines and high-density business and residential areas.
• Parking: Customers utilizing personal vehicles should be aware that parking in this area of Philadelphia consists of both Paid street parking and access to nearby Paid parking lots.

The atmosphere is universally described as Casual and Cozy, making it an ideal environment for a relaxed meal. For planning purposes, the restaurant Accepts reservations, which is a sensible option for securing a table during peak dining hours. In terms of family accommodation, High chairs are available for children.

Dara ensures a flexible dining experience through various service options designed for maximum customer convenience in the busy Philadelphia metropolitan area.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the unique atmosphere with comfortable Seating and full Table service for both Lunch and Dinner.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those on the go or preferring to dine at home, the restaurant offers full Takeout and Delivery services, easily facilitating a delicious meal from the comfort of your living room.
• Menu Offerings: The kitchen expertly prepares a variety of fare, including Comfort food, lighter Healthy options, and a selection of Thai Small plates perfect for sharing.
• Dietary Inclusivity: A dedicated Vegan menu ensures that plant-based diners have substantial and flavorful choices, including the Roasted Mixed Vegetable Massaman Curry and various noodle and rice dishes. Many options are also clearly marked as Gluten-Free (GF).
• Beverage Program: Featuring traditional Thai drinks such as Thai Ice Tea and Thai Ice Coffee, along with creative, refreshing Mocktails—like 'The Moon' and 'The Star'—and Non-Alcoholic Beer.
• Specialty Desserts: A concise menu of delightful Desserts is available, including traditional Thai sweets like Thapthim Krop and the modern classic Banoffee.
• Payment Options: The establishment accepts all major Credit cards and Debit cards for easy transaction.
• Seasonal and Holiday Specials: The menu often features creative, limited-time offerings, such as their inventive and themed Halloween specials, which showcase the chef’s creativity.

Dara is celebrated in the local Philadelphia food scene for several signature items and unique characteristics that elevate it beyond a standard Thai eatery:

• Exceptional Crab Dishes: A specialty is the use of high-quality crab meat, featured in standout items like the rich Crab Fried Rice, which customers have called "the best I've ever had," and the impressive Gang Pu (Southern Thai-style lump crab meat curry with fried soft shell crab). The Kai Jeaw Pu (Thai-style crab omelet) is another must-try item showcasing the quality of their seafood.
• Award-Worthy Soup: The Tom Yum Soup is frequently cited in customer reviews as "one of the best I’ve had so far in Philly," known for its perfectly balanced, deep, and delicious flavor profile.
• Unique Chef’s Specials: The 'Chef’s Special' section is a treasure trove of unique, authentic, and regional dishes, including Khao Soi Chicken (Northern Thai curry noodles), Kor Moo Yang (Grilled pork jowl with spicy chili sauce and sticky rice), and the large-format Hor Mok (creamy red curry seafood in a young coconut).
• Creative Presentation: Many dishes, such as the Seafood Pineapple Fried Rice, are served with elaborate presentation, often beautifully displayed in a hollowed-out pineapple, adding visual appeal to the meal.
• Crispy Duck Options: For poultry enthusiasts, the Crispy Duck Green Curry is a sensational dish, praised for its quality duck and rich, sensational curry.
• Dedicated Vegan Offerings: The extensive Vegan menu is not an afterthought, featuring flavorful main courses like the Roasted Mixed Vegetable Massaman Curry and plant-based versions of every popular noodle and fried rice dish.
• Unique Atmosphere: The Space-themed vibe and interior design contribute to a fun and memorable dining environment that distinguishes Dara from other Thai establishments.

For making a reservation to enjoy the unique ambiance or for placing an order for takeout or delivery in the Philadelphia area, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
• Phone: (267) 876-8107 or +1 267-876-8107

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking an authentic and memorable Thai dining experience, Dara is a destination worth prioritizing. The decision to choose Dara hinges on a desire for high-quality, home-style Thai cooking that consistently delivers on flavor and presentation in a truly charming setting. It stands out in the competitive Center City dining scene by blending familiar comfort with regional specialties that are often hard to find.

Your dining journey at Dara should begin with one of their famous seafood items. The Crab Fried Rice is a unanimous favorite, praised for its generous portions of lump crab meat and complex flavors that are elevated by the accompanying spicy fish sauce. Another must-try is the celebrated Tom Yum Soup, a dish that epitomizes Thai balance and complexity, and is considered one of the best versions available in the city.

Beyond the staples, exploring the Chef’s Special section is essential to grasp Dara’s culinary depth. We highly recommend the Khao Soi Chicken for a taste of Northern Thailand or the intensely savory and textural Crispy Pork Chinese Broccoli. The fast service and the cozy, unique atmosphere make it an ideal choice for both a quick, satisfying lunch and a relaxed, engaging dinner. By choosing Dara, you are not just getting a meal; you are receiving an authentic, carefully prepared taste of Thailand, served with passion and presented beautifully, making it a star among Philadelphia's Thai restaurants.

Dara

1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA