Rice Violet

- 287 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608

For Massachusetts residents and visitors to Central Mass, Rice Violet stands out as a true gem in Worcester’s vibrant downtown dining scene. Located right on Main Street, this Thai restaurant has earned a reputation for delivering authentic, clean, and flavorful Thai food with an impressive commitment to diverse dietary needs, particularly for those seeking vegetarian and vegan options. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a cozy, trendy bistro that offers a warm welcome, exceptional service, and generous portions at great value.

Rice Violet brings the authentic flavors of Thailand to the heart of the "Woo." The restaurant takes pride in ensuring that every dish is made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The menu showcases the depth of Thai cuisine, featuring classic noodle dishes, a variety of colorful curries, and unique house specials that are highly recommended by locals. One enthusiastic customer noted, "The food is absolutely delicious, clean, and full of flavor," while another declared it is "honestly the best Thai food I’ve had in Worcester," highlighting the quality that keeps patrons returning.

The culinary journey begins with a selection from the extensive Violet Appetizers and Veggie Nice Appetizers menus. Fan favorites include the super creamy CRAB RANGOON ($10.45), the savory PORK DUMPLING ($10.45), and the unique CRISPY BABY BOK CHOY ($11.45). For a full sampling, the VIOLET SAMPLER ($20.45) offers a combination of chicken satay, crispy rolls, coconut shrimp, and more, providing a great way to taste the restaurant's top hits. The focus on vegetarian starters, such as the recommended TOFU TRIANGLE ($10.45) and VEGGIE DUMPLING ($10.45), firmly establishes Rice Violet as a destination for all diners.

The heart of the menu features all the Thai classics done perfectly. In the Noodles section, you’ll find beloved dishes like PAD THAI and PAD SEE-U (both $13.95 for lunch, $18.95 for dinner), alongside spicy favorites such as CRAZY NOODLE and SPICY BASIL PAD THAI. Customers rave about the curries, with options spanning Red, Panang, Mango, Massaman, Green, and Yellow Curry. The Massaman Curry in particular has been praised for being "very tasty with the right amount of seasoning." For those seeking something truly special, the Violet Specials, including the signature (D)VIOLET SPECIAL ($21.45) and the aromatic (D)KHAO SOI ($17.45), are must-try entrées.

Beyond the standard offerings, Rice Violet proudly caters to sophisticated tastes with specialized dishes such as the (D)SPICY SALMON ($23.45) and (D)3 FLAVORED FISH ($23.45). The (D)Duck Varieties section features the impressive (D)WORCESTER VOLCANO ($29.45) and (D)RAMA DUCK ($29.45). For a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, the fried rice selection includes unique twists like Pineapple Fried Rice and Mango Fried Rice, available in both lunch and dinner portions.

Rice Violet is centrally located at 287 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA, placing it in a prime, highly accessible spot in downtown Worcester. The restaurant is conveniently situated near major cultural and business landmarks, including the Worcester Common and the DCU Center, making it an excellent stop before or after a game, concert, or show.

For visitors, downtown Worcester offers several comprehensive parking options, which Rice Violet directly benefits from. Customers have multiple choices for parking, including Free street parking and nearby Paid parking lot and Paid street parking. The proximity to municipal parking garages like Federal Plaza and Pearl-Elm ensures that finding a spot is never an issue, even during peak hours.

Crucially, the restaurant is committed to full accessibility, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for all members of the Massachusetts community.

Rice Violet provides a full range of convenient services designed to fit the busy Massachusetts lifestyle:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full Table service for both lunch and dinner.
• Takeout: Ideal for a convenient meal, with food praised for arriving hot and fresh.
• Delivery: Offering delivery service to the local area, ensuring authentic Thai food can be enjoyed at home or the office.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, making it easy to plan group gatherings or secure a table during busy times.
• Dining Accommodations: Seating, High chairs for children, and a well-maintained Restroom are available amenities.
• Payment Flexibility: All modern payment options are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Several key features make Rice Violet a favored destination among Worcester locals and college students:

• Commitment to Healthy Options: A major highlight is the dedication to providing both Vegan options and Vegetarian options, with the ability to make many dishes entirely vegan, satisfying the demand for clean and healthful eating.
• Exceptional Tea Selection: The restaurant is noted for its Great tea selection, featuring authentic beverages like THAI ICED TEA ($6.50), THAI ICED COFFEE ($6.50), and creative drinks such as Violet Lemonade ($6.50).
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The ambiance is described as a great blend of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including College students, Family-friendly groups, and Tourists.
• Fast and Warm Service: Customers consistently praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and providing Fast service—a valuable asset for lunch-goers and those on a schedule.
• Comprehensive Offerings: The menu is supported by offerings of Alcohol, Beer, Coffee, and Wine, providing a full-service dining experience.
• Dedicated Lunch Menu: The special (L) House Curry, (L) Fried Rice, and (L) Noodles menus offer great value for lunch options, typically priced at $13.95.

For quick access and reservations, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 287 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
• Phone: (508) 770-1000

For anyone in Massachusetts, especially those in the Worcester area, Rice Violet is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The core value proposition is the seamless blend of authentic, high-quality Thai flavors with modern dietary awareness. The restaurant’s extensive inclusion of vegan and vegetarian dishes, which are praised as being "delicious" and "amazing," sets it apart in the local dining landscape.

Customer testimonials repeatedly highlight the combination of delicious food and excellent, warm service—a crucial element of the dining experience. Dishes like the Broccoli combinations and Massaman Curry are cited as perfectly seasoned and satisfying. The portions are described as generous, offering excellent value for the price point, which ranges affordably from $13 to $21 for most main dishes.

Its prime location in downtown Worcester makes it an easy choice for dining out, whether you're a college student looking for a cozy spot, a local family, or a group attending an event. Rice Violet is not just a Thai restaurant; it's a downtown Worcester staple that consistently delivers on its promise of fresh, flavorful, and accessible Thai cuisine. It truly deserves the support of the Massachusetts community.

Rice Violet

287 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA