L5 Thai Restaurant & Lounge, Garden Grove

When the family behind L5 Thai Restaurant & Lounge immigrated to the United States from Thailand, they brought along a deep love for their native cuisine. The menu aims to capture the region's complex and distinctive blend of flavors and spices. However, truly re-creating these flavors requires a more personal touch, and the chefs acknowledge this by making some noodles in-house and by giving nicknames to every single peanut. This commitment lends even more authenticity to the selection of familiar Thai staples, including fragrant curries, stir-fries with spicy chili sauces, and Thai-style barbecued spare ribs.

The dining room's white tablecloths appear crisp and minimalist, but the red walls, ceiling-mounted surfboard, and chrome-laden bar seating area imbue the ambiance with some casualness and whimsy. Leafy plants sit in the corner, adding a verdant splash to contrast the reds, golds, and ambers defining the majority of the space.