I discovered my new favorite thai restaurant last week. It’s called Nakkara. It’s located at 7669 Beverly Blvd, about a block north of The Grove near Fairfax and Beverly.

The decor tries a little too hard, but the staff is friendly and the setting is cozy and minimalist. There’s a bit of a weird new-age music thing going on, but I was digging it. They also project movies on the back wall which is also a bit odd, but frankly, once all the other tables left, I appreciated that they put the Lakers postgame on just for me.

The food is the best Thai i’ve had in LA and in the Valley. The seafood pad thai was a nice twist on an old favorite. The softshell crab curry was also extraordinary. As a fan of duck, I also enjoyed the peking duking wraps as a starter. I also tried the calamari which was fresh and tender, and almost as good as Gladstone’s.

Street parking was easy, but valet is also available for $4.50. The only con to this place is that despite its attempt to be a little more upscale, it doesn’t have a liquor license. So it’s BYOB. But who doesn’t have a bottle of pinot grigio in the trunk of their car anyway

Next time you’re craving some good Thai cuisine, make your way to Nakkara!

www.nakkaraonbeverly.com