Payakk
Thai · Oakland
About Payakk
At Payakk, we invite you to experience the perfect blend of flavor and culture in the heart of Oakland. Our restaurant is a haven where traditional Thai cuisine meets modern creativity, with dishes that will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia. Surrounded by an inv...
At Payakk, we invite you to experience the perfect blend of flavor and culture in the heart of Oakland. Our restaurant is a haven where traditional Thai cuisine meets modern creativity, with dishes that will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia. Surrounded by an inviting atmosphere, our expert chefs craft each dish with precision and passion, ensuring that every bite is nothing short of exceptional. With attentive service and a wide selection of beers and wines to complement your meal, Payakk is the perfect destination for foodies and anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.
What Customers Say About Payakk
Payakk is a neighborhood gem offering creative and authentic Thai cuisine in a warm, trendy atmosphere. Customers rave about the flavorful dishes, attentive service, and beautiful decor. A few mention spice level issues with the beef fat fried rice.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Highly recommend a reservation. Note that they currently don't have a beer or wine license, so no drinks at the moment.
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Frequently asked questions about Payakk
Payakk Oakland Reviews
If there is one restaurant that has defined my 2025/2026 dining experiences, it is Payakk in Oakland. This isn't just a place to eat; it’s a place where food, storytelling, and pure creativity converge to create something truly stand-out and unique. You can feel the immense love and passion that the chef-owner pours into every single detail. Each dish feels intentional, carrying a narrative that elevates the meal beyond just "delicious." The curries are easily my personal favorite—rich, complex, and deeply comforting. However, the absolute "must-order" is the Pad Thai Chai Ya. It is a stunning example of their creativity and a dish I haven't stopped thinking about since my first bite. While it is a bit of a trek from the city (SF), I can personally guarantee that it is well worth the trip. If you appreciate high-quality ingredients used with a creative spirit and a lot of heart, Payakk is the destination you've been looking for.
Prepare to get mind blown with the food here. This is best Thai Food in all of Oakland, and possibly entirety of California. Their dishes tasted similar if not better than ones in Thailand and Thai town LA. Everything from the great service, ambiance, decor of restaurant and attention to detail for dishes was phenomenal. Their chefs did an amazing job at finding the perfect balance of saltiness, fatty and acidity. The sweetness level here is perfect, not too sweet compared to other Thai restaurants. 10/10 would come here again. The decor is absolutely stunning here, wish I took some photos. Definitely perfect for a date night or just dining in for delicious Thai food. I believe they also serve alcohol, but they did not have any today. must try standout dishes: Pork Jowl, Steak and Garlic Rice and Massamun Curry.
My partner and I had a terrific meal at Payakk. The interior space is inviting and charming, the service was attentive and the dishes creative and delicious. We started with four sea scallops in a yummy sauce, then moved on to flank steak with grilled baby bok choy and glass noodles, and the restaurant's signature dish, Pad Thai Chiya, billed as the first southern Thailand-style pad thai in the U.S. The flavors were amazing and the noodles really outstanding. No room for dessert! We will be back. Note that we found the wine by the glass serving sizes to be small (minor quibble).
Payakk is so good! An elevated Thai restaurant, the dishes are inventive and elevated. The flavors of each dish really come through. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to beat a solid Pad Thai, which Payakk does fantastically well with its jumbo shrimp and fried softshell crab. Will absolutely be going back, so glad to have another great dining option in the neighborhood.
The ambience and decor are beautiful — warm lighting, modern Thai style, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay longer. It’s the kind of place that feels both relaxed and upscale at the same time.
We live in the neighborhood and were lucky enough to stumble upon them during their soft opening. Everything from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere was magical. We will definitely be back!
Their pad see ew will ruin all other pad see ews. Sea bass fried rice was also excellent.
If there is one restaurant that has defined my 2025/2026 dining experiences, it is Payakk in Oakland. This isn't just a place to eat; it’s a place where food, storytelling, and pure creativity converge to create something truly stand-out and unique. You can feel the immense love and passion that the chef-owner pours into every single detail. Each dish feels intentional, carrying a narrative that elevates the meal beyond just "delicious." The curries are easily my personal favorite—rich, complex, and deeply comforting. However, the absolute "must-order" is the Pad Thai Chai Ya. It is a stunning example of their creativity and a dish I haven't stopped thinking about since my first bite. While it is a bit of a trek from the city (SF), I can personally guarantee that it is well worth the trip. If you appreciate high-quality ingredients used with a creative spirit and a lot of heart, Payakk is the destination you've been looking for.
Prepare to get mind blown with the food here. This is best Thai Food in all of Oakland, and possibly entirety of California. Their dishes tasted similar if not better than ones in Thailand and Thai town LA. Everything from the great service, ambiance, decor of restaurant and attention to detail for dishes was phenomenal. Their chefs did an amazing job at finding the perfect balance of saltiness, fatty and acidity. The sweetness level here is perfect, not too sweet compared to other Thai restaurants. 10/10 would come here again. The decor is absolutely stunning here, wish I took some photos. Definitely perfect for a date night or just dining in for delicious Thai food. I believe they also serve alcohol, but they did not have any today. must try standout dishes: Pork Jowl, Steak and Garlic Rice and Massamun Curry.
My partner and I had a terrific meal at Payakk. The interior space is inviting and charming, the service was attentive and the dishes creative and delicious. We started with four sea scallops in a yummy sauce, then moved on to flank steak with grilled baby bok choy and glass noodles, and the restaurant's signature dish, Pad Thai Chiya, billed as the first southern Thailand-style pad thai in the U.S. The flavors were amazing and the noodles really outstanding. No room for dessert! We will be back. Note that we found the wine by the glass serving sizes to be small (minor quibble).
Payakk is so good! An elevated Thai restaurant, the dishes are inventive and elevated. The flavors of each dish really come through. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to beat a solid Pad Thai, which Payakk does fantastically well with its jumbo shrimp and fried softshell crab. Will absolutely be going back, so glad to have another great dining option in the neighborhood.
The ambience and decor are beautiful — warm lighting, modern Thai style, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay longer. It’s the kind of place that feels both relaxed and upscale at the same time.
We live in the neighborhood and were lucky enough to stumble upon them during their soft opening. Everything from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere was magical. We will definitely be back!
Their pad see ew will ruin all other pad see ews. Sea bass fried rice was also excellent.
My partner and I wanted to explore a new Thai food restaurant. Payakk proved to be a great option for our exploration. Payakk is decorated with charm and sophistication, dimly lit without being too dark, lush plants that aren’t overdone and was lively but quiet enough to easily hear conversation. I ordered thinly sliced steak that was cooked to tender perfection. It was accompanied by a tamarind sauce that had a blend of garlic, subtle heat from chili pepper and cool Thai cilantro. My partner ordered breaded pork neck over fried rice. It was clearly prepared fresh at the time of our order. Unfortunately, its oil content was far more than what my partner’s could enjoy and likely needed some type of acid or something else to moderate the grease. We both ordered a mushroom and green been side dish that was bursting with flavor (from crispy garlic/other seasonings) and al Dante texture that made it so pleasing! The host and wait staff were kind, courteous and attentive. They had clear investment in our enjoyment, which felt quite warm and inviting. We look forward to visiting again in the future!
Everything we ordered was incredibly delicious with complex flavors! Each dish was artistically and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and efficient. Bank, our waiter was delightful. We ordered the mushroom curry puffs, which consisted of 3 super yummy large puffs. The shrimp satay consisted of perfectly cooked shrimp. The Pad Thai Chaiya was fabulous with a deep fried soft shell crab on top. The Green Lady Tiger Curry had so much tender medium rare rib eye steak that we can make 2 meals out of it. The eggplant in the dish went really well with the green curry. We’re excited to have a great restaurant in the neighborhood!! I enthusiastically recommend Payakk!! Go enjoy a really wonderful meal in a warm and colorful environment!
Payakk is such a wonderful addition to the neighborhood & I’m lucky to live within walking distance. We made it for dinner for the first time tonight and our expectations were blown away. The interior is stylist but comfortable and service is fantastic. We had an appetizer and two entrees and each one was unique. I found the flavors to be very layered and engaging; you can tell this is thoughtful food from the chefs. I can’t wait to come back!
Authentic, spectacular Thai food. Great ambiance and super friendly staff. We liked it so much that we went back the next day with the rest of the family.
Exciting new neighborhood restaurant! Warm and inviting ambience, amazing fresh and innovative food, great service! We ordered Green Lady Tiger Curry, Tamarine Chicken Wings, Jor Pu and the Mango Sticky Rice Toast Bar for dessert! Enjoyed everything we ordered and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend Payaak!
🔥🔥food, chill vibe, friendly staff and great service. all the dishes we had were excellent. they certainly have their own style.
I love Thai food, and I've had a lot of it. I've never been *surprised* by it until I ate at Payakk. Intensely flavorful, vibrant dishes that make all of the flavors pop. Note that they currently don't have a beer or wine license, so no drinks at the moment.
Creative while respecting traditional Thai flavors. I was blown away here, I can't stop thinking about the threaded tuna salad. I had two entrees. Can't wait to return.
The food was amazing. We have been there many times for lunch and dinner. Staff is super nice I very much can recommend
Good was delicious!! And our server (I think her name is Christina) was absolutely amazing and so nice!! We will be returning!!
The food was amazing. We have been there many times for lunch and dinner. Staff is super nice I very much can recommend
Authentic, spectacular Thai food. Great ambiance and super friendly staff. We liked it so much that we went back the next day with the rest of the family.
Exceptional food in a warm and trendy environment. Will be returning and recommending to many friends and family.
Payakk is such a wonderful addition to the neighborhood & I’m lucky to live within walking distance. We made it for dinner for the first time tonight and our expectations were blown away. The interior is stylist but comfortable and service is fantastic. We had an appetizer and two entrees and each one was unique. I found the flavors to be very layered and engaging; you can tell this is thoughtful food from the chefs. I can’t wait to come back!
I love Thai food, and I've had a lot of it. I've never been *surprised* by it until I ate at Payakk. Intensely flavorful, vibrant dishes that make all of the flavors pop. Note that they currently don't have a beer or wine license, so no drinks at the moment.
Creative while respecting traditional Thai flavors. I was blown away here, I can't stop thinking about the threaded tuna salad. I had two entrees. Can't wait to return.
Exciting new neighborhood restaurant! Warm and inviting ambience, amazing fresh and innovative food, great service! We ordered Green Lady Tiger Curry, Tamarine Chicken Wings, Jor Pu and the Mango Sticky Rice Toast Bar for dessert! Enjoyed everything we ordered and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend Payaak!
Everything we ordered was incredibly delicious with complex flavors! Each dish was artistically and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and efficient. Bank, our waiter was delightful. We ordered the mushroom curry puffs, which consisted of 3 super yummy large puffs. The shrimp satay consisted of perfectly cooked shrimp. The Pad Thai Chaiya was fabulous with a deep fried soft shell crab on top. The Green Lady Tiger Curry had so much tender medium rare rib eye steak that we can make 2 meals out of it. The eggplant in the dish went really well with the green curry. We’re excited to have a great restaurant in the neighborhood!! I enthusiastically recommend Payakk!! Go enjoy a really wonderful meal in a warm and colorful environment!
Good was delicious!! And our server (I think her name is Christina) was absolutely amazing and so nice!! We will be returning!!
Delicious! This is such a lovely neighborhood gem. We had a delicious meal with great service, we’ll definitely be back!
Well Payakk, I will be bayack for more. The food is phenomenal. The atmosphere is great. The service was perfect. What a great new spot!
Highly recommend a reservation. The food was good, but my favorite dish was the Sea Bass Curry and the Sai-Ouwa. Everything was tasty and I love the vibes of the restaurant. Giving me retro and eclectic decor. I would definitely return.
Highly recommend a reservation. The food was good, but my favorite dish was the Sea Bass Curry and the Sai-Ouwa. Everything was tasty and I love the vibes of the restaurant. Giving me retro and eclectic decor. I would definitely return.
this place was mediocre and totally overpriced. It’s in a super cute location but $22 for cocktails- really? The food was good but not great. Four of us went for a birthday and ended up paying $70 each (over $300 with tip.) Definitely won’t be going back. Sorry
Horrible service. We had to ask 4 times for a refill on water. Beef fat fried rice was so so spicy, with no spice level warning on the menu! (Even though other spicy dishes had spice levels) When we told our waiter, she tried blaming it on us, saying we did not read the description correctly. Food was also just okay.
Horrible service. We had to ask 4 times for a refill on water. Beef fat fried rice was so so spicy, with no spice level warning on the menu! (Even though other spicy dishes had spice levels) When we told our waiter, she tried blaming it on us, saying we did not read the description correctly. Food was also just okay.
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About Payakk
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5761 Thornhill Dr, Oakland, CA 94611
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5761 Thornhill Dr, Oakland, CA 94611
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