This place is great. We've been here about 10 times and the food is always very fresh and very flavorful. The service is excellent and very personal.
(5)
Alistair M.
I usually eat the standard Chicken Pad Thai anytime I try a new Thai place, but I felt the need to live a little more on the edge today. So what did I have? A great experience and the desire to go back and try their Chicken Pad Thai. I started off with the Summer Rolls. They seemed to have been rolled fresh when I ordered them, and were very tender - not too chewy. Where they lacked by not having pork, they made up with having two very tender pieces of shrimp - not a firm rubber-like pink thing. Inside, there were some trademark crunchy fried-bits-of-something that were a bit of a surprise. At first, I was really unimpressed, but as I finished them, I decided I liked the little unexpected crunch to go along with the soft noodles and shrimp. The usual peanut dipping sauce, however, was a darker, thin, more salty and earthy flavor than the typical gravy-like sweeter sauces at other Thai places. Definitely something to eat again! The main course - this was where I stepped out of my comfort zone, and sort of wish I hadn't. Let me say this very clearly: I hate fish sauce. For some reason, I chose the Tiger Cried Beef entree - no, that's not a typo. It's a steak that's seasoned with a light mixture of fish sauce and other things, served medium-done over a bed of lettuce, garnished with an orchid petal and curvy slice of orange with a Thai Steak sauce to dip into. On the side, a little bamboo basket with a cool little Shriners hat-style lid had some hot sticky rice waiting to be balled up. Now, the beef itself was very tender, and had a nice light flavor to it (albeit a hint of fish sauce). The sticky rice was unlike any rice I've ever had - You just need to get some of it to understand. The Thai Steak Sauce - was pretty much high-octane fermented fish sauce with some seasoning and chopped scallions dropped into it. I had to move it to the other side of the table because the smell bothered me so bad. If you're like me, you'll get a side of the peanut sauce and dip the steak into that - and enjoy your beautiful meal. Will I go back? Heck yes. Will I have the steak again? Heck no. Best thing about this place: I can't get over how beautiful they plated it - the presentation was top notch! See my profile pictures for pics of the meal. I learned, today, that if you step outside of your comfort zone, sometimes it's not so bad.. But I might have enjoyed the Chicken Pad Thai more...
(4)
Paul M.
This place has great pad thai along with other dishes.Lunch is good but the best time to come is in the evening. The place is nice and quiet you can have a good time without having to yell to hold a conversation. Service is good .
(4)
Brandi B.
I was right to order a side of rice with my tom yun goong soup cause that ish was spiiiii-cy. Perfect for curing my cold at the time- I'll be back.
(4)
Rosemary L.
Fantastic Pad Thai and super fast service. We got takeout and our order was ready in about 8 minutes.
(4)
Beth S.
Very disappointing red curry. I hate to have to say it, because the lady at the takeout counter was nice. But I eat red curry very frequently, and I have eaten it in many restaurants and even in Thailand, and Pilin Thai's version leaves much to be desired. Very bland, flavorless, skimpy portion, no pineapple to give it that bit of contrasting sweetness. After eating this I felt totally unsatisfied, and still a little hungry. I would not go back.
(1)
Ani S.
This place is an unexpected gem in a strip mall. I've been there several times for Panang Curry with Tofu and Thai tea. The red curry is delicious and the tea is flavorful. The atmosphere is nice, with soft oriental music, white tablecloths with purple runners covered with glass. The floors are clean. The service friendly and fast.
(5)
Ac B.
I got the pad se-ew was pretty good. My friend got the pad thai and was also pretty good, but not the best ever. Tom yum soup was no good. Had to much lemon grass and smelled horrible so I couldn't eat it. Spring rolls were alright. Sauce for spring rolls was clear and had no taste so that was weird. Entree was good overall but experience wasn't amazing so had to go 3. Probably wouldn't come back. Nice staff though.
(3)
Suzy G.
I came here a couple of times. Both times the ambiance was nice, food was tasty (I can be picky), and the service was great. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Johnny V.
This place has the best lunch specials in town when it comes to Thai food. You get a free soup, salad, and spring roll to start. I usually get the thai fried rice which is phenomenal. The pepper steak is also amazing. Food is always fresh, well cooked. Staff is really nice and accommodating.
(5)
Jan L.
This restaurant is a favorite of my Mother-in-law and so it's a frequent stop when we visit. She loves their phad thai noodles. The recipe for phad thai is so complicated with over eighteen ingredients that I've never tried to make it. However, I evaluate the phad thai noodle dish a restaurant makes and use this evaluation to determine if the restaurant is authentic Thai. They pass. This trip my husband and I split one of their salads (Tiger Cried Beef), one of their soups (Potak), and one a hot preparation of the Phad Thai noodles. It all was good. Their hot preparation of each dish was not what I could consider Thai hot which is too hot for me. But the hot did have a good amount of spice and made the dish more enjoyable. I know I will return and enjoy their food again. A very special thing they did was to present a dish of coconut ice cream to my mom-in-law to celebrate her 81st birthday. She liked it so well...she didn't share. It must have been VERY GOOD!!!
(3)
Dan D.
Overall, I personally would give Pilin Thai 3 stars, but my Mom loves Pad Thai (it's the only Thai food she'll order) - and she really likes this place. We went for her 80th birthday. She actually requested Pilin Thai, as she has enjoyed Pad Thai here quite a few times. What helps is that everyone is friendly, prepares the food like she wants it, and there is usually no wait. (My Mom doesn't like to wait given her ability to stand is limited) For a Thai fan, me, the food is nice and tasty, nothing really special. From my Mom's perspective, it's a nice way to get out that is comfortable, she gets Pad Thai, and for her, there is enough to take home and have again as a second meal. That's good enough for me, so 4 stars - thanks for making my Mom happy!
(4)
Katie P.
I ordered the pad thai, and it was super greasy! I was disappointed because my bill was expensive for such subpar food. My boyfriend and I each had pad thai and thai sweet tea and it cost $35. Not going again :(
(2)
Crystal H.
Tried it out for the first time today for lunch. Got a hot tea, tofu summer rolls, and pad Thai with tofu. The servers were very friendly. The food was okay. The summer rolls were served with a sauce I wasn't familiar with, kind of like a blend of peanut sauce w soy sauce, but more syrupy almost like oil and less tasty than peanut sauce. Every place seems to do that different though, and I'm not easily impressed with summer rolls. Same with the Pad Thai. It was good but nothing to write home about. Also the spring rolls can't be swapped out for the summer rolls for the lunch special which is odd since they are the same price. But I'm not a restauranteur, so who knows why that is. They give you a free salad, lettuce with ginger stressing, which is nice. And the interior is spacious and clean. I may try more dishes here just to see how it better compares to my fave Thai place, but I'm not in a rush.
(3)
Hello M.
I just moved from California & from the food service industry. Thai Food is one of my favorites! I have visited Pilin Thai 5 times since I have moved here last week. The environment is clean & tidy. I have been exposed to 5 different servers. Most of the staff is NOT related & I know one of them commutes 20 miles. I have heard them all speak Thai to the chef when turning in orders. This is a real plus for me for the "athleticism" of the restaurant. Regarding the food, I have had a variety of dishes, about 10 different items in all (including appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, & desserts). "Overall" most of the taste profiles are on point! Only 1 item I "personally" did not like. The food does take a "little" longer then your average restaurant...but that is because everything is FRESH! (Read a review that food took a little time, guess the person is used to MICROWAVED food). In regards to pricing, UNDERSTAND that you pay a "little" more for FRESH SCRAP food. Also Thai Cuisine traditionally is more expensive then most other ethics and comes in smaller portions. This is ANYWHERE in the Unites States. (Read a review complaining of the prices of Pilin Thai). Price range to Yelp definition is two $ sign's or moderate. Remember that you can't truly judge a restaurant by ONE visit. Also recognize the difference of something taste awful versus your taste buds didn't like it.
(5)
Christa H.
The good things about this place are that the servers are friendly and polite, and service is quick. I ordered a Thai iced tea to sip on while I waited on my to-go order, and it was only about 15 minutes before they brought my food out to me. The food, though? Definitely not up to my Thai standards. For the price, the servings were small, and the food itself wasn't that great. The calamari is so heavily coated that they looked more like chicken nuggets than any kind of calamari I've ever seen -- and the dough wasn't even cooked all the way through. I had the Pad See Ew, and there was so much sauce that the flavor was overpowering. At least the vegetables weren't overcooked, but the dish wasn't something I'd order again. I'm not sure if I'll be back -- the decor and staff are this place's saving grace, but the food itself doesn't make me want anymore.
(2)
Kaye W.
The service is prompt the food is good, the main dishes are a little bland though, you really have to find a good one and stick with it. Also the calamari wasn't that great and a bit expensive for the amount you get. The price is a little high overall as well.
(3)
Lisa M.
We've passed this place a dozen or more times on our way to Koy Wan Buffet up the road. Finally since I moved to Apopka, I figured I needed a good Thai place to go to, so we gave it a shot. It's tucked into a strip mall, decor was standard with some Taiwaneese trinkets here and there, ceiling tiles were a little stained and worse for ware, but otherwise the atmosphere was pleasant. We were there on a Saturday around 12:30, were seated fairly quickly, but then the waiting began. The place was about 1/2 full with most tables mid-dining. It took a good 3-5 minutes for a waitress to take our drink orders. After sitting with our drinks and menus closed for another 5 or so minutes, she finally came back to take our order. My friend got the red curry, I got two appetizers for us to share and then asked that my tom ka gai soup be brought out as my meal. At least 15-25 minutes passed before we got my soup and the appetizer sampler platter. When we were 1/2 done with that, the summer rolls and my friend's curry finally came. Meanwhile, we noticed tables that had come in after us had gotten more attentive care and their food came out faster. It was a trend that continued through the meal, some customers would just be treated like any customer, while others were promptly greeted, hugged, and led to their table. It seems that if you're not a regular, you get the mediocre treatment. But I can stomach sub-par service if the food is good. Sadly, it wasn't. The tom ka gai was mainly coconut milk and a bit of salty from the fish sauce and chicken stock. No lemongrass or kefir flavor, and it was overloaded with onion slices and mushrooms with only a few tiny cubes of red pepper and some bits of chicken that seemed to have been the broken off bits at the bottom of the pot. Very disappointing for almost $6. The summer rolls were meh, well wrapped and fresh, but the shrimp inside was practically invisible in texture and taste. The peanut sauce was overly salty and not peanutty enough. The appetizer sampler came with two anemic chicken satay skewers and a very watery sauce with peanuts that had no flavor. Then there were two spring rolls which were probably the only thing I'd say was done well, although I have a hunch they were commercially made and just fried there. The chicken wings, I don't know why, but I took one bite and was over them. They had tempura batter on the outside and it was greasy and then the inside of the flat I bit into was sort of a purple/grey color, not sure if it was undercooked or what but I wasn't eating more to find out. Finally, there were two deep fried triangles of firm tofu that were well cooked but not a single sauce on our table was enough to give them any flavor. My friend's curry was vegetables and she said they were all very fresh and crisp but the sauce was very bland. She asked for medium heat and we could detect none, plus barely any curry flavor. I knew it was below our standards when she left at least a meal's worth in her bowl and didn't bother asking to take it home. We finally got the check and scooted out of there. Was it edible? Yes. Would I go back there? No, not even if someone begged me to.
(2)
Daniel B.
One of my favorites in this area. In 9 years I've not had a bad experience. Eat lunch here at least once a month with coworkers. Pad Thai is good but the Basil Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Amazing Noodles, and Red Curry are even better. Lunch special is pick-an-entree and you get 4 courses: ginger salad, chicken & rice soup, spring roll, and entree. Lunch pricing is extremely reasonable.
(5)
Melissa C.
I got take out from there a few days ago and I have to say it was pretty good!! (A little pricey). The summer rolls were a little boring but had a good flavor. The papaya salad was GREAT!!! The beef pad Thai had a good flavor but a little on the dry side. I'll definitely try them again sometime.
(4)
Allison M.
I was really excited to come here and try Pilin Thai - a friend was having a birthday dinner here, so I had all week to look forward to it. In hindsight it might have been a mistake to get my hopes up. I'm a huge fan of thai tea, tasty tea with cream on top, and I started off dinner by ordering one. It tasted a little off, but I figured no big deal. Then the spring rolls came out, and they were fantastic, crispy and flavourful. I also ordered Tom Kha Gai, coconut chicken soup, to start with, and while it was very tasty, with plenty of coconut and lemongrass flavors, it was a little pricy for a small app sized bowl (5.25). The Pad Thai was what let me down - I ordered it medium spicy, which was fine, but if I hadn't ordered a bit of spice, I'm not sure it would have had any flavour to it. Usually Pad Thai has a delicious peanuty flavour, but even after adding crushed peanuts to the dish, it was lacking something. It wasn't cheap either, so I was more than a little disappointed, usually Pad Thai is pretty hard to mess up. I also got to try my friends Pineapple Fried Rice, and thought that it was much better, with plenty of flavour, and cashew nuts sprinkled around. The service was pretty good overall, there was a large party there, but the waitresses had no problems checking on us and keeping our drinks filled. But the food seemed to be kind of hit or miss.
(3)
Lisa W.
Pilin Thai is a nice little restaurant located off of 436 in Altamonte Springs, in the San Sebastian center right before (just east) of the large 436/434 intersection. I work in the area, so I've visited here quite a bit over the years. Julianne E does a great job of going into the in-restaurant dining ambiance; the orchids are always present. I usually order the Pad Thai here, as it's done pretty well. Noodles are cooked well, sauce isn't too sweet and there is enough sauce on the noodles without drowning them. I order my Pad Thai Hot/Spicy but could easily go "Thai Hot" without burning a hole in my tummy. I've found their curries aren't as complex or spiced as well as other Thai places, so I now skip them here. Salads are generic, but fresh and the spring rolls are better than the summer rolls. Staff is always very nice, phone orders are correct and piping hot when I get back to my office. It's my only close Thai option at work, so it's nice to have them!
(3)
James M.
Good spring rolls, Panang Curry was awesome!
(4)
Colleen B.
I think this is my favorite Thai place around! It's always clean when I have gone and everything I have had is extremely tasty! I have had various dishes here but I think my favorite is the fried rice with chicken. I have to warn you it is salty but I adore salt. I love the spring rolls here too, so yummy! It usually gets really busy at lunch 12-2 but have never seen it out of control. It is great for dinner and I have never seen it crowded at night. The customer service is always good, they are always friendly. The checkout can be time consuming if you have a huge group with separate checks though. Now i want friend rice - dangit!!
(4)
Julianne E.
For a small kinda dumpy looking place in a strip mall, I was pleasantly surprised. You walk in and everything is immaculate. There were fresh orchards in vases on every table. The decor wasn't over the top and very comfortable atmosphere. We sat down immediately and the server was really friendly. Ate lunch there, ordered the Pad Thai. It tasted pretty much the same as all the other Pad Thai I've had. Nothing over the top. The salad came out first, which was nothing but iceburg lettuce with dressing. Would it have been wrong to just lick the dressing off the lettuce? lol! Our Lunch orders were out really quick. Which is a plus in my book, since I was on my lunch break. I would defiantly come back again whenever I'm in need of a quick Thai fix on my lunch break. Also tried the Thai Tea for the first time.. omgosh I'm love! This is my new favorite drink ever!
(4)
Christie B.
My favorite Thai food in the area! Full of flavor and nice staff.
(5)
Gus F.
I love this place. Have eaten here numerous times and just now getting around to reviewing it. I've never had a bad meal here. Everything has been good. Service is great. The Pad Thai is delicious. My date, unfamiliar with Thai food, had the Pad Thai and is a definite convert. Their ginger salad is delicious. I wish I could figure out how they make that salad dressing. It's located in a strip shopping center at the intersection of 434 and 436 in Longwood/Altamonte. Check this place out, you won't regret it.
(4)
Rhea P.
I had so much hope. SO much hope. The spring rolls were fabulous, but not a sign of things to come. . . The curry that I had craved so long for throughout the day--I was still craving it after this meal. I visited for lunch, and thought the prices were a little hefty for that time of day. . . You know what, if the food were terrific, I would not have cared about the price. My search for FANTASTIC Thai and Indian food continues. . .I don't think it's in the Orlando area.
(2)
D C.
Nice atmosphere. Quick service and many items on menu. Slightly different take on pad thai.
(4)
Michael R.
I went there today and had the sweet and sour chicken dinner. It tasted pretty good, featuring baby corn, onions, chicken and white sticky rice. The dinner was accompanied by a spring roll with sweet sauce, with rice and chicken soup on the side. Everything taste quite fresh, and everything was hot in temperature. The service was speedy, and the waitresses were friendly. Bathrooms were also very clean and fresh; very nice to see! I highly recommend Pilan Thai. :)
(5)
Larissa R.
Best. pad. thai. ever. Since I've never been to Thailand, I can't say with any certainty whether Pilin Thai's pad thai is particularly authentic, but I can say that it is particularly tasty. I've eaten pad thai all over Orlando and in London (England) as well as in some other reputable Thai restaurants in big US cities, and no other pad thai that has passed my lips could compare to the pad thai I used to get frequently from Pilin Thai when I lived in Central Florida. Sweet and sticky and spicy and oh-so magnificient. And everyone I used to take to Pilin Thai for pad-thai fixes has agreed.
(5)
Mark K.
Great place for lunch and the food is hot and fresh. Service is also good. Hard to find a decent Thai place NW of downtown, but I recommend Pilin Thai.
(4)
Christine K.
Great food and great service! It's definitely a hidden gem!
(5)
Larry G.
My "local" Thai place with consistantly good food, service and ambiance. Prefer dining in --some dishes don't travel well-- but also do takeout and food always prepared promptly. Great place!
(4)
Selene T.
I do not know why this restaurant has so many great reviews!? In the sake of being fair, they could be having an off day, but I will not be returning. STAFF: was great, friendly and attentive (hence the 2 stars) but the staff and the cleanliness of this place are all it has going for it. STARTERS: we ordered Tom Kha Gai soup($5.25) expensive!!!!... Found a hair in it... Eewww Then we had the house salad, pretty small portion, but the dressing wasn't bad. CURRIES ($8.15 each): Red Curry, was spicy enough, but we have never had red curry without pineapple chunks... This was weird. Penang Curry, was also good on the spice level, it wasn't anything special.... And the worse part of all, the awful rice, it was hard, undercooked. Let's just say we were Not in the mood to try dessert. I'm glad we had this for lunch and not dinner, ending the day with this meal would have been sad :(
(2)
James S.
I went here for the first time almost 8 months ago, and i keep coming back for more. The pad thai is excellent and a must try! The food and service has always been superb.
(5)
Gina L.
Green Chicken Curry - Eh - Ok. Nothing memorable. Although the best item ordered today. Panang Chicken Curry - Edible - but definitely the worst Panang Curry I have tried. The Phad Thai - has excellent reviews. The batch I was given, however, was dry and the noodles were cut into macaroni size pieces. Again, at least edible.... but most definitely the worst Phad Thai I have had from Chicago, LA, San Diego and now Orlando.
(2)
Chelsea L.
This is a great addition to the many Thai restaurants in town. It's a tough and competitive market in this town, but I think this place holds it's own. The highlight of the menu is definitely their phad thai. In my opinion, it's the best in town. There's something different about the phad thai here compared to everywhere else in town. The curries are pretty good, but basically what you can get at most Thai places in town. Small, quiet and incredibly clean. I'd definitely recommend it if you're on that side of town.
Our whole family loves this place. They have great service and great food. It's never a mistake to eat here.
(4)
Bill G.
Not the best. Owners clearly did not appreciate our business. Not friendly or welcoming. Charged us extra for everything - even a little more rice.
(2)
Mara F.
This is a fantastic place for Thai. I've only eaten in the restaurant once, but done carry out multiple times. The food is flavorful and the workers are friendly.
(4)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :851 W State Rd 436,Ste 1029
Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Stephen F.
This place is great. We've been here about 10 times and the food is always very fresh and very flavorful. The service is excellent and very personal.
(5)Alistair M.
I usually eat the standard Chicken Pad Thai anytime I try a new Thai place, but I felt the need to live a little more on the edge today. So what did I have? A great experience and the desire to go back and try their Chicken Pad Thai. I started off with the Summer Rolls. They seemed to have been rolled fresh when I ordered them, and were very tender - not too chewy. Where they lacked by not having pork, they made up with having two very tender pieces of shrimp - not a firm rubber-like pink thing. Inside, there were some trademark crunchy fried-bits-of-something that were a bit of a surprise. At first, I was really unimpressed, but as I finished them, I decided I liked the little unexpected crunch to go along with the soft noodles and shrimp. The usual peanut dipping sauce, however, was a darker, thin, more salty and earthy flavor than the typical gravy-like sweeter sauces at other Thai places. Definitely something to eat again! The main course - this was where I stepped out of my comfort zone, and sort of wish I hadn't. Let me say this very clearly: I hate fish sauce. For some reason, I chose the Tiger Cried Beef entree - no, that's not a typo. It's a steak that's seasoned with a light mixture of fish sauce and other things, served medium-done over a bed of lettuce, garnished with an orchid petal and curvy slice of orange with a Thai Steak sauce to dip into. On the side, a little bamboo basket with a cool little Shriners hat-style lid had some hot sticky rice waiting to be balled up. Now, the beef itself was very tender, and had a nice light flavor to it (albeit a hint of fish sauce). The sticky rice was unlike any rice I've ever had - You just need to get some of it to understand. The Thai Steak Sauce - was pretty much high-octane fermented fish sauce with some seasoning and chopped scallions dropped into it. I had to move it to the other side of the table because the smell bothered me so bad. If you're like me, you'll get a side of the peanut sauce and dip the steak into that - and enjoy your beautiful meal. Will I go back? Heck yes. Will I have the steak again? Heck no. Best thing about this place: I can't get over how beautiful they plated it - the presentation was top notch! See my profile pictures for pics of the meal. I learned, today, that if you step outside of your comfort zone, sometimes it's not so bad.. But I might have enjoyed the Chicken Pad Thai more...
(4)Paul M.
This place has great pad thai along with other dishes.Lunch is good but the best time to come is in the evening. The place is nice and quiet you can have a good time without having to yell to hold a conversation. Service is good .
(4)Brandi B.
I was right to order a side of rice with my tom yun goong soup cause that ish was spiiiii-cy. Perfect for curing my cold at the time- I'll be back.
(4)Rosemary L.
Fantastic Pad Thai and super fast service. We got takeout and our order was ready in about 8 minutes.
(4)Beth S.
Very disappointing red curry. I hate to have to say it, because the lady at the takeout counter was nice. But I eat red curry very frequently, and I have eaten it in many restaurants and even in Thailand, and Pilin Thai's version leaves much to be desired. Very bland, flavorless, skimpy portion, no pineapple to give it that bit of contrasting sweetness. After eating this I felt totally unsatisfied, and still a little hungry. I would not go back.
(1)Ani S.
This place is an unexpected gem in a strip mall. I've been there several times for Panang Curry with Tofu and Thai tea. The red curry is delicious and the tea is flavorful. The atmosphere is nice, with soft oriental music, white tablecloths with purple runners covered with glass. The floors are clean. The service friendly and fast.
(5)Ac B.
I got the pad se-ew was pretty good. My friend got the pad thai and was also pretty good, but not the best ever. Tom yum soup was no good. Had to much lemon grass and smelled horrible so I couldn't eat it. Spring rolls were alright. Sauce for spring rolls was clear and had no taste so that was weird. Entree was good overall but experience wasn't amazing so had to go 3. Probably wouldn't come back. Nice staff though.
(3)Suzy G.
I came here a couple of times. Both times the ambiance was nice, food was tasty (I can be picky), and the service was great. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Johnny V.
This place has the best lunch specials in town when it comes to Thai food. You get a free soup, salad, and spring roll to start. I usually get the thai fried rice which is phenomenal. The pepper steak is also amazing. Food is always fresh, well cooked. Staff is really nice and accommodating.
(5)Jan L.
This restaurant is a favorite of my Mother-in-law and so it's a frequent stop when we visit. She loves their phad thai noodles. The recipe for phad thai is so complicated with over eighteen ingredients that I've never tried to make it. However, I evaluate the phad thai noodle dish a restaurant makes and use this evaluation to determine if the restaurant is authentic Thai. They pass. This trip my husband and I split one of their salads (Tiger Cried Beef), one of their soups (Potak), and one a hot preparation of the Phad Thai noodles. It all was good. Their hot preparation of each dish was not what I could consider Thai hot which is too hot for me. But the hot did have a good amount of spice and made the dish more enjoyable. I know I will return and enjoy their food again. A very special thing they did was to present a dish of coconut ice cream to my mom-in-law to celebrate her 81st birthday. She liked it so well...she didn't share. It must have been VERY GOOD!!!
(3)Dan D.
Overall, I personally would give Pilin Thai 3 stars, but my Mom loves Pad Thai (it's the only Thai food she'll order) - and she really likes this place. We went for her 80th birthday. She actually requested Pilin Thai, as she has enjoyed Pad Thai here quite a few times. What helps is that everyone is friendly, prepares the food like she wants it, and there is usually no wait. (My Mom doesn't like to wait given her ability to stand is limited) For a Thai fan, me, the food is nice and tasty, nothing really special. From my Mom's perspective, it's a nice way to get out that is comfortable, she gets Pad Thai, and for her, there is enough to take home and have again as a second meal. That's good enough for me, so 4 stars - thanks for making my Mom happy!
(4)Katie P.
I ordered the pad thai, and it was super greasy! I was disappointed because my bill was expensive for such subpar food. My boyfriend and I each had pad thai and thai sweet tea and it cost $35. Not going again :(
(2)Crystal H.
Tried it out for the first time today for lunch. Got a hot tea, tofu summer rolls, and pad Thai with tofu. The servers were very friendly. The food was okay. The summer rolls were served with a sauce I wasn't familiar with, kind of like a blend of peanut sauce w soy sauce, but more syrupy almost like oil and less tasty than peanut sauce. Every place seems to do that different though, and I'm not easily impressed with summer rolls. Same with the Pad Thai. It was good but nothing to write home about. Also the spring rolls can't be swapped out for the summer rolls for the lunch special which is odd since they are the same price. But I'm not a restauranteur, so who knows why that is. They give you a free salad, lettuce with ginger stressing, which is nice. And the interior is spacious and clean. I may try more dishes here just to see how it better compares to my fave Thai place, but I'm not in a rush.
(3)Hello M.
I just moved from California & from the food service industry. Thai Food is one of my favorites! I have visited Pilin Thai 5 times since I have moved here last week. The environment is clean & tidy. I have been exposed to 5 different servers. Most of the staff is NOT related & I know one of them commutes 20 miles. I have heard them all speak Thai to the chef when turning in orders. This is a real plus for me for the "athleticism" of the restaurant. Regarding the food, I have had a variety of dishes, about 10 different items in all (including appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, & desserts). "Overall" most of the taste profiles are on point! Only 1 item I "personally" did not like. The food does take a "little" longer then your average restaurant...but that is because everything is FRESH! (Read a review that food took a little time, guess the person is used to MICROWAVED food). In regards to pricing, UNDERSTAND that you pay a "little" more for FRESH SCRAP food. Also Thai Cuisine traditionally is more expensive then most other ethics and comes in smaller portions. This is ANYWHERE in the Unites States. (Read a review complaining of the prices of Pilin Thai). Price range to Yelp definition is two $ sign's or moderate. Remember that you can't truly judge a restaurant by ONE visit. Also recognize the difference of something taste awful versus your taste buds didn't like it.
(5)Christa H.
The good things about this place are that the servers are friendly and polite, and service is quick. I ordered a Thai iced tea to sip on while I waited on my to-go order, and it was only about 15 minutes before they brought my food out to me. The food, though? Definitely not up to my Thai standards. For the price, the servings were small, and the food itself wasn't that great. The calamari is so heavily coated that they looked more like chicken nuggets than any kind of calamari I've ever seen -- and the dough wasn't even cooked all the way through. I had the Pad See Ew, and there was so much sauce that the flavor was overpowering. At least the vegetables weren't overcooked, but the dish wasn't something I'd order again. I'm not sure if I'll be back -- the decor and staff are this place's saving grace, but the food itself doesn't make me want anymore.
(2)Kaye W.
The service is prompt the food is good, the main dishes are a little bland though, you really have to find a good one and stick with it. Also the calamari wasn't that great and a bit expensive for the amount you get. The price is a little high overall as well.
(3)Lisa M.
We've passed this place a dozen or more times on our way to Koy Wan Buffet up the road. Finally since I moved to Apopka, I figured I needed a good Thai place to go to, so we gave it a shot. It's tucked into a strip mall, decor was standard with some Taiwaneese trinkets here and there, ceiling tiles were a little stained and worse for ware, but otherwise the atmosphere was pleasant. We were there on a Saturday around 12:30, were seated fairly quickly, but then the waiting began. The place was about 1/2 full with most tables mid-dining. It took a good 3-5 minutes for a waitress to take our drink orders. After sitting with our drinks and menus closed for another 5 or so minutes, she finally came back to take our order. My friend got the red curry, I got two appetizers for us to share and then asked that my tom ka gai soup be brought out as my meal. At least 15-25 minutes passed before we got my soup and the appetizer sampler platter. When we were 1/2 done with that, the summer rolls and my friend's curry finally came. Meanwhile, we noticed tables that had come in after us had gotten more attentive care and their food came out faster. It was a trend that continued through the meal, some customers would just be treated like any customer, while others were promptly greeted, hugged, and led to their table. It seems that if you're not a regular, you get the mediocre treatment. But I can stomach sub-par service if the food is good. Sadly, it wasn't. The tom ka gai was mainly coconut milk and a bit of salty from the fish sauce and chicken stock. No lemongrass or kefir flavor, and it was overloaded with onion slices and mushrooms with only a few tiny cubes of red pepper and some bits of chicken that seemed to have been the broken off bits at the bottom of the pot. Very disappointing for almost $6. The summer rolls were meh, well wrapped and fresh, but the shrimp inside was practically invisible in texture and taste. The peanut sauce was overly salty and not peanutty enough. The appetizer sampler came with two anemic chicken satay skewers and a very watery sauce with peanuts that had no flavor. Then there were two spring rolls which were probably the only thing I'd say was done well, although I have a hunch they were commercially made and just fried there. The chicken wings, I don't know why, but I took one bite and was over them. They had tempura batter on the outside and it was greasy and then the inside of the flat I bit into was sort of a purple/grey color, not sure if it was undercooked or what but I wasn't eating more to find out. Finally, there were two deep fried triangles of firm tofu that were well cooked but not a single sauce on our table was enough to give them any flavor. My friend's curry was vegetables and she said they were all very fresh and crisp but the sauce was very bland. She asked for medium heat and we could detect none, plus barely any curry flavor. I knew it was below our standards when she left at least a meal's worth in her bowl and didn't bother asking to take it home. We finally got the check and scooted out of there. Was it edible? Yes. Would I go back there? No, not even if someone begged me to.
(2)Daniel B.
One of my favorites in this area. In 9 years I've not had a bad experience. Eat lunch here at least once a month with coworkers. Pad Thai is good but the Basil Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Amazing Noodles, and Red Curry are even better. Lunch special is pick-an-entree and you get 4 courses: ginger salad, chicken & rice soup, spring roll, and entree. Lunch pricing is extremely reasonable.
(5)Melissa C.
I got take out from there a few days ago and I have to say it was pretty good!! (A little pricey). The summer rolls were a little boring but had a good flavor. The papaya salad was GREAT!!! The beef pad Thai had a good flavor but a little on the dry side. I'll definitely try them again sometime.
(4)Allison M.
I was really excited to come here and try Pilin Thai - a friend was having a birthday dinner here, so I had all week to look forward to it. In hindsight it might have been a mistake to get my hopes up. I'm a huge fan of thai tea, tasty tea with cream on top, and I started off dinner by ordering one. It tasted a little off, but I figured no big deal. Then the spring rolls came out, and they were fantastic, crispy and flavourful. I also ordered Tom Kha Gai, coconut chicken soup, to start with, and while it was very tasty, with plenty of coconut and lemongrass flavors, it was a little pricy for a small app sized bowl (5.25). The Pad Thai was what let me down - I ordered it medium spicy, which was fine, but if I hadn't ordered a bit of spice, I'm not sure it would have had any flavour to it. Usually Pad Thai has a delicious peanuty flavour, but even after adding crushed peanuts to the dish, it was lacking something. It wasn't cheap either, so I was more than a little disappointed, usually Pad Thai is pretty hard to mess up. I also got to try my friends Pineapple Fried Rice, and thought that it was much better, with plenty of flavour, and cashew nuts sprinkled around. The service was pretty good overall, there was a large party there, but the waitresses had no problems checking on us and keeping our drinks filled. But the food seemed to be kind of hit or miss.
(3)Lisa W.
Pilin Thai is a nice little restaurant located off of 436 in Altamonte Springs, in the San Sebastian center right before (just east) of the large 436/434 intersection. I work in the area, so I've visited here quite a bit over the years. Julianne E does a great job of going into the in-restaurant dining ambiance; the orchids are always present. I usually order the Pad Thai here, as it's done pretty well. Noodles are cooked well, sauce isn't too sweet and there is enough sauce on the noodles without drowning them. I order my Pad Thai Hot/Spicy but could easily go "Thai Hot" without burning a hole in my tummy. I've found their curries aren't as complex or spiced as well as other Thai places, so I now skip them here. Salads are generic, but fresh and the spring rolls are better than the summer rolls. Staff is always very nice, phone orders are correct and piping hot when I get back to my office. It's my only close Thai option at work, so it's nice to have them!
(3)James M.
Good spring rolls, Panang Curry was awesome!
(4)Colleen B.
I think this is my favorite Thai place around! It's always clean when I have gone and everything I have had is extremely tasty! I have had various dishes here but I think my favorite is the fried rice with chicken. I have to warn you it is salty but I adore salt. I love the spring rolls here too, so yummy! It usually gets really busy at lunch 12-2 but have never seen it out of control. It is great for dinner and I have never seen it crowded at night. The customer service is always good, they are always friendly. The checkout can be time consuming if you have a huge group with separate checks though. Now i want friend rice - dangit!!
(4)Julianne E.
For a small kinda dumpy looking place in a strip mall, I was pleasantly surprised. You walk in and everything is immaculate. There were fresh orchards in vases on every table. The decor wasn't over the top and very comfortable atmosphere. We sat down immediately and the server was really friendly. Ate lunch there, ordered the Pad Thai. It tasted pretty much the same as all the other Pad Thai I've had. Nothing over the top. The salad came out first, which was nothing but iceburg lettuce with dressing. Would it have been wrong to just lick the dressing off the lettuce? lol! Our Lunch orders were out really quick. Which is a plus in my book, since I was on my lunch break. I would defiantly come back again whenever I'm in need of a quick Thai fix on my lunch break. Also tried the Thai Tea for the first time.. omgosh I'm love! This is my new favorite drink ever!
(4)Christie B.
My favorite Thai food in the area! Full of flavor and nice staff.
(5)Gus F.
I love this place. Have eaten here numerous times and just now getting around to reviewing it. I've never had a bad meal here. Everything has been good. Service is great. The Pad Thai is delicious. My date, unfamiliar with Thai food, had the Pad Thai and is a definite convert. Their ginger salad is delicious. I wish I could figure out how they make that salad dressing. It's located in a strip shopping center at the intersection of 434 and 436 in Longwood/Altamonte. Check this place out, you won't regret it.
(4)Rhea P.
I had so much hope. SO much hope. The spring rolls were fabulous, but not a sign of things to come. . . The curry that I had craved so long for throughout the day--I was still craving it after this meal. I visited for lunch, and thought the prices were a little hefty for that time of day. . . You know what, if the food were terrific, I would not have cared about the price. My search for FANTASTIC Thai and Indian food continues. . .I don't think it's in the Orlando area.
(2)D C.
Nice atmosphere. Quick service and many items on menu. Slightly different take on pad thai.
(4)Michael R.
I went there today and had the sweet and sour chicken dinner. It tasted pretty good, featuring baby corn, onions, chicken and white sticky rice. The dinner was accompanied by a spring roll with sweet sauce, with rice and chicken soup on the side. Everything taste quite fresh, and everything was hot in temperature. The service was speedy, and the waitresses were friendly. Bathrooms were also very clean and fresh; very nice to see! I highly recommend Pilan Thai. :)
(5)Larissa R.
Best. pad. thai. ever. Since I've never been to Thailand, I can't say with any certainty whether Pilin Thai's pad thai is particularly authentic, but I can say that it is particularly tasty. I've eaten pad thai all over Orlando and in London (England) as well as in some other reputable Thai restaurants in big US cities, and no other pad thai that has passed my lips could compare to the pad thai I used to get frequently from Pilin Thai when I lived in Central Florida. Sweet and sticky and spicy and oh-so magnificient. And everyone I used to take to Pilin Thai for pad-thai fixes has agreed.
(5)Mark K.
Great place for lunch and the food is hot and fresh. Service is also good. Hard to find a decent Thai place NW of downtown, but I recommend Pilin Thai.
(4)Christine K.
Great food and great service! It's definitely a hidden gem!
(5)Larry G.
My "local" Thai place with consistantly good food, service and ambiance. Prefer dining in --some dishes don't travel well-- but also do takeout and food always prepared promptly. Great place!
(4)Selene T.
I do not know why this restaurant has so many great reviews!? In the sake of being fair, they could be having an off day, but I will not be returning. STAFF: was great, friendly and attentive (hence the 2 stars) but the staff and the cleanliness of this place are all it has going for it. STARTERS: we ordered Tom Kha Gai soup($5.25) expensive!!!!... Found a hair in it... Eewww Then we had the house salad, pretty small portion, but the dressing wasn't bad. CURRIES ($8.15 each): Red Curry, was spicy enough, but we have never had red curry without pineapple chunks... This was weird. Penang Curry, was also good on the spice level, it wasn't anything special.... And the worse part of all, the awful rice, it was hard, undercooked. Let's just say we were Not in the mood to try dessert. I'm glad we had this for lunch and not dinner, ending the day with this meal would have been sad :(
(2)James S.
I went here for the first time almost 8 months ago, and i keep coming back for more. The pad thai is excellent and a must try! The food and service has always been superb.
(5)Gina L.
Green Chicken Curry - Eh - Ok. Nothing memorable. Although the best item ordered today. Panang Chicken Curry - Edible - but definitely the worst Panang Curry I have tried. The Phad Thai - has excellent reviews. The batch I was given, however, was dry and the noodles were cut into macaroni size pieces. Again, at least edible.... but most definitely the worst Phad Thai I have had from Chicago, LA, San Diego and now Orlando.
(2)Chelsea L.
This is a great addition to the many Thai restaurants in town. It's a tough and competitive market in this town, but I think this place holds it's own. The highlight of the menu is definitely their phad thai. In my opinion, it's the best in town. There's something different about the phad thai here compared to everywhere else in town. The curries are pretty good, but basically what you can get at most Thai places in town. Small, quiet and incredibly clean. I'd definitely recommend it if you're on that side of town.
(4)Kimberly N.
Food sucks and service is slow. My fiancé and I tried it because of all the good ratings. If I could give it no stars, I would. Not coming back.
(1)S B.
Our whole family loves this place. They have great service and great food. It's never a mistake to eat here.
(4)Bill G.
Not the best. Owners clearly did not appreciate our business. Not friendly or welcoming. Charged us extra for everything - even a little more rice.
(2)Mara F.
This is a fantastic place for Thai. I've only eaten in the restaurant once, but done carry out multiple times. The food is flavorful and the workers are friendly.
(4)