Tucked into the new shopping center in Blue Mountain Beach just a few doors down from Mimmo’s, sits 30A Thai, the newest edition to the growing restaurant scene on the west end. A buzzy crowd fills the space as trays of food fly out of the kitchen.

The dining room exudes elegance with its moody color palette, black leather banquettes, and spacious bar.

Pendant lights hang above the bar like glass pufferfish observing the scene.

Chandeliers in the shape of sea glass jellyfish light the space and tables are set with small gold charger plates with matching silverware. It’s ornate but elegant.

The menu features all of the classics like Tom Yum, Pad Thai, a selection of curries, and more. Fresh green papaya salad, duck larb, and Crying Tiger bring something quintessentially Thai to the beach. Steamed dumplings, chicken satay, and more make tasty shareable starters. And then there’s dessert…

An order of crab beignets starts the feast. They arrive piping hot and when split open, ample lumb crabmeat is revealed. Delicate bonito flakes provide a crunch while the roasted peach sauce foils the savoriness perfectly.

A cold Thai beer washes down the first course just as the main event arrives—diver scallops bathed in red curry. The scallops have that enviable sear that signals a good cook and the curry hits the right heat level to make it interesting. Crispy peppers and slivers of ginger garnish the dish which is served over fluffy white rice.

Across the table, my partner devours an order of drunken noodles. The chicken is steaming hot, the sauce redolent with fresh basil. Scallions, slivers of red pepper, and onion meld together in a balanced sauce. Everything leaves the tastebuds tingling.

Dinner finishes with the requisite order of mango sticky rice. Purple forbidden rice is layered with coconut cream and a fresh mango lies slivered atop the mound. Sesame seeds sprinkle over the top for a last bit of crunch. Don’t miss this; it’s divine.

Open for lunch and dinner, this new hotspot has that cozy, family-operated feel that puts you at ease as soon as you enter the doors.

For more info, visit 30A Thai Cuisine or follow their updates on Facebook. Check out more local food and restaurant insights here.