Noble Thai: Classic Thai Food in an Irresistibly Modern Setting

Explore the sleek modern space of Chicago’s newest authentic Thai restaurant.

By GR Chair

Photography by Feature Studio

Restaurant bar with set of black Ferdinand bar stools

Offering “authentic Thai cuisine with a modern look and feel,” Noble Thai is open for business in Chicago at the corner of North Noble Street and West Chicago Avenue. In this sleek modern space, owner Jay Lin and Chef Roongnapha “P’Mam” Prakobkit are offering impeccable and affordable classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, their “special” fried rice, and Tiger Cry marinated beef. Visitors to this Thai restaurant are raving about everything from the food and cocktails to the fresh design.

Restaurant dining space with black Ferdinand chairs.

This space was formerly occupied by Opart Thai, but owner Jay Lin has completely renovated the location into something new. Bench seating with leather cushions line the light wood paneled walls, leaving just a small amount of that gorgeous old brick visible. Across from the benches are custom black chairs with sleek steel frames. A slightly more secluded round table sits under a modern hanging lamp in a room full of natural light off to one side of the restaurant.

Details like the stunning black and white mural full of undulating lines that move like the sea from which the shrimp in your dish were caught bring a flow to the space and a point of visual intrigue. So do the panels of greenery pressed onto the walls like that mimic the lush feel of a well-kept hedge maze.

This greenery is also present on the wall behind the bar, which sits under a stunning skylight. When you enter and look down the space, the naturally lit bar beckons you towards it. The mural too stretches along the wall towards the bar. This design is a lovely way to invite guests deeper into the restaurant, making excellent use of what was always there in the architecture.

Pair of black Ferdinand chairs at restaurant.
Private dining room with black Ferdinand Chairs.

When you order dinner or lunch at Noble Thai, you’re sure to be pleased by the ample portions and the sauces are so good they have people licking their spoons according to online reviews. Chef “P’Mam” Prakobkit has been perfecting these recipes for over 20 years, so you can’t go wrong when choosing from this menu.

If you’re in the Chicago area, stop by Noble Thai and tag us on social media! We love seeing our readers enjoying the spaces we feature on the blog.

If you love this blog and you’re in the Chicago area, you might also want to check out this round up of Chicago Restaurants we LOVE at Grand Rapids Chair Company.

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