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Cafe Talesai

Further evidence that good things come in strip malls, this casual spinoff of the Sunset Strip’s elegant Talesai features dramatic glass walls and chairs strung with plastic tubing. The menu features many Thai standards Angelenos expect, including a standout chicken satay. But some of the most exciting dishes are the less familiar, such as beef stir-fried with red chile paste and fresh lime leaves.

* Chicken satay, $8.95; rib-eye steak, $15.95; 9198 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 271-9345

Siam Cabin

From the outside, Siam Cabin looks like your basic hole in the wall. Turns out it’s an attractive little space. Tables are topped with white linens and fresh orchids. There’s also a small patio out back for dining alfresco. Service is friendly and the basil chicken delicious and pleasantly hot.

* Basil chicken, $6.99; 13548 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 986-6434

Noodle Planet

The florescent lighting and cafeteria-like decor leave something to be desired. But this UCLA-adjacent eatery stands out as one of the best bargains on the Westside. The menu is not exclusively Thai, but some of the tastiest dishes hail from Thailand, including chicken tom yum, a big bowl of vermicelli noodles, sliced mushrooms and chicken in a soulful lemon grass-infused broth.

* Chicken tom yum, $5.95; 1118 Westwood Blvd., Westwood Village, (310) 208-0777

Saladang

Saladang and neighboring sister restaurant, Song, are among So Cal’s most attractive restaurants. The original, Saladang, features soaring ceilings, lots of glass, exposed duct work, fine art and fresh orchids for an effect that might be considered “sophisticated loft.” The food, such as a green papaya salad, and pad Thai in a delicate egg omelet, is fresh and reasonably priced.

* Papaya salad, $4.95; pad Thai, $6.95; 363 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (626) 793-8123

Chan Dara

Chan Dara seems to be best known for two things: a hip vibe, including hip-hop and dance music played at not-quite-club volume, and though it may not be p.c. to mention, a smoking hot wait staff. The food, including barbecued chicken served with sticky rice, is decent. And there’s a full bar that turns out tasty, fruity cocktails.

* BBQ chicken, $12.95; 11940 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A. (310) 479-4461