At Lemongrass Restaurant, cultural cuisines—from Thailand and Vietnam—are celebrated for their individuality. The two Southeast Asian flavors are served side by side rather than combined to create a menu with curries from Thailand and lighter dishes such as salads and noodle dishes from Vietnam. Try the bold and spicy monk’s curry that arrives with tofu, broccoli, kabocha squash, yellow curry and coconut milk or the Ten Tigers prawn entrée served with a Vietnamese dipping sauce. The dining room is decorated in soft earth tones and tables are covered in white cloth and adorned with wine glasses and pastel colored faux flowers. There are beautiful photos of outdoor markets and farmers in rice fields in Vietnam taken by owner and chef Mai Pham. Lemongrass may have the national acclaim to be considered an upscale establishment, but the restaurant is relaxing, casual and has a family atmosphere, including a kid’s menu to ease tots into globetrotting dining. Cindy Arora

Recommended dishes: Shaking Beef $20.95, Thai green curry $13.95

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Mastercard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $12

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Close on Sunday