Hankering for a plate of pad Thai or a hot bowlful of coconutty tom ka soup? Check out gracious Siam Restaurant, located on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento. With its gentle, butter-yellow walls and ornately designed window frames, the restaurant offers a soothing oasis from the concrete hustle and bustle outside its front door. I especially like the upper level of the little restaurant, which features an intricate, fascinating mural depicting scenes from Thai temples, palaces and the lush countryside. There’s also a glass curio case filled with colorful pottery, masks and Thai figurines that’s fun to examine while waiting for your meal. “Signature” Siam plates include the quirkily-named “Invisible Duck,” a marinated roast duck served with sweet chili sauce; and, for intrepid diners, the kitchen’s frog’s legs, cooked with hot peppers and adorned with fresh mint leaves. We enjoyed a robust po tak soup, with its spicy/sour broth, array of seafood and lingering flavor of fresh basil; and the pad ginger—strips of tender pork, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh ginger in a soy saucy-gravy, was very invigorating. Kids are treated with warmth at Siam, and we appreciated the waiters’ good-natured efficiency. With an extensive menu and accommodating, attractive ambience, this is truly a dining gem on Franklin Boulevard. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Like spicy dishes? Don’t miss the pla koong, a fiery prawn salad tossed with Thai dried chilies, onions, lemon grass and cashew nuts.

Reservations: Recommended for parties of five or more

Payment methods: MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Corkage fee: No corkage fee

Hours: Monday–Thursday: Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Basically it’s the same menu all day, with five “lunch specials” which are available only from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Friday: Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (no lunch specials available on the weekend)
Sunday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.