Bonsai Thai & Sushi Restaurant
I finally ate at Bonsai Thai & Sushi recently and am glad I did! One of my favorite dishes ever is Pad Thai, and I enjoy tasting this same dish at every Thai restaurant I go to. It's how I measure how good or bad a place is: if your Pad Thai rocks, I'm willing to think that overall, you've got a good restaurant.
There are two reasons Bonsai scores an A+ with me: price and Pad Thai. The basic green salad with ginger dressing (they also substituted peanut dressing for my friend at no extra charge) is $2. Two friggin' bucks, exactly what a small plate of lettuce, carrot, cherry tomato and cucumber should cost. All the other dishes were reasonably priced as well. I don't like sushi, but most people close to me do, and so I'm familiar with it and how pricey it can be. Most of my dining companions that night had sushi and all were impressed with the prices and sizes of the portions: not to much or too little.
And as for the Pad Thai: I believe I have a new favorite (almost, not quite). What I liked Bonsai's version was that the sauce was sweeter than what I'm used to, but not overly so. There was just this nice hint of sweetness that made it different and delicious.
The only thing I didn't care for about the restaurant was the decor. Too 80's/disco for me.
Oh, and the service was excellent, too: friendly, flexible and efficient. What's more, we were a group of 12, and without even asking, our server split the bill for us. That ranks high with me too.
So yeah, I'll be back. That Pad Thai's just calling my name.
Bonsai
317 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-441-0784
There are two reasons Bonsai scores an A+ with me: price and Pad Thai. The basic green salad with ginger dressing (they also substituted peanut dressing for my friend at no extra charge) is $2. Two friggin' bucks, exactly what a small plate of lettuce, carrot, cherry tomato and cucumber should cost. All the other dishes were reasonably priced as well. I don't like sushi, but most people close to me do, and so I'm familiar with it and how pricey it can be. Most of my dining companions that night had sushi and all were impressed with the prices and sizes of the portions: not to much or too little.
And as for the Pad Thai: I believe I have a new favorite (almost, not quite). What I liked Bonsai's version was that the sauce was sweeter than what I'm used to, but not overly so. There was just this nice hint of sweetness that made it different and delicious.
The only thing I didn't care for about the restaurant was the decor. Too 80's/disco for me.
Oh, and the service was excellent, too: friendly, flexible and efficient. What's more, we were a group of 12, and without even asking, our server split the bill for us. That ranks high with me too.
So yeah, I'll be back. That Pad Thai's just calling my name.
Bonsai
317 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-441-0784
Labels: Bonsai, miracle mile, restaurants, thai
posted by Tere at
2/03/2008
12 Comments:
Curious to know, who gets your top spot in the rankings for Pad Thai?
Bangkok Bangkok.
Is that among the best in town, or I am a crazy fool with no palate for fine foods?
I love sushi & pad thai and Bonsai has the best sushi & pad thai. I eat from there at least once a week, but lately 3 times a week. I would highly recommend it to everyone. Also, the one in the Gables is changing their name to Red Koi. Its still owned by the same owners and will have the same menu.
Bonsai on 147th ave and 8th street Rocks!!! Its the best sushi restaurant ever. I am so sad they closed the one in miracle mile. Thank God I live close to the 8th street one. The new place Red Koi, with its new owners is just horrible. Bad food, bad decor, bad service. You will be disappointed.
I have been to both. Really you cannot compare 8th street to Miracle Mile Ever!! Just the location. The servers always have a smile, the food rocks!!
One can see the owners are always their making sure all is ok. As a regular I like that the owners actually care about their costumers and are present. Red Koi Is open Bonsai closed, seems to have been a good change .
Well!!!! I have to disagree with that last statement. Red Koi is excellent, food is incredible and there is nothing better than staying around the gables for some drinks at Red Koi's new lounge.
I have also been to both and I can say I miss Bonsai. It was just a better atmosphere and better food. The quality and freshness of the food is not the same as Bonsai. We can even say that the Thai Food is not that great either anymore. They started a good trend and it was sad to see them close. I hear that they are relocating somewhere near so I will keep you posted. I have also been to the one on 8ST and it is a happening place. The music and decor are great. You defnitely have to try it.
It seems to me that all this negativity about Red Koi might be jealousy, from some one a little to close to booonsai. Again Red Koi has a lot to offer from excellent Sushi & Thai to their beautiful lounge with a full bar service. Which by the way they have been having events starting Wednesdays with ladies night, Thursdays Sake night and Fridays old school. I’m really liking this place.
I do not think that you can really compare one with the other. Red Koi is a bar and Bonsai Thai & Sushi is a restaurant. Bonsai is awesome! Affordable sushi, fresh ingredients, chic decor, and neighborhood friendly service.
Interesting - I'd been wondering why Bonsai closed - anyone know?
I had been thinking Red Koi was the same thing as Bonsai, just with a different name. Looks like I'm going to have to go by and see what the differences are.
I ate at Bonsai a few more times since I wrote this post, and it never disappointed. I had this ginger sake drink once that I STILL think about, and I'm not really into drinks - it was that good.
Bonsai closed to move to a better location which is coming soon.
The only restaurant owned by Bonsai owners is located at 14240 SW 8 ST.
lobster roll in bonsai. to die for. must have. love that place thats where my hubby proposed!!!!
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