The last place you would expect to find an upmarket Thai restaurant is on the 7th story of the Castle Car Park on Sydenham Road, but the Thai Terrace has made a surprisingly genius choice of venue. Rising above the floors and floors of parked cars, you’ll arrive in a welcoming oasis of calm in an elevator that escorts you up from street level.
With views over the whole of Guildford and the North Downs through floor to ceiling windows, it is an enchanting restaurant to dine in- not to mention the Palm Terrace that really does feel like a little part of Asia in the middle of Guildford town centre. With some beautiful shrubbery, a stunning water feature and plenty of tables, it is the perfect place to relax while admiring the vista.
The music is soft and exotic inside, the décor likewise and the staff are very welcoming, taking your coat at the door. And for those just in for a drink, or waiting for a table, there’s an open plan sofa area next to the bar, where patrons can order cocktails or Thai beers and often be lulled by some live music in the form of a pianist or violinist in the evenings.
The menu is extensive, and specialises in variations of contemporary Thai cuisine with stylish presentation. The mixed starter in particular is a beautifully presented selection of many of the appetisers – ideal for the indecisive and a great assortment of flavours, each balancing sweet, sour, hot and salty in the Thai tradition.
The main courses are just as varied, with plenty of choice between stir fries, seafood, soups, noodles and curries – including an excellent massaman curry; which blends sweet and savoury in a rich sauce over meat of your choice. As well as more adventurous dishes, familiar green and red Thai curry is also available, with steamed or sticky rice options as sides served in bamboo pots.
There are a huge amount of options available for vegans and vegetarians as well, with tofu, curd and vegetable dishes. The only place the menu falls down is in it’s comparatively narrow selection of desserts, although, that said, the green tea cheesecake is delicious. Another option is indulging in one of their pots of traditional loose leaf tea, which come in a range of flavours from traditional green to a deliciously sweet honey and chrysanthemum.
Despite it’s random location, the Thai Terrace offers some of the best Thai Cuisine Guildford has to offer and certainly one of the most special dining experiences. It’s opening times are a bit eccentric though and the place is usually packed on weekends so it’s always important to book ahead by calling 01483 503 350. The restaurant is high in quality and while not the most expensive in the area, a three course meal with sides and drinks will set you back over £30 a head.
Adam Niblett
Image Credit: http://tinyurl.com/njjlg82
