The Smiling Elephant

Thai Restaurant $$ 4.6 (1177)


The Smiling Elephant is a well-received Thai restaurant in Nashville, praised for its authentic flavors that resonate with traditional Thai cuisine. Customers often mention the vibrant ambiance and welcoming service, making it a delightful dining experience. Many diners express satisfaction with the quality and freshness of the food, especially highlighting the standout Pad Thai and various curries. Overall, it's a must-visit spot for anyone seeking genuine Thai meals in a cozy setting.

Overall:

4.5

(953 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (615) 891-4488

Address: 2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" The Smiling Elephant is a delightful place for Thai food lovers. The flavors are strong and authentic, with a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Would recommend trying their curries. Service was attentive and friendly, making the experience even better! " (*Curated Review*)

" I’ve been coming to The Smiling Elephant for years now, and it continues to impress. The staff knows me by name, which is a nice touch. The signature dishes, especially the Pad Thai, are always packed with fresh flavors. No complaints about the service either; they are always on top of their game. " (*Curated Review*)

" We enjoyed our meal, but there were some things I think could be improved. The service was friendly but could be a bit slow, and my Tom Yum soup was not as spicy as I’d hoped. However, the flavors were still really good, and I'd be willing to give them another shot. " (*Curated Review*)

" What an incredible little gem! I’ve been to many Thai restaurants, but The Smiling Elephant stands out for its bold flavors and authentic dishes. The mango sticky rice was a revelation; I’ve never had it served warm before! The only downside was parking, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. I’ll be back to try more dishes on the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" I love this place but had a mixed experience on my last visit. While the Pad Thai was delicious, with their signature twist of green bean noodles, the service was a bit off. We felt rushed even though the restaurant was only half full. Still, the food itself was amazing as always, and I appreciate the authentic flavors they maintain. I’ll give it another shot next time. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (943)

" Had a great night at The Smiling Elephant with friends. We loved the dumplings and the curry dishes, which seemed authentic and well-prepared. The atmosphere is cozy, though the place is quite small, making it a bit bustling on weekends. Overall, a lovely dining experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" Absolutely loved my experience at The Smiling Elephant! The moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and a wonderful ambiance. I ordered the Pad Thai with green bean noodles, and it was fantastic! The flavors were vibrant, and the portion was generous – I had enough to take home. The service was prompt and friendly; my server made great recommendations. I will definitely be returning! " (*Curated Review*)

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