Banana Leaf

I've been going to Banana Leaf for a couple years now and I really love them.
the food is fantastic, but we were quite disappointed.
I went to this restaurant Tuesday 9th, and I was really up sad with one guy
I think he is a manager of the restaurant. My kids was crying and he asked me not to let
my kids cry in the restaurant. I can't stop them in that moment because they are kids.
I just want to let you guy know that I like the food, I like the service
but i don't like the people talk be hide me the same as that short, dark, and
not friendly guy. And I won't come back to that restaurant any more- as long as he
still working there. very disappointed. I wrote a note for the owner
I believe that the owner should tell him to change the way he did to the customer.

Posted 06/09/09

When I first came in ( see my review back last year) They gave me a vip card. The vip card gives you 50% off the second entree. I came back several times to this thai restaurant and each time the basil flat noodle dish has consistently been the best. Keep in mind that they will change it to spicy or not , extra veggies, no veggies etc... They are very accommodating to your taste. Give them a try, ask for a vip card and tell them Wendy sent you.

Pros: Great service, food and location

Cons: none

Posted 04/16/09

It should be noted first that the meal price under restaurant info states one dollar sign and in the dallas observer two. Everything on our ticket except the drinks ranged from $10-$20.

I came here with my fiance' looking for a place to cater our wedding. We had no expectations (good or bad) going in to the restaurant and came out raving about it. I definitely want them to cater for our special day.

After Steve brought out a sample of their pineapple red curry sauce we wanted to taste everything. So we ordered 4 different entrees and the sampler LOL (subbed cream chz rolls instead of dumplings on the sampler w/ no problem). I really like that the spicy can be customized as spicy really is a matter of opinion.

We ordered the pineapple curry duck, the ClayP ot (not the Aladdin but the one with chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp (apparently p o t is an inappropriate word here), the Cajun fried rice, and orange chicken. Everything we tasted we wanted in the wedding, and I am sure if we tried anything else it would have been the same.

The portions are big too, so we have plenty for our families to try with leftovers for ourselves. There was a glitch with our order when it was brought out but it was cleared up by Steve before I could figure out what it was they brought us LOL. Our waitress was all smiles and very sweet

We went on a Wed and it was not crowded. I read the previous reviews before writing this one and felt compelled to say in response to the one star review; the food was not even close to greasy, not even the fried food. Everything was very fresh and came out in a very timely manner. I would suggest giving it another try.

Steve is going to itemize our catering order and email it to me. I will post again after the wedding to leave a review for their catering.

Pros: Service, food, atmosphere, everything

Cons: n/a

Posted 03/04/09

Since moving to Texas at the end of 2004, I had about resolved myself to never having good Thai food again. Last night I found Banana Leaf online in a last ditch effort to solve my Thai need. Sadly I don't remember the name of the person that took my phone order, but would know him again instantly. Good first impressions go so far and he was exceptional in every possible way. Warm, charming, personable, he made helpful suggestions and covered everything far and above anything I have ever encountered with any business. This guy was nothing but an asset. For two people I ordered three entrees and the Cajun Fried Rice. From the very first bite, I knew my money was well spent. Each bite following only re-enforced that. Today as I was bragging on my experience, a co-worker suggested we go one day for lunch. Geez, can we go tomorrow...I can't get there fast enough. Thank you Banana Leaf.

Posted 11/25/08

i am on a diet and can only eat chicken, carrotts and veggies like that, no carbs, no dressing etc...... I simply told the tahi waiter what I could eat, he made some suggestions and it was perfect! If you are on a special diet they are very accommodating! When I am not on a diet I come here too, but felt compelled to write for us ladies that may need some help but don't want to eat in all the time. Great place, great service, great food

Pros: very accomodating to my special diet

Posted 08/04/08

I was on a business trip and was fortunate that this was the very first restaurant that came up on a search for Thai restaurant on my Blackberry. Steve (the owner) introduced himself and bought me a sample of the red curry from the kitchen for me to guage the level of spicyness for the food I was going to order. I ordered the Chicken Satay which was much bigger chicken on the stick compared to other Thai places. I also had the Thai Basil Chicken for the entree and the dish was extremely flavorful and very well made. Rounded off the evening with Fried Bananas & Coconut Icecream. Will definitely visit him when I am next in town.

Posted 07/23/08

ok not sure where all of the rating is coming from but this place was the worst Tai place I have EVER been to! I looked to see on here where is a good Tai spot to go to for lunch, this place is not it yall. Waited over 30 minutes for appetizer and water , we were there for over an hour by the time they brought our food so we had it to go and take back to work with us! Took 20 minutes for her to bring the to go food now, waited 10 minutes for the check and this is while she was cleaning up tables! I?m now at my desk writing this to save you some time, the food is the greasiest Pad Tai I have ever had and the peanut sauce had layer of oil on top of it. So in a nutshell, you?ll spend too much time waiting for a table, starve before you get your food and beverage and be an hour late back to work all for food that is not worth it. Save time, find another place!

Pros: I don't have any pros!

Cons: bad greasy food, takes over an hour to get your food, bad and slow service during lunch

Posted 03/19/08

I have a co-worker who is very hard to please. He emphasized several times that he can not eat spicy food but I was feeling adventurous and decided to try out Banana Leaf for lunch. Our waitress helped us pick out a non-spicy dish from the menu. In his exact words, his "Pineapple Fried Rice" was "the best I have ever had".

I have a feeling we'll be going back again very soon.

Pros: Great food

Cons: Crowded on Friday

Posted 01/25/08

Overall, I thought the food and service were mediocre and the value for the food was not good. I haven't been back and I live right around the corner.

Posted 01/16/08

At the Bamboo Leaf they realize that there are tons of restaurants vying for your dinner dollar. They offer lots of coupons, cordial service and an exceptionally cheerful staff. They are willing to customize anything on your order from the level of heat or salt or substitutions of vegetables etc. Our family of 3 adults live near Allen and we still drive often down to this casual dining spot. They are all willing to expound on items on their menu, speak great English and have nice photo versions of menu items. They seem to genuinely like the restaurant business and we felt cared for from our first visit. Even their lunch specials with free soup are great.

Pros: great menu, vegetarian specialties, food and friendliness

Cons: just wish it was closer to home

Posted 10/14/07

After I moved to Dallas for college, I thought I would try Banana Leaf, since it was nearby my school and supposedly it was the #1 Thai restaurant in Dallas. My boyfriend and I ordered the cream cheese rolls for appetizer. These are supposed to taste like salty cream cheese, but it tasted as if they had added some kind of sweet chutney or something into the filling. For entree, I ordered the Massaman Curry. Though this curry is supposed to be a little on the sweet side, their version was entirely too sweet. Being Thai, I can be a little picky, but atleast I know what authentic Thai cuisine is. I have been eating it my entire life. I know there are people who judge restaurants depending on how they make Pad Thai and all, but it is the most Americanized Thai dish. I rarely see anyone eating Pad Thai in Thailand unless they are foreigners. Most of the Thai restaurants in Dallas are Americanized anyway, but I think Tamarind Thai Cuisine in Plano is one of the few authentic Thai restaurants in the area. Thai Samba (formerly Tuppee Tong) and Nandina were also good restaurants until they changed management/ownership.

Pros: decor

Cons: dishes are too sweet, small restaurant (fewer tables)

Posted 09/04/07

After making a clandestine visit to Dallas for business I found The Banana Leaf thru a friend, after eating Thai cusine in Thailand , not in tourist destinations, but with the Thai military, I must say service and food were excellent. The Best around. Next time I am in I will ask for the Cajun Asian (aka steve cocoa-somoa jong) I will recomend this establishment to all my friends and business associates

Pros: Easy to find for out of towners

Cons: None

Posted 08/08/07

A+++++ If you've ever been curious about Thai food. This is the place to go. Banana Leaf has wowed my family continuously throughout the several years of living here. Each dish is so unique. Amazing in their own ways. Restaurant management is always present and involved with your satisfaction. Don't be afraid to request something unusual. This restaurant will accommodate just about anything that you can throw at them.. I'm proof of that. I am a very picky eater. A high maintenance diner if you will. I have never been let down by Banana Leaf. EVER! Don't just take my word for it. TRY IT! You will like it. As for anyone that has anything negative to say about this restaurant. If Banana Leaf cannot satisfy you, nothing will. HAPPY DINNING!!

Pros: GREAT FOOD!!!Quiet, romantic, Very friendly service.

Cons: The food is so good that you can't stop eating it!

Posted 08/07/07

A+++++
If you've ever been curious about Thai food. This is the place to go. Banana Leaf has wowed my family continuously throughout the several years of living here. Each dish is so unique. Amazing in their own ways. Restaurant management is always present and involved with your satisfaction. Don't be afraid to request something unusual. This restaurant will accommodate just about anything that you can throw at them.. I'm proof of that. I am a very picky eater. A high maintenance diner if you will. I have never been let down by Banana Leaf. EVER! Don't just take my word for it. TRY IT! You will like it. As for anyone that has anything negative to say about this restaurant. If Banana Leaf cannot satisfy you, nothing will. HAPPY DINNING!!

Pros: GREAT FOOD!!!Quiet, romantic, Very friendly service.

Cons: n/a

Posted 07/29/07

This place had the best Mango Chicken anywhere. I love the Cajun Rice...If you go during lunch you get unlimited salad and soup which is really cool. When you go you have to get the fried spring rolls!! I love them. You have to go at least once and check it out, ask for Steve he will take great care of you. Everything he wrote is true. I have been a long time customer of his and he will treat you like family when you go.

Posted 07/25/07

*IMPORTANT MESSAGE*

I write this letter to all my wonderful guest. I am saddened by some of the reviewers experience. I am the owner of Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine and try to do my very best to ensure every guest has a wonderful experience. Anyone that knows me knows that I have a love and passion for my restaurant. I only hope the reviewers who have a bad experience will ask to speak to me or a manager when it happens so it can be resolved at that time. I apologize for the inexperience of any person at our establishment.

Example of the person who said the pad thai was average. Pad thai is traditionally a balanced tasting stir fried noodle dish. Not too sweet, not too salty, not too sour. Traditionally in Thailand the spices are on the table, so one would add sugar for sweet, or fish sauce for salt, or lime for sour, etc. Most guest are not familiar with how to add these at the table. Our pad thai is a little on the sweet side, because most guest prefer it that way. But some do not and they ask me to make it less sweet. It is kind of like the example-does one like rare or well done. It is only average or wrong to the one who likes it the opposite way.

I accommodate the ones that allow me to help them. So please communicate with me, shy people go home hungry or disappointed and I want them to do neither. I joke with my guest and I tell them I took mind reading in college twice and failed it both times. It hurts me to my heart to hear about a bad experience. I take all complaints very seriously. So, please before you write about a bad experience, ask yourself did you talk to me and allow me to correct the issue or not. If you did talk to me personally, I can GUARAAANTEEE you will not be writing about a bad experience.

Any one is welcome to call me directly at the restaurant. The number and email is listed on citysearch. I wish I could put the telephone number and e-mail , but against rules. Thanks-Steve Jong(the cajun asian)

Posted 07/21/07

I have had the opportunity to visit the Banana Leaf several times and have always recieved exceptional service. Steve is open to any questions or suggestions you may have about the food or service provided. With each visit the food and service has exceeded all expectations. The Banana Leaf is number one on my list of favorite restaurants and i will continue to be a repeat customer.

Pros: excellent food and service

Cons: none

Posted 07/21/07

This place is way over-rated. The price is a little on the high side. I would say most of the food flavor has Chinese influence. Fish cake is very greasy, and a little crispy. Pad Thai is average. For the curry you still can see chunk of coconut milk in it. I have to say the owner is very professional and provides a personal touch to the customer. It hard to find Thai restaurant that have this type of service.

Pros: Service

Cons: Food

Posted 07/20/07

In a city that is supposedly known for its restaurants (but that also consistently rates places like PF McChangs as "Best Chinese" in diners' surveys), it's a pleasure to be able to spread the word about a true Dallas gem. My office is nearby, and since 2002, I've been a regular customer, visiting Banana Leaf at least twice a week for lunch, and frequently for dinner. That's a lot of Banana Leaf, folks, and I have to say, in five years, I've never been disappointed. How many places can you say that about? I keep meeting people who secretly love this place (and it is getting harder to get a table sometimes; the secret is out, I guess...wait, why am I writing this?). I've worked my way through most of the delightful and varied menu, and though I certainly have my favorites, there's nothing I don't recommend to the many, many people I've turned on to this place over the years. When we entertain business clients and partners from out of town - more than a few of whom have travelled and lived in Thailand - we are asked to take them back here more than anywhere else ("we're flying in for a Thursday morning meeting and have a flight out in the afternoon but thought we could do lunch at that Thai place"... ). In my own travels, I often sample locally-recommended Thai in larger cities and few compare.

Pros: Food. Service. Everything.

Cons: Harder to get a table sometimes!

Posted 07/15/07

The atmosphere at Thai Banana Leaf is elegant and relaxed. The menu is extensive menu and has something for every taste. I've dined at Thai Banana Leaf on several occasions, even 4 times in one week! Outstanding food is the reason to go to Banana Leaf, however the owner?s personal touch is the reason to return. The owner, Steve, is friendly, outgoing and has a commitment to exceptional customer service. Banana Leaf is often involved in the community and have been very generous with their time and resources. I just love Thai Banana Leaf!

Pros: The owner is out front to make sure you enjoy your dining experience.

Cons: Small facility and gets busy during lunch.

Posted 07/15/07

I am so looking forward to my next visit to Dallas...Banana Leaf Thai is one of the main reasons. While visiting my daughter a few months ago, I found a coupon on Restaurant. com....read the menu and decided it would be a great place to dine. The food was great, ther service is superb. The staff is friendly and prompt. Steve, you were so helpful and so very nice. The food is priced fairly and there is a lot of it. I have eaten Thai in lots of places.....Banana Leaf Thai is truly my favorite. Wish I lived closer so I could go every week. For now I have to be content with looking forward to my NEXT vacation.

Thanks a bunch !!!

Pros: Wonderful drinks, great value, friendly staff..everyone is very hands on.

Cons: wish I lived closer,

Posted 07/15/07

Five stars aren't enough to describe it! Having spent a year in Udorn Thailand compliments of the USAF, it has been very hard to find a restaurant that serves true Thai dishes. Many places are "Americanized" but at the Banana Leaf I take a taste trip back to Thailand. The atmosphere is fantastic and the service is even better. The manager is very friendly and will do what it takes to help you truly enjoy your dining experience with them. If you have never had Thai food this is the place to visit if you can't go to Thailand. If you have been and your mouth waters at that the sound of pad Thai then you need to bylayo and ging mock mock!!

Pros: It's all good!

Cons: Not closer to my house or job!

Posted 07/14/07

I love yellow curry and I heard this place had some good curry. Not only some good curry, but the best curry I've ever had. I eat alot of curry and I know my curries. This is some good stuff. Try the Koy Soy Noodle it is great and the bowl comes out the size of a boat . It's huge so you better have an appetite.

Posted 07/01/07

I have been to this restaurant many times. It keeps getting better and better. They had a great off the menu special made with crab meat and noodles. I had to ask for it, because I saw the next table have it. I made it thai spicy and it came out just right. The staff there is really cool. I have a vip discount card(50% off the 2nd entree) that makes the food taste that much better. What was really nice was the manager gave my freind one too, without even asking. They have an e-mail letter they send out monthly with special offers. I wouldn't go anywhere else for Thai food. A little bit of Thailand in Dallas, TX.

Pros: all around great!!!

Posted 06/08/07

My best friend and I discovered this place about 2 years ago, and we would go there once a month, until one time this last January we went and ordered the same food as always. Only to find the bill about $10 over what we usually spend. When we took a closer look at the menu. I found my chicken dish is has gone up by $3 and my friends dish had gone up from $11.99 to $15.99 we were very ticked off. I would understand $0.75 cent to a $1 increase especially for a lowkey place like this is reasonable. But when the price increases by %30 or so over night that's just plain rip off.

Pros: good food.

Cons: Inconsistant service and food. Too expensive for the food and setup.

Posted 06/04/07

The food is awesome and the service the same. The place has a down home feel about it. When you walk in the door til the time you leave. They know your order by memory. The staff makes you feel like you are part of the family. They will bring you out samples of new items and they even let me have a sample of one of the martinis. We order delivery or pick-up once a week and the food is just as good and fresh as dining in. What a gem in North Dallas. Thank you for everything.

Posted 05/15/07

friendly server.
Even though the rate for the cost of this restaurant is low but it cost us $70 for 2 with only one drink.
Mangotini is delicious (it's $8.99 but worth it).
They just have the new menu of more additional dishes.
Overall the food is good but their Crapmeat fried rice is not the best in town. Other Thai restaurant makes better Fried Rice than Banana Leaf

Posted 04/24/07

I have been to many thai restaurants in the area and have been to many across the nation. This is one of the best I've been to. The service was awesome and the food was the same. The staff is so friendly. They explained to me that everything was cooked to order. I was able to add some veggies to my pad kee mow and kick up the spice. The manager also mentioned that if it was too spicy that just to let him know and he could correct it in about 2 minutes. He stated that spicyness was very subjective and that a 3 star to one person might be a 5 star to someone else. I thought he was very helpful. They just seemed to go the extra mile. This is something you don't see in most restaurants. I even booked a catering for my company for 25 people. He set up the whole menu. What a great place.

Pros: great food, staff, and atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 09/21/06

After reading all those positive reviews about Banana Leaf Thai Cusine Restaurant. We decided to try it out.
We ordered fish cake ($5.99), pad tai ($11.99), and the special of the night, crispy duck in the green curry ($18.99). We thought fish cake and pad tai are the signature dishes of Thai cusine. If these 2 dishes are great, then we are sure Banana leaf is really an authentic Thai restuarant.

The conclusion, fish cake is so-so, very greasy. Pad Tai, ... very dissapointed, too sweet and salty. The crispy duck in green curry was okay, and not worth the price at all.

Banana Leaf is indeed over-rated. We personally don't like it very much. And won't recommend it to anyone.

Posted 09/15/06

I am a huge connoisseur of Thai Food. The first time I dine at a Thai restaurant I always order the Pad Thai. I have found that the best Thai restaurants have the best Pad Thai. And banana leaf is on that list! I have been back numerous times, tried a variety of their dishes and I still find that it is one of the best in the Dallas area. Lunches, especially, are a fantastic deal. Along with your entree, you get unlimited soup and salad. It is also a great place for business lunches, casual dates and family gatherings.

Pros: great food

Posted 07/16/06

The Banana Leaf is a great dining experience. You get fantastic Thai food with Steve's great southern hospitality! They have a comfortable atmosphere and great customer service.

Pros: everything

Cons: none

Posted 06/27/06

Although the dine-in experience is great, I don't recommend this restaurant for delivery. They left a menu on my door and I ordered from them before for delivery. I called today for delivery and the employee told me they don't deliver to my address and that they never had.

I did a search on Dallas City Guide, using my address and Banana Leaf came up as one of the restaurants that serve my area. So, who is lying? Banana Leaf only gives good service to their dine-in guests and don't care a lick about their delivery customers.

I will never eat there again.

Pros: The Tom Kha Gai Seafood Soup

Cons: They don't care about their delivery customers.

Posted 06/10/06

My husband and I travel all over the world, the food at the Banana Leaf surpassed any Aisan that we have had even in Aisa! We just returned from a 7 day cruise on the Constellation, rank the best ship in the world, and had the food been this good, I would have rebooked before we left for the next week. The service was better than the food. The only way I would improve is if it could have been a little more romantic. I had to listed to the booth in front of us complain about their day very loudly, because of the low cost, you will have those type people, they don't have an "indoor" voice. STEVE!! will see you again! Deby and Dain!! Cajuns all!!!

Pros: The services, FOOD, FOOD

Cons: not dark enough

Posted 03/21/06

We tried this restaurant for the first time tonight and it is definitely the best Thai restaurant in the Dallas and surrounding areas. We had pad thai with shrimp and basil frog legs (special for today), and both were absolutely amazing! We will definitely be back.

Pros: food, service, decor

Posted 01/20/06

From the moment that you walk through the doors till the moment you leave you feel the comfort of a great a atmosphere and food. The service was great and prompt. Everyone employee made sure that we were pleased with our food and drinks. I am from out of town and had to go both nights I was there. I enjoyed the Orange Chicken and Honey Chicken. Don't leave without trying those Thai Spring Rolls.

Pros: Great Service

Posted 10/13/05

I always have a really nice dinning experience when I am at Banana Leaf. Delicious and great service. I definately plan to eat there again and suggest the establish to my friends.

Pros: Inexpensive, Patio, Wonderful service

Posted 06/05/05

I've been to alot of Thai Restaurants, but this one has it all. Great food, great atmosphere, great service and especially great people. The people there just go out of their way to please. Kinda of like old school. They just serve you like royality. I highly recommend the waterfall beef.

Pros: great service, great food, great atmosphere

Posted 03/31/05

The Pasta Sukiyaki was unbelieveable. The taste was something I have never experienced before. You gotta try this dish.

Pros: good food, nice atmosphere, reasonably priced

Posted 03/29/05

Best Thai food in town, very friendly service. I'm highly recommended to all friends that would like to have wonderful dinner.

Pros: Best food, excellent service, good home decor

Posted 03/27/05

Best Thai food in or around the entire metroplex! If you love peanut sauce, they have it mastered! Excellent Thai Spring Roll appetizer, great entrees like Spicy Basil Chicken and Pad Thai! You've just got to try it!

Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive, Big Screen TV

Posted 05/30/03