There’s really no stopping restaurateur and chef Stanley Lee. First he brought us Saiko Teppanyaki at The Kitchens in Robina Town Centre (as well as in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley), then came contemporary Asian-fusion restaurant and bar Mad Asian, also located on the upper level of The Kitchens. Now, he is gifting us with authentic tastes, flavours, sights and sounds of Thailand in the form of Ari Thai Kitchen & Bar, which is located next door to Saiko Teppanyaki in the space formerly occupied by Noodle Bao & Bar. A complete overhaul of the space has resulted in an eclectic fit-out intended to balance tradition with modernity. Both the food and the fit-out are designed to transport you to the backstreets of north-central Bangkok, where you can kick back with your chopsticks in one hand and a mango-spiked mojito in the other.

The shareable and interactive menu starts with smaller bites like sticky duck spring rolls and crispy fried king prawns with tamarind sauce, before moving on to lighter starters like tom yum and tom kha soups and an array of punchy Thai-style salads. There are dishes like whole squid and barbecued pork neck coming hot (and spicy) off the grill, as well as whole crispy barramundi and a series of stir-fried creations fresh from the wok. Those that love traditional Thai curries will get hot under the collar for Ari’s rainbow of curry options (which includes a hearty massaman lamb shank), while sticklers for the classics can opt for pad Thai, pad see ew, or lash out with the eye-catching fried rice served in a whole topped-off pineapple. The menu is rounded out with street-style Thai sweets like roti pancakes with ice-cream, mango sticky rice, and crushed ice with syrup and condensed milk. No Thai feast is complete without a cocktail (or two), so you’ll be pleased to see a wide collection of concoctions being shaken and stirred behind the bar, as well as wines, Thai and Australian beers, and an array of spirits on pour.

Ari Thai Kitchen & Bar is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours, location and contact details.