Wayla

Located in a basement storefront on Forsyth Street, you might just miss Wayla upon first glance. With little signage pointing you in the right direction, down the steps is a secret Thai restaurant and bar oasis not to be missed. The dark and cavernous spot joins the growing number of nightlife restaurants-slash-bar destinations in the area, with tricks up its sleeve and more soul to set it apart from the pack.

You might not anticipate the restaurant's opening into a chic dining area and a charming patio when you look down at Wayla's unassuming basement entrance. Thai homestyle dishes are the mainstay of Bangkok native Tom Naumsuwan's menu. The lobster with rice noodles, lump-crab fried rice, and chicken wings with plum sauce should all be ordered. If you want to make your dining experience feel even more like an exotic getaway, try a creative cocktail like the indigo Sway Layla (gin, butterfly pea blossom, cucumber, lemon, and shiso).

For dessert try Thai Coconut ice cream with an unexpected bite of jackfruit with a mochi-like gumminess. Wayla means "time" in Thai, and you'll want to spend some of yours at their secret backyard decorated with rugs and outdoor chairs with charming lighting. Soon, Wayla will open to-go upstairs with their Little Wayla concept.

• Timings: Mon to Fri - 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Sat to Sun - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Google rating: 4.6/5.0
• Phone: (212) 206-2500
• Website: http://waylanyc.com
• Address: 100 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002