Go exotic at Ruby of Siam, where you can order from a variety of unique Thai beers in addition to the familiar domestic beers and wines. The interior of this simple, family-style restaurant features white and red tones throughout, portraits of the owners’ family on the walls and 23 tables that seat 150 patrons comfortably. In spite of the large space, the atmosphere feels warm, welcoming and surprisingly quiet, perfect for conversation.

The staff will gladly explain menu items and make suggestions (substitutions and variations are happily served). The menu features more than 115 items, including appetizers, salads and soups, and noodle, rice, seafood and curry entrees. Expect to find the usual suspects like pad Thai and pad see iew as well as more ambitious (and pricier) dishes like hoi mang pu op, made with steamed mussels, kaffir leaves and lemon grass with spicy sauce, and filet red snapper with spicy sweet and sour sauce and papaya salad. Desserts like Thai custard and sweet rice with mango provide a sweet finish, especially when paired with Thai iced tea or coffee.

Centerstage Reviewer: Shelly Burton