Fish Cheeks Williamsburg: Thai Seafood That’s Bold, Vibrant, and Unapologetically Flavorful

Welcome to a New Chapter in Thai Dining: Fish Cheeks in Williamsburg

In the ever-expanding sea of Thai restaurants in New York City, one name continues to stand out for its daring flavor profiles and refusal to compromise: Fish Cheeks. Born in NoHo and celebrated for its spicy, authentic, and seafood-centric Thai offerings, the restaurant now makes a bold statement with its Williamsburg outpost—a space that channels the same energy, passion, and authenticity of the original, while adding a Brooklyn twist.

At Fish Cheeks Williamsburg, there are no watered-down recipes, no pad Thai in sight, and certainly no apologies for heat or funk. This is Thai food as it’s meant to be—vibrant, unapologetic, and thrilling.

The Concept: A Love Letter to Coastal Thai Cuisine

Founded by brothers Ohm and Chat Suansilphong, Fish Cheeks is rooted in the brothers’ childhood memories of eating seafood in coastal Thailand. Their mission was never to simply replicate the dishes they grew up with, but to present them with integrity, quality ingredients, and fearless spice.

The Williamsburg location continues this mission, celebrating regional Thai seafood dishes that go beyond the typical Americanized offerings. The space feels young, colorful, and full of life—mirroring the flavors on the plate.

The Space: A Colorful Vibe With Brooklyn Flair

Fish Cheeks Williamsburg nails the visual first impression. Expect pops of tropical color, rattan lamps, textured wood accents, and playful tile work. It's a little beach shack, a little Brooklyn chic, and completely inviting. The layout is open and bright, often filled with the sound of clinking glasses, laughter, and spicy sizzling from the open kitchen.

Whether you’re perched at the bar with a cocktail or gathered around a big table sharing dishes family-style, the vibe is laid-back and vibrant.

The Menu: A Feast of Fire, Funk, and Flavor

The menu at Fish Cheeks Williamsburg doesn't hold back. It doesn’t cater to the “sweet-and-mild” crowd—it embraces the bold, showcasing dishes with fermented shrimp paste, bird's eye chilies, and unrelenting spice. But don’t worry—it's all balanced by depth, freshness, and richness.

Here are some standouts:

Appetizers & Small Plates

• Zabb Wings – Crispy chicken wings coated in a dry spice mix with kaffir lime leaves and chili flakes. A must-try bar snack with serious heat.

• Charred Squid – Fresh squid grilled to perfection, served with a bright Thai seafood sauce (nam jim).

• Crispy Rice Salad – A dish that surprises and delights with toasted rice, herbs, lime juice, and fermented pork sausage.

The Signature Dish: Coconut Crab Curry

If there’s one reason to visit Fish Cheeks Williamsburg, it’s the Coconut Crab Curry. It’s a dish that has practically reached cult status—a sweet, spicy, and fragrant yellow curry loaded with crab meat and served with a side of fresh herbs and jasmine rice.

The flavors are layered: coconut milk’s richness, chili heat, lemongrass brightness, and the sweetness of blue crab come together in a way that’s deeply satisfying and utterly crave-worthy. It’s Thai comfort food taken to the next level.

Main Dishes to Explore

• Pla Neung Manao (Steamed Whole Fish) – A whole branzino, steamed with garlic, chili, and lime, served with a zesty sauce. Bright, clean, and bold.

• Kua Kling – Southern Thai dry curry with ground meat, intensely spicy, deeply flavorful, and rarely seen on NYC menus.

• Tiger Prawns – Jumbo prawns grilled over charcoal, served with tamarind dipping sauce. Simple and unforgettable.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Although seafood is the star, vegetarians aren’t left out. Dishes like Papaya Salad (Som Tum) and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Basil and Chili offer complexity and heat.

Drinks: Tropical, Tart, and Tailored to Spice

Fish Cheeks understands that spicy food requires the right drink to cool things down. Their drink menu is a refreshing mix of Thai-inspired cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic treats:

• Tom Yum Martini – Infused with lemongrass and lime leaf; a playful tribute to the famous soup.

• Coconut Mojito – Creamy, cooling, and a perfect contrast to the spicy plates.

• Thai Iced Tea Slushie – Rich, sweet, and totally nostalgic.

• Craft Beers & Natural Wines – Chosen specifically to stand up to big, bold flavors.

No Pad Thai, No Problem

You won’t find pad Thai or drunken noodles here—and that’s intentional. The goal isn’t to replicate what’s already on every Thai takeout menu in the city. Fish Cheeks is here to educate your palate, not cater to it.

Instead, you’re invited to explore dishes that might feel unfamiliar, but reward adventurous eaters. It’s not just food—it’s a cultural experience.

Service & Atmosphere: Friendly, Fast, and Fun

Despite its pedigree, Fish Cheeks Williamsburg is anything but pretentious. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to walk you through the menu if you’re unsure what to order. Many dishes are meant to be shared family-style, so come hungry and with friends.

The music is upbeat, the vibe is communal, and there’s no such thing as a boring night here.

The Williamsburg Difference

Compared to the original NoHo location, the Williamsburg outpost offers a bit more room to breathe. The atmosphere feels slightly more relaxed and suited to the creative, eclectic Brooklyn crowd. While the food is identical in quality and execution, the setting gives it a different flavor—less hustle, more hangout.

And being located in one of NYC’s trendiest neighborhoods means there’s plenty to explore before or after your meal, from boutique shopping to nearby cocktail bars.

Customer Reviews and Local Buzz

Diners are raving about Fish Cheeks Williamsburg:

"I didn't know Thai food could taste like this. The coconut crab curry is life-changing!"
"A welcome break from the usual Thai takeout. Everything is fresh, fiery, and unforgettable."
"No pad Thai in sight—and I’m thankful. Real, honest Thai food."

The restaurant has earned praise not only for its flavors but for its authentic representation of regional Thai cuisine, which is still surprisingly rare in NYC.

Pro Tips for Dining at Fish Cheeks Williamsburg

1. Make a reservation—dinner hours can get crowded, especially on weekends.

2. Come ready for heat—many dishes are truly spicy, and beautifully so.

3. Don’t skip the coconut crab curry—even if you're not big on curry, it’s a standout.

4. Try a cocktail with tropical notes to complement the food’s intensity.

5. Order to share—you’ll want to sample as much as possible.

Is Fish Cheeks Williamsburg Worth the Visit?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard Thai food fan or simply seeking something out of the ordinary, Fish Cheeks offers an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful. This is not just another “trendy” Williamsburg restaurant—it’s a place that challenges expectations and raises the bar for Thai cuisine in NYC.

Who Will Love It

• Foodies craving something bold and different

• Seafood lovers looking for exotic flavors and fresh catches

• Adventurous diners tired of pad Thai and massaman curry

• Couples and groups who want a fun, shareable dining experience

• Spice lovers ready to feel the heat

Final Thoughts: Where Thai Flavor Reigns Supreme

Fish Cheeks Williamsburg is not for the faint of heart—but it’s absolutely for those who love food with soul, stories, and spice. Every dish feels like a declaration of authenticity, and every bite delivers layers of flavor rarely found outside Southeast Asia.