8.2 / 10 Cork Xtra score
The Golden Elephant is one of the best Thai restaurants in Cork. They have two branches, one in Douglas Village and one on McCurtain Street. We visited the Douglas location twice, and both times the food was excellent.
Having lived in Thailand for two years and speaking Thai, I can say with confidence that this is authentic Thai food. The flavours are real and the dishes are well executed. We had the chicken satay, beef satay and beef curry, and all three were top quality.
The staff are a mix of Thai, Chinese and Irish, and the service is genuinely warm. On one visit, a member of staff accidentally spilled candle wax on my jacket. Without hesitation, they brought out a free dessert to make up for it. That kind of response says a lot about a place.
The one downside is the space. It is small and can feel cramped, especially when it is busy. They also do a steady stream of takeaways, but it did not affect our experience at the table.
Cork Xtra Ratings
- Food: 9/10
- Facility: 7/10
- Atmosphere: 8/10
- Staff: 8.5/10
- Overall: 8.2/10
Pros
- Authentic Thai food, verified by someone who has lived in Thailand
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great atmosphere even in a small space
- Two locations in Cork
Cons
- Very small dining area
- Can feel cramped when busy
- High volume of takeaway orders
More details
- Price
- €€