Laut - Image 1
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Laut

4.4
·2k reviews·New York, United States

Vibrant Southeast Asian eatery in Union Square serving Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean flavors with a lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Lunch

Fewer crowds, great value

CrowdLow
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Laut - Image 1

Laut

Best Time

Weekday Lunch

Fewer crowds, great value

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vibrant Southeast Asian eatery in Union Square serving Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean flavors with a lively atmosphere.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The food was full of rich, authentic Southeast Asian flavors, and everything tasted so fresh."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays

Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:

🔊 Embrace the Buzz

The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roti Canai & Roti Telur

Roti Canai & Roti Telur

Appetizers

Flaky, buttery flatbread served with delicious curry dips. A must-try starter!

Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab

Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab

Entrees

A flavorful and satisfying seafood dish with a delightful crispy texture.

Duck Curry

Duck Curry

Entrees

Rich and aromatic curry with tender duck, a standout dish for many diners.

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Planning Your Visit

Reservations are Key

Laut is a popular spot, especially for lunch on Sundays. Making a reservation is highly recommended to guarantee a table, as it gets packed quickly after opening. The cozy space means tables fill up fast!

Embrace the Vibe (and Noise!)

Laut is known for its vibrant, energetic atmosphere, which can get quite loud. If you prefer a quiet, intimate dining experience, this might not be the best fit. However, many find the lively ambiance adds to the overall enjoyment.

Best Times

When
Weekday Lunch
Why
Fewer crowds, great value
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday Lunch
Why
Lively atmosphere, family-friendly
Crowd
High
When
Evenings
Why
Cozy ambiance, date night potential
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Surprised to see a New York beach as #1 but I get it now 🌊 #1beachintheus #coopersbeach #newyorkbeach #beachday
@crystalcristin
5.6K likes • 106.8K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays

Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:

🔊 Embrace the Buzz

The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:

Sea View #newyork #sea #ferry #fun
@longhorn_9
118 likes • 9.6K views
#vincenthulu #pelaut #salam1⚓ #kapalpesiar #pelautpunyacerita #segitigabermuda #lautangker @Vincent.Pelaut
@vincent.hulu
5.7M likes • 114.6M views

🍽️ Family-Style Feasting

Order multiple dishes to share for a true taste of Southeast Asia. :forkandknife:

🌶️ Flavorful Favorites

Chili crab, duck curry, and roti canai are highly recommended by diners. :star:

📍Pebble Beach, Brooklyn #newyork #nyc #usa #travel #traveltiktok #brooklyn #newyorkcity
@mattiacaschetto
5.3K likes • 86K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays

Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:

🔊 Embrace the Buzz

The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:

🍽️ Family-Style Feasting

Order multiple dishes to share for a true taste of Southeast Asia. :forkandknife:

🌶️ Flavorful Favorites

Chili crab, duck curry, and roti canai are highly recommended by diners. :star:

💧 Water Glasses Stay Full

Expect attentive service with constant refills of your water glass. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Laut is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine, with standout dishes like chili crab and roti canai. Diners praise the generous portions and attentive service, though some note the restaurant can be quite loud. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few have expressed being underwhelmed by the food on occasion.

"Made a reservation to ensure our spot, and good thing we did, cause it got packed within 20 minutes of opening during lunch hours on a Sunday. Upon entering, I was so impressed with the interior, gorgeous wall art, beautiful ceiling, and a small bar in the back corner.

The menu had so many exciting dishes. They were pricey but that’s expected in the city. We picked a bunch to have a full on family style meal. We ordered the roti canai, roti telur, ilat bakar (fish), duck curry, Singapore crispy soft shell chili crab, baby bok choi, Hainanese roast chicken with rice, Malaysian curry with shrimp and side of bao buns. The dishes started coming out one after another within short intervals. All the dishes were so amazing, huge portions, full of flavors. My favorite were the chili crab, duck, roti canai and the Thai iced tea. All of us were belly full as we throughly enjoyed all the dishes. We even had some leftovers to take home.

The service was good. Our server was so friendly. Empty dishes and plates were taken out quickly. We were able to take our sweet time dining in. Overall we had a delightful lunch experience here with our friends and kids."

Nehal

"Nice spot for Asian food. Was definitely hot on the day we went so was hot in the restaurant but perf place for winter cozy meal (seats close together). Overall service was great and enjoyed a couple dishes for a great price. Loved the bok choy as well as roti. Overall recommend"

Michele Guttermuth

"fantastic. must go here. super great flavor, fast service, your water will always be full and you will leave happy. go around christmas and walk around union square christmas market before or after dinner. you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu."

Alison Pouw

What People Like

Authentic Southeast Asian flavors
Generous portion sizes
Attentive and friendly service

What People Dislike

Can be very loud
Occasional food underwhelm

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Laut is conveniently located in Union Square. You can reach it via several subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6, and L trains, all stopping at the 14th Street-Union Square station. It's a short walk from there. Parking in the area can be challenging and expensive, so public transport is generally recommended. TikTok

Yes, Laut is very accessible by public transport. The 14th Street-Union Square subway station is a major hub serving multiple lines, making it easy to get to from various parts of the city. TikTok

For holiday meals, consider taking the subway to avoid traffic and parking hassles. The Union Square area is well-connected, and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Union Square Christmas Market before or after your meal. Reddit

While there are parking garages in the vicinity of Union Square, they can be quite expensive. Many visitors opt for public transportation to avoid the stress and cost of parking. TikTok

Depending on your starting point, walking to Laut might be feasible if you're in a nearby neighborhood. However, for longer distances, the subway is a much more efficient option. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend lunches and dinners, as Laut can get very busy. Walk-ins are accepted, but you might face a wait. Reddit

Laut typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter Laut. You only pay for the food and drinks you order. Reddit

Yes, you can walk in without a reservation, but be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours like Sunday lunch. Reddit

Laut has a casual to smart-casual dress code. Most diners wear comfortable, everyday attire. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Diners rave about the Roti Canai, Roti Telur, Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab, and Duck Curry. Many also enjoy the Hainanese Roast Chicken and Baby Bok Choy. The sampler platter is a good way to try a variety. Reddit

Yes, Laut is generally considered good for families. They offer a variety of dishes that can appeal to different tastes, and the family-style dining encourages sharing. Some reviewers mention bringing kids and having a delightful experience. Reddit

Laut serves Southeast Asian cuisine, with influences from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Expect a flavorful and diverse menu. Reddit

Yes, many reviewers note that the portions at Laut are generous, especially when ordering family-style. You're likely to have leftovers to take home. Reddit

Laut offers a selection of beverages, including Thai iced tea, which is a popular choice among diners. They also serve cocktails and other non-alcoholic options. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Laut has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that can get quite loud, especially during busy periods. The interior is often described as having gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling, creating a cozy and inviting space. Reddit

While it can be loud, many find Laut to be a great spot for a casual date night due to its lively ambiance and delicious food. If you prefer a quiet dinner, consider visiting on a weekday evening. Reddit

The service at Laut is generally praised as friendly, attentive, and fast. Servers are known to refill water glasses promptly and clear empty dishes efficiently. Reddit

Yes, Laut can be a good choice for celebrating special occasions, especially if your group enjoys a lively atmosphere and flavorful food. The family-style dining makes it ideal for groups. Reddit

The seating at Laut can be cozy, with tables placed relatively close together. This contributes to the lively atmosphere but might feel a bit cramped for some. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Laut's interior is often described as having gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling, making it visually appealing for photos. The presentation of the food is also quite photogenic. Reddit

To capture the ambiance without too many people in the background, consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation for an earlier seating. The food shots will always be great! Reddit

Absolutely! The dishes at Laut are often beautifully presented and full of vibrant colors, making them perfect subjects for food photography. Reddit

While not a designated photo spot, the unique interior decor, including the wall art and ceiling, offers great backdrops. The food itself is also a highlight for photos. Reddit

The lighting at Laut is generally warm and inviting, suitable for both general ambiance and food photography. It creates a cozy feel, especially in the evenings. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Laut offers a family-friendly dining experience with a menu that can cater to various tastes. The family-style dining encourages sharing, allowing kids to try a variety of dishes. Popular items like Roti Canai and Hainanese Roast Chicken are often hits with younger diners. Reddit

While the restaurant can be loud, many families find the energetic atmosphere fun rather than disruptive. The generous portion sizes mean there's usually enough food to go around, and leftovers are common. The attentive service ensures that family needs are met efficiently. Reddit

👫 Couples

For couples looking for a vibrant date night spot, Laut offers a lively atmosphere and flavorful food. While it can be noisy, the cozy seating and delicious Southeast Asian cuisine create a memorable experience. Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a slightly more relaxed vibe. Reddit

Sharing dishes like the Chili Crab or Duck Curry can be a fun and intimate part of the date. The restaurant's visually appealing interior also adds to the ambiance, making it a great place for conversation and connection over a shared meal. Reddit

💸 Budget-Conscious Travelers

Laut can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers, especially if you visit during weekday lunch hours. Reviewers mention enjoying a couple of dishes for a great price during these times. Reddit

Opting for family-style dining and sharing multiple dishes among a group can also be more economical than ordering individual entrees. The generous portion sizes mean you're likely to get good value for your money, potentially even having leftovers for another meal. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Flavors of Southeast Asia at Laut

Laut brings the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia to the heart of New York City, focusing on cuisines from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse culinary traditions. Diners can expect dishes that are both comforting and exciting, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic preparation. Reddit

Popular choices like the Roti Canai and Roti Telur offer a delightful introduction to Malaysian flatbreads, perfect for dipping into rich curries. The Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab is a testament to the region's love for seafood, delivering a satisfying crunch and a flavorful sauce. For those seeking heartier options, the Duck Curry and Hainanese Roast Chicken are frequently praised for their depth of flavor and tender textures. Reddit

Beyond the signature dishes, Laut also excels in offering a variety of vegetable sides, such as the Baby Bok Choy, which provides a fresh counterpoint to the richer main courses. The overall dining experience is designed for sharing, encouraging guests to order multiple dishes and enjoy a communal feast, much like one would experience in Southeast Asia. Reddit

Laut's Energetic Ambiance

Laut is renowned for its lively and energetic atmosphere, which many describe as being quite loud. This vibrant buzz is a significant part of the dining experience, contributing to a feeling of excitement and conviviality. While some may find the noise level high, others embrace it as part of the restaurant's unique charm and character. Reddit

The interior design plays a role in this atmosphere, with mentions of gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling creating a visually appealing space. The seating arrangement, where tables are placed relatively close together, further enhances the sense of a bustling environment. This cozy setup means that during peak hours, the restaurant can feel quite packed, adding to the energetic vibe. Reddit

This lively ambiance makes Laut a great spot for casual gatherings and celebrations where a more boisterous setting is welcomed. It’s a place where conversations flow freely, and the energy of the city seems to permeate the dining room. If you're looking for a quiet, intimate meal, it might be best to visit during off-peak hours or opt for a weekday lunch. Reddit