Danish Bakery
South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, KR 조천읍 조천읍 함덕16길 56Cafe $20–30
Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant
149 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt 5012, New Zealand
Menu and hours last checked
About Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant
Ambient lighting and understated décor frame a dining experience that is both welcoming and quietly vibrant. The subtle hum of conversation blends with the occasional clatter of cutlery, creating a backdrop that complements rather than competes with the meal. Attention to detail in seating arrangement and table settings suggests a thoughtful approach to creating space for comfort and ease. For those intrigued by the Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant + photos shared online, the images capture much of this inviting atmosphere but cannot fully convey the warmth embedded in the service and setting.
A closer look into the Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant + menu reveals an array of traditional dishes that balance authenticity with subtle modern touches. Dishes like the green curry and Pad Thai stand out for their bold flavors, though the spice levels can vary unexpectedly. Portions tend to be generous, which aligns well with the value perceived by diners. While the overall taste is commendable, some reviews point to occasional inconsistencies that might affect repeat visits. These variations, coupled with the approachable presentation, underscore a kitchen that is earnest in its craft though occasionally uneven in execution.
Interacting with the staff, based on Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant + reviews, often reflects a genuine effort to accommodate and inform, albeit with moments where busyness slightly hampers attentiveness. The balance between efficiency and friendliness generally leans towards the latter, enhancing the communal dining experience. While the restaurant’s location in Petone is a detail often mentioned, the essence of the visit lingers beyond geographic facts, residing instead in the blend of flavors, service rhythm, and general vibe that visitors carry away. This nuanced visit leaves an impression of a solid Thai restaurant with room to refine its consistency.
Where this information comes from
Prices and dish names are transcribed from the restaurant's printed menu, photographed in August 2026 and reproduced on the menu page. Hours, address and service options come from the restaurant's public business profile. An editor confirmed the restaurant was trading on 4 September 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.
Photos
Business info
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Opening hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
- Thursday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Location
149 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt 5012, New Zealand
Diner notes
4 out of 5
Situated in Petone’s vibrant dining scene, Smile Elephant has earned its reputation as a local favorite, and after a recent visit with friends, it’s easy to see why. This charming Thai restaurant combines warm, inviting decor—think rich wooden accents and soft lighting—with a menu that balances authenticity and approachability, making it a hit even for those less familiar with Southeast Asian cuisine (like this European-born diner!). Our group dove into a spread of dishes, and two standouts stole the show: the coconut rice, fragrant and subtly sweet, paired perfectly with every meal, and the crispy deep-fried fish, which arrived golden and tender beneath its crunchy exterior. While I’m no Thai food expert, the bold flavors—tangy, spicy, and aromatic—left no doubt about the kitchen’s skill. Despite the restaurant buzzing with a Saturday night crowd, the service remained attentive and friendly. Staff happily guided us through the menu and accommodated dietary requests with ease. A quick glance online reveals Smile Elephant’s well-deserved accolades, including nods for “Best Thai in Petone” and a loyal following built over many years. Whether you’re a Thai cuisine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Smile Elephant delivers a memorable experience. Don’t skip the coconut rice—and bring friends to share the feast!
4 out of 5
Went there for dinner last night, very busy night, their service is excellent eventhough the restaurant is busy. Food is always good and delicious. The only suggestion is that they could have give more vegetables with the sizzling steak dish, rather than a few pieces of veggies hidden underneath the few pieces of steak.
5 out of 5
Five stars all round! Best Thai I've had! Food was so tasty and served in very decent portions. Green curry with coconut rice extra, chicken fried rice and chicken pad Thai. Also got the mixed entree platter and some roti to try a bit of everything. Would 100% recommend to anyone. Prices are great for what you get. Lovely place to dine in. Great atmosphere and plenty of tables. Will definitely be going back to try more dishes and the desserts.
Eaten at Toddle Inn?
Tell us what you ordered and what it cost. Two or three sentences about one dish is more useful to the next person than a star rating.
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