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‘Cut above all others’: Locals love this Fort Worth Thai spot’s elevated flavors

Each week, we share Fort Worth-area restaurant recommendations from our very own Star-Telegram readers.

These aren’t all well-known establishments. They are neighborhood “hidden gems,” family-run eateries that have built a loyal following among locals who’ve discovered them in Fort Worth or our suburbs.

Do you have a restaurant recommendation? Use the form at the bottom of this page (or click here) to send it our way. Include what you suggest ordering on the menu.


$ = Most entrees under $15ish

$-$ = Entrees from $15 to $30ish

$-$-$ = More than $30


Ko Thai Restaurant, Near Southside, Fort Worth ($)

The second floor dining room at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The second floor dining room at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

  • Where is this restaurant? 725 W. Magnolia Ave.

“Thai food that is a cut above the others in Fort Worth. Great service. Dramatic architecture and interior.”

  • What else to know: The Star-Telegram visited Ko Thai back in May and sampled some of their dishes. The inside of the two-story restaurant, opened in 2023, represents the culture of the Isan region of Northeast Thailand, where most of the dishes are from. Owners Joy Theepaka and “Nick” Thana Pornin (of Koracha Thai in Benbrook) thought they would bring “the Ko (cow) to Cowtown.” One of the most popular dishes is the Crying Tiger, grilled marinated ribeye steak served with lettuce and cucumbers. The classic Isan dipping sauce is bold and spicy. Other menu highlights include Pad Thai, red and green curry, curry puffs and handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant also offers a private dining space for parties and gatherings. Ko Thai is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. See the menu.

The Crying Tiger ribeye steak served with assorted vegetables and sticky rice at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The Crying Tiger ribeye steak served with assorted vegetables and sticky rice at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

The E San Classic consisting of thai-style papaya salad, sticky rice and roasted marinated chicken at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The E San Classic consisting of thai-style papaya salad, sticky rice and roasted marinated chicken at the new Ko Thai restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com


More Fort Worth area restaurant recommendations

Check out these other restaurants our readers love, and keep your recommendations coming!

Jayla Webb

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Jayla Webb is an audience growth producer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Jayla Webb

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