Busaba Eathai, a small chain of authentic canteen-style Thai eateries have opened a flagship restaurant on Bethnal Green Road, just a short walk from Shoreditch High Street. Originally set up by impresario Alan Yau, he sold them in January 2010 and the current owners have continued the expansion of this group with the simple but winning formula: shared tables, bench seating, modish design and a menu that won't challenge your bank balance.

Set over two floors the restaurant has a more luxurious ambience than its previous siblings. The dining room features lots of dark wood with large bowls of beautiful flowers and floating candles and there's large communal tables as well as more intimate smaller tables.

This branch have also introduced a modern Kinnaree Bar which is decorated with select pieces of Thai art, including dance masks and bronze temple bells. Taking centre stage is the hand-carved kinnaree statue created by craftsman 'Lert' from the far north of Thailand. Kinnaree is a mythical half-woman, half-swan creature that adorns many temples and palaces in Thailand. Set between the Kinnaree Bar and the dining room is a tropical conservatory style space with luscious plants, a serene reflection pool and a Busaba Buddha shrine. It's also home to the Busaba CookThai academy, a development and teaching kitchen.

Noodles, salads and curries are big sellers from a wide-ranging menu that moves beyond the familiar run of Thai standards. Check out pomelo salad with water chestnuts and chilli, chicken liver stir-fry with lemongrass and tamarind, phad kweito noodles with smoked chicken, and aromatic butternut squash curry with cucumber relish. There's a concise selection of wine, an extensive list of Asian inspired juices and smoothies to complement the dishes.

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Thai

Lunch: 11.30am through until
Dinner: 11.00pm (11.30pm Fri & Sat & 10.00pm Sun)

• Childrens menu
• 164 covers
• Family Friendly