Mai Thai pairs polished Thai cooking with a broad sushi menu

A strong public track record

Mai Thai Restaurant Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar holds a 4.7 Google rating from 1619 reviews, a substantial public record that points to broad, sustained approval. Recent diner comments repeatedly emphasize freshness, balanced seasoning and attractive presentation. The restaurant appears equally suited to a casual meal and a slightly more polished dinner, with flowers outside and decorative garnishes helping create a sense of occasion.

Its location also earns practical praise. One traveler described it as worth stopping for while driving along I-75, making Mai Thai a useful option beyond the immediate Florence dining crowd. Pricing falls in the mid-range category.

Thai dishes lead the recommendations

The Thai side of the menu generates the clearest enthusiasm. Tom Kha soup recurs in the reviews, praised for its flavor and as a satisfying way to begin a meal. One diner paired Tom Kha Gai with chicken satay and Massaman curry with beef, describing the cooking as fresh, rich without becoming overwhelming and well balanced. The Massaman stood out for tender beef and a deep, gently sweet and savory character.

Noodle and curry dishes also receive strong support. Pad Thai appears more than once, including a shrimp version ordered at a higher heat level. Pad See Ew with chicken was called fantastic by another diner who appreciated the restaurant’s authentic-tasting Thai food. Panang curry likewise earned praise, while Seafood Royal was noted for delivering flavor alongside heat.

Spice customization seems to be a useful strength. A reviewer referenced a one-to-five heat scale and found the upper levels flavorful rather than punishing. That does not guarantee identical heat perception for every diner, but it suggests the kitchen can build spice without allowing it to dominate the dish.

Sushi adds range, with some variation

The sushi bar broadens Mai Thai’s appeal for groups split between Thai entrees and rolls. Reviews mention a spicy salmon roll and a volcano roll, along with sushi plates decorated with a bright purple flower. Presentation is a recurring theme across both sides of the menu: carved carrot garnishes, flowers and neatly arranged plates are all singled out.

The sushi feedback is somewhat less uniform than the praise for the Thai cooking. One diner found a deep-fried volcano roll merely okay, while also acknowledging that the style was a new choice and not a personal favorite. Another enjoyed the spicy salmon roll. The pattern suggests that conventional rolls may be the safer complement to a Thai-focused order, especially for diners who already know they do not favor fried sushi.

What to order

A first meal is best built around the restaurant’s most repeated strengths: Tom Kha soup followed by Pad Thai, with a curry added for sharing if the table is hungry. Crab puff is another notable starter, described as a standout, though it appears in only one supplied review. Diners interested in sushi might add a regular roll rather than making the fried options the centerpiece.

Overall, Mai Thai looks like one of Florence’s more dependable choices for flavorful Thai food, adjustable spice and careful plating. The large volume of favorable public feedback gives the recommendation added weight, while the menu’s combination of curries, noodles, soup and sushi makes it flexible for mixed preferences.