With its modern Asian decor and fresh-tasting fare, this chic Thai restaurant easily stands out among the Burbank chains.

What once was a Fatburger is now Chadaka (a Thai word for Buddha). It's low-key, but not chintzy, rushed or overly lit like so many other Thai places. The minimalist room is Siamese-chic, with a sexy soundtrack, brown and white leather banquettes, an exceptionally attentive (and attractive!) waitstaff, and tall, woodsy floral arrangements. The frosted glass bar draws an eclectic crowd sipping cool cocktails and premium sakes. Owner Katy Noochla-or has created a restaurant revolution with this location, along with Silver Lake's Rambutan and the westside's Tuk Tuk Thai, proving that the best Thai food doesn't have to come from funky mom-and-pop shops.

The kitchen puts out authentic and unique dishes; many with mouthwatering curry pastes and sauces made from scratch, which truly makes a difference. Pungent green curry dumplings and the beef waterfall (a zesty cold beef salad wrapped in fresh cabbage leaves) are two knockout appetizers. Entrees range from mussaman (a Thai beef stew with a sauce so fragrant you can smell it from two tables away) to charbroiled lamb chops to crispy-fried catfish fillet. More familiar noodle dishes like pad see ew are devoid of the typical grease. Everything's available for takeout and delivery (except the beautiful servers).