The west end of Newcastle’s Hunter Street is buzzing with excitement as Alex and Pim, the foodie duo behind Toronthai, unveil their latest venture – Curve Thai Restaurant.

This new addition to our local foodie landscape offers a unique dining experience, combining authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist, all within the former il Volcano location.

Curve Thai Restaurant is the third establishment by partners, Alex and Pim, who have already won the hearts of Thai cuisine enthusiasts with their Toronthai locations in both Toronto and New Lambton.

“The reason we stepped away from the Toronthai name was that we found that people would get the New Lambton and Toronto venue confused. We’d have people booked for New Lambton and they’d show up to Toronto and vice versa,” Alex said.

This confusion prompted a strong rebranding effort that led to the birth of Curve Thai, named by their youngest son who noticed the unique curve in the venue’s architecture.

The duo’s first venture, Toronthai in Toronto, has been a staple for locals for almost nine years. However, with their lease set to end in June, they faced the challenge of either finding a new location in Toronto or relocating their business altogether. This is where the idea for Curve Thai started to take shape.

“My wife was checking out different spots from Caves Beach to the other side of the lake all the way into Newcastle. We knew that Newcastle was going to be a hard nut to crack but then we came across this place.”

Despite the Hunter Street venue needing significant renovations, the location’s potential was undeniable. Just as things were nearing opening for Curve Thai, fate intervened for the couple with a lease in Toronto becoming available – a location too good to turn down.

“One day in January, I got a phone call from the real estate agent telling me that a great venue had just become available in Toronto, and did I want it? We couldn’t say no!

Thus, whilst establishing Curve Thai here on Hunter Street, the couple have also been busily fitting out their new location in Toronto. Stay tuned for the opening date.

Opening their doors in early May, Curve Thai has consistently had keen diners filtering through for both lunch and dinner. With a modernised interior, a loaded Thai menu, and considered cocktails, Curve Thai is certainly a welcome addition to the Newcastle West food and drink scene.

“The layout of the menu is more higher end here at Curve Thai and there are a few extra dishes that you wouldn’t be able to get at our other venues.”

One such dish is the Honey Soy Chicken, a tantalizing offering that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, house-made ingredients.

“Nothing on our menu comes from the freezer. Everything is made fresh in-house. Pim is Thai and the entire kitchen team is Thai. Even all of our sauces are made fresh in-house.”

Another standout dish that diners should add to their to-try list, is the Larb Pla featuring lightly battered fried barramundi served with roasted rice, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, coriander, fresh mint, and homemade lemon dressing.

Additionally, Curve Thai caters to all dietary preferences even featuring a comprehensive and dedicated vegan menu.

Curve Thai Restaurant is not just another place to eat in Newcastle, it’s a testament to Alex and Pim’s journey, their dedication to authenticity, and their unwavering passion for Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Toronthai or new to their offering, Curve Thai is an unforgettable dining experience.