After more than two decades holding down Westwood’s Thai scene, Emporium Thai has officially leveled up on Sawtelle Boulevard. The Sungkamee family, John and Jane, who co-own the original Emporium in Westwood, have debuted Emporium Thai Market, a roomier sibling that leans into Southern Thai dishes and an upgraded cocktail program. They recently joined CBS Los Angeles to walk viewers through the new menu and the space.
The new spot quietly soft-opened in early January, then rolled into a fuller service launch later that month at 1653 Sawtelle Blvd. As noted by WestsideToday, the restaurant started with dinner-only soft hours and has since expanded bookings. Reservation platforms now list the Sawtelle address and updated hours, and for park-and-plan details and booking, its profile on OpenTable lays everything out.
Menu and cocktails
Emporium Thai Market doubles down on Southern Thai flavors. Expect gaeng som with catfish, hor mok seafood custards, Phuket wings, and the Sungkamee family’s three-generation crab curry, along with snacks and shareable plates designed for group dining, according to SoCalPulse. The beverage program, led by Honeybee Sungkamee, folds Thai aromatics like galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric into cocktails and also features natural wines and an eight-tap draft lineup, as highlighted by CBS Los Angeles. The menu nods to the Westwood original while making room for bar-friendly dishes and desserts such as roti and mango sticky rice.
Family roots and Westwood legacy
John and Jane Sungkamee have run the original Emporium Thai in Westwood since 2000, building a neighborhood following with a menu that caters to both serious spice fans and plant-based diners, as noted by Los Angeles Magazine. The Sawtelle expansion reads as a deliberate next step, a larger and more design-forward setting meant to showcase family recipes while giving the team space for a fuller bar program. The Westwood restaurant remains open and continues serving its regulars, while the Sawtelle outpost leans harder into evenings and cocktails.
What to know
Emporium Thai Market posts menus and takes reservations on its site, and diners can call (310) 295-6559 or book online for dinner service. For menu details and reservations, visit Emporium Thai Market or its profile on OpenTable. The family’s original Emporium Thai in Westwood is still serving at 1275 Westwood Blvd for anyone who prefers the longtime neighborhood staple.
