Another "7" has opened on West 7th in downtown LA. Down the street from Seven Restaurant + Bar and across from Seven Grand, Soi 7 is the new go-to place for upscale Thai food. Maison Metro, the large commercial space of which Soi 7 is the flagship, is located in the ground floor of the historic Mandel lofts and stays true to the spirit of its host building with industrial gray high ceilings and exposed pipes and brick. Here, Soi 7 has carved out a roomy, inviting space for dining and romancing in its soft, earth-tone furnishings and warm candlelit marble tables.

The featured cuisine is contemporary Thai and includes customary fare like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew (nothing ew about it, though), and characteristic coconut milk-based curries. However, David Tewasart—also of Green Papaya in Alhambra—has tossed in some fusion twists to Soi 7's menu. The Mekong whiskey infused baby back ribs and Massaman braised short-ribs are already becoming popular favorites. For a different kind of Thai noodle, there is Soi7 Spicy Spaghetti—try saying that out loud three times fast! Tender slices of stir fried beef and pasta swirl in a special spicy basil sauce in this new noodle dish. Room for dessert? The mango sticky rice, fried in a coconut batter and served with coconut ice cream, comes highly recommended.

As if the food is not enough, Soi 7 might have a longer drink menu than its dining menu. In addition to beer and wine, they have a large selection of sake. Their cocktails are also mostly sake-based and concocted with Asian flavors such as ginger, lychee and yuzu. Designated drivers do not have to totally miss out. Soi 7 offers a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including Fentiman's botanically brewed ginger beer and mandarin soda. Wait, there's more... especially for the upcoming chillier winter months, there's tea! Currently, Soi 7 serves twenty varieties of loose-leaf tea, but that list will grow to over a hundred as the center of the Maison Metro fully develops into a Parisian tea room.

GetWize: Happy hour at Soi 7 is daily from 4 to 7 pm and features discounted drink specials and appetizers for $6-7. The daytime Parisian tea room will eventually serve traditional afternoon tea with light fare, and the retail shopping and market area, Epicuria, will be opening soon behind the restaurant.