When it comes to Thai food, it often seems there's a restaurant on every corner. Yo's Bistro, however, raises the culinary standard with imaginative and unique offerings that have attracted a loyal following who trek to Burien whether it's for his signature coconut cake or special pumpkin curry.

At lunch, the entrees range from $9.99 to $12.99. At dinner, the same entrees are larger and the prices a few dollars more.

Some of the specialties include things like Yo's Chicken ($9.99 lunch priced) with beans, zucchini, celery and cilantro or Wild Ginger, a vegetarian offer with a deep ginger sauce and a cilantro finish, (lunch $9.99).

The menu: You could come here and order your old familiar phad Thai (at $9.99 lunch priced). But this is the place for trying new things, creative dishes such as halibut and salad ($12.99), curries, red curry with bamboo, green pepper, coconut milk and basil or apple red curry, the same dish with apple added to the mix, ($9.99 lunch price for either.)

What to write home about: Anyone who has ever had Yo's coconut cake — and, no, it's not a Thai dish, but Yo owner Sriyong Brashear once worked as general manager at Dilettante Chocolates — makes pilgrimages back for more. It's $5 a slice.

The setting: There's ample room at Yo's, with a tasteful interior with small elegant tables and mirrored wall.

The service is excellent.

Summing up: I loved the pumpkin curry ($9.99 lunch), even though I'm usually one who plays it safe and only orders phad Thai at other Thai restaurants. The curry was fabulous — tender chicken and cubes of pumpkin with such a perfect texture and flavor it was pure culinary magic. My friend ordered the Garlic Lover with zucchini, beans, onion and peppers in a garlic sauce that was both flavorful but not overbearing.

Lunch for two came to $17.89 without tip for our two entrees. We were not disappointed.

Nancy Bartley: 206-464-8522 or nbartley@seattletimes.com