Looking for mouth-watering Thai cuisine that’s bursting with flavor? You don’t have to look far in San Diego. The city has no shortage of spectacular Thai restaurants that offer everything from classic Pad Thai and noodles, to curries and lesser-known dishes like larb and som tam.
From upscale eateries to modest mom and pop shops, San Diego has a Thai restaurant for every taste and budget. Featuring fresh ingredients, bold spices, and friendly service, these places will transport you to the land of smiles. Here are the absolute best Thai restaurants in America’s Finest City!
1. Lanna Thai Cuisine
This top-tier, authentic Thai restaurant is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. Their flavorful dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings with options for both meat and non-meat-eaters, providing fabulous gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with terrific staff that attends to your every need.
📍 4501 Mission Bay Dr. #1B, San Diego, CA
2. Bahn Thai
Bahn Thai is a fantastic Thai restaurant in San Diego that serves up a wide range of mouthwatering dishes, perfect for those who love Asian cuisine. The menu is mind-blowing with the Garlic Stir Fry with Chicken, Thai Fried Rice with Tofu, Chicken Pad Thai, and many other delicious options standing out on their extensive menu.
📍 4646 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
3. Chaba Thai Kitchen
This family-run business is a no-nonsense option for authentic Thai cuisine. Their Mango Chicken Curry is an absolute must-try, as it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with those soft mango pieces combined with tender chicken. The portions are generous, and their prices are reasonable for the quality of food they serve, making it excellent value for money.
📍 8010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA, United States
4. Sukho Thai Extraordinaire
Sukho Thai Extraordinaire is a top-notch Thai restaurant in San Diego that boasts a welcoming and fresh ambiance, making it a great option for date night. The Miang Kham with Tofu is a fantastic starter, bringing together ginger, toasted coconut, and lime in a crispy lettuce leaf. It’s truly a must-visit restaurant for anyone in the mood for delightful Thai cuisine.
📍 2789 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA, United States
5. 55 Thai Kitchen
This hidden gem in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood is more than just another Thai restaurant, continuously captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. 55 Thai Kitchen Golden Hill offers a simple yet addictive taste of authentic Thai cuisine. You must try their Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Tom Kha soup dishes, which are always served up fresh and hot!
📍 2601 Broadway, San Diego, CA
6. Supannee House
Perfect for date night or a special, celebratory meal, this exceptional Thai restaurant is a delightful addition to San Diego’s culinary scene. The appetizers include crispy and delicious Garlic Chicken Wings, as well as the ever-popular Nam Kao Tod, which is a unique yet tasty combination of peanuts and sausage. The tasty Mango Curry with Mock Duck is another must-try dish!
📍 2907 Shelter Island Dr UNIT 110, San Diego, CA
7. Koon Thai Restaurant
Koon Thai Kitchen is a superb Thai restaurant serving up those staple dishes from the beloved cuisine of Thailand, with a unique and fun twist. The restaurant’s décor is delightful and lively, featuring comfy private booths with ample lighting. Service is fast, and the staff are attentive, knowledgeable about the food, and accommodating.
📍 3860 Convoy St Suite 102, San Diego, CA
8. Thotsakan Thai & Vegetarian Cuisine
This is a fantastic option if you’re a vegetarian or have a couple in the group. But it doesn’t matter if you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine in San Diego promises an amazing experience for every San Diegan who enjoys Thai cuisine. One of the essential dishes here is the Vegan Curry Puffs, which will wow your taste buds from the first bite.
📍 1153 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA
9. Thai Village
Thai Village is a highly-regarded Thai eatery in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood, known for its authentic dishes and exceptional customer service. The extensive menu includes a variety of Thai favorites, such as their House Curry Seafood Mix or Yellow Curry, as well as their fabulous vegetarian options.
📍 4618 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
10. AAHRN
For fresh, flavorful dishes that’ll transport you to the heart of Bangkok, don’t miss San Diego’s beloved Aaharn. The adjustable spice levels means that you can customize your dish to suit your taste buds and preferences. You can expect to be treated to their intimate and cozy atmosphere, the perfect environment for an Asian feast!
📍 Admin Office, 1202 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
11. J&T Thai Street Food
J&T Thai Street Food in San Diego has garnered lots of love from its customers. The chicken satay is a must-try, with just a hint of sweet in the sauce. The Pad Thai is another crowd favorite, with the right amount of spiciness to bring out those iconic flavorful flavors. It’s also great value for money, meaning you should head here if you’re saving up those pennies and still craving heading out for Thai!
📍 5259 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA
No matter what you’re in the mood for, San Diego’s best Thai restaurants are sure to satisfy those comprehensible cravings. Whether you’re a die-hard fanatic of spicy staples or prefer milder dishes that’ll transport you to Thailand, the city’s diverse food scene has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in the mood for authentic Thai cuisine, head to one of these top picks and get ready for a culinary adventure!