Where To Get Thai Food In California
California’s food scene is a dream for spice enthusiasts, and Thai cuisine shines brightly in that mix. Across the lively streets of Los Angeles and the misty hills of San Francisco, bold and authentic flavors have become a cherished part of the state’s dining culture.
Imagine savoring a fragrant bowl of tom yum soup or twirling chopsticks through the perfect pad thai – these standout Thai restaurants serve dishes so vibrant they’ll whisk your taste buds straight to East.
1. Jitlada – Los Angeles
Hidden in a modest Hollywood strip mall, Jitlada serves up southern Thai cuisine that packs serious heat. The restaurant gained fame after food critic Jonathan Gold praised their spicy southern Thai specialties.
After the passing of chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee in 2017, his sister Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong continues the legacy, particularly with the jungle curry that makes spice enthusiasts sweat with delight.
Locals know to order from the special southern Thai menu for the most authentic experience.
2. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro – Los Angeles
Tucked away in a Hollywood mini-mall, Luv2Eat Thai Bistro serves regional specialties from Phuket that rarely appear on typical Thai menus.
Their signature Phuket-style crab curry delivers complex flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The restaurant’s unassuming atmosphere belies the culinary treasures within.
Chefs Fern Kaewtathip and Noree Pla create dishes that transport diners to Thailand’s southern coast, making this spot a favorite among Thai food connoisseurs.
3. Night + Market Song – Los Angeles
Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s vibrant restaurant brings the bold flavors of Northern Thailand to Silver Lake. The neon-lit space buzzes with energy as diners feast on dishes like pastrami pad kee mao and crispy rice salad.
I still remember my first visit when the server warned me about the authentic spice levels. Despite my bravado, I ended up gulping down three Thai iced teas.
The restaurant’s unfussy approach to regional Thai cooking has earned it a devoted following among celebrities and food lovers alike.
4. Holy Basil – Los Angeles
Starting as a pop-up, Holy Basil now satisfies downtown LA’s cravings for Bangkok-style street food. Their pad kra pao (holy basil stir fry) features perfectly caramelized meat topped with a crispy fried egg that oozes golden yolk when pierced.
The casual counter-service setup mirrors Thailand’s street food culture. Owners Wedchayan Arpapornnopparat and Tongkamal Yuon focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques, creating dishes that honor their Thai heritage while appealing to modern Angeleno palates.
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5. Kin Khao – San Francisco
James Beard Award finalist Pim Techamuanvivit’s Kin Khao brings heritage Thai cooking to San Francisco’s Union Square.
Unlike typical Thai restaurants, Kin Khao sources sustainable ingredients to create dishes rarely seen outside Thailand. My cousin visited from Bangkok and declared their khao mun gai better than what she gets at home.
The restaurant’s name translates to “eat rice,” an invitation to experience Thai food beyond the standard pad thai and curry offerings.
Their complex nam prik relishes and house-made curries showcase Thailand’s diverse culinary traditions.
6. Nari – San Francisco
Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s upscale Nari celebrates the matriarchal traditions of Thai cooking. Located in Japantown’s Hotel Kabuki, the restaurant’s name means “women” in Thai, honoring the female cooks who preserve culinary traditions.
The airy, modern space provides a sophisticated backdrop for dishes like gaeng gradang (duck curry) and miang pla (grilled fish wrapped in lettuce).
Nari’s cocktail program incorporates Thai ingredients like pandan and lemongrass, creating perfect pairings for the bold, complex flavors.
7. Jo’s Modern Thai – Oakland
Oakland’s Jo’s Modern Thai blends California ingredients with Thai cooking techniques to create exciting fusion dishes. The colorful, plant-filled space welcomes diners seeking both traditional flavors and creative interpretations.
I once drove across the Bay Bridge just for their crispy rice salad with sour pork, and it was worth every minute in traffic.
The menu includes standouts like the BBQ brisket panang curry and spicy fried chicken sandwich, paired perfectly with their tropical cocktails.
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8. The Original Sab-E-Lee – San Diego
San Diego’s Thai food scene centers around this beloved spot specializing in northeastern Isaan cuisine. Located on Black Mountain Road, Sab-E-Lee’s modest appearance conceals extraordinary flavors that have locals forming lines out the door.
Their papaya salad comes in varying spice levels, but even level 5 (of 10) challenges heat-seekers. The larb (meat salad) and nam tok (waterfall beef) showcase the bright, herb-forward profiles characteristic of Isaan cooking, while friendly service makes every visit memorable.
9. Thai Nakorn – Stanton (Orange County)
Thai Nakorn stands as Orange County’s premier destination for regional Thai specialties. After surviving two relocations and a fire, this resilient restaurant continues serving exceptional southern Thai cuisine to loyal customers.
The extensive menu features rare finds like wild boar curry and crispy catfish with green mango salad. Their pad Thai breaks the mold with a tamarind-forward sauce that avoids the cloying sweetness found at lesser establishments.
Family-owned since 1993, Thai Nakorn delivers consistently outstanding dishes worth the drive from anywhere in Southern California.
10. Your Place Thai Restaurant – Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s best Thai restaurant offers ocean-fresh seafood prepared with traditional Thai techniques. Your Place creates a warm, family atmosphere where every customer feels like a regular from their first visit.
The panang salmon showcases fresh salmon in a rich, aromatic curry. When we vacationed in Santa Barbara last summer, we ate here three nights in a row because my kids couldn’t get enough of their mild but flavorful pad see ew.
Their homemade coconut ice cream provides the perfect cool finish to a spice-laden meal.