Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pinto Thai – San Diego
Pinto Thai - San Diego
Photo from Pinto Thai
Pinto Thai at a glance
San Diego Tierrasanta
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#347 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#17 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
416
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Parking difficulty
- Service issues
The restaurant, a delightful Thai restaurant in San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quiet meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
With a great tea selection and an array of healthy and vegan options, Pinto Thai offers something for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Pinto Thai
Pinto Thai offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious food and attentive staff. Many appreciate the cozy atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some guests have noted challenges, particularly with the small seating capacity and occasional issues like bland food or long waits during peak times. It’s a place that balances strong culinary points with a few operational quirks.
Good
7.4
out of 10
416
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
78
negative
33
neutral
305
positive
Pinto Thai achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a good performance across the board. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.3%, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 416 customer remarks, with 305 positive observations outweighing 78 negative ones. The Food (7.6) stands out as a particular strength, frequently highlighted for its quality.
Service (7.4) also performs well, with staff often described as helpful and efficient. While Value (7.0) is considered good, the Ambience (6.6) is perceived as average, often due to its smaller, more intimate setting.
What people like
- Delicious Thai food
- Attentive service
- Good portion value
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Challenging parking
- Service inconsistencies
Pinto Thai, with a Recommendation Score of 7.8, is a solid choice for those seeking well-prepared Thai cuisine and attentive service. It’s particularly appealing if you prioritize flavorful dishes and a friendly atmosphere over spacious dining.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours if limited seating or challenging parking are concerns. While minor service hiccups can occur, the overall experience suggests it’s a worthwhile spot for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pinto Thai
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.6 score and a solid 74.6% customer satisfaction! Based on 188 positive remarks out of 252 total, many rave about the overall quality of food, noting fresh and delicious ingredients. Diners often praise the authentic food and generous portions, highlighting the excellent flavor in many dishes.
However, not every bite is perfect. With 44 negative remarks, some experiences mention bland flavor and dishes lacking that desired kick. There are also occasional comments about soggy noodles, ingredients not feeling fresh, or tough meat, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
252
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
44
negative
20
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Thai dishes
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Soggy noodles
- Not fresh ingredients
Often praised
- foodThis was one of the better dining experiences I’ve had in quite some time! Everything was delicious, the staff was attentive and quick, and the food came out in a reasonable time, piping hot and fresh 😋. I wanted to note that the negative reviews involving staff pushing people out honestly make sense from a business point of view; it’s ridiculous to order takeout and assume you can take a seat from those intending to eat there.
- Thai foodI ordered the chicken pineapple curry and the vegetable samosas, and both were incredible. I haven't had Thai food this good since I was in Hawaii. I will definitely be going back as a regular customer.
- pad thaiNormally, the food is pretty good, but the last time I went, their pan Woodson noodles were very soggy. My friend likes the pad thai, though I've never tried it before; it looks good.
- Pad ThaiI've usally stick to pad thai since that's what I enjoy
- Thai teaThe portions are great, and the atmosphere is nice. I highly recommend the combo pad Thai, with no pork, no peanuts, extra egg, and lime, paired with a Thai tea!
- Tom Kha soupTheir Tom Kha soup stands out with a unique taste
- crab wontonsas well as the crab wontons
- curriesthe curries are a fantastic choice
- curryThe curry was absolutely delicious!!!
- fried ricetheir padthai and fried rice, Delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food however was at best mediocre
- Pad Thaiperplexed at this dish by the bright orangy/red colored noodles
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely the worst Thai food I’ve ever had, and I wouldn't even call it Thai food. I never write negative reviews, but I felt it necessary for this place.
- flavorAll the flavor is lost
- food flavorAll dishes were extremely bland and lacked flavor
- fried ricethe fried rice was requested as mild but it barely had any flavor
- meatThe meat was very tough
- Cashew with beefCashew with beef , it's not flavourful and the meat is not fresh
- Tom Yum soupgot the Tom Yum (coconut lemongrass) soup and the broth ratio is all off
- beer selectionThe beer selection was lacking big time.
Overall, the food here seems to be a good bet for many, offering authentic flavors and generous portions. While there might be occasional inconsistencies with blandness or texture, its generally worth a try if youre craving Thai.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a good score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.1%, its clear most diners are happy. Many of the 70 positive remarks out of 92 total praise the "friendly staff, " "quick service, " and attentive servers who ensure a smooth experience.
However, its not without its occasional bumps. The 18 negative comments point to issues like wrong orders or items left out, and a few mentions of rude staff or long waiting times. While these are less common, they suggest there's still room for a bit more consistency.
Service
92
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Fast food preparation
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceIt's the kind of small Thai restaurant you always wish was in your neighborhood, and luckily, it is! They have a great selection of food, offer great service, and it's all at a reasonable price. The food was so yummy.
- staffThis was one of the better dining experiences I’ve had in quite some time! Everything was delicious, the staff was attentive and quick, and the food came out in a reasonable time, piping hot and fresh 😋. I wanted to note that the negative reviews involving staff pushing people out honestly make sense from a business point of view; it’s ridiculous to order takeout and assume you can take a seat from those intending to eat there.
- customer servicecustomer service is outstanding
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, and the server was extremely polite. She was very knowledgeable about the food options and answered all our questions.
- take outGreat for take out
- waitressOur waitress was very sweet, attentive, and great with checking in on us.
- ServiceService:5
- Thai staffThe Thai staff is friendly and helpful.
- attentionthe attention was wonderful
- cashierthe cashier was super friendly and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by bad customer service and a very long waiting time. We were even asked to leave and return later for our order, which is unacceptable.
- orderproceeded to ring them up for something completely different
- accommodationThe restaurant would not consider any accommodation
- busy in prime timethey get busy in prime time
- closed Mondaysthey are closed Mondays and I always forget
- customersCutting corners looses your customers
- item left outthey had left out an item in the order
- receiptincluding the receipt
- rudethey were rude and unapologetic
- spice levelsordering different spice levels. They've mixed up the spice levels
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often marked by friendly and quick interactions. While there are occasional reports of order issues or less-than-stellar encounters, the majority of diners leave satisfied. It's definitely worth trying if good service is high on your list.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a pretty mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.1%. Many of the 33 positive comments highlight a cozy and cute place with a great atmosphere, often described as baby-friendly place or a perfect place for a date. The decor and interior are frequently praised for being nice and clean.
However, out of 13 negative remarks, several point to practical challenges. Limited parking is a recurring issue, and the small seating area or tiny place means it might not be ideal for larger groups or families with small children. Getting a table inside can be tough due to the compact dining room.
Ambience
54
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Cute decor
- Baby-friendly place
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Small seating area
- Tiny place
Often praised
- atmosphereWhat a great little find! The restaurant was super cute inside. The staff was awesome, and the Pad Thai was delicious 😋.
- restaurantClean and quaint local restaurant
- cleancozy and clean restaurant
- placeMy experience at this small but cozy place was a mix. The service was quick and friendly.
- ambiancenice little nitch with ambiance
- locationThe location is small and homey
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambienceThe ambience was really nice
- baby-friendly placeBaby friendly place.
- cozyIt’s a small, cozy and clean restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking outside was a little hard to get
- placeIt's a very small place
- dining roomTheir Tom Kha soup is really good, has a unique taste unlike other versions from other restaurants. Definitely a great takeout place, dining room is pretty small.
- family with small childrenNot good for a family with small children.
- parking lotThe only slightly problematic item was the tight parking lot
- room insideI've only visited twice, but I liked the food. However, there is not much room inside.
- seatingthere is not too much seating inside
- seating areanot much seating area
- table insideGood luck getting a table inside
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate spot for a date or a quiet meal, especially if you dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a charming find. However, if you need ample space or easy parking, you might find it a bit frustrating.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%, many folks rave about the prices, good value, and getting bang for your buck. Out of 18 comments, 14 were positive, highlighting fair pricing, generous portions, and delicious food that wont break the bank.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A few of the 3 negative comments mentioned overpriced food or issues around money back' during a refund situation. While these instances are few, they suggest that consistency in value perception might occasionally waver for some.
Value
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Bang for buck
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Partial refund
Often praised
- priceIt's the kind of small Thai restaurant you always wish was in your neighborhood, and luckily, it is! They have a great selection of food, offer great service, and it's all at a reasonable price. The food was so yummy.
- pricesMy experience with the delivery was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge, which made the prices seem more than fair. I highly recommend this place!
- bang for your buckWay more bang for your buck
- decent pricingMy experience at this family-owned Thai restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The quality ingredients, decent pricing, and good recipes made for a delicious meal. The great service was also a highlight.
- good pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good prices, which are strong reasons to return. However, the quickness of service can be unpredictable, varying from day to day.
- good valueMy experience at this excellent local eatery was fantastic. It's a mom and pop business that serves classic Thai dishes with solid flavors and offers good value.
- pricingGood pricing
- reasonable pricesprices are very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- money backgave them partial cash back
- priceOverpriced bland Thai food
- tipWhile they offered to remake the order, my friend, due to the poor and abusive customer service, requested a refund. The staff member then slammed the register, provided only partial cash back, and kept the tip. I strongly advise against going here; the food also isn't great.
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches further, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the prices fair and the portions generous, offering great value for your meal. Just be aware that a rare experience might leave you feeling its a bit steep.
How are the prices at Pinto Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 21 $ per person – reported by 45 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 21 $, many guests spend less. A good number of prices actually cluster in the $11–$20 range, suggesting some great value options are available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
A look at the value for money this restaurant offers compared to similar spots in San Diego.
For a Thai Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience, and with many options under 20 $, it seems like a solid choice for a delicious meal without overspending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pinto Thai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Food, Huge Portions!
My experience with the delivery was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge, which made the prices seem more than fair. I highly recommend this place!
- food10
- portions9
- prices8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Attentive Service, Worth a Try!
This was one of the better dining experiences I’ve had in quite some time! Everything was delicious, the staff was attentive and quick, and the food came out in a reasonable time, piping hot and fresh 😋. I wanted to note that the negative reviews involving staff pushing people out honestly make sense from a business point of view; it’s ridiculous to order takeout and assume you can take a seat from those intending to eat there.
It’s a small place, it’s to be expected! We had no problems feeling rushed, and even if we were, I’d absolutely understand if they had people waiting for tables. Don’t let those ridiculous reviews put you off from giving this place a try, it’s totally worth trying!
- food10
- staff9
- staff pushing6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Excellent Thai Replacement!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I've been searching for a replacement for my usual Thai place that closed a year ago, and this is absolutely it. The service was wonderful, and the food has been everything I've looked for in Thai cuisine.
The atmosphere also contributed to a great dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was soooooo delicious! I ordered the veggie samosas, fried tofu, and basil thai rice (spicy). The flavor of everything was perfect and the spice was just right.
The sauces that they came with were also fantastic! The service was wonderful and the food came out fast!
- veggie samosas10
- fried tofu10
- basil thai rice10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Order Mix-up and Bland Flavors
My experience involved calling in an order for pickup. Unfortunately, an item was left out of the order, though I wasn't charged for it. In one curry dish, I had requested tofu but received chicken instead.
The fried rice, which I asked to be mild, had very little flavor. I was also unimpressed with the mango sticky rice, as it was on the dry side and lacked the expected coconut sauce on top.
- item left out2
- curry dish3
- fried rice4
What Pinto Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Pinto Thai?
At Pinto Thai, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. The menu features healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside small plates. You can also enjoy a selection of wine, beer, and coffee, all served with comfortable seating.
What service options, parking, and accessibility features are available at Pinto Thai?
Pinto Thai offers convenient service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. You’ll find plenty of free parking, both street and a dedicated lot. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit.
How does Pinto Thai generally perform according to customer feedback?
Pinto Thai holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (7.6) and Service (7.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (7.0) is also good. The Ambience (6.6) is considered average, often due to its smaller size.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Pinto Thai?
Many customers praise Pinto Thai’s food for being delicious, piping hot and fresh, and offering unique tastes in dishes like Tom Kha soup. Popular choices include the curries, Pad Thai, and fried rice.
Are there any common challenges or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Pinto Thai?
Some diners note that the restaurant has limited seating and challenging parking. Occasionally, there are mentions of long waiting times or service inconsistencies like mixed-up spice levels or forgotten items.