Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Thai Thae – San Diego
Thai Thae - San Diego
Photo from Thai Thae
Thai Thae at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#100 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
514
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Happy Hour
- Cozy Atmosphere
- Diverse Menu
Frequently criticized
- Small Portions
- Food Quality
- Slow Service
The restaurant Thai Thae is a delightful Thai Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, offering a unique touch to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or late-night bites, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Thai Thae
Thai Thae offers a welcoming dining experience, often praised for its attentive staff and a generally cozy atmosphere . Many appreciate the diverse menu, which includes both Thai classics and sushi, making it a versatile choice for different cravings.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding portion sizes for certain dishes and occasional concerns about freshness. Despite these points, the happy hour deals are frequently highlighted as a significant draw, offering good value.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
514
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
49
negative
15
neutral
450
positive
Thai Thae generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall score of 8.5. Customer satisfaction also stands at a commendable 87.5%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased with their visit.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial base of feedback, with 450 positive remarks outweighing 49 negative ones across 514 total opinions. Digging deeper, Service shines brightly with an excellent score of (9.3), frequently noted for its friendly and welcoming staff.
The Ambience also performs well at (8.5), contributing to a pleasant dining environment. While Food scores a good (8.3), some comments suggest occasional inconsistencies.
Value, at (7.7), is generally considered good, though some experiences point to higher costs.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Excellent happy hour deals
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Occasional food quality issues
- Slow service instances
Thai Thae presents a compelling option for those seeking a warm dining experience with excellent service. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile visit, especially if you appreciate a friendly atmosphere and good value during happy hour.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food portioning or quality for certain dishes. If you prioritize exceptional service and a pleasant setting, and are willing to navigate the menu for its strengths, Thai Thae is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thai Thae
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! Many customers rave about the delicious and authentic flavors, especially highlighting items like the dumplings, spicy noodles, and the overall freshness of ingredients. With 277 positive remarks out of 328 total, it’s clear the culinary experience is a hit, reflected in a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 84.5%.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners have noted concerns about portion sizes, finding them disappointingly small, and occasionally encountering dry meat or tasteless rice. While less frequent, with 38 negative opinions, these instances suggest some inconsistency in execution, particularly with certain items like pineapple fried rice.
Food
328
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
38
negative
13
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Delicious, varied menu
What people don't like
- Small, dry portions
- Bland, tasteless food
- Inconsistent sushi quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a cozy and intimate place, and you can tell the food is made fresh. It was so good, and the portions were very generous.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely blown away with the service and food. The authentic Thai dishes were outstanding, and our sushi was delightful. Every plate arrived piping hot and was so good.
- mango sticky riceSpicy fried rice, mango sticky rice, & cheesy wonton everything was a 10/10
- curryTheir curry is authentic flavorful and gives your mouth the satisfaction and spice it is seeking.
- FoodFood:5
- pad ThaiThe pad Thai, yellow curry and fried rice are my favorite.
- Chris rolltry the Chris roll or the Energy roll. Both are very good!
- Energy Rollthe Energy roll is my top recommendation
- Pad See EwPad See Ew was flavorful and a lot of meat
- ThaiSushi, Thai, curry ... great variety and excellent!
Frequently criticized
- beefWhile the food itself was decent, the portion sizes were extremely disappointing. We ordered the basil speciality dish and received only 8 small pieces of beef with hardly any food in the container. Similarly, the spicy noodle dish contained just 5 pieces of chicken.
- chickenWe ordered the basil speciality dish and received only 8 small pieces of beef with hardly any food in the container. Similarly, the spicy noodle dish contained just 5 pieces of chicken. Both the beef and chicken were dry and chewy, not as good as previous experiences.
- sushisushi was not fresh and that was reflected in the taste
- Beef Pad Thaithe beef had a weird texture as if it was tofu
- FoodI couldnt get past the first bite without feeling sick
- chicken in the soupThe chicken in the soup was way overcooked and had a terrible smell.
- crispy porka little too crispy for my liking
- dumplingsthe dumplings also did not taste fresh - they had a store frozen processed taste and the center was lukewarm as if they had been microwaved but not all the way.
- everythingwe tried everything and not good
- foodFOOD WAS HORRIBLE!
If youre seeking authentic Thai and fresh sushi with a wide variety of delicious options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while most experiences are fantastic, theres a slight chance of encountering smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies in taste.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Wow, talk about stellar service! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a whopping 96.4% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 111 comments, 107 rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and how fast theyre welcomed, making every visit a delight.
However, a tiny handful of 3 comments did mention slow service and a mistake that wasnt fully resolved. While these instances are rare, its worth noting that even excellent places can have minor hiccups, offering a small area for improvement.
Service
111
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, welcoming service
- Owners are great
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Mistakes not resolved
Often praised
- serviceOverall, it was fairly decent, and everything was reasonably tasty, though slightly different from typical Japanese food. The service was a definite highlight – very fast and very friendly. However, the surprise came with the bill.
- staffTheir sushi is also exceptionally fresh; the salmon nigiri, in particular, melts like butter and is super yummy. It's heartwarming that they remember me and my mom every time we visit, and they are always the sweetest. This place is truly the best!
- peoplethe people there were so nice and welcoming
- ServiceService:5
- LisaLisa is incredible. Lisa's warm and welcoming personality
- customer serviceIt had more onion than pineapple, and the pineapple tasted canned or not ripe. On a positive note, the remodel inside is really nice, and the customer service was exceptional. I might return to try the sushi, but I strongly advise against wasting your time on the pineapple fried rice.
- experiencecare about providing a great experience
- ownerThe owner is very friendly
- ownersTheir happy hour has amazing deals and even delicious vegan options like the fried tofu and spicy edamame. The owners are super nice and the service is great too! It’s super cute inside and walkable if you are living in the college area.
- Chef MikeMike the chef is super nice and humble person
Frequently criticized
- ServiceI ordered Beef Pad Thai to go with a 5 spice level. When I got home, the beef had a weird texture
- mistakeBut made no effort to makeup for their mistake.
- serviceThe only downside was the slow service
If you value top-notch hospitality, this place is definitely worth a visit. You can expect to be treated like family with incredibly attentive and friendly staff, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a really strong 8.5, with customer satisfaction hitting an excellent 93.5%. People are raving about the "atmosphere, " especially after the "remodel, " calling it a "comfort spot" and a "hidden gem.
" With 43 positive opinions out of 46, its clear guests love the clean, inviting space and the welcome vibe that makes it feel like a cozy, family-owned restaurant. However, a few minor points came up in the 3 negative opinions. Some folks found parking a bit tricky, and there was a mention of the atmosphere being a bit cold due to an open door.
A couple of guests also noted a lack of basic napkins or utensils, which is a small but noticeable detail.
Ambience
46
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Clean and cozy
- Great remodel
What people don't like
- Parking issues
- Missing essentials
Often praised
- atmosphereFeels calm and the music definitely helps and the art to compliment
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantthe restaurant is nice and cozy too.
- experienceA very enjoyable experience
- placeI tried the sushi egg rolls and noodles, and everything was cooked perfectly. The staff was so attentive, and the whole place is highly impressive. If I could, I would give them 6 stars!
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- ambienceThe ambience is a huge improvement
- cleanVery clean
- clean placeNice clean place
- comfort spotquickly become a comfort spot for me
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere only: Someone was on the phone the whole time and the door was open so it was cold.
- napkins or utensilsThere were no napkins or utensils.
- parkingsomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic, inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While parking might be a slight hassle, the overall cozy and clean environment makes it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.7 score and a solid 79.3% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the fantastic happy hour deals and value for money, finding the prices to be reasonably priced and worth every penny. With 23 positive remarks, it seems most diners feel they get a great bang for their buck.
However, not everyone agrees, with 5 negative remarks pointing to a different experience. Some found the price to be overpriced, leading to a surprising bill or price tag that felt too high for the meal. It appears that while many find great deals, others encountered a steeper cost.
Value
29
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing happy hour
- Great value for money
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- High price tag
Often praised
- happy hourBoth of us ordered noodle soups, and they were exactly what we needed on a cool evening. We're already planning our next visit for the 50% off happy hour to try some sushi. The staff were all super friendly!
- pricesThe prices are very fair and definitely wasn't surprised by the cost.
- pricegreat menu items for a great price
- great dealsHappy hour with great deals!
- happy hour deal50% off apps and some rolls, beer and Thai tea for happy hour
- happy hour dealsThis is certainly my favorite food spot, on a good day, on a bad day, Oishii is THE spot. Not to mention their AWESOME happy hour deals. If you're in the area this is definitely the place to go.
- moneywell worth my money
- reasonably pricedsushi is reasonably priced and good quality
- select itemsThe food here is very good! They have an amazing happy hour, offering 50% off select items. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- value for moneyValue for money!
Frequently criticized
- $160Paid $160!!!
- billThe surprise came with the bill
- orderspent nearly $90 on the order
- priceExtremely overpriced food for less than mediocre food.
- price tagand a $9 price tag
If youre looking for great deals, especially during happy hour, this place offers excellent value and is definitely worth a visit. However, be mindful of what you order outside of those specials, as some found the regular prices a bit steep. Its a solid choice if you plan your visit wisely.
How are the prices at Thai Thae?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 74 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners find themselves in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around this average, offering good value without straying too far into the premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thai Thae
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Thai Spicy Food & Service
My experience at this restaurant was great! The food and service were excellent. They offer lots of veggie options, and the food is definitely Thai spicy.
The atmosphere was a bit of a letdown as someone was on their phone the whole time and the door was open, making it cold. Despite the atmosphere issue, I will be back!
- food9
- service9
- veggie options8
- atmosphere4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Food, Great Value in San Diego
I’ve been here many times, and they now know my order. The food has always been amazing, the drinks are good, the sushi is good, and the price is hard to beat in San Diego. It's a true diamond in the rough.
The Chicken cashew nut lunch special is almost impossible to beat in the area.
- food10
- drinks8
- sushi8
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Portions
My experience with this restaurant was primarily focused on a takeout order. While the food itself was decent, the portion sizes were extremely disappointing. We ordered the basil speciality dish and received only 8 small pieces of beef with hardly any food in the container.
Similarly, the spicy noodle dish contained just 5 pieces of chicken. Both the beef and chicken were dry and chewy, not as good as previous experiences. Considering we spent nearly $90, we were concerned about not being full due to the lack of meat.
We feel ripped off, especially since we received normal portions when dining in the restaurant.
- normal portions7
- beef2
- chicken2
- portion sizes1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Sushi, Will Miss This Place
We've been fans of this place since they were Oishii in Santee. My absolute favorite sushi roll is the Thai Dai, and I could honestly eat three rolls of it. The sashimi bowl is also great.
Mike is usually the pro at making sushi, but he was in Thailand this time, so Donna was in charge. I thought she did an excellent job, as did the gentleman working with her. I really appreciate the service and how nice everyone is.
We will miss Mike as we are moving out of state to Florida in a couple of days. We will definitely miss good sushi. Thank you, Mike and family, for having us in your restaurant and for making the best sushi in San Diego.
Gaby and Landon.
- Thai Dai sushi roll10
- sashimi bowl8
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Solid Thai with a Sushi Twist
There's a Thai restaurant around every corner, so I decided to give this place a try. The restaurant is located in a corner in a small lot with minimal parking, and finding a spot was somewhat difficult. Inside, there are about 10 tables and a sushi bar, which is kind of odd for a Thai place, but I guess it works.
Our server seated us as soon as we walked in and then took our order with a smile, recommending the Yen Ta Fo. I ordered a chicken pad Thai as my benchmark for Thai restaurants. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time and everything tasted great! The pork belly was crispy, salty, and porky.
The pad Thai was salty, sweet, and sour. The Yen Ta Fo was very interesting; I've never had anything like it before. My wife described it as vinegary, salty, and savory.
It was pretty good, but not what I was expecting, though I guess if you like tom yum, it's close in flavor. Overall, this is a solid Thai place if you live in the area!
- pork belly9
- pad Thai8
- Yen Ta Fo6
- parking3
What Thai Thae offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- 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 dining options and offerings can you expect at Thai Thae?
At Thai Thae, you can enjoy a wide array of offerings including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside late-night food and small plates. They also provide happy hour drinks, wine, and beer. For dining, you have choices for lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table seating.
What are the accessibility and parking options at Thai Thae in Mid-City?
Thai Thae in Mid-City ensures a welcoming experience with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, with usually plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
How does Thai Thae generally perform?
Thai Thae holds a strong overall score of 8.5. Its Service is excellent (9.3), Ambience is good (8.5), and Food is also rated good (8.3). Value scores well at (7.7).
Are there any special deals or good value options at Thai Thae?
Yes, many customers highlight the excellent happy hour deals, which offer significant discounts on select items and drinks, making it a great option for those looking for good value.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Thai Thae?
You can generally expect very friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming experience. The restaurant often provides a cozy atmosphere that many find enjoyable.