Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Thai Island – San Diego
Thai Island - San Diego
Photo from Thai Island
Thai Island at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#157 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
642
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Thai cuisine
- Attentive service
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Uncomfortable ambience
- Unexpected costs
The restaurant Thai Island, a delightful Thai Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood, invites you to experience authentic flavors. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Known for its great tea selection, this eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind. Whether you’re craving traditional Thai dishes or exploring new tastes, Thai Island provides a memorable dining experience right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Thai Island
Thai Island offers a generally delightful dining experience, often praised for its truly flavorful food and the genuinely friendly nature of its staff. Many find the portions generous and the overall experience quite affordable, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the ambience, citing issues like a cramped space or lack of air conditioning. There have also been occasional reports of service inconsistencies and unexpected charges, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
642
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
76
negative
23
neutral
543
positive
Thai Island earns a solid overall score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive experience for most diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 84.6%, indicating that the majority leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial 642 customer comments, with 543 leaning positive against 76 negative, painting a clear picture of its strengths. The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (8.6), which consistently receives high praise for its quality and flavor.
Service (7.7) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. While Value (8.0) is considered good, offering generous portions at fair prices, the Ambience (7.1) is seen as acceptable, though it occasionally draws mixed feedback regarding comfort and space.
What people like
- Exceptional Thai food
- Friendly, engaging service
- Great value, large portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Cramped, hot interior
- Unexpected charges, tips
Thai Island comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.5, suggesting it’s largely a worthwhile visit. If you prioritize authentic, flavorful Thai cuisine and appreciate friendly service, this spot is likely to impress.
It’s particularly good for those seeking generous portions at a reasonable price. However, be mindful of the potentially cozy, sometimes warm, dining area and keep an eye on your bill for any unexpected charges.
While the food is consistently a highlight, occasional service hiccups mean it might not be perfect for every occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thai Island
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With an impressive 90% customer satisfaction and a solid 8.6 score, the culinary experience here is largely celebrated. Out of 359 remarks, a whopping 323 praise the authentic Thai dishes, fresh ingredients, and delicious food, often highlighting the customizable spice levels and generous portions.
However, a smaller number of 24 comments point to areas for improvement. Some found the seasoning inconsistent, with dishes occasionally being too salty or not spicy enough. A few also mentioned a limited selection of choices, though this was less common.
Food
359
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
24
negative
12
neutral
323
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Customizable spice levels
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Dishes too salty
Often praised
- foodThe portions are enormous for very reasonable prices. It's a friendly, small, intimate place with incredible food. I got Pad Thai to go a different night, and I swear the portion was even bigger – I ate for 3 meals.
- Thai foodMy experience at this cozy little restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the delicious Thai food and the great service. We ordered the yellow curry and pad Thai, both of which were excellent.
- Pad ThaiIt's a friendly, small, intimate place with incredible food. I got Pad Thai to go a different night, and I swear the portion was even bigger – I ate for 3 meals. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- sushithe sushi was very reasonably priced
- spring rollsMy experience at Thai Island was incredible! The food was outstanding, with dishes like sushi, drunken noodles, pad thai, and spring rolls all being highlights. I also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who has been a fixture for 25 years.
- drunken noodlesMy experience at Thai Island was incredible! The food was outstanding, with dishes like sushi, drunken noodles, pad thai, and spring rolls all being highlights. I also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who has been a fixture for 25 years.
- spice levelThe staff were incredibly friendly, the most I've encountered downtown. I'd definitely recommend the Panang Curry or Phat si-io (pad see ew) and suggest asking them to make it a 5-6 in spice. You won't regret it!
- spicy fried ricespicy fried rice and the rest was history. It's the perfect amount of spice, flavorful, and just absolutely delicious!
- Green CurryGreen Curry and Fried rice had pretty good flavor
- authentic Thai foodThe family-owned nature shines through with their sweet and attentive owners, and the food is simply bomb. I always recommend this spot for authentic Thai food.
Frequently criticized
- Spicy Fried Rice ChickenMy experience with the food was mixed. I prefer my Spicy Fried Rice to be spicier, with more fresh basil, and cooked so it's less sticky, ideally with more vegetables for a brighter appearance. For the Yellow Curried Chicken, I wished for a spicier taste and a heavier flavor of curried spices.
- Yellow Curry ChickenI would of liked to taste it a bit more spicier
- American foodMost importantly, it's clean and hygienic. American food is often just so salty. Salty.
- Thom Yum soupThom Yum soup... had too much seasoning
- Tom Kha soupThe Tom Kha soup a 3 or less
- Tom Yumthe Tom Yum wasn’t good at all
- drunken noodlesdrunken noodles. Both had too much seasoning
- foodFood was overly spicy despite asking for non spicy
- kitchenHalf the kitchen was closed
- mealit was a mediocre meal
If youre craving authentic Thai flavors with customizable spice and generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seasoning can occasionally vary, but overall, its a delicious choice.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%. Many of the 126 positive remarks highlight the friendly staff and attentive owners who provide fantastic service, often making you feel right at home. It sounds like a truly welcoming experience!
However, not all experiences have been perfect. There are 34 negative comments mentioning issues like a rude owner and slow, disorganized service. Some guests also encountered frustration with payment issues or incorrect operating hours, leading to disappointment.
It seems consistency can be a challenge here.
Service
162
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming, kind owners
- Fantastic, prompt service
What people don't like
- Rude owner
- Slow, disorganized service
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceThis tiny, cozy place in the Gaslamp Quarter offers a simple and homely ambience. While it might not be ideal for large groups due to its size, the staff is incredibly friendly and engaging, and the service is prompt. The food was exceptional, easily some of the best Thai food I've had in a while.
- ownerElated to have found this gem - it’s a must try! The food was incredibly flavorful and delicious, and the owner was so lovely! We got the spring rolls, gyoza, house fried rice, and yellow curry.
- staffThis tiny, cozy place in the Gaslamp Quarter offers a simple and homely ambience. While it might not be ideal for large groups due to its size, the staff is incredibly friendly and engaging, and the service is prompt. The food was exceptional, easily some of the best Thai food I've had in a while.
- ownersThe use of quality ingredients was evident, and I particularly appreciated the ability to customize the level of hot spices, which was perfect for my sensitive palate. The owners are super friendly, and there are lots of vegetarian options available. I will definitely go back for sure with more time and more friends.
- peoplethe people that run the restaurant are super friendly
- serverthe server greeted me very warmly and was extremely accommodating
- quickVery quiet and quick.
- ServiceService:5
- allergieseven worked around allergies
- amazing serviceamazing service
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the worst service ever. Upon arrival, the owner informed us there would be a 30-minute wait due to a large order.
- ownerThe owner of this restaurant is extremely rude and nasty.
- waiting timetakes forever for the lady to give you a seat, take your order or take the check
- card readertheir card reader is broken
- closeddiscover it was closed by a handmade piece of paper
- correct hoursLeft disappointed. Please keep the correct hours.
- dine-in servicenot offering dine-in service
- disappointingVery disappointing
- drink refillDrink was not refilled for another 10 minutes
- high chairsWe were planning to eat here, but we were told they have no high chairs, despite the description on Google Maps saying they do. The lady at the door didn't apologize and seemed disturbed by our presence, assuming we wanted takeout due to the lack of high chairs.
Overall, if youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, its worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have reported inconsistencies with service speed and operational details, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 7.1 and boasting a 72.7% customer satisfaction! Many guests, 48 out of 66, rave about this place being a cozy spot and a hidden gem with a warm and welcoming and personal and intimate atmosphere. It truly feels like a delightful dining experience.
However, its not without its quirks. Some of the 12 negative comments point out that the space can feel cramped with tables ridiculously close to each other. A few also mentioned no A/C and limited parking' as potential drawbacks, which could impact comfort for some.
Ambience
66
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate setting
- Warm, welcoming vibe
- Hidden gem discovery
What people don't like
- Cramped, close tables
- Limited parking
- No A/C
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was warm and inviting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceMy first visit to Thai Island was a delightful experience. This tiny, cozy place in the Gaslamp Quarter offers a simple and homely ambience. While it might not be ideal for large groups due to its size, the staff is incredibly friendly and engaging, and the service is prompt.
- restaurantI felt like I was eating dinner in their home. This was the best restaurant we found in San Diego. A must have.
- dining experienceTo my delight, the glass of red wine I ordered was a very generous pour. The dining area is tastefully decorated, moderate in size, and offers a suitable dining experience for couples or small dinner parties.
- Thai stylewith Thai style
- clean and hygienicit's clean and hygienic
- cozy gemThis cozy gem is how dining should be: personal and intimate
- cozy spotFound this cozy spot
- cute storeLove this cute store.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereDefinitely not comfortable
- A/Cno freaking A/C!
- ParkingParking can be a challenge since it’s downtown
- crampedThe restaurant is kind of cramped
- customer comfortsacrifice customers comfort for few extra dollars savings
- dine insmall area to dine in too
- insidethe inside was super hot and stuffy
- parkingVery limited parking
- parking optionsParking options:Paid parking lot
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If youre seeking a charming, intimate, and cozy dining experience and dont mind a potentially snug space or a bit of a hunt for parking, this spot is definitely worth a visit. It's perfect for a quiet meal, but maybe not for large groups or those sensitive to heat.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic 83.6% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners feel they get their moneys worth. Many praise the reasonable prices, affordable options, and great deals, especially for lunch specials, often noting the generous portions that make it truly worth it.
However, out of 55 total opinions, with 46 positive and just 6 negative, a few customers did mention concerns about price in specific situations. Some felt there was an extra charge for items like rice or unexpected 20% tips, leading to questions about overall value for money when portions didn't match expectations for the cost.
Value
55
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great lunch specials
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Perceived poor value
- Mandatory tips
Often praised
- priceThe restaurant was open on Thanksgiving and even stayed later to accommodate us, which was a testament to their great service. Furthermore, the best price made the overall experience even more satisfying. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
- pricesThe photos show what was left of my pad see ew after eating my fill. The portions are enormous for very reasonable prices. It's a friendly, small, intimate place with incredible food.
- affordableIt is an incredibly affordable diamond in the rough
- reasonably pricedI highly recommend stopping here if you're in downtown San Diego! A significant bonus was that the sushi was very reasonably priced, as was all the other delicious food.
- Reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- affordabilityAmazing spot for a delicious and affordable lunch.
- affordable pricesAffordable prices for DT
- cheapand cheap
- costvery reasonable cost
Frequently criticized
- priceI visited during lunch but was told I had to order a dinner entree. Despite this, the portion I received was lunch-sized, which felt unfair for the price I paid, especially since I was expecting a dinner entree portion. This discrepancy in value for money means I probably will not return.
- 20% tipscharged me 20% tips without telling me
- extra chargethey make you pay extra for rice
- value for moneyfor the price I paid (Expecting it to be dinner entree sized)
If you're looking for a place where your dollar goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the prices incredibly fair for the quality and quantity, making it a great deal. Just be mindful of potential extra charges or specific menu items that might not feel like the best value.
How are the prices at Thai Island?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right around this average, with a strong cluster of 50 prices in the $11–$20 range. While there are some options for a quicker, cheaper bite, and a few folks opting for a slightly more premium experience, the pricing clearly centers around that sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 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, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thai Island
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Service!
As a spice hound, I absolutely LOVED this restaurant! The spice level ten curry was already amazing, and when I implied that I would be fine with it being hotter, they brought me out an extra cup of spice oil! The curry is delicious, and my friends also raved over the Tom Yum and Pad Thai.
Thank you so much for the amazing food and service! We can't wait to come back!
- spice level ten curry10
- spice oil9
- curry9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Excellent Thai Food Near Gaslamp
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredible, and the food prices and portions were very reasonable. I would definitely recommend eating here if you're craving Thai food near Gaslamp.
- service10
- food prices9
- portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Thai Gem with Great Prices
This is a hidden gem! It’s a small mom & pop shop offering authentic Thai food at great prices. I had the Green Curry Chicken for dinner, and it was delicious.
The atmosphere and service were both excellent, rated 5 out of 5. It's a perfect spot for a solo dinner.
- Authentic Thai food10
- great prices10
- Green Curry Chicken10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Only Experience
I arrived right at the 11 a. M. Opening time listed on Google, only to be told they were only doing takeout and not offering dine-in service.
Having made a special trip, I was quite disappointed. The staff member I spoke with was a bit abrupt as well, which didn’t help. I ended up going to the Thai restaurant around the corner instead.
Unfortunately, I won’t be returning.
- takeout2
- dine-in service2
- staff member3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Favorite Spot with Delicious Vegan Options
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my favorite spot in town for fresh, delicious food at a great price. As someone who eats vegan and has allergies, I was so well taken care of.
My roommates, who eat 'regular' diets, also loved it. It's a true local gem, owned by nice people. It's definitely worth the quick little walk if you're downtown.
- food10
- price9
- vegan options10
What Thai Island offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
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
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Thai Island?
At Thai Island, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service, and you can choose between indoor dining or outdoor seating. It’s also a great spot for a quick bite.
Does Thai Island cater to specific dietary needs and offer accessibility features?
Yes, Thai Island provides healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options to suit various dietary preferences. Additionally, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Thai Island generally perform?
Thai Island holds a strong overall score of 8.2 with 84.6% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.6) is highly rated, followed by good Value (8.0), Service (7.7), and Ambience (7.1).
What do customers particularly enjoy about Thai Island's food?
Customers frequently praise Thai Island for its authentic Thai food , incredibly flavorful dishes, and enormous portions . Dishes like Pad Thai, drunken noodles, and various curries are often highlighted for their taste.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at Thai Island?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service , including long waits or issues with staff demeanor. Concerns also arise regarding the cramped or hot dining atmosphere and occasional unexpected charges .