Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Star Anise – San Diego
Star Anise - San Diego
Photo from Star Anise
Star Anise at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#608 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#24 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
405
Reviews
53.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Lunch value
- Outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hygiene concerns
- Tipping practices
The restaurant Star Anise is a delightful Thai restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant University City neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly authentic culinary journey here, complemented by a great tea selection that stands out.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a casual lunch, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor traditional Thai flavors. It’s a perfect destination for those exploring the diverse dining scene of San Diego.
Overview: Introducting Star Anise
Star Anise offers a mixed experience, often praised for its flavorful Thai dishes, with the Panang curry and Pad Kee Mao frequently highlighted. Many appreciate the reasonable prices, especially the lunch specials, finding good value.
The atmosphere is generally seen as clean and comfortable, with a pleasant back patio. However, some diners have encountered issues, noting that certain dishes can be bland or dry.
Service can be inconsistent, with reports of rude staff and a lack of customer service. Concerns about value also arise from perceived high prices and automatic tipping practices.
Average
5.9
out of 10
405
Reviews
53.3%
Satisfaction
145
negative
44
neutral
216
positive
Star Anise holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 53.3%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
Based on 405 customer observations, with 216 positive remarks against 145 negative ones, the dining experience appears to have its ups and downs. The Food (6.6) generally receives favorable comments, often highlighted as a strength, while the Ambience (6.6) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (5.1) is perceived as average, and Service (4.1) stands out as an area needing attention, drawing the most critical feedback.
What people like
- Flavorful Thai dishes
- Good lunch specials
- Pleasant back patio
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Unsanitary kitchen reports
- Default tip issues
Star Anise presents a mixed bag, with its Recommendation Score of 6.1 suggesting it’s a decent option but not without its drawbacks. If you prioritize flavorful Thai cuisine and value-driven lunch options, particularly on their pleasant back patio, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and be mindful of the billing, especially regarding tipping. While the food often shines, some dishes might disappoint.
It’s a place to consider if you manage expectations, but perhaps not for a guaranteed flawless experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Star Anise
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally offers an average but often satisfying experience, reflected in its score of 6.6. Many diners, with 151 positive remarks out of 248 total, frequently praise the Authentic taste, generous portions, and awesome flavors, often finding excellent food that truly delivers on its promise. However, customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 60.9%, indicating some notable concerns.
Around 64 negative comments point to issues like bland or under flavored dishes, cheap ingredients, and even alarming discoveries such as a clump of hair, suggesting inconsistency in quality and execution.
Food
248
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
64
negative
33
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic taste
- Generous portions
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or underflavored
- Unclean ingredients
Often praised
- foodI got takeout and the food was really good. However, I wasn't thrilled with the Pad Thai.
- portionsI've visited a few times and have never been particularly impressed. On the positive side, the portions are a decent size. However, the parking lot, while pretty designed, makes it difficult to find a spot during lunch time.
- dishesWe really like Star Anise and it’s our favorite Thai place to get to go. They make it super easy to make dishes vegan, if eligible, such as most of the noodle and rice dishes.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be one of the best Thai food places in San Diego. The prices are very reasonable, with plates costing around $13-15, and the food itself was absolutely delicious.
- Panang curryPanang curry, you have to try it, it’s unbelievable
- Pad Thailoved pairing the Pad Thai
- pad thaipad thai for delivery from this restaurant several times and it's one of my favorites
- FoodFood:5
- Pad Kee MaoThe Pad Kee Mao can have my children
- Tom Yum soupTom Yum soup and it was so warm and cozy and actually so flavorful!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe driest Asian food we ever had, and not much flavor.
- Pad ThaiI got takeout and the food was really good. However, I wasn't thrilled with the Pad Thai. The overall food quality was rated a 5, and the service was also rated a 5.
- vegan fried riceasked for vegan fried rice and red curry and they added egg
- American ThaiVery much AMERICAN Thai
- Green CurryGreen Curry and it lacked flavor
- Pad Thai shrimpthe pad thai was overly sour
- Panang Curryvery bland almost flavorless
- Thai Basiloverpowered by the Thai Basil
- Thai foodthis is the worst thai food I ever had
- Thai food placecheap Asian massage parlor of a Thai food place
If youre looking for authentic flavors and generous portions, this place might hit the spot, but be aware that the quality can be inconsistent. Its worth a try if youre feeling adventurous, but dont be surprised if some dishes fall short.
Service (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots, with 32 positive remarks out of 99 total. Many customers praised the friendly staff and attentive servers, often highlighting great service and good customer service experiences. While the overall score sits at an average 4.1, these positive interactions show that when things go well, they go really well.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as reflected by a poor 32.3% customer satisfaction and 62 negative comments. Many encountered issues like rude service, problematic waitress attitude, and frustratingly slow service or long waiting times. It seems inconsistencies, particularly with staff demeanor and responsiveness, are a significant concern for many diners.
Service
99
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
62
negative
5
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive service
- Quick takeout/pickup
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow, inattentive service
- Poor problem resolution
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of good food and service, but marred by an issue with the bill. The food was great, and the service was also good. However, when we received our bill, we were charged for extra vegetables on both entrees, even though my friend did not specifically request them.
- staffThis is one of the best Thai places in San Diego, a favorite for many friends over the years. The experience is consistently good; the food is always delicious, and the staff is attentive. It's also a pleasant spot, tucked away in a shopping mall with a lovely view of trees and flowers.
- ServiceService:5
- serverBall was an attentive and informed server
- customer servicethey have really good customer
- deliveryEverything was delivered hot tho which was great with delivery services.
- great servicegreat service
- lunchour lunch was on table within 5mins
- nice staffThe lunch specials are an incredible deal, offering a soup/salad, curry, and moneybags for just $10. The awesome flavors, really nice staff, and amazing value make this one of our go-to spots for a lunch run in UTC.
- pickupOrdering takeout was very easy during COVID times. They set up a table at the front of their restaurant, and pickup was fast and convenient at 5 pm on a weekday. A note for future customers: their online menu doesn't cover everything.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service is fair in general except once I had an unpleasant experience.
- serverthe server asked us are u guys actually ready in a bad tone
- staffthe staff was incredibly rude
- customer serviceWhen I called to report the issue, I was told I would have to drive back (a 30-minute trip) to pick up the missing items or receive them then. This lack of customer service and unwillingness to resolve the problem left me very unhappy with this place.
- refundthey forgot to add it and won't refund
- waiterThe waiter informed us that the restaurant closes at 3:00 PM
- waitressshe does not know how to be a waitress
- waitress attitudeskeptical about the waitress attitude
- WaiterWaiter is unfriendly
- Worst serviceWorst service in a while
If you're considering a visit, be aware that service can be a mixed bag. While some enjoy friendly and efficient interactions, others report significant issues with staff attitude and speed. It might be a gamble, so manage your expectations regarding the service.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests really appreciate the cozy and modern setting, often highlighting the delightful garden retreat and the pet-friendly patio. With 25 positive remarks, it seems theres often a great atmosphere here, making it a pleasant spot to dine. The customer satisfaction for ambience is a mixed 65.8%, indicating that while many enjoy it, its not universally adored.
However, there are a few bumps in the road, with 8 negative observations pointing out issues like a tricky parking lot and even an unfortunate instance of hair on the table. Some found the overall atmosphere depressing or the interior lacking, which might explain why the ambience score sits at an average 6.6. It seems there's definitely some room for improvement to ensure a consistently pleasant experience.
Ambience
38
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy modern setting
- Lovely garden patio
- Great overall atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Unclean tables
- Depressing interior
Often praised
- ambienceThe ambience and service were top-notch
- atmospherethe atmosphere clean and comfortable
- restaurantGreat restaurant. Update 2 years later. Still amazing!!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- This placeThis place is great
- back patiolove having dinner on their back patio
- beautiful placeBeautiful place
- cleanplaces is clean
- clean restaurantit is can be called a clean restaurant
- covid-19 protocolscovid-19 protocols in place
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit was unpleasant to sit there
- everything about this placeEverything about this place was disgusting
- hair on the tablefound hair on the table
- interiorThe interior is not very Thai
- parking lotOn the positive side, the portions are a decent size. However, the parking lot, while pretty designed, makes it difficult to find a spot during lunch time.
- unsanitary kitchenUNSANITARY KITCHEN!! Beware 🤢if you knew how your food was being prepared
If you're seeking a potentially cozy spot with a nice patio, especially if you can overlook minor parking woes, this place might be worth a visit. Just manage your expectations regarding consistency, as the ambience can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found some pleasant surprises, with 8 positive remarks out of 20 total. Guests often praised the reasonably priced dishes and felt they got bang for its buck, especially highlighting the lunch specials as an amazing value. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.1, theres a definite appreciation for the deals available.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with 11 negative comments indicating some friction. Several customers felt that prices are still high or even overpriced for what they received, sometimes citing small lunch portions. The pre-selected default tip options also raised eyebrows, contributing to a mixed 40% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's room for improvement in perceived fairness.
Value
20
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good lunch specials
- Reasonable overall prices
- Great value for money
What people don't like
- High prices for some
- Pre-selected tip options
- Small lunch portions
Often praised
- amazing valueThe lunch specials are an incredible deal, offering a soup/salad, curry, and moneybags for just $10. The awesome flavors, really nice staff, and amazing value make this one of our go-to spots for a lunch run in UTC.
- bang for its buckGot my bang for its buck here
- lunch specialsTheir lunch specials are a really good deal
- net worthMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, especially regarding the food. I've given this place about 5% of my net worth, which speaks to its value. The Pad Kee Mao was so good it could have my children – a testament to its exceptional taste and quality.
- priceAverage price you would pay compared to other restaurants
- pricesI found it to be one of the best Thai food places in San Diego. The prices are very reasonable, with plates costing around $13-15, and the food itself was absolutely delicious. I would 10/10 recommend this place for lunch or dinner.
- reasonable pricesprices is reasonable
- reasonably pricedThe service was okay, and the lunch special was fine. While there weren't a lot of options, the meal was reasonably priced. However, the soup and the iced tea didn't seem like the norm.
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, I found the pork and chicken to be a bit dry. On a positive note, the crab was fried well, though it was a bit expensive. Overall, the experience was above average, but I don't think the taste justified the price.
- billWhen we got our bill, they charged us
- default tipthe default tip is 20%
- default tip optionThe default option for tip is 20%
- extra vegetablecharged us for extra vegetable
- overpricedlunch portion size is small/overpriced
- price per personPrice per person:$30–50
- prices are still highPrices are still high
- tipThe tip was preselected as 18% and the other options were 20% and 25%.
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during lunch, this spot can offer some amazing value. However, be mindful of the overall pricing and check your bill carefully, as some find it a bit steep for certain items or portions.
How are the prices at Star Anise?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 67 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.
Most guests spend between $11–$30, showing a good cluster around the average, though some do opt for pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Thai spot in San Diego. You’re getting a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Star Anise
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Rotten Brown Rice in Takeout Order
I placed an online pickup order for dinner. We've had the yellow curry before and it was fine. However, today, when we ordered the same dish, the brown rice had gone bad; it was rotten and had a sour smell.
- yellow curry5
- brown rice1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Spicy Cashew Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The portion sizes were generous for the price, offering great value for money. I ordered the cashew chicken, and the sauce was absolutely delicious.
I specifically requested spicy food, and they delivered the perfect amount of heat, which I appreciated as some places are hesitant to add enough spice. I'll definitely be returning for another meal.
- portion sizes9
- price8
- cashew chicken10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Hidden Gem for Flavorful Thai Food
I definitely would not have found this place if a friend who lived in the area hadn't mentioned it. It's a real hidden gem when it comes to Thai food. I got the Tom Yum soup, and it was so warm, cozy, and incredibly flavorful!
I opted for shrimp, and I really liked how they included such large shrimp. The soup was also at a perfect temperature, not too hot and not too cold, making it very pleasant to consume. I also ordered the Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls without vermicelli, which was a nice, healthy way to get some veggies and protein.
The peanut sauce on the side was absolutely delicious, and I also really enjoyed the plum sauce that came with it. My husband got the Stir Fried Spicy Bamboo with Chicken, which looked like a nutritious meal with a good variety of vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and bamboo. They use chicken breast, which was a nice touch.
It came with a side of rice, making it a well-rounded source of protein, carbs, and vegetables. My friend got the yellow curry with chicken and seemed to enjoy it; it also came with rice, which she added directly to her curry bowl. For an appetizer, we shared the cream cheese puffs, and I could see how well-stuffed they were with the cream cheese mixture.
The shell was really crispy, and my husband mentioned they were pretty good with a very nice filling. Overall, the food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- Tom Yum soup10
- large shrimp9
- perfect temperature10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Terrible Staff Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, the overall experience was marred by the horrible behavior of the staff. The rudeness of the staff made for a terrible experience.
- food8
- staff2
- experience1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good takeout, Pad Thai missed the mark
I got takeout and the food was really good. However, I wasn't thrilled with the Pad Thai. The overall food quality was rated a 5, and the service was also rated a 5.
The meal was for dinner and the price per person was between $30–50.
- food9
- Service10
- Pad Thai3
What Star Anise offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- 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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining and service options does Star Anise Thai Cuisine offer?
At Star Anise Thai Cuisine, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. You have the choice of comfortable dine-in service, convenient takeout, or delivery right to your door. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the San Diego weather. They cater for lunch, dinner, and dessert, and even offer catering services for your special events.
Are there options for specific dietary needs and what is the atmosphere like at Star Anise Thai Cuisine?
Yes, Star Anise Thai Cuisine thoughtfully provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary preferences. The atmosphere is designed to be casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy, making it a romantic spot for an evening out. You’ll find a welcoming environment perfect for a relaxed meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Star Anise?
Star Anise has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 53.3%, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. While Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.6) are often appreciated, Value (5.1) is average, and Service (4.1) is a common point of concern.
Are there any particular dishes or deals that stand out at Star Anise?
Many customers praise the flavorful Thai dishes like Panang curry and Pad Kee Mao. The lunch specials are frequently highlighted as offering good value for money.
What are some common complaints or areas for improvement at Star Anise?
Some diners have reported inconsistent or rude service. There are also mentions of certain dishes lacking flavor or being dry, and concerns about default tip options on bills. Reports of unsanitary kitchen conditions have also surfaced.