Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » White Elephant – San Diego
White Elephant - San Diego
Photo from White Elephant
White Elephant at a glance
San Diego Egyptian Quarter
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#274 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#13 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
516
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Pleasant ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Bland dishes
- High prices
The restaurant White Elephant Asian Kitchen is a charming Thai Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Egyptian Quarter. You’ll discover a truly inviting atmosphere here, perfect for a casual meal or a cozy evening out.
One of its standout features is the impressive great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or exploring their extensive vegan choices, this spot caters to diverse tastes.
Overview: Introducting White Elephant
White Elephant offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious and fresh food, often highlighting its unique flavors. The restaurant also provides a comforting and quiet ambiance, making it suitable for various occasions.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly positive. Some diners have noted inconsistencies in service, occasionally experiencing delays or a lack of attentiveness.
The perception of prices also varies, with a few finding them on the higher side for the overall offering.
Good
7.7
out of 10
516
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
101
negative
16
neutral
399
positive
White Elephant earns a solid 7.7 out of 10 overall, reflecting a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction standing at a respectable 77.3%. The Food (7.9) is clearly a standout, receiving the highest number of positive comments, indicating a strong culinary foundation.
The inviting Ambience (8.5) also scores very well, contributing significantly to a comfortable visit. While Service (6.7) generally performs well, it shows some room for improvement, as indicated by a mix of feedback.
The Value (5.9) score suggests it’s a more average aspect, with some guests feeling the pricing could be better aligned with the experience. These insights are drawn from over 516 customer comments, with 399 positive remarks and 101 negative observations.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Pleasant, quiet ambiance
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Some bland dishes
- Perceived high prices
White Elephant presents itself as a good option for those prioritizing flavorful Thai cuisine and a relaxed setting. While the culinary offerings and atmosphere are consistently strong, be prepared for potential variations in service quality, which can sometimes impact the overall experience.
With a 7.8 recommendation score, it’s worth considering if you’re seeking delicious food in a pleasant environment. Just manage your expectations regarding service consistency and the perceived value, and you’re likely to have an enjoyable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on White Elephant
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.4%, its clear many are enjoying their meals. Out of 332 comments, 267 rave about the flavorful dishes, great portions, and authentic Thai/Laotian food, with Mango Sticky Rice often stealing the show.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 54 negative remarks. Some found dishes to have no flavor or be bland, while others noted certain items were too sweet or that the overall quality could be inconsistent. ' It seems some dishes might miss the mark on taste.
Food
332
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
54
negative
11
neutral
267
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing flavor
- Generous portions
- Authentic cuisine
What people don't like
- Lacks flavor
- Too sweet
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodWe visited White Elephant Asian Kitchen based on a family member's recommendation and were extremely pleased we followed their advice! It's a cute restaurant with really good food. I thoroughly enjoyed my Pad See Ew with tofu, with no complaints whatsoever.
- Pad ThaiPad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice was delicious
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I found it to be a peaceful restaurant to enjoy delicious Thai food. They offer more than just Thai options, which is great.
- portionsThe portions were good
- Mango ChickenMango chicken is one of their specialties and definitely a must try!
- crab fried riceThe ambiance was really relaxing, and the food was unique and delicious. We enjoyed the calamari, the garlic tofu entre, and the crab fried rice. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience.
- fried ricethe fried rice and cashew chicken were amazing
- mango chickenThe mango chicken based on the waitress's recommendation. Her recommendation was spot on!
- Crying TigerCrying Tiger were absolute perfection!
- FoodThe ambiance was simple, elegant, and comforting. Food arrived quickly and ingredients were noticeably fresh. Sorry, no pictures were taken- we were too busy enjoying ; -)
Frequently criticized
- chickenSo I ordered 2 entrees, and I know the authentic Thai food since I’ve been traveling to Thailand for the last 20 years. The Drunken noodles were disappointing; the chicken was bland, the meal itself was not very flavorful, and it was dry overall. The spicy level 5 is American spicy, not authentic spicy.
- curryThe curry was also bland
- flavorThe food (both dishes) lacked flavor/tasted diluted
- mango chickenmango chicken was mostly crunchy and no chicken
- Cokestarted off with a $5 Coke
- Drunken noodlesDrunken noodles were disappointing; the chicken was bland
- Jasmine riceJasmine rice was mush and awful in texture.
- Mango ChickenMango Chicken & most of it was just fried bread with sauce
- Mango chickenMango chicken also failed to impress, with very little flavor
- Nam TokThe Nam Tok was sort of deconstructed like a steak salad. Large slices of medium rare beef that lacked seasoning
Overall, the food here seems to hit the mark for many, especially if youre seeking authentic flavors and generous portions. While there are some reports of inconsistency or blandness, its definitely worth a try for a generally good culinary experience.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but its leaning towards positive! With a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction at 63.6%, its clear there's some good stuff happening. Many of the 70 positive remarks highlight the friendly and attentive waitstaff, often praising specific servers like Sean or Devin, and noting how fast the food comes out.
The owner also gets a lot of love for being welcoming! However, out of 110 total comments, 37 negative opinions point to areas needing improvement. Some folks experienced long waiting times, rude waiters, or felt the customer service was unprofessional.
There were also mentions of communication issues among staff and a general lack of attentiveness, like not refilling waters, which can definitely put a damper on a meal.
Service
110
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
37
negative
3
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owner
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was with a party of 6. We received fast and friendly service, and the Thai food was delicious. Be aware that their 1-10 spicy scale runs extra spicy ;)
- staffThe staff is always very friendly and courteous.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner was present... kind and welcoming
- waitstaffThe waitstaff was exceptionally kind
- waitersame waiter and he was super friendly and helpful this time
- FoodThe ambiance was simple, elegant, and comforting. Food arrived quickly and ingredients were noticeably fresh. Sorry, no pictures were taken- we were too busy enjoying ; -)
- Google Voice reservationsliked that they accept Google Voice reservations
- Sean the waiterSean the waiter is AWESOME!!
- Soft Opening day1st Customer to eat on Soft Opening day!
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen the server finally came over, it was with the check. Overall, the food was okay, but the service was poor. I would not plan to go back, and if someone asked to try it, I'd question their decision.
- customer serviceCustomer service is unpredictable, sometimes great and other times horrible
- waiting timemade us sit and wait 20 minutes
- apologya simple apology and comp on that specific dish is an expected
- check on usNo one came to check on us while we were eating
- communication between staffwish they communicated with each other better
- courtesySimple courtesy is easy
- dessertsAfter finishing my soup and rice, I observed other tables, including a table of two and a table of four, receive and finish their meals while I was still waiting for my order of sticky mango. When I finally flagged down the waiter to inquire about the delay, his response was, "I have to make my own desserts. " This was a completely unacceptable excuse for the lack of service.
- empathyhad zero empathy
- friend's dinnerfriend dinner comes out first and 15min later yours come out
If youre looking for a place with a generally friendly vibe and often quick service, its worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences have been less than stellar, so you might encounter a bit of a wait or a less attentive server.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 8.5! With an excellent 90.2% customer satisfaction, it's clear most guests love the atmosphere. Out of 61 opinions, a whopping 55 praise the inviting atmosphere, lovely decor, and relaxing ambiance, often highlighting the great outdoor patio and soft music.
It’s described as clean, quiet, and perfect for a casual meal. However, a few of the 5 negative comments mention some minor hiccups. Limited seating and parking can be a bit tricky, and one guest felt the decor could use an update.
The location, being just off University, also received a slight mention regarding homeless people, though this was infrequent.
Ambience
61
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Relaxing ambiance
- Great outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- ambianceThe owner was present during both visits and in addition to being kind and welcoming, made sure we were well attended to. The ambiance was simple, elegant, and comforting. Food arrived quickly and ingredients were noticeably fresh.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was really nice too, perfect for a casual meal.
- AtmosphereWe visited White Elephant Asian Kitchen based on a family member's recommendation and were extremely pleased we followed their advice! It's a cute restaurant with really good food. I thoroughly enjoyed my Pad See Ew with tofu, with no complaints whatsoever.
- placewe really happy that we found this place
- musicAmbiance, music, and all the plates were unique and delicious.
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- bathroomsBathrooms are spotless
- business meetingI met for a business meeting
- casual mealperfect for a casual meal.
- decorI loved everything about this place: decor
Frequently criticized
- locationLocation is just off of University, some homeless people around
- new decorationMaybe need new decoration to bring out the new restaurant.
- parkingparking is a bit difficult
- seatingSeating is limited
- tabletried to move us twice
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The relaxing ambiance and inviting decor make it a great choice for a casual meal or even a quiet business meeting, despite minor parking and seating challenges.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found the prices to be quite reasonable, with several comments highlighting well priced and fair prices. Based on 7 positive remarks out of 13 total, it seems theres a decent appreciation for what you get. The overall score for value sits at an 5.9, which is pretty average, and customer satisfaction is at 53.8%, indicating a mixed but not entirely negative view.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Some diners felt the price was too high, with comments like not worth the money and concerns about being more expensive than its competitors. With 5 negative observations, theres a clear sentiment that for some, the cost didnt quite match the experience, contributing to that 53.8% mixed satisfaction.
Value
13
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Well-priced options
- Fair value
What people don't like
- Higher than competitors
- Not worth money
- Quality doesn't justify
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- fair pricesfair prices
- good pricefor a good price
- pricedVery reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceI might try it again in a year or so. Higher-priced restaurants really need to consider if the quality and taste of their food exceed that of their faster food rivals to justify the price and time expenditure. I compared the taste of this food to Panda Express, and Panda tastes better.
- moneyNot worth the money
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If youre looking for reasonable prices and dont mind an average experience, it might be a decent option. However, if you expect exceptional value for every dollar, you might find it a bit pricey compared to competitors.
How are the prices at White Elephant?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 73 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.
Most guests find themselves in this sweet spot, though the data shows a few folks opt for slightly cheaper or more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
A look at this restaurant’s value for money compared to similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for this type of restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range option that should satisfy most diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about White Elephant
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Food, Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We were a group of 12 and ordered 10 different meals, sharing them around. Each one was terrific.
I strongly recommend this place. We are visiting for the week of Christmas and plan to come back, possibly twice.
- food10
- selection9
- meals10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Thai with a Spicy Kick!
My experience at this restaurant was with a party of 6. We received fast and friendly service, and the Thai food was delicious. Be aware that their 1-10 spicy scale runs extra spicy ;)
- service9
- Thai food9
- spicy scale6
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Tantalizing Thai/Laotian Food!
My experience at this restaurant was a party to my taste buds! I found the authentic Thai/Laotian food to be absolutely tantalizing. I love love love it!
💕
- authentic Thai/Laotian food10
- taste buds10
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Pad Thai and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best pad thai I have ever tasted. The quaint location and decor created a truly inviting and different ambiance.
Furthermore, the service was amazing as well.
- pad thai10
- location and decor9
- ambiance9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Lunch at White Elephant Asian Kitchen
My experience at White Elephant Asian Kitchen was fantastic! I had the shrimp lemongrass salad, and my boyfriend enjoyed the chicken pad Thai. Both dishes were incredibly fresh, with great portions and amazing flavor.
The atmosphere was also really nice, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal. We're definitely planning to return to try the spring rolls!
- shrimp lemongrass salad9
- chicken pad Thai9
- fresh9
What White Elephant 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
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
Is White Elephant Asian Kitchen accessible for all guests?
Yes, White Elephant Asian Kitchen offers comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll also find free street parking available.
What dining and service options are available at White Elephant Asian Kitchen?
You can enjoy dine-in with table service for lunch or dinner, or opt for convenient takeout, delivery, or no-contact delivery. Outdoor seating is also available for a pleasant experience, and reservations are accepted for your planning convenience.
How does White Elephant generally rate with customers?
White Elephant holds a good overall score of 7.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 77.3%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.9) and Ambience (8.5), while Service (6.7) is good but inconsistent, and Value (5.9) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about dining at White Elephant?
Diners frequently praise the delicious and fresh Thai food, noting good portions and unique dishes. The ambiance is often described as simple, elegant, comforting, and quiet, with spotless bathrooms. Many also highlight the friendly and welcoming staff.
Are there any common concerns about dining at White Elephant?
Some customers have experienced inconsistent or slow service, including long waiting times and a perceived lack of communication or empathy from staff. There are also occasional comments about certain dishes lacking flavor or being bland, and some find the prices to be on the higher side.