Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sala Thai – San Diego
Sala Thai - San Diego
Photo from Sala Thai
Sala Thai at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#376 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
495
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Cozy Ambiance
- Tasty Curries
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene Issues
- Order Problems
- Value Concerns
The restaurant, Sala Thai, is a welcoming Thai restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood. You’ll find a truly authentic experience here, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection.
This cozy spot offers a casual and quiet atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxing dinner, you’ll feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting Sala Thai
Sala Thai offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating the warm and friendly staff and the inviting ambience. It’s often described as a comfortable spot for a meal, making guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
While the food receives considerable praise for its flavors and variety, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding specific dish preparations. The value proposition also sees mixed reactions, with some finding it reasonable and others feeling certain items are overpriced.
Good
7.3
out of 10
495
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
125
negative
10
neutral
360
positive
Sala Thai achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.7%, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, with 360 positive comments outweighing 125 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Service (8) and Ambience (8.2) stand out as strong points, consistently earning high marks.
The Food (7) also performs well, though it sees a wider range of opinions. Value (6.2) is perceived as more average, with some finding it fair and others less so, reflecting a mixed bag in this area.
What people like
- Exceptional staff service
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Flavorful Thai curries
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Unreliable order fulfillment
- Inconsistent value perception
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Sala Thai presents itself as a generally solid choice. It shines with its attentive service and inviting setting, making it a comfortable spot for many.
If you prioritize a pleasant dining experience and specific well-regarded dishes, it’s worth considering. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and value, as well as occasional service hiccups like order issues.
While many find it satisfying, those seeking consistently flawless execution across all dishes or strict budget options might want to manage expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sala Thai
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68%. Based on 325 remarks, with 221 positive and 96 negative, many praise the delicious and fresh food, highlighting authentic flavors and generous portions, especially for dishes like Khao Soi and various curries. However, some experiences reveal areas for improvement.
Concerns include inconsistent quality, dishes lacking flavor, and surprisingly small portions for certain items. Specific mentions point to issues with blandness, undercooked vegetables, and occasional hygiene mishaps, suggesting a need for more consistent execution.
Food
325
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
96
negative
8
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Fresh, delicious food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Lacks flavor
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was great! I forgot to take pictures, but the food was good. The spicy seafood combo plate was definitely on point.
- Thai foodMy experience at this wonderful neighborhood eatery was fantastic. I enjoyed the delicious Thai food, and the Thai iced coffee and tea were excellent. The owner was incredibly caring and attentive, making the visit even more pleasant.
- curriesThe highlight were the curries.
- Massaman curryMassaman curry was very yummy!
- Pad Thaithe Pad Thai and Pad See Ew delicious
- brown riceI love that they still have the same fresh taste, same smiling faces, and great service. My personal favorite is the chicken Penang with brown rice. Just know to ask for mild if you don’t like it spicy.
- fried riceThe yellow curry and fried rice is good here
- mango sticky riceThe peanut sauce with the summer rolls was really good, and the hot pot had lots of wontons and a really yummy broth. The mango sticky rice was really good too, as the other reviews say lol. No pics unfortunately, but the plating was really cute and picture worthy!
- yellow curryThe yellow curry and fried rice is good here
- FoodEverything about this place was phenomenal!
Frequently criticized
- Pad ThaiI ordered Pad Thai. The dish contained only four shrimp
- flavorThere is no flavor in the food
- Thai foodworst Thai food restaurant that I have ever been to
- chickenI won't be returning. The Pineapple rice was also tasteless and contained very little chicken. However, the egg rolls were good.
- foodMy experience at Sala Thai was unfortunately marked by mushy, bland food, suggesting they are relying on past glory and have become sub-par. While the staff were a redeeming factor, described as sweet and courteous, the food was the polar opposite.
- noodlesthe noodles were as well. There was no spice added into the noodles
- vegetablesThe portion size was decent for the lunch price, but the pad thai was dry, the noodles were slightly overcooked, and it lacked flavor. It was served on a bed of soggy vegetables, like cabbage and broccoli, which I found unusual and unappealing. While other dishes might be better, I suspect they might not be either.
- fried riceThe food served was what I'd call "white" Thai food, with no chopsticks or sriracha readily available unless specifically requested. The Pad Thai was overly saucy, the fried rice was salty, the whole fried fish was not fresh, and the Tom Kha soup was frankly nasty. It seems many reviewers haven't experienced quality Thai food.
- mango chickenThe mango chicken was basically their equivalent of sweet and sour chicken but with as little sauce as possible
- pad thaithe pad thai itself wasn't that great
If youre seeking authentic Thai flavors and generous portions, this spot is often a great choice. However, be aware that experiences can be inconsistent, with some finding dishes bland or portions small. Its worth trying, but manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83%, its clear guests are loving their experience. Many of the 88 positive comments rave about the wonderful family atmosphere, friendly service from the staff, and attentive workers who make you feel right at home.
However, not every interaction was perfect, with 18 negative comments pointing out some hiccups. A few guests mentioned issues like missing utensils or napkins, frustrating waiting time for online orders, and even order cancellation. There were also instances of an inattentive server' that left some feeling overlooked.
Service
106
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Family-run charm
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Missing basic items
- Online order issues
- Occasional inattention
Often praised
- serviceI had the summer rolls, shrimp wonton hot pot, and mango sticky rice. All of it was really good and came out quickly. The peanut sauce with the summer rolls was really good, and the hot pot had lots of wontons and a really yummy broth.
- staffI also recommend the chicken khao soi and of course some mango sticky rice for dessert 😋. The staff are also really kind and service is quick. Highly recommend this restaurant, best Thai food in San Diego!
- ownerThe Khao Soi is the best I've ever tried. The owner is a sweetheart and genuinely ensures you enjoy your meal. I make it a point to return every time I'm in the area.
- peopleThe people are super nice and never disappoint!
- nice peopleGreat restaurant run by nice people
- Quick and friendlyQuick and friendly.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff is great
- StaffsStaffs were friendly and inviting
- attentive workersvery attentive workers
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was sadly marked by inconsistent quality and service. While it can be great, it seems the establishment is not interested in getting it right.
- utensilsNo utensils or sauce not even a napkin
- waiting timeI ordered online, and the order was initially accepted. However, after my family and I had been waiting for 50 minutes, they canceled the order.
- hair netsIn cooking use hair nets
- napkinNo utensils or sauce not even a napkin
- online orderordered online, accepted order, and then they canceled order
- operation hoursThey are also fast to pick up their phone, which I really appreciate. My only hope is that they can fix/update their operation hours on Google to avoid confusion, as Google says they close at 8: 30 PM, but Uber says they're 24 hours on Fridays. When we called, they actually close at 11 PM.
- order cancellationthey canceled order after my kids and family been waiting
- refundwhen asking for a refund was told I had to bring the food back
- sauceNo utensils or sauce not even a napkin
Overall, the service here is genuinely good, often described as friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional minor slip-ups like forgotten items or online order issues, the overwhelmingly positive interactions suggest youll likely be well taken care of. Its definitely worth a visit if you value warm, personal service.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place generally hits all the right notes! With a good 8.2 score and an excellent 90% customer satisfaction, its clear most guests love the atmosphere. Many (36 out of 40 comments) highlight the warm and inviting atmosphere, nicely decorated interior, and cleanness, making it a chill spot perfect for date night or family groups.
However, a few experiences (3 comments) suggest the ambiance might not blow you away or received lower ratings. One very concerning report even mentioned a live roach' in a to-go box, which is a significant point to consider for some.
Ambience
40
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Clean, decorated interior
- Great for dates
What people don't like
- Live roach reported
Often praised
- atmosphereThe overall atmosphere was laid-back but very nice.
- ambiencethe ambience is very nice, dim lights and authentic feel
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was quiet and nice
- chill spotThe spicy seafood combo plate was definitely on point. It's also a chill spot for a date.
- cleannesscleanness great both sit down & take out
- covid regstaking the covid regs seriously
- date nightDate night quiet
- decorThe decor was pleasing as well.
- decoration and lightingThe decoration and lighting is so well done and thoughtful
Frequently criticized
- ambianceDon't expect to be blown away by the ambiance
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- live roacha live roach was literally in one of our to go boxes
If you're seeking a spot with a generally pleasant, clean, and inviting atmosphere for a casual meal or a date, this place is usually a solid pick. Just be aware of a rare but serious cleanliness issue that was reported.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands squarely in the average zone with a score of 6.2, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 62.5%. Many diners appreciate the overall price and find the lunch special to be a great deal, often highlighting discounts and even BOGO deals as a nice perk. Based on 24 comments, with 15 positive remarks, it seems many feel the food is well-priced and offers a decent non-fast food meal.
However, not everyone agrees, with 8 negative comments suggesting some feel they were charged too much or that certain items were not worth your money. There are mentions of being charged way more than expected and concerns about the price for pickup being a touch high, indicating that value can be inconsistent depending on what you order or how you get it.
Value
24
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Lunch specials
- BOGO deals
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Overpriced items
- High pickup cost
Often praised
- priceFor dessert, the mango sticky rice was absolutely delicious, offering a sweet and fresh end to the meal. The portions were generous, making the meal definitely worth the price. I'm eager to return and explore more of their menu!
- pricesThe food was delicious, and the staff was incredibly friendly. What truly stood out were the great prices. We arrived just 30 minutes before closing, but instead of being rushed out, we were greeted graciously by the staff.
- BOGO dealThey do have BOGO deal sometimes which is a nice perk
- decently priced non fast food meala decently priced non fast food meal
- discountlove the discount they offer!!!
- lunch speciallunch special is filling & under $20
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price of the mango sticky for the 3 spoonfuls of food is unbelievable.
- $24There was no flavor, and the egg rolls tasted like vegetables dipped in peanut butter sauce. It feels like I wasted $24.
- chargedthey still charged me
- charged way moreI was charged way more than reputable local Thai restaurants
- moneyNot worth your money.
- not worth your moneyNOT WORTH YOUR MONEY!!
- price for pickupprice for pickup was a touch high
If you're looking for a good deal, especially with lunch specials or potential BOGO offers, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful of what you order and consider dining in, as some find certain items or pickup prices to be less of a value.
How are the prices at Sala Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 57 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.
While the average hits 22, most guests actually spend a bit less, with prices clustering strongly in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. It’s a nice mix, leaning towards good value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai spot. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sala Thai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Live Roach Found in Takeout Box!
I got take out from this restaurant. I initially told my wife that I didn't think it was a good place, but she insisted we try it. To our absolute horror, a live roach was literally found in one of our to-go boxes.
A LIVE ROACH. We will never eat here again. I strongly advise others to DO NOT EAT HERE.
- live roach1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
A Hidden Gem with Delicious Food and Warm Service
I checked out this little place that, from the outside, looks very unassuming. However, the ambience inside is quite lovely! The food is really flavorful and not greasy at all, with great vegan options.
They offer more than just tofu, including just veggies, mock chicken, and mock duck. The service is very personal, which is fitting for this small, family establishment that's been around for 35 years. It's owned by a sweet older lady and her son, who grew up in the restaurant and is now helping to run it – a true family-owned business experience.
I was glad I stumbled into this little gem after a yoga class next door. It's also one of the few places open until 11 pm. I really enjoyed my meal, which included the red curry with brown rice and a plain, clear vegetable soup.
- ambience9
- food10
- vegan options10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Quick Service!
My experience at the restaurant was really good! I had the summer rolls, shrimp wonton hot pot, and mango sticky rice. All of it was really good and came out quickly.
The peanut sauce with the summer rolls was really good, and the hot pot had lots of wontons and a really yummy broth. The mango sticky rice was really good too, as the other reviews say lol. No pics unfortunately, but the plating was really cute and picture worthy!
- summer rolls9
- shrimp wonton hot pot9
- mango sticky rice9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Thai Gem for Two Decades!
My family loves this restaurant; they are super friendly and the food is always delicious and fresh, whether it's take-out or enjoyed at a table. We have been coming here for nearly 2 decades and they never disappoint! Some of the best Thai food we've ever had.
The curry, noodles, appetizers, and soups are all delicious! Especially the Tom Kha and their panang curry with duck are my favorites. I cannot recommend this place enough!
- friendliness10
- food quality10
- consistency10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Flavors, Wasted Money
I saw this place on TikTok and decided to try it out. The restaurant has been nicely renovated. However, I've walked past and seen it empty a lot, and now I understand why.
I tried it today and I’m Not a fan of the food. I ordered the egg rolls and pineapple fried rice. I was disappointed and not satisfied; everything just tasted like peanut butter.
There was no flavor, and the egg rolls tasted like vegetables dipped in peanut butter sauce. It feels like I wasted $24.
- food1
- egg rolls1
- pineapple fried rice1
What Sala Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
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
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
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 services does Sala Thai Restaurant offer in San Diego?
At Sala Thai, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with full table service. For your convenience, they also provide no-contact delivery, standard delivery, and takeout services, ensuring you can savor their delicious Thai cuisine wherever you are.
Does Sala Thai Restaurant cater to specific dietary needs and offer convenient parking?
Yes, Sala Thai is committed to accommodating various dietary preferences, offering healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. You’ll also find parking to be hassle-free, with free street parking and a free parking lot usually providing plenty of space for your visit.
How does Sala Thai generally perform according to customer feedback?
Sala Thai holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.3** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **72.7%**. Its **Ambience** (8.2) and **Service** (8) are highly rated, while **Food** (7) is good, and **Value** (6.2) is considered average.
What are some popular dishes at Sala Thai?
Many customers frequently praise the flavorful curries, especially the Massaman curry, as well as the Pad Thai and mango sticky rice.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Sala Thai?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with dishes like Pad Thai, and concerns regarding value for money. There have also been occasional reports of order fulfillment issues.