Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Soi 30th – San Diego
Soi 30th - San Diego
Photo from Soi 30th
Soi 30th at a glance
San Diego North Park
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#248 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#12 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
512
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Great service
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Parking challenge
- Service variability
- Pad Thai issues
The restaurant Soi 30th is a vibrant Thai Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s lively North Park neighborhood. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, delicious vegan dishes, or small plates to share, this spot offers a diverse menu. It’s an ideal destination for a quick bite or a full dinner, providing a welcoming experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Soi 30th
Soi 30th offers a compelling Thai dining experience, often praised for its authentic flavors and well-prepared dishes. Guests frequently commend the attentive service and appreciate the fairly priced menu, which provides good value for the quality.
However, some diners have noted challenges with parking in the area, and occasional reports suggest inconsistencies in service. There have also been specific concerns regarding certain dishes, like the Pad Thai, which some found overly spicy or lacking expected ingredients.
Good
7.8
out of 10
512
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
90
negative
28
neutral
394
positive
Soi 30th generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid 7.8 Restaurant Score. Customer Satisfaction stands at a respectable 77%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 512 customer remarks, with 394 positive observations outweighing 90 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture of the establishment. The culinary experience is a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.2).
Ambience also contributes positively (7.3), often described as cozy. Service receives a good score (7.1), though some experiences vary.
Value (6.6) is considered fair, despite a few concerns about pricing discrepancies.
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Attentive, friendly service
- Good food quality
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Service inconsistencies
- Pad Thai concerns
Soi 30th presents a compelling option for those seeking authentic Thai cuisine. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, it’s clear that many guests find it a worthwhile visit, particularly for its culinary strengths and welcoming atmosphere.
If you prioritize flavorful Thai dishes and friendly service, this spot is likely to satisfy. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps inquire about dish specifics if you have particular preferences, especially for popular items like Pad Thai.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Soi 30th
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 82.1%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 318 total opinions, a whopping 261 praise the authentic Thai food, especially popular dishes like Khao Soi and Pad See Ew, and appreciate the excellent vegan options available.
However, not every dish is a winner. There were 39 less favorable comments, with some mentioning issues like burnt Pad Thai, raw pork, or old seafood ingredients. A few found certain dishes to be overly sweet, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation, or noted an overly sweet soy sauce.
Food
318
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
39
negative
18
neutral
261
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Delicious noodle dishes
- Excellent vegan options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Raw or old ingredients
- Overly sweet dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great food and awesome vegetarian options. Specifically, the mock duck in the Larb salad was a standout.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! This place very well might have the best Thai food in town (edit: 2nd best). The service was friendly and the food was delicious, amazing, and authentic with tremendous flavor 🙏.
- khao soiAlready craving it again, and we just had it a week ago. The Penang curry is amazing with the crispy pork, the khao soi is perfectly cooked, the crab fried rice has a ton of flavor, and the pad see ew with chicken is our go-to. Also, can’t do wrong with their Tom kha, the coconut is perfect in it.
- Khao SoiKhao Soi. If the perfect dream was manifest as reality, it would be this dish.
- FoodFood:5
- crab fried riceAlready craving it again, and we just had it a week ago. The Penang curry is amazing with the crispy pork, the khao soi is perfectly cooked, the crab fried rice has a ton of flavor, and the pad see ew with chicken is our go-to. Also, can’t do wrong with their Tom kha, the coconut is perfect in it.
- flavorsIt's hands down the best Thai food I’ve had in the city. This hidden gem delivers an incredibly authentic experience, with bold and vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spice and freshness in every dish. The menu is fairly priced, offering amazing value for the quality.
- pad see ewI have a theory that most Thai places either have really good noodles and just okay curries or great curry and not-so-great noodles, but this place has BOTH great curries AND great noodles. We’re vegetarian so we always get pad see ew with mock duck, and we’ve served this to meat-loving friends who have given it a stamp of approval. The staff is the friendliest and always quick and helpful.
- vegetarian optionsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great food and awesome vegetarian options. Specifically, the mock duck in the Larb salad was a standout.
- Pad See EwPad See Ew... have always been steller
Frequently criticized
- foodholding these people food for no reason
- pad thaithe pad thai was so spicy I couldn't eat it
- Pad See EwThe Pad See Ew was underwhelming and too sweet.
- Pad Thaino crushed peanuts with my pad Thai
- Thai chicken wingsThe Thai chicken wings were all tough as if three days old and refried.
- bitter aftertasteend result is a bitter aftertaste
- burnt Pad Thaisecond time I received burnt Pad Thai
- chicken in green curryThe chicken in the green curry looked and tasted stale
- chunks of beefThe Thai crispy chicken wings and drunken noodles were also good. However, the drunken noodles contained chunks of beef instead of slices, which was a minor letdown.
- cold foodate our cold food
If youre craving authentic Thai flavors and dont mind a slight risk of inconsistency, this place is definitely worth a try. Many rave about the noodle dishes and vegan options, but be mindful of potential issues with quality or sweetness.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.1. Many customers rave about the staff being friendly and accommodating, with numerous mentions of attentive server and fast service. Based on 79 positive remarks out of 116 total, it seems many experiences are quite pleasant.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.1%, indicating some room for improvement. There are 33 negative comments, with some guests encountering rude staff, feeling unwelcome, or experiencing incredibly slow service and a general attitude from certain individuals. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so expectations should be managed.
Service
116
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
33
negative
4
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Accommodating to needs
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Incredibly slow service
- Disorganized operations
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere is fantastic—small and intimate, with a cozy patio that adds to the charm, truly giving off that Thailand street food vibe. The service was exceptional; the staff was attentive and friendly. If you’re looking for top-tier Thai food, this is the spot!
- staffThe staff is the friendliest and always quick and helpful
- serverThe green curry soup was truly unbelievable, and I highly recommend ordering the mango and sticky rice. Our server was also fantastic; he was very attentive, happy, and extremely personable. I couldn’t recommend this place enough!
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceflawless customer service! They are so so nice
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and friendly people. We often call ahead for takeout.
- waitressWhile there was ample seating, the atmosphere felt a bit muggy and humid, even with the fans on. Our waitress was very kind, and overall, we enjoyed our time at Soi 30th!
- Mayathanks to Maya's reading my mind
- allergiesKnowledgeable about allergies
- attentive serverhe was attentive
Frequently criticized
- servicethe way I was treated at the restaurant was one the rudest ways
- staffI wish the staff was more knowledgeable about gluten allergies.
- pick up ordersliars on pick up orders
- waitI came here on a whim because the wait down the road was ridiculous. It was so good, I'm back the next night to try something different.
- Yelp check-in offerOn my first visit, I inquired about the Yelp check-in offer for new customers. The cashier stated her boss prohibited giving the free one-time drink unless customers dined in. This contradicts Yelp's policy, and I found it illogical as prices are the same for dine-in and takeout.
- attitudethe girl working has such an attitude
- bowls or spoonsnever gives us bowls or spoons
- cashier womandidn't like the way I was served by the cashier woman
- customer serviceI was there just to do DoorDash and I saw them holding the food for my customer for no reason. Their customer service is ridiculous.
- disorganizedthey were just really disorganized
Overall, youre likely to encounter friendly and efficient service here, making it a good choice if thats a priority. Just be aware that a few experiences point to occasional rudeness or slow service, so it might not be perfect every time.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 70.2%. Many guests rave about the atmosphere, especially the outdoor dining and cozy patio that gives off a fantastic Thailand street food vibe. With 40 positive remarks, its clear people love the relaxed, dog-friendly setting.
However, its not all sunshine and street food. Some of the 12 negative comments point to challenges with parking, particularly at night, and the traffic noise if youre sitting outside. A few also noted that the patio at night can be not well lit, ' which might dim the mood a bit.
Ambience
57
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy patio vibe
- Dog-friendly outdoor
- Thailand street feel
What people don't like
- Parking is difficult
- Patio lighting dim
- Indoor space tight
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere the people that were hanging out there to the people do the people working there made me feel
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- North Park lunch spotPerfect North Park lunch spot
- Thailand street food vibegives off that Thailand street food vibe
- bathroomsBathrooms inside clean
- casual restaurantIt is a casual restaurant
- cozySo cozy
- cozy patioThe menu is fairly priced, offering amazing value for the quality. The atmosphere is fantastic—small and intimate, with a cozy patio that adds to the charm, truly giving off that Thailand street food vibe. The service was exceptional; the staff was attentive and friendly.
- deckIt was amazing. I sat on the deck and read the paper. The service was attentive without being overbearing.
- decorI also like the decor there made me feel like I was back on soi 7
Frequently criticized
- parkingWe often call ahead for takeout. However, be aware that parking is very limited at night.
- atmosphereit was a little muggy and humid inside, even with the fans on.
- lightsthe lights are dull yellow
- parking on streetParking on st can be tough
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- parking spotsometimes it can be a pain to find a parking spot!
- patio at nightthe patio at night is not well lit
- space outsidethe space is tight outside.
- trafficyou're also sitting along the traffic of 30th St.
If you're looking for a casual, vibrant spot with a great outdoor vibe, especially during the day, this place is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a potential hunt for parking, and maybe plan your evening patio visit for earlier hours if lighting is a concern.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction at 66.7%. Many diners appreciate the excellent value, noting that the menu is fairly priced and offers good prices for the quality. Youll often find generous portions that feel worth the price, with some even mentioning saving a few bucks on street parking, based on 14 positive sentiments.
However, not everyone feels theyre getting a fair deal. Some experiences point to sketchy business practices, particularly with misleading online prices that dont match whats charged. There are also complaints about certain items feeling like a medium-high California price, leading some to suggest saving your time and money, as seen in 6 negative opinions.
Value
21
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Generous portions
- Reasonable menu
What people don't like
- Misleading online prices
- High California prices
Often praised
- priceI opted for medium spice, which was just right for me. The crab fried rice was very good, and the meat portions on all dishes were very generous for the price. While parking might be difficult on weekends and evenings, it was not crowded or hard to find during lunchtime.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a small place that serves very good Thai food at reasonable prices. The service was excellent, with a score of 5 out of 5.
- good pricesserving good food and good prices
- menuThis hidden gem delivers an incredibly authentic experience, with bold and vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spice and freshness in every dish. The menu is fairly priced, offering amazing value for the quality. The atmosphere is fantastic—small and intimate, with a cozy patio that adds to the charm, truly giving off that Thailand street food vibe.
- price per personI also tried the Sai Krok Isan for the first time and found it to be tasty. The reviewer metadata also indicates that the Pad See EW with Pork Belly is a recommended dish, the price per person is $10–20, and it's highly recommended for vegetarians with a vegetarian menu or section. The atmosphere, service, and food were all rated 5 out of 5, and the meal type was dinner.
- reasonable pricesa reasonable price
- street parkingfinding street parking in the nearby neighborhoods rather than using the pay-to-park lots. Saves a couple bucks
- valueThis hidden gem delivers an incredibly authentic experience, with bold and vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spice and freshness in every dish. The menu is fairly priced, offering amazing value for the quality. The atmosphere is fantastic—small and intimate, with a cozy patio that adds to the charm, truly giving off that Thailand street food vibe.
Frequently criticized
- Chicken Pad Thaionline menu shows chicken pad Thai at 11$
- business practicesMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing due to their sketchy business practices. The online menu clearly stated Chicken Pad Thai for $11, but when I called to order, they attempted to charge $16.
- medium-high California priceall of that to a medium-high California price.
- priceAll that with some rice for 100.00
- time and moneySafe your time and money
- wings and soup and can of coke$31 for wings and soup and can of coke.
If you're looking for generous portions and generally reasonable prices, this place could be a good pick. Just be sure to double-check current pricing, as some have encountered discrepancies that can make it feel less like a good deal.
How are the prices at Soi 30th?
On average, you’ll spend around $26 per person – based on what 85 guests reported. That places this Thai spot in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a little on the higher side.
While the average is $26, we see a good number of diners finding options in the $11–$20 range. Prices do cluster around the average, but theres also a nice spread, offering both more budget-friendly and some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Thai Restaurant, especially given its mid-range positioning. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a good average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Soi 30th
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Exceptional Tom Kha for Cold Relief
My experience was centered around the food, specifically the Tom Kha with tofu and veg. It was an exceptional soup, perfect for when you're feeling under the weather. The food quality was clearly a highlight, earning a high rating.
- Tom Kha with tofu and veg10
- food quality10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
10
So Good, I Came Back Twice!
I came here on a whim because the wait down the road was ridiculous. It was so good, I'm back the next night to try something different. The food quality was exceptional, leading me to return for more.
- food quality10
- wait2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
4
Disappointing First Experience with Bland and Sweet Dishes
My first experience at this restaurant was not good. I visited around 3 pm on a Sunday, and unfortunately, the food was just 'meh'. One of the dishes was excessively sweet, even by American standards.
The chicken in the green curry tasted and looked stale, and the papaya salad was also very sweet. I might consider returning to try other dishes at different times, but my initial impression was unfavorable.
- food2
- dish2
- chicken in green curry2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Tasty Noodle Soup and Crispy Tofu
My experience at this restaurant in downtown SD was excellent. I loved the variety of options available. The noodle soup was particularly tasty and flavorful, which was one of their specials.
For appetizers, we also ordered the crispy tofu. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. It was a moderate noise level during lunch.
- noodle soup9
- crispy tofu8
- options8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fabulous Thai with a Spicy Kick!
Big GRACIAS to Maya and the team on my first visit to Soi 30 on Tuesday, October 21st, around 6 PM. My experience was largely positive, with the Pad Thai shrimp and Somtum salad being absolutely fabulous. My only caution is that my 'medium' spicy order was closer to a 7 or 8 out of 10 on the spice scale.
While still delicious, I will opt for mild next time. I also enjoyed a Singha beer, which Maya thoughtfully provided while I waited for my take-out order, demonstrating great intuition. CHEERS!
- Pad Thai shrimp9
- Somtum salad9
- medium spicy6
What Soi 30th offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of menu options and services can you expect at Soi 30th?
At Soi 30th, you can explore a diverse menu featuring healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, plus small plates. They also offer wine and beer. Service options are flexible, including no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and standard delivery, catering to your convenience.
Is Soi 30th suitable for families, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Soi 30th is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a family-friendly spot. Regarding parking, you’ll usually find it somewhat difficult to locate a space directly, but free street parking is available nearby. This cozy, casual, and trendy Thai restaurant aims to make your visit enjoyable.
How does Soi 30th rate overall?
Soi 30th holds a Restaurant Score of 7.8, indicating a good overall experience. Its strengths lie in Food (8.2) and Ambience (7.3), with Service (7.1) and Value (6.6) also contributing positively.
What do customers appreciate most about Soi 30th?
Customers frequently praise Soi 30th for its authentic flavors and high-quality dishes, often highlighting specific items like Khao Soi. The attentive service and cozy atmosphere are also commonly mentioned as positive aspects.
Are there any common issues or concerns at Soi 30th?
Some diners have reported difficulties with parking in the vicinity. There have also been occasional remarks about inconsistent service and specific concerns regarding the preparation or pricing of certain dishes, such as Pad Thai.