Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Thotsakan – San Diego
Thotsakan - San Diego
Photo from Thotsakan
Thotsakan at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 96 of the guests
#310 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#14 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
519
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Vegan friendly
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Hidden charges
- Service issues
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine is a delightful Thai Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood of San Diego. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, perfect for complementing your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find a welcoming space here.
You can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in, or opt for convenient takeout and delivery services.
Overview: Introducting Thotsakan
Thotsakan presents a Thai dining experience where the `food` often stands out, especially for its diverse `vegan options` and `generous portions`. Many appreciate the `friendly service` and the generally pleasant atmosphere, making it a place where the culinary offerings leave a positive impression.
Yet, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly concerning `value`, with mentions of unexpected charges or dishes feeling `pricey`. Service can also be a point of contention, with reports of staff trying to `rush` guests or making errors with orders.
Good
7.6
out of 10
519
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
83
negative
38
neutral
398
positive
Overall, Thotsakan achieves a respectable 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a solid 76.7%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons.
The Food (8.1) is clearly a standout, receiving excellent marks and dominating discussions with 398 positive remarks out of 519 total customer comments. While the culinary aspect shines, other areas present a more mixed picture.
Ambience (7.2) is rated as good, contributing positively to the dining experience. However, Service (6.6) and Value (6) both fall into the average range.
Despite numerous positive comments, these areas also saw 83 negative remarks, suggesting room for improvement to elevate the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious Thai food
- Diverse vegan options
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Inconsistent service
- Parking challenges
With a solid 7.8 recommendation score, Thotsakan is generally a worthwhile option, especially if you prioritize flavorful Thai cuisine and diverse plant-based choices. The generous portions and often efficient service contribute to a satisfying meal for many.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and value, including parking challenges or unexpected charges. If you’re seeking excellent food and can overlook minor operational hiccups, Thotsakan could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thotsakan
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 82.4%, diners often praise the extensive vegan options, flavorful curries, and the use of fresh ingredients. Many also appreciate the generous portion sizes, making for a satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a perfect ten. Among the 38 negative remarks, some mentioned a lack of flavor in certain items or dishes being a bit too greasy. There were also comments about excessive sweetness in some plates and occasional issues with mock meats, suggesting a slight inconsistency.
Food
346
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
38
negative
23
neutral
285
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Extensive vegan options
- Flavorful curries
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Overly greasy dishes
- Excessive sweetness
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was great! The service was nice and the food was really good, arriving super fast. I was impressed by the endless vegan options, and they were even flexible about the lunch menu to accommodate my preferences.
- vegan optionsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the tons of great vegan options available, including both veggie-centric dishes and meat analogs. I highly recommend getting the edamame with garlic; it was truly GREAT!
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was a rich and flavorful Thai food experience, perfect for a quick and easy lunch. It truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal.
- drunken noodlesI had some of the best vegan Thai food I’ve ever tasted. We ordered the vegan pad Thai and drunken noodles, both with mock chicken and mock duck. The food was incredible!
- vegetarian optionslarge choice of vegetarian options that truly don’t feel like a compromise on flavor
- Pad ThaiPad Thai, Drunken Noodles and Green Curry have been our go to dishes
- spring rollsthe spring rolls were some of the best I’ve ever had
- summer rollsWe savored the summer rolls, accompanied by a delectable peanut sauce.
- mock chickenI had some of the best vegan Thai food I’ve ever tasted. We ordered the vegan pad Thai and drunken noodles, both with mock chicken and mock duck. The food was incredible!
- portionsthe portions are generous and huge
Frequently criticized
- foodfelt sick the rest of the day from the food
- mock chickeninstead of the mock chicken I ordered
- Drunken NoodlesThe Drunken Noodles did not have a lot of pork
- Pot StickersPot stickers were overly fried and lacked the flavors.
- Tom Yumone of the worst Tom Yum I’d ever tried
- Vegan Pad ThaiVegan Pad Thai was too sweet and bland
- Vegetarian optionsToo light for the price
- amount of oilit has a lot amount of oil in it
- authentic thai foodthey can't make authentic thai food
- bell peppers and onionssome dishes had too many large pieces of bell peppers and onions
If you're seeking a Thai restaurant with a wide array of delicious options, especially if you value excellent vegan choices and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might have inconsistent flavor or be a bit too sweet or greasy.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an overall score of an average 6.6 and customer satisfaction at a mixed 65.3%. Many guests, in 62 positive remarks, frequently praised the friendly staff and professional staff for their fast service and accommodating nature, often leading to a pleasant experience. Reviewers often highlighted quick, kind, and efficient interactions.
However, 28 negative comments reveal some bumps in the road. Some patrons reported terrible service, encountering rude staff, wrong food, or feeling rushed through their meal. These instances point to a need for more consistent professionalism and attention to detail, creating a noticeable contrast in experiences.
Service
95
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order errors
- Felt rushed
Often praised
- serviceI had delicious Thai food and it's a great place to have lunch. The lunch sets are value for money, offering a delicious meal with fast service. The restaurant is also family and kids friendly, with ease to access and plenty of parking available, including street parking in front and a free parking lot.
- ServiceThe dishes were cooked quickly and brought to our table within minutes
- staffThe staff was attentive and pleasant, adding to the overall positive experience.
- Customer serviceCustomer service is 10/10
- ServersServers were friendly and accommodating.
- accommodatingHaving tried a lot of Thai food in my life, I can confidently say this was among the best, if not the very best. They offer amazing vegetarian options and are very accommodating for those who prefer dishes without fish sauce. This is a super great restaurant and I highly recommend it.
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- efficiencyThe food is delicious and the staff is friendly. Both are very efficient and quick! The summer rolls are a nice appetizer to share (I think 6 pieces).
- friendly servicefriendly service more then make up for it
- friendly staffExtremely friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was a little lacking
- serverHer response was, "you didn't say mock."
- staffI was travelling for work and this restaurant looked like a chilled place to have dinner by myself. However, the staff did not seem happy to serve a table for one and tried to rush me through my meal before I had finished. Even though it wasn't busy, with only one couple waiting, I was abruptly given the check shortly after starting my entree.
- DAILY lunch specialspointed out to where it says DAILY lunch specials and she said it hasn't been updated
- checkreceive my check 10 min after sitting down
- deliverytwo hours no response from the restaurant
- forgot the Thai teaInitially, when I went to pick up my order, they gave me the wrong food. I pointed this out at the restaurant, and after some insistence, they finally brought me what they claimed was the correct order, but they forgot the Thai tea, requiring another wait. To my dismay, I later discovered that my soup contained real chicken instead of the mock chicken I had ordered.
- given the checkHowever, the staff did not seem happy to serve a table for one and tried to rush me through my meal before I had finished. Even though it wasn't busy, with only one couple waiting, I was abruptly given the check shortly after starting my entree.
- hostessThe hostess had attitude, rude and gossiping
- lunch specialsshe said there are no lunch specials on the weekend
So, should you go? If you value quick and friendly interactions, you'll likely have a good experience. However, be aware that some guests have encountered issues with order accuracy or staff demeanor, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.2 indicating a pleasant overall feel. Many guests, based on 36 positive comments out of 52, loved the atmosphere, describing it as a clean and comfortable setting with a nice vibe. People often found it a casual downtown setting that was calm and relaxing, contributing to a very pleasant dining experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.2%, suggesting a mixed bag for some. A few guests (8 negative comments) noted issues like a strong smell inside and difficulty in finding parking. There were also mentions of not much of atmosphere or feeling unwelcome with kids, which can detract from the overall comfort.
Ambience
52
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
8
negative
8
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, comfortable setting
- Pleasant dining experience
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
- Strong indoor smell
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant is casual but hip
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantThe restaurant is clean and well maintained
- Kid-friendlinessFamily and kids friendly
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- Wheelchair accessibilityEase to access
- accessibilityAccessibilité personne à mobilité réduite
- casual downtown settingfresh, affordable Thai food in a casual downtown setting
- chilled restaurantlooked like a chilled restaurant to get have dinner
- dining experienceoverall a very pleasant dining experience
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe service was also quite good. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the overall experience was positive, especially given the reasonable price per person.
- Parking optionsvery little parking options in downtown SD
- atmospherenot much of atmosphere
- kidswe felt very unwelcome with our kids
- locationService and Location is mediocre.
- sauce trayThere was a strong, unpleasant smell inside the place that felt unsanitary. I suggest they explore more hygienic options for the sauce tray, as it was left open, which contributed to this feeling.
- smell insideThere's a strong smell inside the place
If you're looking for a generally pleasant and relaxed spot with a good vibe, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a possible odd smell, which might impact your overall comfort.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to offer a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 with 57.7% customer satisfaction. Many diners, based on 15 positive remarks, found the experience quite positive, often praising it as affordable and offering reasonably-priced Thai food. The lunch special and inexpensive options frequently stood out as great deals, providing good portions for the cost.
However, not everyone felt they got their moneys worth, with 9 negative comments indicating some concerns. Terms like pricey, tip, and bill often appeared in these less favorable experiences. Some guests felt the charge was too high for the quality or quantity of food, and there were instances of unexpected additions to the bill, ' leading to frustration.
Value
26
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great lunch specials
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Unexpected bill charges
- Perceived as pricey
- Automatic tip issues
Often praised
- priceWhile the drunken noodles were decent, they unfortunately lacked spice, which was a bit disappointing as they weren't spicy at all. The food was fast and reasonably priced, making it a good option for dinner. The atmosphere was rated a 4 and service a 5, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- pricesprices are reasonable too
- price per personThe service was also quite good. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the overall experience was positive, especially given the reasonable price per person.
- affordableIt was affordable
- inexpensivealso inexpensive
- lunch setsLunch sets are value for money
- lunch specialit was such an incredible deal: for only $16 you choose an entree
- reasonably-priced Thai foodThe Thai iced tea alone is worth a return visit. I would absolutely recommend this place if you're looking for reasonably-priced Thai food that offers vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegan choices all in one spot.
Frequently criticized
- $26not enough food for $26 unbelievable
- ParkingParking nearby was a pain in the butt
- billMy bill was $100 ... the bill came $120
- chargeMy bill was $100 for only 4 people, and when they ran my card, the bill came to $120 with a line for a tip. When I asked about it, they played dumb and would not correct the charge. They said it was the tip, but I had not been notified of that.
- mealshe didn't even take my meal off the bill
- pricenot very high quality for the price
- priceyit was pricey for $18
- service experience$20 for terrible service will never be worth it
- tipthey will automatically add the tip after they take your card
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during lunch or for specific affordable dishes, this place could be a solid choice. However, be mindful of the final bill and any potential extra charges, as some diners felt it could be a bit pricey or had issues with unexpected tips.
How are the prices at Thotsakan?
You’re looking at roughly $26 per person – reported by 96 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 pretty consistent mid-range experience, though a few do splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 96 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality Thai spot in San Diego. It’s a good value for what you get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thotsakan
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Vegetarian Options, Minor Bell Pepper Issue
I had a fantastic experience with the large choice of vegetarian options that truly don't feel like a compromise on flavor. The Tom Yum soup was very good, although some dishes had an excessive amount of large bell pepper and onion pieces. The larb was good, but not outstanding.
Despite these minor points, I would definitely come back and try more things.
- vegetarian options9
- Tom Yum soup8
- larb6
- bell peppers and onions4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Outstanding Vegan Thai Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely outstanding! We were blown away, especially by their extensive vegan menu, which is one of the best I’ve seen at any Thai restaurant. They offer so many thoughtful plant-based options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
The highlights included the spring rolls, which were perfectly crispy and fresh, and the Thai samosas, featuring amazing flaky pastry with flavorful curry filling. Even the garden salad was surprisingly fantastic; I never knew I could love a warm salad dressing until tonight—it added such a cozy, delicious touch that elevated the whole dish. The service was friendly, the portions were generous, and everything tasted authentic and fresh.
If you’re vegan or just love great Thai food, this place is a must-visit.
- vegan menu10
- plant-based options9
- spring rolls9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Delivery Experience
My experience was the worst. I ordered through DoorDash, and after two hours, there was still no response from the restaurant. The only information they provided to the dasher was that the order would be ready in 15 minutes.
They also did not pick up the phone. It was a worst experience.
- delivery1
- restaurant response1
- order readiness2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Curries with Great Options
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great and tasty, with a good level of spiciness. I especially loved that they offer the option of brown rice with their curries.
The gluten-free options were clearly marked, which was very helpful. I had the Red Curry, which was a recommended dish. The service was excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5.
The atmosphere was also very pleasant, rated at 4. This was a great dinner experience.
- food9
- spiciness8
- brown rice9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Phenomenal Lunch, Cooked to Perfection!
My lunch experience at this restaurant was phenomenal. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. The prices were also reasonable, making it a great value.
- food10
- prices8
What Thotsakan offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine is designed with accessibility in mind. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What kind of dietary options are available at Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine?
At Thotsakan Thai and Vegetarian Cuisine, you’ll discover a wide range of dietary choices. They proudly offer healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes, catering to various preferences and lifestyles.
What is Thotsakan's overall rating and how do its key aspects score?
Thotsakan has an overall score of **7.6**. Its **Food** is highly rated at **8.1**, with **Ambience** scoring **7.2**. **Service** and **Value** both receive average scores of **6.6** and **6** respectively.
Are there good options for vegan and vegetarian diners at Thotsakan?
Yes, Thotsakan is well-regarded for its `great vegan options` and `large choice of vegetarian options`, with many customers finding them satisfying and flavorful.
What are some potential drawbacks or issues to be aware of when dining at Thotsakan?
Diners have occasionally noted `inconsistent service`, including feeling rushed or experiencing order errors. `Parking challenges` and `unexpected charges` have also been mentioned as potential concerns.