Unearth The Voyage
California’s Thai food scene is one of the most exciting in the country, with restaurants serving everything from fiery Southern Thai curries to delicate Northern Thai noodle bowls. Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, boat noodles swimming in rich broth, or crab curries that light up your taste buds, the Golden State has a spot for you.
From Los Angeles to San Francisco and down to San Diego, these restaurants bring authentic flavors, serious heat, and unforgettable dishes that will make you want to come back again and again.
1. Night + Market Song (Los Angeles, Silver Lake)
Bangkok energy meets Los Angeles cool at this Silver Lake hotspot where the menu reads like a love letter to old-school Thai street food. Chef Kris Yenbamroong brings a playful, confident approach to traditional recipes, mixing in some fun ’90s fusion nostalgia that makes every visit feel like a culinary adventure.
The vibe is casual but electric, with a crowd that knows exactly what they’re here for: bold, unapologetic flavor.
Spice levels here are not for the faint of heart. The kitchen believes in letting heat and flavor work together, so when you order, be honest about your tolerance but don’t be afraid to push your limits a little.
Their staple dishes showcase what Thai cooking is really about—layered, complex, and intensely satisfying.
Reservations are handled through Tock, and it’s smart to book ahead, especially on weekends when the room fills up fast. Hours are posted there too, so you can plan your visit around their schedule.
If you’re looking for a place that captures the frenzy and fun of Bangkok’s street food scene without leaving LA, this is your spot. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s absolutely delicious.
2. Jitlada (Los Angeles, Thai Town)
Southern Thai seafood reaches mythological status at this Thai Town institution, where the menu goes deep into regional specialties most restaurants won’t touch. Eater has called out their Southern Thai section as legendary, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
The flavors are intense, the spice is real, and the seafood is treated with the respect it deserves.
Crab curries here are rich and complex, with layers of flavor that build with every bite. The crispy morning glory salad brings texture and freshness, while the mussels in lemongrass broth offer a lighter but equally flavorful option.
Every dish tells a story about Southern Thailand’s coastal cuisine, where seafood and bold spices come together in perfect harmony.
The restaurant has a loyal following, and for good reason. Jitlada doesn’t water anything down or simplify for a Western palate.
Instead, they trust that diners are ready for the real deal, and they deliver it with confidence. If you’re serious about exploring Thai regional cooking, this is one of the most important stops you can make in Los Angeles.
Come hungry, come curious, and be ready for flavors that will stay with you long after the meal ends.
3. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro (Los Angeles, Hollywood)
Phuket’s bold, uncompromising flavors land right in the heart of Hollywood at this MICHELIN Guide-listed gem. The cooking here is rooted in Southern Thai tradition, where spice isn’t just heat—it’s a key player in building deep, satisfying flavor.
Eater describes the approach as spicy and uncompromising, and that’s exactly what makes this place stand out in a city full of Thai options.
Hat Yai fried chicken is a must-order, with its crispy, golden exterior and juicy, flavorful meat that’s been marinated to perfection. The spicy crab curry brings serious heat balanced by rich coconut and aromatic spices.
Shrimp paste fried rice with fried mackerel is another standout, offering a funky, savory depth that’s completely addictive.
You can find current hours and ordering information on their official site, which makes planning your visit easy. The restaurant strikes a nice balance between approachable and authentic, welcoming diners who are new to Southern Thai food while also satisfying those who know exactly what they’re looking for.
If you want to experience Phuket’s culinary soul without leaving LA, Luv2Eat delivers on every level. The flavors are bold, the execution is spot-on, and the experience is unforgettable.
4. Sapp Coffee Shop (Los Angeles, Thai Town)
Noodle lovers, this is your pilgrimage site. Sapp Coffee Shop has earned legendary status for its jade noodles and boat noodles, and once you taste them, you’ll join the ranks of devoted fans who keep coming back.
The jade noodles are a sight to behold—bright green, springy, and topped with an extravagant combination of roast duck, BBQ pork, and crab that makes every bowl feel like a celebration.
Boat noodle soup is another signature, with a rich, deeply flavored broth that’s been simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and makes you understand why Thai noodle culture is so beloved.
The shop itself is no-frills, focusing all its energy on what really matters: the food.
Don’t expect fancy decor or Instagram-worthy interiors. What you will find is a bustling, authentic spot where locals line up for bowls that are as satisfying as they are affordable.
The service is fast, the portions are generous, and the flavors are exactly what you’d find in Bangkok’s best noodle stalls. If you’re exploring Thai Town and want to understand why it’s such a food destination, Sapp Coffee Shop is essential.
Bring cash, come ready to slurp, and prepare to become a regular.
5. Ruen Pair (Los Angeles, Thai Town)
With over 25 years in Thai Town, Ruen Pair has earned its place as a neighborhood stalwart. The menu draws inspiration from central and northeast Thailand, offering dishes that showcase the diversity of Thai regional cooking.
It’s the kind of place where generations of families have celebrated special occasions and where newcomers quickly become regulars.
Papaya salad with raw crab is a bold choice that highlights Isaan flavors—bright, spicy, and intensely savory. Shrimp in spicy Thai seafood sauce brings heat and tang in equal measure, while the stewed pork leg over rice is pure comfort, with tender meat that falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Each dish reflects careful preparation and respect for traditional techniques.
The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. Service is friendly, and the staff is happy to guide you through the menu if you’re not sure what to order.
It’s a place that values consistency and quality, and it shows in every meal. Whether you’re a Thai Town regular or visiting for the first time, Ruen Pair offers a taste of authentic Thai cooking that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Come for the food, stay for the hospitality, and leave planning your next visit.
6. Anajak Thai Cuisine (Sherman Oaks)
A longtime family restaurant transformed into a destination dining experience, Anajak Thai brings together tradition and innovation in the most delicious way. Thai Taco Tuesday has become a local phenomenon, while omakase nights offer a more intimate, chef-driven experience that showcases the kitchen’s creativity and skill.
It’s a place that honors its roots while constantly evolving.
Hamachi crudo might surprise you on a Thai menu, but it works beautifully, with bright citrus and herbs that complement the fish perfectly. Southern Thai fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating.
Grilled black sea bream with nam jim is a showstopper, with the tangy, spicy sauce bringing out the best in the delicate fish.
The transformation from neighborhood spot to culinary destination hasn’t changed the warmth and hospitality that made Anajak special in the first place. The family behind the restaurant is still very much involved, and you can feel their passion in every dish.
Reservations are recommended, especially for special events and omakase nights. If you’re in the Valley and want Thai food that goes beyond the expected, Anajak is where you need to be.
It’s creative, it’s delicious, and it’s proof that family restaurants can evolve without losing their soul.
7. Thai Nakorn (Stanton, Orange County)
Orange County’s deep-menu favorite doesn’t hold back. Thai Nakorn offers bold dishes that venture far beyond the standard curry and pad Thai lineup, with wild boar and serious herb-forward plates that show what Thai cooking can be when chefs aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
The menu is extensive, almost intimidatingly so, but that’s part of the adventure.
Pak Boong Fai Daeng, or stir-fried morning glory, is a must-try. The greens are cooked over high heat until they’re tender but still have snap, then tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce that’s utterly addictive.
Look beyond the familiar curries to find specialty items that showcase regional ingredients and techniques. This is a place that rewards curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
The restaurant’s official site lists business hours and contact information, making it easy to plan your visit. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a crowd that ranges from Thai families to adventurous foodies.
Service is efficient, and the kitchen moves quickly even when the dining room is packed. If you’re in Orange County and serious about Thai food, Thai Nakorn is essential.
It’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it’s proof that some of the best Thai cooking in California happens outside of LA’s city limits.
8. Kin Khao (San Francisco, Union Square area)
One MICHELIN star shines over this Union Square gem, where precision and passion come together in every dish. Kin Khao has earned its place among San Francisco’s most respected Thai restaurants by treating traditional recipes with care while executing them at the highest level.
The MICHELIN Guide publishes service details and hours, confirming what locals already know: this is one of the Bay’s most consistent Thai kitchens.
Curry-driven dishes are the signature here, with complex, layered flavors that show off the kitchen’s technical skill. Each curry is balanced perfectly, with heat, richness, and aromatics working in harmony.
The ingredients are top-quality, the presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are deeply satisfying. It’s Thai cooking with precision, where every element on the plate has a purpose.
The restaurant’s location makes it a great choice for both locals and visitors exploring the city. The dining room is modern and comfortable, with a vibe that’s upscale without being stuffy.
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service. If you want to experience Thai food at its finest—where tradition meets technique and every dish is executed flawlessly—Kin Khao delivers.
It’s earned its star, and it continues to prove why it belongs among the Bay Area’s best restaurants.
9. Nari (San Francisco, Japantown)
Modern Thai meets serious technique at this one MICHELIN star restaurant in Japantown. Nari pushes the boundaries of what Thai food can be while staying rooted in the flavors and traditions that make the cuisine so beloved.
The menu is thoughtful and creative, showcasing ingredients and preparations that surprise and delight with every course.
The restaurant’s FAQ confirms dinner hours and service format, including details about the bar and lounge areas. This attention to detail extends to the food itself, where every dish reflects careful planning and skillful execution.
The kitchen isn’t afraid to take risks, but those risks always pay off in flavors that are both familiar and new.
The dining room is sleek and modern, with an atmosphere that feels special without being intimidating. Service is polished and knowledgeable, with staff who can guide you through the menu and help you make the most of your meal.
Whether you’re sitting at the bar for a more casual experience or settling in for a full dinner, Nari offers something memorable. It’s proof that Thai cuisine can evolve and innovate while still honoring its roots.
If you’re in San Francisco and want to see where Thai cooking is headed, this is your destination. The food is exceptional, the service is excellent, and the experience is one you’ll want to repeat.
10. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine (San Francisco, Mission)
High energy meets high flavor at this Mission District crowd magnet. Farmhouse Kitchen has built a devoted following thanks to its bold cooking and lively atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
OpenTable shows it’s actively taking reservations, and for good reason—this place stays busy, especially on weekends when the dining room buzzes with happy diners.
The menu spans different regions of Thailand, offering everything from rich curries to bright salads and grilled specialties. Each dish is prepared with care and loaded with flavor, showcasing ingredients that are fresh and thoughtfully sourced.
The kitchen doesn’t hold back on spice or intensity, trusting that diners are ready for the real deal.
If you’re planning a weekend visit, booking ahead is essential. The restaurant fills up quickly, and walk-ins often face long waits.
The atmosphere is energetic and fun, with a crowd that’s there to enjoy great food and good company. Service is friendly and efficient, keeping things moving even when the place is packed.
Farmhouse Kitchen proves that Thai restaurants can be both approachable and exciting, offering flavors that appeal to newcomers and Thai food veterans alike. It’s become a Mission staple for good reason, and one meal here will show you exactly why everyone keeps coming back.
11. Khao Tiew (San Francisco, West Portal)
West Portal’s Thai standout is booming, and Eater SF knows exactly why. Khao Tiew brings together a lively room, big flavors, and a menu that stands out even in a city packed with excellent Thai options.
The restaurant has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, drawing crowds who appreciate cooking that’s both authentic and exciting.
The name refers to Thai rice noodles, and noodle dishes are definitely a highlight here. But the menu goes well beyond noodles, offering a range of dishes that showcase different aspects of Thai cooking.
Everything is prepared with attention to detail and a commitment to bold, satisfying flavor. The kitchen isn’t afraid to turn up the heat, and they trust that diners can handle it.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a dining room that feels alive with conversation and the sounds of a busy kitchen. Address details are available on current listings, making it easy to find.
Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the staff clearly takes pride in what they’re serving. If you’re in the West Portal area and craving Thai food that delivers on flavor and atmosphere, Khao Tiew is your answer.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular, where every visit feels like coming home to a delicious meal made with care.
12. Lers Ros (San Francisco)
A San Francisco Thai staple with staying power, Lers Ros offers a huge menu and late-night appeal that makes it a favorite for all kinds of occasions. Multiple listings confirm it’s still operating and serving the diverse, flavorful food that built its reputation.
This is a place that understands Thai cuisine’s breadth and isn’t afraid to showcase it.
The menu goes way beyond the usual five dishes you find at every Thai restaurant. You’ll discover regional specialties, lesser-known curries, and preparations that surprise even experienced Thai food fans.
It’s perfect for groups who want to explore and share, ordering multiple dishes to get a real sense of what Thai cooking offers. The kitchen handles everything with skill, from delicate soups to fiery stir-fries.
Late-night hours make Lers Ros a lifesaver when you’re craving something flavorful after most restaurants have closed. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, focused on delivering good food without unnecessary frills.
Service is efficient, and the staff can help guide you through the extensive menu if you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices. Whether you’re a Thai food expert or just starting to explore beyond pad Thai, Lers Ros offers something for everyone.
It’s a San Francisco institution that continues to serve excellent Thai food day after day, meal after meal, proving that consistency and quality never go out of style.
13. Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine (San Diego, East Village)
San Diego’s only Thai restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide brings a seasonal, region-spanning approach to East Village. Eater highlights this distinction, and it’s well-deserved—Sovereign treats Thai cuisine with the respect and creativity it deserves, creating dishes that honor tradition while embracing what’s fresh and available.
The menu changes with the seasons, keeping things interesting for regulars while maintaining the high standards that earned recognition.
Grilled NY steak is a standout, prepared with Thai flavors that complement the meat’s richness without overwhelming it. Whole rockfish is another highlight, presented beautifully and cooked to perfection, with accompaniments that bring out the fish’s natural sweetness.
These dishes show that Thai cooking can elevate any ingredient when approached with skill and imagination.
The restaurant’s official site is active with ordering information and details about current offerings. The dining room is modern and comfortable, with an atmosphere that feels special enough for celebrations but relaxed enough for a casual dinner.
Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who understand the menu deeply and can make thoughtful recommendations. If you’re in San Diego and want Thai food that goes beyond expectations, Sovereign is essential.
It’s proof that the city’s Thai scene is thriving and that great Thai cooking can happen anywhere chefs are passionate and committed to excellence.
14. Soi 30th (San Diego, North Park)
Northern Thai flavors take center stage at this North Park specialist, where khao soi has achieved iconic status. Eater specifically spotlights this signature dish and the scratch-made noodle element that sets it apart from other versions around the city.
Soi 30th isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—instead, it focuses on doing Northern Thai cooking exceptionally well.
Khao soi here is rich, complex, and deeply satisfying, with a curry broth that’s been carefully balanced and noodles made fresh in-house. The combination of soft and crispy noodles adds textural contrast, while the toppings bring brightness and crunch.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you understand why people travel across the city just to eat here. Fried bananas for dessert are simple but perfect, offering a sweet ending to a spicy meal.
The restaurant’s menu is available on their official site, so you can browse before you visit and plan your order. The space is casual and friendly, with a neighborhood vibe that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
Service is warm and helpful, and the staff clearly loves the food they’re serving. If you’re in North Park and want to experience Northern Thai cooking done right, Soi 30th is your destination.
It’s focused, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what a neighborhood Thai restaurant should be.
15. Supannee House of Thai (San Diego, Shelter Island)
Seafood-forward Thai cooking meets garden-fresh ingredients at this Shelter Island gem. Eater calls out the fresh marina seafood that makes its way onto the menu, along with standout dishes like nam khao tod and khao soi duck that showcase the kitchen’s range and creativity.
The location near the marina isn’t just scenic—it’s a real advantage when it comes to sourcing the freshest fish and shellfish.
Nam khao tod, the crispy rice salad, is a textural masterpiece with crunchy rice, herbs, and bright, tangy flavors that wake up your palate. The esarn classic set offers a journey through northeastern Thai flavors, while khao soi duck puts a rich, indulgent spin on the Northern Thai noodle soup.
Each dish reflects careful preparation and a deep understanding of Thai regional cooking.
The official site lists the location and is actively updated with current information, making it easy to plan your visit. The restaurant has a relaxed, beachy vibe that fits perfectly with its Shelter Island setting.
Service is friendly and accommodating, with staff who are happy to explain dishes and make recommendations. If you’re near the water and craving Thai food that takes advantage of the best local seafood, Supannee House delivers.
It’s a beautiful combination of location, ingredients, and skillful cooking that results in meals you’ll remember long after you leave San Diego.
