12 Must-Visit Thai Restaurants That California Foodies Swear By
California’s food scene has always been a melting pot of flavors, and Thai cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
From bustling city streets to quiet neighborhood corners, Thai restaurants across the state serve up bold, aromatic dishes that transport diners straight to Bangkok.
Whether you crave fiery curries, tangy salads, or comforting noodle bowls, these spots deliver authentic tastes that keep people coming back for more.
1. Prik Hom
Bold flavors meet modern elegance at one of San Francisco’s newest culinary stars.
Prik Hom opened its doors in 2023 and immediately caught the attention of food critics nationwide.
Located at 3226 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, this jewel earned a spot on The New York Times’ list of the fifty best restaurants in the United States that same year.
The menu showcases traditional Thai cooking techniques with a contemporary twist.
Each dish arrives beautifully plated, balancing spice, sweetness, and umami in ways that feel both familiar and exciting.
Diners rave about the attention to detail in every bite.
The chef’s commitment to authentic ingredients shines through in dishes that honor Thai culinary heritage while embracing innovation.
Reservations fill up quickly, so planning ahead is essential for anyone wanting to experience this acclaimed spot.
2. Kin Khao
A Michelin star shines brightly over this celebrated Thai restaurant in the heart of downtown.
Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s Kin Khao sits at 55 Cyril Magnin Street in San Francisco, drawing crowds who seek authentic Thai flavors elevated to fine dining status.
The restaurant has maintained its Michelin star through unwavering dedication to quality and creativity.
Traditional recipes get reimagined here without losing their soul.
Signature dishes feature ingredients sourced carefully to ensure each plate delivers maximum flavor and freshness.
The dining room buzzes with energy as servers guide guests through a menu that balances familiar favorites with adventurous offerings.
Spice levels can be adjusted, though many regulars embrace the heat that defines Thai cooking.
This spot proves that authentic cuisine and prestigious recognition can coexist beautifully.
3. Anajak Thai Cuisine
Since 1981, one family has been serving Southern Thai specialties that keep generations coming back.
Anajak Thai Cuisine stands at 14704 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, where chef Justin Pichetrungsi continues his family’s legacy with dishes rooted in tradition.
His dedication earned him a James Beard Foundation Award in 2022, cementing the restaurant’s place among America’s culinary elite.
The menu features Southern Thai classics that showcase bold, complex flavors rarely found elsewhere.
Curries simmer with layers of spice, herbs, and coconut milk, while grilled meats arrive charred and smoky.
Regulars know to trust the chef’s recommendations, especially on special menu items that rotate seasonally.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel like dining with family.
History and innovation blend seamlessly here, creating experiences that honor the past while embracing the present.
4. Jitlada Restaurant
Fiery Southern Thai dishes await adventurous eaters at this legendary Thai Town institution.
Jitlada Restaurant calls 5233 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles home, serving some of the spiciest and most authentic Southern Thai food in California.
The menu stretches for pages, offering specialties like crispy morning glory salad and crying tiger pork that deliver serious heat.
Regulars wear their tolerance for spice like a badge of honor here.
The kitchen doesn’t hold back, creating dishes that challenge even the most experienced chile lovers while rewarding them with incredible depth of flavor.
Despite the intense spice levels, balance remains key.
Sweet, sour, and savory notes dance alongside the heat, creating complex profiles that keep taste buds engaged.
First-timers should start mild and work their way up through multiple visits to fully appreciate this restaurant’s range.
5. Night + Market
Street food culture comes alive at this modern spot that reimagines Bangkok’s night market scene.
Night + Market operates at 3322 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, bringing Thai street food traditions into a contemporary setting.
The menu reads like a tour through Thailand’s bustling evening markets, featuring dishes like sticky rice with hor ab and isaan sour sausage.
Casual vibes dominate the space, encouraging diners to relax and explore unfamiliar flavors without pretension.
Sharing plates works perfectly here, allowing groups to sample widely across the menu.
The kitchen nails the balance between approachable and adventurous.
Familiar items provide comfort while more unusual offerings invite culinary exploration.
Prices remain reasonable, making it easy to order generously and discover new favorite dishes.
The energy and flavors transport diners straight to Thailand’s vibrant street food scene.
6. Holy Basil Market
Authentic street food flavors fill plates at this neighborhood favorite that feels like a hidden treasure.
Holy Basil Market serves diners at 3170 Glendale Boulevard Unit C in Los Angeles, offering sit-down dining in Atwater Village with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The menu focuses on street food classics prepared with care and attention to traditional methods.
Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings define every dish that emerges from the kitchen.
Regulars appreciate the consistency and quality that keep them returning week after week.
The Atwater Village location provides a comfortable environment for lingering over meals and exploring the diverse menu.
Vegetarian options abound, ensuring everyone finds something satisfying.
Friendly service adds to the neighborhood feel, making first-time visitors feel like regulars.
This spot proves that exceptional Thai food doesn’t require fancy settings, just skilled cooking and genuine passion.
7. Bangkok@12 Thai
Sacramento’s Thai food lovers flock to this downtown spot for generous portions and authentic flavors.
Bangkok@12 Thai sits at 900 12th Street in Sacramento, serving classic dishes that satisfy both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comfort food.
The pineapple curry and Pad Kraprao rank among customer favorites, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Generous portions mean diners often leave with leftovers, extending the enjoyment beyond the initial meal.
The kitchen maintains consistency across visits, ensuring reliable quality that builds loyal followings.
Lunch specials offer excellent value, making it a popular midday destination for downtown workers.
The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from solo diners to large groups celebrating special occasions.
Affordable prices combined with authentic preparation make this restaurant a Sacramento staple.
It’s the kind of place where regulars know the menu by heart but still find new favorites.
8. Mesa Thai Cuisine
Northern Thai specialties take center stage at this restaurant dedicated to lesser-known regional flavors.
Mesa Thai Cuisine operates at 900 12th St, Sacramento, introducing diners to Northern Thai street food traditions.
Dishes like deep-fried rice ball salad and tom pah showcase the distinct flavors of Thailand’s mountainous northern regions.
The menu ventures beyond the typical Thai restaurant offerings found elsewhere.
Herbs, vegetables, and spices combine in ways that feel fresh and exciting, even to experienced Thai food enthusiasts.
Each dish tells a story of regional cooking traditions passed down through generations.
The kitchen respects these traditions while making them accessible to California diners.
Adventurous eaters will find plenty to explore here, with flavors that differ notably from Central and Southern Thai cuisine.
This restaurant fills an important niche in Los Angeles’ diverse Thai food landscape.
9. Chiang Rai
Named after Thailand’s northernmost province, this Long Beach restaurant brings regional specialties to Southern California.
Chiang Rai welcomes diners at 3832 East Anaheim Street in Long Beach, offering a menu that reflects the flavors of Northern Thailand.
The restaurant operates with specific hours, opening for lunch around 11:30 AM on most days and closing on Mondays for rest.
The kitchen prepares dishes with care, ensuring each plate represents authentic Northern Thai cooking.
Curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes all receive equal attention to detail and flavor balance.
With a 4.5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, consistency clearly matters here.
Diners appreciate the reliable quality and friendly service that accompany every visit.
The neighborhood location creates a comfortable, unpretentious environment perfect for casual meals with family or friends.
Reservations help during busy dinner hours, especially on weekends when the dining room fills quickly.
10. Sanamluang Cafe
Around-the-clock cravings meet their match at this late-night Thai destination that never closes.
Sanamluang Cafe serves Los Angeles diners twenty-four hours a day, at 5176 Hollywood Blvd, providing authentic Thai comfort food whenever hunger strikes.
Multiple locations across the city ensure that delicious boat noodles, curries, and stir-fries remain accessible day or night.
The boat noodle soup has achieved legendary status among regulars who swear by its rich, complex broth.
Other menu highlights include crispy pork belly dishes and spicy salads that wake up taste buds at any hour.
Late-night crowds create a lively atmosphere, with everyone from night shift workers to post-concert diners filling the tables.
The kitchen maintains quality standards regardless of the time, ensuring 3 AM meals taste as good as lunch orders.
This restaurant proves that great Thai food doesn’t need to follow conventional dining hours to deliver satisfaction and flavor.
11. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro
Creative interpretations of Thai classics draw crowds to this bistro that balances tradition with innovation.
Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, at 6660 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, has built a devoted following through dishes that respect Thai culinary foundations while embracing creative freedom.
The menu features both familiar favorites and unique creations that showcase the chef’s imagination and skill.
Presentation matters here, with plates arriving as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Instagram-worthy dishes don’t sacrifice substance for style, delivering genuine flavor alongside beautiful plating.
The dining room’s modern aesthetic creates an inviting space for date nights, friend gatherings, or solo dining adventures.
Service strikes the right balance between attentive and unobtrusive.
Seasonal specials keep the menu feeling fresh and give regulars reasons to try something new.
The bistro atmosphere encourages lingering over meals, making it perfect for leisurely dining experiences that extend beyond quick bites.
12. Hoy Ka Thai Restaurant
Homestyle Thai cooking shines at this family-run restaurant where recipes pass between generations.
Hoy Ka Thai Restaurant, at 5908 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, embodies the warmth of home cooking translated to a restaurant setting.
Family recipes guide the kitchen, resulting in dishes that taste like meals prepared by a Thai grandmother for loved ones.
The menu avoids trendy fusion experiments, instead focusing on perfecting traditional preparations.
Curries simmer slowly, developing deep flavors that come only from patient cooking and quality ingredients.
Regulars often become like extended family, greeted by name and asked about their usual orders.
This personal touch creates loyalty that transcends typical restaurant relationships.
Prices remain modest, reflecting the family’s commitment to feeding their community well without breaking budgets.
The unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone, from Thai expats seeking tastes of home to curious newcomers exploring authentic cuisine.
Simple, honest cooking makes this restaurant a neighborhood treasure worth discovering and returning to repeatedly.
