Royal Thai Cuisine
737 Pearl St
Ste 110
(between Draper Ave & Eads Ave)
La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 551-8424
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
28 Reviews for Royal Thai Cuisine
Pretty standard Thai food. It didn't blow me away but I was definitely satisfied.
Their spicy stuff wasn't that spicy so if you like the heat I'd recommend ordering it "super spicy." (I know this is the kiss-of-death at other Thai places but I think this place is used to anti-spice La Jolla residents)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I enjoyed the spring rolls, but would rather not have paid $15 for the Shrimp Pad Thai. Not inedible, but the worst I've ever had. Slow service didn't help the unimpressive food.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
During a recent trip to San Diego, my wife and I decided to head through La Jolla on the way back down the coast to our hotel (rather than take the freeway). We were both close to that point of "hungry" where it becomes grumpy and dangerous, but also wanted to eat at some place relatively nice due to the trip being in celebration of her birthday. After meandering around La Jolla's streets at night, we drove past Royal Thai and promptly parked.
My beloved fiends after good Thai, so we were hopeful - the facade of the restaurant looked simple and mildly elegant, and we could already appreciate the good lighting inside. In addition, they had a "Yelp" sticker in the window, which sold me right away - I used Yelp for almost every place to eat throughout our entire trip.
The wait-staff were friendly, helpful in regard to our questions about the menu, and prompt in attending to our needs (I drink water like it's going out of style). Our sampler platter was fun to look at and even more fun to eat, featuring a wide range of Thai appetizers that were fresh and well-presented. Our spring rolls were particularly good. We both chose to order the Pad Thai, with her choosing Chicken and I going with Shrimp. Both servings were massive, and she ended up taking most of hers back to the hotel with us. We truly loved the food, atmosphere, and the service - very impressive.
The reason I didn't give this place five stars, however, was that my wife ended up getting food poisoning later that night and the next morning. It could only have been from her Pad Thai, as we ate everything else in unison. Despite this, we retain fond memories of the place, and plan to eat there again when in sunny San Diego.
We went here for Dinner with my kid. The ambiance is good and the people are quite friendly. We ordered a 3 course meal and the quality and quantity was really nice. It does not have a great appearance from the street but it is nice inside. The Satay and soups are typical thai. The curry was also good.
If you are having kid with you who sits on high chair, just keep your own high chair with you. The only one high chair that they have is broken.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
2 stars for service and bizarre atmosphere, 4 stars for food, 3 stars total.
-2 dined, there were 4 in the restaurant. Service should've been great. It was slow, not so much getting food to us, but clearing and bringing the check. Our server was nice but she would disappear for long amounts of time.
-SO WEIRD. All of the sudden, there are shots fired, lots of them. Were we under attack in downtown La Jolla? No, it was the western playing really loudly on the TV. We couldn't figure out who was watching the movie, and why it was so ridiculously loud. I mean, if they wanted us to leave, they only had to bring the check sooner.
-weird music playing (before the movie took over). Definitely not Thai music, but like weird I am going to break into a slow dance number from a musical music.
-food was good. Had pad thai and garlic peppered "beef" or something like that. Also had spring rolls, they were not amazing.
I've been here a few times, and maybe it's the time we went, Sunday late afternoon, but I don't have too many plans to return.
PS The table cloth was dirty (previous patron's spilling) and there was a gnat that kept flying around, like gnats do. That was unappetizing.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
Compared to the Thai places I usually go to, this place is mediocre at best. I actually wanted to give 1-2 stars, but it was only because the waitress seemed to get really pissed at ME for her mistake on an order. I can't allow one bad incident ruin the entire review, but the food really wasn't extraordinary.
The Summer Rolls were pretty good, but I kept thinking...um, why are there Summer Rolls that look like Spring Rolls, and aren't Spring Rolls Vietnamese Food? The peanut sauce tasted a bit off.
The Chicken Lard Na was alright as well. It doesn't taste like 10 dollars though - more like 5.99 at best. I kept thinking that I could make this at home and it would probably taste about the same.
When you go out to eat, it's not just about eating, but the experience as well. So when the waitress gave me a dirty look when I said I didn't order the sampler plate (from our party of 15 or so, why did she make a beeline for me?), it immediately gave me a bad vibe about the whole place. As I've said before in other reviews, I'm pretty forgiving of ignorant or spacey waiters or waitresses because I know things get busy and they might have had a hard day - also because there is no such thing as "service" in most Chinese restaurants (the smiling waitress in Rush Hour was FAKE). But if you're going to give me accusatory looks for something I didn't do, well, let's just say lucky for her I wasn't handling the bill.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
2 stars for the food .
service is the worst of all thai restaurant in SD.
I used to come here years ago all the time, but sadly havnt been here for years until last night .. so sad..... don't know what went wrong...
will not come back..
sorry....
So, if you're looking for Thai food, you could definitely do a lot worse. The food is good and service is fine, though this place is really nothing exceptional. I've been there a few times, but I'm still looking for a real spot.
Last time I went, I had the green curry with tofu and my girlfriend had their pad thai with chicken. The flavors of both were good, though there were probably about 8 pieces of tofu in the curry total. They're not using the best cuts of chicken or cleaning it well enough, so there was some gristle in the pad thai, though nothing offensive.
Our waitress was nice, but she disappeared into the bathroom for about 10 minutes, which is fine, considering that we're all human and that she was the only one working. For about half our meal we were the only people in the place. Not a good sign for 1 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile were trying to get out check since my girlfriend had to catch a flight out. Everything ended up working out fine though.
The only thing I could really say against them is that, for some god awful reason, they were playing smooth jazz. Really, with almost 200 channels or whatever it is XM offers, they could have found something that was less offensive than Kenny G.
between this la jolla location and the downtown one, this gets more stars... but the food is as equally good at both.
fried golden cups and the angel wings (thai fried chicken wings stuffed with noodles) are our favorite apps here.
the fiance is addicted to pad thai - and absolutely enjoyed royal thais version with chicken and shrimp. i had the crying tiger medalions - tender peices of beef spiced thai style... was really good.
i have had their panang here, and it was ok. the fried banana dessert was great, but my fiance loves the choice of smoothies - and relished her mango drink.
in la jolla, the vibe, the people, and the restaurant seemed happier and cleaner than its downtown sister location... service seemed better in la jolla too.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
if you never been to thailand you will never now how real thai food tast like. i been here only once an never again. your fired rice plate is very bad, it suppose to be fired rice not little rice and alot of salad. i ordered fired rice an i want my fired rice. let say they didnt know english you guys better find a good english speaker next time cus this place suck balls. bad servise
i would like to give you no "STAR' but this web page said that i have to give at least one star. waist of star
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've been going here since my freshman year in college (now a graduate). I've never been disappointed with their food, although SOMETIMES the service can be a little slow. The pad thai is always very good (don't know what these other reviewers are talking about), the green curry is always a favorite, pot of gold is a great appetizer, i like their pad see iw as well, drunken noodles are good, i could go on. The only thing I would not recommend getting here is their mixed drinks. Not so tasty. Prices are also average/moderate ($8-12 for any entree). I usually go in a group of 3-5, we order our own dishes and then share everything. Best bang for your buck that way.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Royal Thai is a chain - I've also sampled their food in their Newport location. It's Americanized thai, but that's what I was expecting. It's nice inside; a nice waterfall, clean saltwater tank and a small bar. Nice updated lighting. Relatively cheap for a La Jolla restaurant. I've been to this location twice. The first time we had barely any service. We were in a large group so you'd think we'd get some face time. The second time, our food took FOREVER to come out. I was wondering where they went to go hunt for the duck in two of my dining partner's dishes!
Drinks: Two girls got the Lychee martini; there is a decent selection of mixed fruity drinks that are somewhat interesting.
I've had the fried spring rolls; good both times. I've tried the Drunken Noodles - they were very good. My bf got the CRYING TIGER for $12.95, described on the menu "We promise you will go home with a smile. Medallions of prime-cut charcoal broiled, ultra spicy beef on a bed of fresh greens." We all thought that description alone was worth a laugh, and an order. The beef was good, but no special flavor, and maybe resulted in a straight face, but no smile, sorry. I tried the Kang Panang Chicken Curry the second time. I wasn't digging it. Carrots and green peppers; no basil; thin barely existent sauce. It wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't order it again. I've had better Panang elsewhere. Other items tried: Green Duck Curry and ROYAL DUCKLING for $ 13.95 "1/2 duck marinated in a delicious mixture of garlic, wine, cilantro, galanga roots and exotic sauce prepared to perfection. Served deep fried. " That was my bf's dish. He ate it all; not sure really though if he was just hungry??
So - mixed review. Good enough to go to more than once. Nice ambience, and in La Jolla. Not a favorite place but I'd go again every now and then. My girl friend gets the Basil Chicken and loves it to-go...
A group of us went to Royal Thai, and were collectively unimpressed. The food was only okay - the pad thai is mediocre with chicken that was not fully cooked. The pad see iw had peanut sauce in it (shouldn't in traditional Thai preparation). The chicken in the Lard Nar was bland. The service was quite slow (eventhough there were only a handfull of patrons) and the space is poorly laid out and oddly designed. I've only been to the La Jolla location, but it does not inspire me to eat at any other locations.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Very helpful and friendly wait staff. The owner was roaming around being helpful as well.
Ordered the Crying Tiger. I was extremely skeptical because I cannot handle spicy foods too well. But it wasn't too spicy. The beef was tender with a nice roasted taste to it. Came with a lot of cabbage (yum) and a sauce to dip it in. We also got a noodle dish, Lhat Na (sp) which was tasty as well. The appetizer platter came with a lot of different varieties of Thai appetizers - spring rolls, satay, etc.
The restaurant inside is a little elegant (just a tad) and fairly peaceful. If you come in jeans and sandals and a t-shirt, you'll do fine. Great place to go out with family, friends, or a date.
On their spirits menu, I saw that a serving (a shot) of Johnny Walker Blue was $20. I was excited due to its bargain price. So I told our waitress I wanted it but unfortunately they were out. I don't blame them; at $20, that's value. Anyways, all their other spirits (mostly the scotch whiskey selection) was reasonably priced. I settled with a Glenlivet 12 years for $6.
Whenever I pass by the restaurant, I always see a sign on their window advertising a $15 champagne Sunday brunch. I've been wanting to check it out but unfortunately, haven't had the chance yet =(
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I've eaten here twice and both times I've been disappointed. The pad thai (most basic dish) was not good. In fact, the only person of 8 who liked this place was my friend who recommended the place. The Tom Yum was ok.. i don't even remember everything else because i try to forget food I don't like....
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I am a Thai Food Maniac here in New York, so when on a family vacation last week in San Diego (stayed in La Jolla). The first night's restaurant choice fell to me and after a bit of research, I picked Royal Thai. Never for even a second did I regret my decision.
My experience with Thai cuisine is that every Thai Restaurant seems to do 1 or 2 things really well but can't deliver across the board. I always mention to friends and family "If only I could take my favorite dishes from many Thai restaurants and have them available in just one place." Royal Thai comes ever so close to achieving this.
The Summer style rolls (more Vietnamese than Thai) were delicious, and the Krathong Thong (Golden Cups) were amazing as well. My Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad in Citrus Juice and Fish Sauce) was good enough. The Tom Ka Gai (Coconut Milk Chicken Soup) was so fragrant and flavorful.
We ordered Lard Nar noodles with Chicken for the kids and they devoured it. For entrees, the Beef Penang was one of the 2 best I have ever tasted (like candy), the Gai Med Ma Moung (Cashew Chicken with Oyster Sauce and Vegetables) was also top notch. The Gai Rama Peanut sauce chicken was solid. We also ordered the coolest twin Jumbo Prawn dish in red curry. Just looking at the presentation of that alone was enough and it tasted great too.
Our only low is we ordered a bottle of wine that was the wrong choice even if it wasn't served at 80+ degrees (disturbingly warm)
That wasn't enough to detract from our feast which I believe came out to only $100 for the food for 4 adults plus a 7 and 2 year old.
The staff was friendly and easy to work with. The decor was pleasant but the room itself was a bit cavernous. Parking can be a challenge but we went early enough on a Sunday evening where we found a spot in the rear of the restaurant.
If Royal Thai opened in my town, I would be good for 40-50 trips a year. I loved it. You will too.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Went here a long time ago and it was good much like their other location downtown.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I adore this place and am amazed as to how empty it is every time I eat here! The food is absolutely delicious. The pad woonsen noodle dish is AWESOME and their lunch menu is great too. For some reason my parents were very confused as to how to order off the lunch menu, but I found it very intuitive. You choose your meat, choose your noodles and off you go!
I highly, highly, highly recommend for you to go here for two reasons. 1) It's very cheap, considering where it's located; 2) The service and food is perfect. I hope this place can keep it up!
This place is pretty well done inside, and can be romantic. I've been here several times throughout the years and have always had excellent food that's been presented well. The service is not as attentive as I'd like, but I want to come back here again sometime, for sure. Haven't been in a couple years... my favorite is still Bangkok Bay.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I used to go to this restaurant all the time. I mean ALL THE TIME.
Then all of a sudden something happened. Not sure if the owner (or the cook) changed or not, but the service started to get really bad. The quality and the taste of the food also started to die. Finally, I stopped going to this restaurant (now I just go to "Celadon" or "Taste of Thai - Delmar" for Thai food). I haven't been to Royal Thai restaurant for a while, but my advice to who ever wants to go to this restaurant... Hope for the best but be prepare for the worst.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
My favorite Thai restaurant in San Diego. I was taken quite by surprise during my first outing at this establishment. My intial feeling was this place was super pretentious based on the set-up, mirrors, water foutain, etc, however you can't judge a book by it's cover. I sat down and had a very enjoyable yet inexpensive meal to say the least. Thai is probably my favorite dose of foreign foods to eat, and this place certainly delivers quality food. The chai tea is fantastic, the service is terrific, the food is tasty. A definite place to take a date assuming they enjoy thai food. Another cool thing about this spot is it's strategically located next door to a liquor store. On my way out I usually hit up DICK'S liquor store and grab whatever tasty beverage home with me.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
We went, based on other Yelp reviews. The four of us agree that the spring rolls are the best we've ever eaten. The pots of gold are also delicious.
Be sure to order the crazy monkey drink (it's a two-hands required urn of coconut milk, creme de cacao, banana liquer, and whipped cream goodness). Also, the 50+ year-old lady who served us was hilarious.
If you're in La Jolla and want Thai, don't even think of eating anywhere else.
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
Whether you're in the mood for some pad thai, duck, a thai iced tea, or fried rice dish, this place gotz it. For those of you who had the 2006 entertainment SD book, there was a coupon for this restaurant so make sure to check the 2007 entertainment SD book to see if they continued to put coupons in there. Finally the servers and workers are excellent..never had any problems with level of service...super friendly.
May 2008 Update: although I believe Royal Thai is more affordable than Spice and Rice (also in downtown La Jolla), this is now my 2nd favorite Thai place in downtown La Jolla
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Royal Thai is a nice quiet place for a casual date. The dishes are elegantly presented, and the staff is very courteous. The interior of the restaurant is very tranquil, the lighting is good, and the tables are well spaced.
The food itself is good; not quite 5-star Thai cuisine, but still very good. The noodles and curries are all well seasoned, and the flavors in each dish are not overpowering to the others. Prices are on the higher side for Thai food, but on the cheaper side for La Jolla, making this a good entry point into dining on Pearl for students.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Wow, the owners and family members must be writing reviews!
Ate at Royal Thai's La Jolla location about six months ago. The food was vile and cold, the service was almost non-existant.
We went based on some of the reviews on Yahoo. It was a horrible dissapointment. There are a number of Thai Restaurants in SD that are worth checking out, but this is definitely not one of them!
Maybe we caught them on a bad night, but we won't be back.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Tasty noodle dishes (not just noodle, but those are my favorite) in downtown La Jolla. Great to eat in (elegant setting) and take out. I would go there all the time if I was in the area.
Located in the middle of the bustling gaslamp district Royal Thai blends right in to the other resturaunts. It's not until you walk inside and you get hit with the smells of curries simmering and tofu frying that your mouth begins to water and Royal Thai begins to stand out. The dishes have the perfect balance between heat and flavour that only thai food can seem to achieve. To furthur this all dishes can come not spicy, spicy, very spicy, double spicy or triple spicy. Spicy is spicy enough, triple spicy might be suicidal. The Kang Mussaman was exquisite, and Volcano chicken is entertainment as well as food.
If you've finished your meal and still want more thai food, Royal Thai offers cooking classes on how to prepare some of their dishes.
i really liked this place and the service was good overall, but lotus thai bistro has spoiled me. still, if you don't feel like making the trek out to carlsbad, i'd say royal thai is a good substitute.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Hot and New
- Australian Pub
30 reviews
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
- San Diego County Fair
36 reviews
Neighborhood: Del Mar
- Fredcel Lumpias & Catering
12 reviews
San Diego, CA
- Dumpling Inn
116 reviews
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
- Cabrillo National Monument
29 reviews
Neighborhood: Point Loma