Over the last few months, I had the opportunity to try some incredible Thai food in Irvine. Thai food has a distinct savory taste that sets it apart from other cuisines, and as a lover of spicy and vibrant flavors, I’ve searched and found the most authentic and delicious Thai cuisine Irvine’s got to offer us. So whether you’re a spicy food fanatic or a traditional Thai dishes lover, you’ve come to the right place.
Join me on this mouth-watering journey as we uncover the best Thai food in Irvine!
Manaao – Thai Comfort Food
I put this place on the top of my list because it reminded me of a vacation I went on to Thailand a few years ago with my friends. The aesthetic Manaao was refreshing the natural woods with green limes which gave it an elegant feel. My friends and I ordered the crying tiger beef, Pork Jowl, and Crab fried rice, and let me tell you we devoured the plates. We loved the Pork Jowl and the crying tiger beef, both plates came with a special dipping sauce that made the dish ten times better.
PS- If you check in or give a review on Yelp you get a complimentary Thai Iced Tea.
Address: 13842 Newport Ave Ste C Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (949) 818-8424
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Monday: 11am – 3pm, 4:30pm– 9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Siam Station Thai Street Food
Siam Station Thai Street Food is a hidden gem in Irvine, tucked behind some fast food restaurants in its own little cute spot with its own parking spot “How convenient “ I know. The service here is spectacular, I sat down, and ordered and the food came out instantly. I started out with the Spicy beef salad which was so refreshing, the beef was flavorful and juicy. Then I had the creamy Tom Yum soup which was my favorite because it’s very hard to find places where they serve Tom Yum soup with coconut milk. The sticky mango rice is like no other.
A word of advice, their outdoor seating is the best during warmer days.
Address: 92 Corporate Park H, Irvine, CA 92606, United States
Phone: (949) 923-0499
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00AM – 3:00PM, 4:30PM – 9:00PM
Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food
I had the best experience at Tuk Tuk, even though the parking can be tricky due to its location in a busy shopping center. The outdoor dining area is perfect for solo dining. Ordering is easy at the counter and you’ll get a buzzer. The Pad See Ew with tofu was delicious. The staff were really friendly and accommodating. The crispy Pork Drunken Noodles are a must-try! Another hidden gem of Thai restaurants in Irvine.
Address: 2222 Michelson Dr Ste 208 Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 774-1765
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thai Bamboo Bistro
My experience with Thai Bamboo Bistro was impressive, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff were very friendly. The menu offered a great selection of Thai dishes and everything we ordered was delicious. I especially loved the Pad Thai which was a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Make sure to go on an empty stomach as the portion sizes are HUGE!
Address: 6715 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92603, United States
Phone: 949-509-4771
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM, 04:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 09:00 PM
Sen Thai Noodle Bar
To my surprise, I found out that Sen Thai Noodle Bar was owned by the same owners as the Tuk Tuk Thai restaurant which made sense as it holds the same quality and standards of Tuk Tuk. They just opened so it was fairly new. The menu is small but everything on it was delicious. I highly recommend trying the boat noodle soup, house special boat noodle soup, tom yum noodle soup, and the Thai noodle soup. The protein portions were exact and the crispy pork topping and fried wontons pulled everything together.
I absolutely loved the artwork they added to the bowls, definitely going back to try the dry noodles.
Address: 2222 Michelson Dr Ste 218 Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 439-4439
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Nara Thai Kitchen
Finally, you know I had to add a place that would be perfect for a date night. The decor and ambiance of Nara Thai Kitchen were very authentically pleasing with a neutral tone design and bamboo tables. We really enjoyed the Pad See Ew, curry, and crab fried rice at this restaurant. Their roti ice cream is also a favorite of mine. The presentation of their dishes is impressive, as they even include a whole crab shell on the crab fried rice.
The restaurant also uses unique dishware and serves its food in creative and fancy ways.
Address: 3931 Portola Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92602, United States
Phone: +1 949-822-8799
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:000 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Conclusion
When it comes to finding great Thai cuisines in Irvine, you can leave it to us! These are several authentic Thai restaurants to choose from, each with its own unique offerings. Whether you’re grabbing a quick solo bite, dining out with your friends, or looking for a cute Thai cuisine sate these hidden gems offer a great dining experience that will leave you craving more.