Long Beach boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and Thai food holds a prominent place. From bustling street-food style eateries to sophisticated fine-dining establishments, the city offers a tantalizing array of Thai restaurants. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the best, categorized for your convenience, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your next Thai food craving. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a great starting point for your Long Beach Thai food adventure.
Finding Your Perfect Thai Restaurant in Long Beach
Choosing the right Thai restaurant can depend on your preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. To help you navigate the many options, we've categorized our top 23 picks:
Category 1: Authentic Thai Cuisine
These restaurants prioritize traditional Thai recipes and cooking methods, offering a true taste of Thailand.
- Thai Taste: Known for its intensely flavorful curries and authentic Southern Thai specialties. Expect a lively atmosphere and generous portions.
- Bangkok Cuisine: This gem offers a wide selection of regional dishes, highlighting the diversity of Thai cuisine beyond Pad Thai. Their green curry is a must-try.
- The Siam Bistro: A Long Beach institution, The Siam Bistro delivers consistent quality and authentic flavors. Their tom yum soup is legendary.
- Ging Thai: This cozy spot serves up home-style Thai food with a focus on fresh ingredients and subtle spices. Perfect for a quiet meal.
- Plearn Wan: A Long Beach favorite offering an extensive menu with various regional dishes and excellent seafood options. Their Massaman curry is highly recommended.
Category 2: Modern Thai Fusion
These establishments blend traditional Thai flavors with modern culinary techniques and presentations.
- Kinara: A sophisticated restaurant offering a modern take on classic Thai dishes with an emphasis on presentation and high-quality ingredients.
- Aroy Thai: A trendy spot that combines traditional Thai flavors with innovative twists. Expect creative dishes and a stylish atmosphere.
- Ruen Thai: Blending modern presentation with time-tested recipes, Ruen Thai creates an elegant experience.
- The Spice Table: While not exclusively Thai, The Spice Table features some outstanding Thai-inspired dishes that incorporate global flavors.
- Boonmee Thai Cuisine: Blends contemporary styles with traditional methods, creating exciting and delicious Thai dishes.
Category 3: Casual & Affordable Thai Eats
Perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly Thai meal.
- Thai One On: A popular choice for its fast service, generous portions, and authentic flavors at affordable prices. Their Pad See Ew is a crowd-pleaser.
- Little Thai Kitchen: Don't let the name fool you, this place serves up big flavors. A great option for a casual and tasty meal.
- Thai House Restaurant: A neighborhood favorite known for its friendly service and consistently good food at reasonable prices.
- Thipsamai Thai Restaurant: A no-frills spot that delivers excellent, authentic Thai food without breaking the bank.
- Sawasdee Thai Cuisine: Simple, satisfying, and affordable. This is a reliable option for a casual Thai food fix.
Category 4: Thai Street Food Inspired
These restaurants capture the energy and flavors of Thai street food.
- Rollicking Thai Food Truck: A popular mobile eatery serving authentic street food favorites. Check their social media for location updates.
- Long Beach Thai Food Cart: Often found at local markets and events, this cart offers a taste of true Thai street food. (Check local event listings for locations).
Category 5: Upscale Thai Dining
For a special occasion or a truly luxurious Thai dining experience.
- Lemongrass Thai Cuisine: This elegant restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a refined menu and impeccable service.
- Thai Villa: A sophisticated spot offering a refined menu and an upscale ambiance.
Category 6: Hidden Gems
These restaurants might be slightly off the beaten path but offer exceptional Thai food.
- Baan Thai: A neighborhood favorite offering authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy and welcoming environment.
- Thai Food Corner: Though unassuming from the outside, it offers delicious and authentic Thai flavors.
- Somboon Seafood: Specializes in seafood dishes with a unique Thai twist.
- Nang Loeng Market: Though not a dedicated restaurant, this market has various stalls offering a wide variety of Thai street food.
Tips for Your Long Beach Thai Food Adventure
- Make Reservations: Especially for popular restaurants or during peak dining hours.
- Explore Different Dishes: Don't be afraid to try something new beyond Pad Thai.
- Spice Level: Communicate your preferred spice level to the server. Thai cuisine can range from mild to intensely spicy.
- Check Reviews: Before you go, check online reviews to get a sense of the restaurant's atmosphere and food quality.
- Embrace the Culture: Take time to savor the flavors and enjoy the atmosphere of your chosen restaurant.
This guide provides a starting point for discovering the best Thai restaurants Long Beach has to offer. Happy eating!
