Is there parking at King Of Thai Cuisine?

Yes, but it's free street parking in La Jolla—which means it can be tight, especially on weekends and Saturdays when the farmers market is running. Plan to circle the block a few times or arrive during off-peak hours (weekday lunch is your best bet). The location is walkable if you're coming from nearby shops or the beach.

Should I make a reservation or just walk in?

They take reservations, which is smart to do on weekends or for groups—especially if parking stress is a factor and you want to guarantee a table quickly. Weekday lunches are usually more relaxed for walk-ins, though service can be stretched thin.

What should I order first?

Start with the crab Rangoon (consistently praised) and the sweet and sour soup. For mains, go with lunch specials if you're eating during the day—portions are generous and prices are fair. Ask your server for spice recommendations; medium is mild here, so if you like heat, bump up to level 3 or 4.

Is this a good spot to bring kids?

Yes—it's marked as kid-friendly and has a pleasant, casual atmosphere with outdoor seating. The generous portions and customizable spice levels work well for families. Just note that weekday service is tighter, so bring patience if you're timing a school lunch run.

What about vegetarian or dietary options?

They offer vegetarian options and will accommodate spice levels and ingredients to your preference. Just let your server know what you need when ordering.

When's the best time to visit?

Weekday lunch is your sweet spot for shorter waits, easier parking, and a more relaxed vibe. Avoid Saturday afternoons (farmers market crowd) and plan accordingly if you're coming post-beach on weekends—it fills up with that crowd then.

Yes, outdoor seating is available, which is ideal if you're timing a meal before or after a beach trip. It's a nice spot for that reason.

King Of Thai Cuisine — Thai in La Jolla, San Diego

“King Of Thai Cuisine is the spot that lets you walk off beach sand without changing clothes, then order red curry at whatever spice level your ego can handle.”

What sets this place apart in La Jolla is the willingness to serve actual Thai heat levels — not the watered-down versions most coastal restaurants default to — while maintaining the kind of casual, come-as-you-are vibe that makes sense after you've been at the Cove all morning. While competitors lean on location or chase Instagram-worthy fusion, King Of Thai sticks to Thai standards done properly, with a staff that'll genuinely dial up the spice if you ask for it.

The **sweet and sour soup** (tom yum) comes with real depth — lemongrass-forward, not just vinegar heat — and the **crab Rangoon** hits that cream cheese-to-crab ratio that most places get wrong. The **lunch specials** are legitimately generous portions, not the shrunken "lunch size" hustle you'd expect on Girard. Ask for medium spice and you'll get something fairly mild; if you want heat, request level 4 or higher.

The space itself feels more neighborhood Thai spot than Prospect Street polish — comfortable booths, outdoor seating that works for post-beach lunches, and a waitstaff that'll let you settle in without hovering. Weekday service can be slow when they're short-staffed, so don't come here in a rush.

Parking on Girard is the usual village nightmare — plan to circle the block multiple times or park in the public structure on Herschel and walk three minutes. Saturdays are worse when the farmers market is running. The outdoor tables are your best bet if you're sandy or just want to avoid the marine layer chill that sneaks in later. Reserve if you're coming with more than four people, especially on weekends.

King Of Thai Cuisine

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