Is there parking at White Elephant in Hillcrest?

Street parking is available on Richmond Street and surrounding blocks—it's Hillcrest, so arrive earlier for lunch or dinner to snag a spot. There's no dedicated lot, so factor in a few minutes to find parking if you're visiting during peak hours.

Do I need a reservation or can I walk in?

White Elephant takes reservations, which is smart for groups or weekend dinners—call ahead if you're bringing more than 2-3 people. Walk-ins are welcome for solo diners or couples, though weekend evenings can get busy.

What should I order first time?

Start with the White Elephant noodle soup—it's the signature dish with house-made knife-cut noodles and a deeply flavored chicken broth infused with garlic oil. If you want to share, the crispy chicken wings and Lao sausage appetizer with citrus dipping sauce are standouts.

Is White Elephant good for groups?

Absolutely—the spot has a serene, classy vibe perfect for group dinners, and the menu is built for sharing. Dishes like drunken noodles, Crying Tiger beef, and Thai Basil with egg work well for tables ordering family-style.

Can I eat vegan or vegetarian here?

Yes, White Elephant offers vegetarian options including tofu curries that reviewers specifically praised. The menu blends Thai and Lao cuisine, so there's flexibility—just ask your server about egg and fish sauce substitutions if you're strict vegan.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, White Elephant has outdoor seating, which is great for warm Hillcrest evenings. It's a nice way to enjoy the neighborhood while eating.

What's the vibe like—casual or formal?

It's casual-weeknight energy with a classy, tranquil atmosphere—no need to dress up, but it feels more refined than a dive. Perfect for business lunches or a relaxed neighborhood dinner.

Are the portion sizes generous?

Reviewers mention the flavors are exceptional and ingredients are fresh, though some entrées like the Crying Tiger steak have been noted as chewy—quality can be consistent, so don't hesitate to send something back if it's off.

White Elephant Asian Kitchen — Thai in Hillcrest, San Diego

“White Elephant Asian Kitchen serves Lao and Thai dishes you won't find at most neighborhood Thai spots—starting with house-made knife-cut noodles that anchor the menu.”

While most Hillcrest Thai places lean on the same weeknight pad thai rotation, White Elephant goes deeper: Lao sausage with citrus dipping sauce, knife-cut noodles made in-house for the signature White Elephant soup, dishes that reference both Thai and Lao traditions without flattening either. The kitchen clearly knows the difference—sticky rice shows up as a proper accompaniment, not an afterthought, and the white pepper in that chicken-garlic broth does actual work.

The noodle soup earns its name placement on the menu. House-made means genuinely chewy texture, the kind that holds up in a chicken broth built on garlic oil and balanced with white pepper. Regulars order it on repeat for good reason. The Lao sausage appetizer runs citrus-forward, bright enough that you understand why people wish for a full basket of sticky rice to stretch it further.

Beyond the Lao anchors, the menu moves through Thai basil stir-fries (with sunny-side egg if you want it), crying tiger steak, drunken noodles with pork, fire cracker shrimp. The flavors consistently land—reviews mention fresh ingredients, well-balanced heat—even when textures occasionally miss (the steak and curry proteins can skew chewy). Pho shows up too, including a chicken version that people return for.

The room itself keeps things serene—quiet enough for conversation, classy enough for a dinner that's more than just fuel. The space works for business lunches that need actual food, group dinners where not everyone wants the same cuisine, outdoor seating when University Avenue feels too loud. Reservations accepted, which matters when the farmers market lets out on Sundays and half of Hillcrest wants dinner at once.

Practical notes: Beer and wine available, full vegetarian options, delivery and takeout if you're staying in. Park on the side streets.