Thai Avenue

There’s no shortage of Thai restaurants in Orange County, but a distinct lack of truly excellent ones. When the OC Register still had a restaurant critic, Thai Avenue was its top pick – a point advertised on the restaurant’s walls. Based on our experiences, while Thai Avenue’s dishes range from good to very good, they don’t surpass top local rivals.

For instance, Thai classics such as a curried soft shell crab, papaya salad, and pineapple fried rice were comparable rather than superior to Kanok Thai Bistro’s, and when we think of the best nearby Thai options, meals at Hanuman Thai Eatery and Manaao have left us considerably more impressed due to standout dishes.

On the other hand, Thai Avenue’s selections of salads and house specials include some stunners and unique items you won’t find at typical OC Thai restaurants. They’re currently serving a sweet corn salad, as well as premium-priced jumbo squids in at least four preparations: grilled, steamed with spicy lime sauce, sauteed with sweet chili, or deep-fried with garlic. Look carefully and you’ll also notice salted fish fried rice and salty black crab versions of the two papaya salads. Much of the rest of the menu is highly familiar.