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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Jose's best

Pad Thai spots

Made for those who have a specific standard for the balance of tamarind and spice in their pad thai and know exactly what they want.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
VeLa Brunch&Thai Restaurant image 1
VeLa Brunch&Thai Restaurant image 2
VeLa Brunch&Thai Restaurant image 3
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Small, cozy space with modern vibe and grooving music creates a lively atmosphere. Outdoor seating overlooks the street with additional heating for comfort. The place stands out for its authentic Thai flavors and reasonable prices.

Food features a fusion cuisine touch while keeping traditional Thai taste. Dishes come beautifully plated and deliver flavorful, modern Thai comfort food.

Full of flavor and perfectly cooked, the Pad Thai stands out as a dish worth returning for. It pairs well with other favorites like nam khao and works well for both dine-in and takeout.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and very tasty."

"The Thai food here is packed with flavor and has a great spice level."

"This Pad Thai is so delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is tricky, but there is a spot next door for customers.

2

Prices are reasonable, especially for a full-service restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers an extensive menu with authentic Thai dishes.

02
Yami Bowl (Teriyaki Bowl and Thai Food) image 1

Small, clean space offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff creating a positive vibe. Menu blends Thai and teriyaki flavors with fresh, well-prepared ingredients and generous portions. Family-friendly setting balances affordable prices with quality and care in every dish.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a focus on high-quality Thai and Teriyaki dishes. Meals come at an affordable price and service includes attentive check-ins during the meal.

Shrimp Pad Thai offers a flavorful taste that recalls the streets of Bangkok. The dish pairs well with other items like General Chicken for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the owner is so friendly."

"The salt and pepper fish was flavorful and not overpowering."

"This Pad Thai is fantastic and transports you straight to Bangkok."

Good to know

1

Yami Bowl offers affordable single serving bowls with generous portion sizes.

2

Drinks are sold individually by the can; no drink fountain is available.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well presented, enhancing the dining experience.

03
Thai Soul Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dining space blends traditional Thai decor with modern touches, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Ambient lighting and soft music set a relaxing vibe that suits quiet dinners or friendly gatherings. Family-run feel adds a personal and welcoming touch to the experience.

Authentic flavors come from the owner's Thai roots, making the dishes taste like genuine Thai food. The menu offers fresh and flavorful options that consistently impress with their quality and taste.

Authentic Pad Thai stands out with flavors that transport you straight to Thailand. It pairs well with dishes like green curry chicken and chicken satay, making it a delicious entrée choice.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and well balanced."

"They have a whole separate vegetarian menu with tons of options."

"I thought the Pad Thai here was one of the most authentic I'd tasted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Space is limited; it's best to visit with a group of four or fewer.

3

The restaurant accommodates vegetarian options, including a separate vegetarian menu.

04
Thai Grata Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Quaint space with home-like Thai vibes and a cozy atmosphere. Busy but pleasant energy with authentic spicy flavors and a crowd that favors quick lunch or dinner. Prices lean high, but Pad Thai consistently satisfies.

Delicious Thai food arrives quickly, often faster than expected. The dishes are consistently tasty and spicy, with great overall quality.

Sauces mix thoroughly into the noodles, not served on the side or added later. Takeout pad Thai consistently tastes good with a well-balanced flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

"I'd recommend this Pad Thai if you're craving it."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 20-30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking is available at Safeway if the restaurant lot is full.

3

The restaurant offers a business lunch menu for quick meals.

05
Tuk Tuk Chicken & Rice image 1
Chicken restaurant

Walls display Hot Wheels collections and JDM car ads, creating a unique, eclectic decor. The atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with a family-run vibe. Seating is limited but comfortable, blending indoor and outdoor options.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with fresh ingredients and large portions. Meals come at an affordable price without sacrificing quality or taste.

Pad Thai here has a deeper, savory flavor than the usual sweet and saucy kind. The fried tofu stands out as tender and juicy, well seared, and the dish holds up well over multiple meals.

People are saying

"The Thai basil chicken here is a savory must-try dish."

"The basil chicken and Penang curry are the highlights."

"The Pad Thai here is savory with perfectly seared tofu."

Good to know

1

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

2

The chicken rice option has an additional charge of $1.

3

You can get a Thai tea for $4 with a rice entrée.

06
Thai Elephant Express image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, busy space feels cramped with simple tables and plastic utensils. Atmosphere is casual and fast-paced, focused on takeout with some indoor seating. Food offers generous portions, consistent seasoning, and good vegetarian options, with flavors leaning toward decent but not authentic Thai.

Food here stays consistently flavorful and well-spiced, standing out from the usual bland options. Service is fast and reliable, with dishes ready quickly without losing quality.

Pad Thai noodles and sauce come fully mixed without needing to stir. The Vegetarian Pad Thai stands out as excellent, and the dish is consistently made to order with fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious, especially the garlic chicken."

"The food here is delicious and always good."

"The Pad Thai's spice level was just right for me."

Good to know

1

Parking can be busy, so consider arriving early or parking across the street at Target.

2

The restaurant primarily serves takeout, with limited seating available inside.

3

Prices are reasonable, with generous portion sizes for the meals.

07
On a Roll image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers generous portions with unique tofu texture that is spongy and springy. The atmosphere stays quiet and unbusy, and dishes often come with spicy tofu or marinated flavors. Sandwiches stand out for being large and packed with pickled vegetables and meat.

Asian food court offers delicious dishes with generous portions. Spicy food is common, so mention preferences to avoid surprises.

Chicken Pad Thai features a noticeable tofu-to-chicken ratio and requires specifying spice level for preferred heat. The dish offers a good flavor even when spiciness varies.

People are saying

"The food here can be quite spicy, so tell them your preference."

"You should tell them about the spice level for the Pad Thai."

"I was impressed by the Vietnamese sandwich here."

Good to know

1

Bank Mi offers vegan options for rice, noodles, and curry with tofu and vegetables.

2

Prices increased by about $3 compared to the listed prices on Google.

3

Portions are huge for the price, providing good value.

08
Erawan Thai Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Large dining room offers immediate seating and a cozy atmosphere with a slightly dated interior. The place stays uncrowded with reasonable prices and a wide variety of Thai dishes, including some standout curries and fried rice.

Food here is consistently delicious and reflects authentic local Thai flavors. The menu offers good, reliable dishes served in a spacious dining room with a welcoming atmosphere.

Pad Thai here comes with a moist texture and leans toward a sweeter flavor than usual. Options include chicken and vegetarian versions, with spice levels adjustable to hot.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and delicious."

"The curry here is phenomenal, especially the green curry sea bass."

"I found the Pad Thai to be good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available immediately on weekday nights.

2

Parking is easy as the restaurant is not in a big shopping plaza.

3

Expect additional charges for white rice when ordering curry dishes.

09
Thai Chili Express image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, clean space offers generous portions of affordable Thai food with consistent quality. Atmosphere is casual with a made-to-order line and some street parking nearby. Dishes like pad Thai and pineapple fried rice stand out for flavor and texture.

Food comes out quickly and stays consistently delicious and tasty. Affordable prices match the excellent quality and service every time.

Pad Thai noodles cook well with a balanced mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Vegetarian versions sometimes taste like ketchup, and staff can prepare fresh orders quickly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and flavorful and tasty."

"I found the yellow and red curries with chicken very tasty."

"I thought the Pad Thai noodles were good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at the restaurant.

2

The meal, including a Thai tea and jasmine tea, costs around $100.

3

The portions are very generous.

10
Thai Orchid @ Soi 1 image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, humble Thai restaurant with a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Busy and crowded during weekday lunch rush, quiet at dinner with many take-away orders. Known for authentic Thai dishes and reasonable prices in a simple setting.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with a wok taste in dishes like pad Thai and pineapple fried rice. Meals come out quickly and use high quality ingredients with generous portions.

Chicken Pad Thai features a distinct wok taste and good overall flavor. The chicken tends to be overcooked, but the dish remains a solid choice alongside pineapple fried rice.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the tasty Pad Thai with that special wok taste."

"I loved the authentic, simple, and delicious food here."

"The food here is so tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of around 20 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

3

Prices are reasonable, with curry dishes starting at $17.

11
Red Chili | Thai & Vietnamese - San Jose image 1

Small, cozy space with bright, clean design and limited seating creates an intimate atmosphere. Fast casual setup focuses on takeout and catering, with dishes served in to-go containers even for dine-in. Menu offers authentic Thai flavors with some unique items, attracting locals who appreciate flavorful, well-prepared food.

Food features authentic northeastern Thai flavors with large portions and affordable prices. Dishes like roti cani and noodle plates come fresh and are well suited for parties.

Wet noodles and chewy texture define the Pad Thai here. It includes chicken and tofu but lacks preserved radish, which some might miss.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here authentic and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the Pad Thai here because it was wet and chewy."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers; use Safeway across the street.

2

Red Chili operates as a fast casual restaurant with a focus on takeout.

3

Dishes range from $15 to $19, with large portions and reasonable prices.

12
The Province International Fusion & Events image 1

Gastropub combines cathedral ceilings and faux Chinese decor with a semi-club, semi-bar vibe. Loud music and big screen TVs create an energetic atmosphere, especially near the central bar and connected card room. Lounge areas and an outdoor patio offer varied spaces within a modern, elegant design.

Exquisite food pairs with excellent bar food and drinks. The menu offers great taste with prices that reflect the fine dining ambiance.

Chicken and salmon versions come with plenty of eggs in the dish. Pad Thai tastes good even when it looks plain and serves well for sharing.

People are saying

"The food here is great."

"I thought an evening plan at their outdoor seating would have been great."

"The Pad Thai here tasted quite good and was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially for events like Bollywood parties.

2

Happy hour offers dishes for under $25, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available but can get crowded due to the nearby casino.

13
Thai Recipe Cuisine image 1
Lunch restaurant

Cozy, small dining area offers plenty of space and a quiet atmosphere with slightly loud music. A robot server adds a unique touch to the experience. The decor is cute and comfortable, creating a private setting for groups up to eight.

Food arrives super fast whether dining in or taking out. Dishes like pad see ew come perfectly cooked and seasoned, with a focus on halal Thai cuisine.

Pad Thai here comes with peanuts on the side and tends to be slightly sweet. Chicken Pad Thai has very soft noodles and is more filling than the Shrimp version, which has less shrimp than expected.

People are saying

"The food here has such unique and good flavors."

"The Thai food here is delicious and halal."

"The Pad Thai noodles were a little too soft for me."

Good to know

1

An automatic tip is added for parties of five or more.

2

Most dishes are priced over $20, so expect a higher bill.

3

The restaurant is halal, confirmed by the staff.

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