Thai Kitchen

As one of two fixture-class Thai restaurants in Irvine, Thai Kitchen has occupied the same corner location in Stonecreek Plaza for decades, barely changing over the years. Fairly small and tastefully decorated, it has maintained the same ambience shared by many early American Thai restaurants – calm and pleasant, with friendly service.

Largely bucking trends (while lightly accommodating growing interest in Northern Thai items), it continues to serve a largely predictable menu of Thai standards – satay and spring rolls, Tom Yum soups and potent salads, five types of curry, a handful of noodle dishes, plus properly sauced and seasoned seafood and meat entrees. That said, the oft-beloved crispy noodle appetizer Mee Krob, shown in one photo here, regrettably dropped off of the menu years ago, typically a sign of a modestly staffed kitchen.

Although it was overshadowed for years by better-known Thai restaurants in nearby cities, Thai Kitchen has outlasted many of them without igniting the same fiery passion in guests. Once a particularly great option for a quiet date night, it remains a good spot for affordable lunches, and a fine option for pickup/delivery.