Some days call for more than just finishing a ChapStick—they demand a celebration. Maybe you’re marking a promotion or simply craving authentic Thai flavors that transport you. Whatever your occasion, these Long Beach spots deliver with vibrant curries, fragrant herbs, and dishes worthy of a special night out. Here are the 12 best Thai restaurants to elevate your 2025 dining.
Spicy Sugar Thai Long Beach
$$ | (562) 983-3900 | WEBSITE
Sure, you’ve had Pad Thai, but have you tried it with perfectly charred noodles and a tamarind glaze that dances on your tongue? Or how about a Drunken Noodle dish that balances spice and sweetness in a way that feels both familiar and thrilling? At this cozy Thai spot in Long Beach, the menu of classic dishes will rewire your expectations. They will comfort you—and be exactly what you’ll crave again and again.
While dinner doesn’t break the bank ($18–$25 a plate), the experience is a warm embrace you won’t want to leave, from the welcoming family-friendly space to the complimentary wonton chips with house-made sauces, and staff who make every meal feel like a homecoming.
Koh Ruessei (Bamboo Island) Noodles Restaurant
$ | (562) 912-7316 | WEBSITE
Koh Ruessei in Long Beach is one of the few Southeast Asian spots that feels genuinely welcoming and a lot of fun. The commitment to a vibrant, home-cooked vibe has a lot to do with it—the lively atmosphere livens up the night from start to finish. You’ll dig into a papaya salad bursting with flavor, sip on a hot and sour soup balanced with lemongrass and spices, and enjoy beef satay sticks in a space filled with karaoke energy and warm, friendly service.
The unbeatable prices (most dishes under $15) are inspired by authentic Cambodian cooking—you’ll always know what you’re in for, and the food is guaranteed to be as satisfying as the vibe.
S.T. Noodle Bar
$ | (562) 425-7535 | WEBSITE
S.T. Noodle Bar offers some of the best-value Thai food in Long Beach. For around $15 per dish, you get generous portions of classics like Pad See Ew or the must-try Khao Soi, plus tasty appetizers like Gyoza dumplings. It’s a great option when you want to ditch the usual takeout routine and enjoy a relaxed meal without the sticker shock that often comes with dining out.
It’s also conveniently located in a center with other shops and restaurants, making it a perfect pick for a casual weekday dinner if you’re in Lakewood or need somewhere near some of the area’s most popular spots.
Phi Thai Eatery
$$ | (562) 525-3679 | WEBSITE
There’s a literal neon sign that beckons you to the late-night window at Phi Thai Eatery. So swinging by when you’ve got those midnight cravings and need something legit is always the move. Once inside, you’re greeted with the glow of warm lighting and the aroma of garlic and spices filling the air. Phi Thai is one of the most satisfying spots in town, full stop. Satisfy those hunger pangs with a plate of their Pad Thai, and a side of Garlic Rice or some Chicken Dumplings in front of you.
Manaow Thai
$$ | (562) 433-2574 | WEBSITE
Manaow Thai is the neighborhood Thai spot to go to with people who really care about regional specialties and whether or not a curry has the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spice. This Long Beach restaurant is centered around authentic dishes, which are served with warm hospitality that makes a meal here feel like an experience. Flavorful beef khao soi, herb shrimp salad, and mango sticky rice that taste like sunshine are prepared with care before being presented to you.
You get to sip on their signature Thai tea. And even the desserts, like the divine Thai tea panna cotta, are impressive.
Charm Siam Restaurant
$ | (562) 628-2424 | WEBSITE
The clean, friendly dining room at Charm Siam just feels inviting—the space is bright and welcoming, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a cozy neighborhood gem. But sitting in this charming spot in Long Beach is just the start of a meal that leaves a lasting impression. Pad Thai is a sticky-sweet delight. Chicken Satay builds a lingering flavor. And everything is so phenomenal that you won’t even mind when your plate is cleared too quickly from the attentive service.
Whether you’re ordering a la carte or going in on the $18 Kao Soi to mark a casual lunch or a quick dinner, Charm Siam is always a stellar option.
Thai District
$$ | (562) 362-4422 | WEBSITE
The team at Thai District makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s cherished home kitchen. And that’s not just because the space has that charming, old-school Thai vibe with traditional decor and warm lighting. Perfectly balanced curries and noodles are brought to your table by the friendly staff like they’re family recipes being shared for the first time.
And appetizers, like the crispy Golden Bags or the delicate Crispy Spring Rolls, are prepared with the same attention you’d give to a treasured family heirloom. The $25–$35 per person meal is an experience to enjoy whenever you’re craving authentic Thai flavors that deliver both generous portions and genuine warmth, even if the service slows a bit on busier nights when the patio buzzes with neighborhood energy.
Bai Plu Thai & Sushi Bar
$$ | (562) 343-2651 | WEBSITE
This Long Beach spot is more than worth the price. The generous portions and reasonable menu are delicious and satisfying. You might get the popular fried duck rice with its crispy skin and savory flavor, or the Tom Kha Kai coconut chicken soup served steaming hot in a beautiful bowl.
And the little touches help make this place feel extra special, like watching the robot waiter glide through the dining room with plates, or the attentive staff proudly serving up their favorite dishes from the Thai and sushi menu.
Tasty Food To Go – Thai & Lao
$ | (562) 599-9756 | WEBSITE
Great news for anyone who craves the sizzle of a busy kitchen and the aroma of authentic Southeast Asian spices—Tasty Food To Go is a flavor celebration. The Thai and Lao spot in Long Beach draws regulars each evening who gather at the few outdoor tables, sharing steaming bowls of coconut soup and passing around plates of crispy shrimp egg rolls as if they were prized family recipes. Cashew chicken and ultra-delicious pad Thai are the stars on every order.
And we’d take their perfectly balanced, home-style cooking over fancier fare any day.
Happy Thai Restaurant
$$ | (562) 599-2437 | WEBSITE
The authentic Thai touches make a meal at Happy Thai memorable. This Long Beach gem serves impressively flavorful dishes that showcase ingredients imported directly from Thailand. Each plate arrives with vibrant colors and aromatic spices, while friendly staff check in regularly to ensure everything meets expectations. You’ll also get to enjoy their signature Thai iced tea with just the right sweetness and try the must-order coconut soup that warms you from the first sip.
Even in the cozy dining room, you’ll find comfortable seating and soft lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere—and it all ends with generous portions that leave you with leftovers. Meals feel unhurried here, so if you need a reliable, satisfying spot for your regular Thai cravings, Happy Thai’s it.
OHO Sushi Studio
$$ | (562) 498-9008 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want to slide into a bar seat and watch the chefs craft perfect rolls while passing around plates of jalapeño torpedoes and salmon lover rolls. OHO Sushi Studio in Long Beach is the spot for casual sushi nights (there’s plenty of table and bar seating), and the best part is you can enjoy a full meal for around $35 per person. Another reason we keep coming back? The lively spot has some of the freshest fish in town (we’re sushi snobs, we know).
Throw in friendly service from staff like TAY and rolls that aren’t overloaded with sauce and you can’t go wrong.
Elephant Thai Kitchen
$ | (562) 513-3015 | WEBSITE
If you even remotely care about authentic Thai cooking or crave generous portions, you’ve probably heard of Elephant Thai Kitchen. But if you haven’t, this Long Beach spot is a prime candidate for a satisfying weeknight meal, especially with a spice enthusiast. The menu (most dishes under $15) involves large plates, anecdotes about the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients, and flavorful chicken Pad See Ew in every bite imaginable.
Plus, as an added touch, the service comes with the kind and helpful attitude described by regulars.