Saffron Thai is a fast-casual eatery serving comforting Thai food with fresh ingredients and some distinctively healthier options. THE FOOD * Healthy Fried Rice (with Shrimp): It uses organic red rice instead of white rice, stir-fried with plenty of vegetables. It was warm and tasty. SERVICE & ATMOSPHERE * The Team: The cashier was welcoming and attentive. I appreciated seeing them actively cleaning and tidying up the store during slower periods. * The Vibe: [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is bright with open seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] * Outdoor Seating: [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is a nice area right outside the entrance to relax and people-watch while you eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] OVERALL A great place to pick up a quick, fresh bite of Thai food for lunch or dinner! read more

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First time costumer Placed my order at 12:30-12:35 pm today April 21 2026 on a Tuesday [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place: nice vibe inside cool wall painting[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food: the curry is very soupy it's not even a curry to me it's like soup.. the rice was overcooked and a bit hard... they gave me a soup serving spoon which is for soups not for curry. The Thai tea was bland and didn't have that sweet/milk/condensed milk flavor. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decoration: Buddha beer bottle which is really disrespectful to the Buddha religion... the religion doesn't promote alcohol/drugs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service: I asked this employee who I believe doesn't speak English but understood me, he was a Busser but I thought he was just a chef or someone working in the kitchen at first, I asked him for a regular spoon and he points to the cashier and says "my friend" insisting I can go to him.. restaurant wasn't busy and tables were already clean. Right after this I saw him wiping utensils with a towel, he could've brought me a spoon ‍ I've worked at restaurants before and worked as a Busser and part of a Bussers job is bringing utensils, cups, plates to a table or handing one to a customer. Also I asked for to go containers and cashier didn't give me a bag I had to go back in and ask. When I did ask he took a brown bag and was about to bag my food I thought when another customer comes in interrupts and then cashier starts talking with him about sauces in Spanish... in the food industry when you're talking to one customer you make sure you finish up what you're doing with that customer not go back and forth ‍ after the guy leaves he puts my curry soup in a brown bag taped it then hands me a bag.. I'm not trying to be rude but you should've just given me the bags and I could've done it myself if you were only gonna Bag one thing what was the point of that.. I'd rather have quality over quantity, even though they give you a big amount it doesn't mean it's good. I'm surprised this restaurant is rated one of the top restaurants in San Diego because that's not what I got from my experience today. Price: $21 reasonable but for the quality they should charge less or make a better recipe. Would I come back here again ? No and it's a bummer because I live up the street walking distance and I really wanted to like this place read more

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This eatery has a reputation of serving a healthier version of Thai cuisine than the competition. Several years ago, I visited a newer location of Saffron Thai in the village of La Jolla. Unfortunately, the venue did not last and has seen other tenants try their luck in that space. Recently, I made a stop at this OG location in the "restaurant row" of Mission Hills. Parking was metered curbside unless you were lucky to find a spot on a side street up the hill within the neighborhood. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A large yellow awning adorned the front of the suite. There was covered outside seating along railings that served as countertops. The inside dining area could hold about two dozen customers. Colorful menu boards were posted behind the service counter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A wide variety of choices was offered that consisted of a fusion of different Asian styles (e.g. Masala Curry, Vietnamese Noodles) as opposed to just pure Thai food. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with beef. Chili paste was sauteed with wide rice noodles, mustard greens, broccoli, mushroom, zucchini, green beans, Thai basil, and crispy shallots. If there was a house made chili paste sauteed into the dish, then I could barely detect it. I requested mild spiciness, but in this case, I should have asked for extra flavor to be added. I wonder if making the food healthier came at the cost of weaker flavoring. The portion size for $17 was also mediocre, therefore a three star rating was warranted. read more

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Saffron is a legendary restaurant that I have patronized for years. Tonight, and the last time I walked in they told me they were out of chicken. With their years of being in business they must know to the penny what they sell and when they sell it. There is simply no excuse for this happening even once let alone twice. I am very disappointed. read more

I got their $17, Drunken Noodles with Beef, Mild Spice. I wouldn't get the beef again, I think they use the wrong cut-- it was somewhat chewy and not as tender as other places. I didn't really enjoy the use of green bell pepper, this is a personal preference but I think green bell pepper only belongs on pizza. Also, the broccoli needed to be cooked slightly longer. Lastly, the mild was more like no spice. I would go up a level next time! It was ok to eat-- the zucchini, mustard greens, Thai basil were delicious! Although, I wouldn't order this particular dish next time. What's nice is that they ask you questions so you're basically customizing it as you order. They asked me if I wanted everything and I said yes, but usually I'd request no mushrooms. (: My friends however ordered the $16.75, Thai Style Cashew Stir-fry. This was a dish that also caught my eye! It was vibrant and saucy. The rice was cooked to perfection as well. The stir-fry consisted of onion, zucchini, red bell pepper, roasted chili oil covered cashews! The portion was good for lunch-- they both honestly had left overs which I'm sure they saved for dinner. The $6.50, Thai tea, which my friends ordered, looked to be pre-made/prepared and it was in one of those large dispensing containers at the front of the kitchen area. It seems like the drink was nicely cold, but maybe more on the creamy side. The cup was more skinny than your usual 16 oz cup which was interesting (idk how many oz it was). The price is about $1.50 more than I'd usually pay for Thai tea). However, I think the prices for the food items were pretty fair and the chefs did a great job preparing them in a timely manner. They do have a large menu so if one thing doesn't satisfy you, come and try something else. We got the foods to-go and it was packaged neatly and well with napkins and multiple utensils. The dishes remained hot until we arrived at our eating location. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is quite spacious and large, they have indoor seating and outdoor seating as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior was bright and modern. Beautiful mural on the walls and bright lighting lit up the space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibrant yellow chairs were lovely and the space was very clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The workers were all very kind! read more

Saffron Thai - Pretty mural in the back. Modern and spacious area. Nicely decorated tables with beautiful vases. And my friends cup of Thai tea! - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Was in the area and decided to check this spot out. Staff were pretty welcoming, this is an order up front and they bring it to your table.I ordered the Tomm yam veggie soup, and it was decent. For a cold night it hit the spot. They have a rainy day soup that sounded yummy... but is only offered on actual rainy days, so if I'm ever in the area when it's raining I'd like to try it out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, nice little spot for a quick bite.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Saffron Thai - Tomm Yam Noodle Soup (Vegetables Only) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Menu has so many options, but was so hungry that I ended up ordering my go-to for any Thai place which was the chicken pad Thai. I'm not saying too many choices is a bad thing just that when you are hungry you just want to eat. But this backfired as I didn't read the chicken pad Thai description and food out later when food came out that they serve it with tofu. I'm not a fan of tofu and wished I had really read the menu. Dish was ok, but definitely not ordering that for the next visit. I also ordered their house made ginger ale which was really good. Highly recommend if you are a fan of ginger. Doesn't taste like the strong spicy ginger that some ginger ales can be. Service was a bit slow for my dish, but it seemed they were busy with orders. read more

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I have always heard about their rainy day chicken soup! My whole family was feeling a little under the weather this weekend and, even though it was not raining, I knew they had regular chicken soup on their menu. I told the lady at the front that we wanted to come back when it was raining one time, and she offered to give us some ginger to put in the soup since that is a key ingredient in the rainy day chicken soup! We got home and as soon as I opened the carton with the soup ingredients, I was hit with the most fantastic smell. I like that they put the soup ingredients separate from the soup broth so that it could be really fresh when you eat it at home! We also got the chicken pad Thai, which was delicious! We all feel a lot better today and I think the soup definitely contributed to that. read more

Saffron Thai - Outside - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

I use to come here frequently several years ago when I worked in hillcrest and wanted to come back to check out wishful thinking was it was going to be just as good as I remembered it. But unfortunately, it seems that food was good/decent but not authentic Thai which is more of what we were looking for to eat. The service was amazing! You order first and then are given a number and they bring the food to you. They were super friendly and made sure to get your order correctly confirming all you ordered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also, the ambiance was great although busy there was a table available when we got there. And there is super cute Thai decor and walls decorated nicely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, when we got our food the drunken noodle seemed to be a bit salty and the pad Thai & curry seemed to be missing some of the authentic spices that usually you get when ordering at authentic Thai restaurants. The chicken satay combo plate was good and I really enjoyed that dish. But overall giving that rating just due to missing some of those authentic flavors but the service was amazing! Also when asked for a to go bag realized they are under the ownership of Karina's restaurants group so that's when I confirmed they are definitely under different ownership than when I use to go there several years ago. read more

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Not sure why this place has such low reviews. Service is good, food was made fresh. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And the location is clean and well organized.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got the pad-thai with chicken to-go. Good portion, a bit expensive. But taste is good, not too much oil or excessive sauce, wish make it better. Definitely worth a try. read more

Saffron Thai - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Had lunch here few weeks ago. Ordering was easy, a few staff members were available and food came out quickly. Starting with our appetizer the Eggroll, my wife spits it out coz there's lots of crushed black pepper on it . Our Drunken noodles , i never encountered so many ingredients that were not necessary to be added that made the Drunken noodles not taste good. The yellow Curry chicken was okay but it had more Potatoes than meats. The only good part of our experience here was the Soup. A few added salt and it's perfect. The staff at the front who took the orders and delivered the food were friendly. But food is a no for me here. read more

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Everything we have tried on their menu has been wonderful. Great selection for both meat and non meat eaters.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great location, great variety on the menu.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]... When I got the papaya salad with chicken I was not expecting what I received. I thought it was going to be the typical green papaya but it was cubed sweet papaya with shredded chicken that was probably just taken out of a fridge? I'll try to come back another time and give other things a try. read more

Great GF options! Everything is delicious! I love the spicy mushroom & Shrimp soup - that's an older menu picture; love you can substitute red rice or 1/2 red/1/2 white)l. Spicy & very satisfying! The shrimp are always perfectly cooked (not rubbery like some places). Even better the second day. Order take-out ahead as parking can be dicey on India Street. read more

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Take out from Saffron Thai was okay. I have a long history with Thai good and like it homestyle and flavorful...our order from Saffron - chicken curry, chicken pad thai, and drunken noodles. The dishes were somewhat bland and did not taste authentic. The quality of ingredients was good. Pick up service was ready when promised. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was clean and staff friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But it just seemed and tasted too domesticated and not exotic....tame. We will surely try again, but other thai restaurant will get visited next while we look for our favorite. read more

I started having saffron Thai when I would go to the airport. At first it was the drunken noodles for me, but then I later discovered the dirty rice and I would always change out the shrimp or the chicken. Of course I'd get it spicy. But this last time that I went to saffron Thai on India Street it wasn't a spicy as it usually is and I'm missing more of the lemon grass taste. Of course I'll be back, but I hope the flavors stay consistent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The staff is very nice and I love the ambience and I love the fact that they have a Mexican Coke.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And they have the biggest egg roll I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. read more

Saffron Thai - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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So sad how far Saffron has fallen. I first began coming to Saffron about 20 years ago and was told they business has changed hands several times now. After an issue I brought to the attention of the counter employee, I was told they have no control over how dry and over cooked the chicken is. Dismissive, uninterested employees could care less. Speaking in Spanish with another employee about my complaint, I almost wanted to explain that I speak Spanish and understand your lack of concern. read more

Yummy!!! This place has always been one of my faves since moving here in 1997. You cannot go wrong with their fabulous chicken egg roll. Best in town. I usually get it with a side of stir fried broccoli. It makes for a healthy and delicious meal. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating so it is pup friendly!! Service is usually quick and friendly!! read more

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My first time to saffron Thai and I was kind of hopeful , but mostly disappointed. While the claims that this is authentic Thai are evident, i beg to differ that this is someone's idea of Thai - like. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When I see a big colorful menu above a cashier, I think I'm in a fast food restaurant like McDonald's and this place isn't that far from it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Pad Esann Spicy Noodle dish that I had looked nice, but the flavor was not what I expected, it had this weird texture to it. I'm not recommending this place nor going back again. read more

So I have been gone for 10 years up in LA and just moved back. I used to go here all the time and the drunken noodles were other-worldly. Things have really changed. We ordered the drunken noodles, massaman curry chicken, and fried rice. NONE of them were good. The drunken noodles had very little flavor and none of the sweetness that it used to have years ago. The curry chicken was flavorless, and the chicken fried rice was average at best. Needless to say I won't be returning. It's so sad too - this place used to be awesome... read more

My wife and I came here after a 5 Hour Dr. hungry and ready to eat so $65 later definitely disappointed The Food and menu looked better then it taste forsure. We Ordered Drunken noodle and the Malaysian noodle that dish was incredibly hot to the point where you couldn't even enjoy the food or taste the various ingredients that were put into the dish. All you feel is heat with your nose constantly running and if you don't have a drink outside of water that is cream based it does nothing but increase the heat more. The Thai tea taste as if it came out of a box previously made which I should have known looking at the fountain. It is not a traditional homemade Thai tea by far. The shrimp rolls were doable with the peanut sauce and sweet and spicy sauce but honestly outside of the spring rolls I would definitely not recommend this place at all. Was far from worth $65 for 2 drinks, two entrees and 3 spring rolls. The portions are also on the simi smaller size just disappointing read more

Saffron Thai - Spring Shrimp Salad Roll (1) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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A solid 3. Quick, tasty, but not cooked to order. It's kinda like Thai food...I've clearly been spoiled by Thai restaurants that cook your food after you've ordered it so that it arrives freshly prepared. The egg rolls are kept in a warmer and you can't adjust heat/spice levels. read more

So tickled this place is still in business!! I lived in SD from 2011 to 2014 and this was my go to spot for lunch. So fresh! NOT greasy. Quality chicken. I get the chicken fried rice but the chicken skewers were BOMB too. Don't hesitate. If you want good, quality takeout, look no further!. read more

So unfortunate that I have had to come to making a public warning about one of my favorite places. I had a friend visiting from out of town and I as a frequent customer of saffron wanted to rave about a local Thai restaurant that I've been going to for years. That said I ordered what I usually do; chicken pad-Thai noodles and dirty rice with chicken. My friend from out of town is allergic to soybean and had told the cashier that she couldn't consume anything that may contain soybean. Come to find some tiny chopped soybean tofu in our CHICKEN pad-Thai. Luckily we were sharing both meals and I had been splitting both plates when we noticed. Genuinely just distraught at the fact that the staff was specifically made aware of the allergen and there were no measure made to prevent this. As a BOH and FOH worker there should be some communication and accountability for what is being rung in and served to customers. Hopefully this does not happen to anyone else and was a genuine mistake. If I hadn't been sharing with her let alone maybe another regular client. The situation could have been worse for saffron. read more

Saffron Thai - Pad-Thai Noodles (Chicken) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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The food here is delicious and they have some great healthy options. Service is average and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I did not feel like it was a very welcoming environment[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but regardless enjoyed the food each time I've come here read more

I love saffrons. Maybe I'm biased because I've been coming for over 10 years but this place has never let me down. My favorite item is the salad rolls and the peanut sauce is to die for. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I sunset is beautiful from the place and it's always nice and clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This is my favorite restaurant!! read more

Saffron Thai - Shrimp Salad Rolls (Box of 3). - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Su Mei was a friend of mine. She was fussy, opinionated about food (she knew it well) I went so often, the servers knew my order when I entered. Breast and thigh, rice, veggies...best Thai sauce since Bangkok. Best Chicken place this world traveler ever had, even Bangkok. read more

I have always had a good experience at Saffron! When my husband and I lived in San Diego, we would regularly pick up food and head down to the beach for a picnic. Now that we no longer live there, it is a regular spot for us when we are back visiting. The curries are warm and nourishing, the pad see-ew is delicious, and we always get some chicken to share which is well cooked and juicy. The service is unexpectedly good as it is counter service and that can be hit or miss, but our food was brought out to us super fast and plates were cleared by a speedy busser when we were finished. We will be back again for good food and service. read more

I've been coming here since around 1990 and still get the chicken with sweet pepper sauce and mango stick rice. That's my " go-to" at this place and I seldom try anything else. My wife typically gets one of the soups and those are good as well. I did try the Drunken Noodles recently and it was nothing to write about. read more

Beware of 5-1-5-2 reviews. This usually means the low score is being helped. I see it all the time. Saffron has changed. The people are very nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is peaceful and clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But the food is weak. I ordered a chicken salad and it seriously lacked flavor. So I went back and asked for a side of peanut sauce because the salad was so bland, and I had to still pay the extra $1.07 for sauce! I think that is wrong to pay to remedy the food. I'm only reviewing this because I believe they have the capability to improve if they were once great. I think they can do better. Please do better. I'd like to see a disappointment turn into satisfaction. I'd like to come back in the future pleasantly surprised. read more

What a disappointment. After coming here for about 30 years the quality and flavor has gone south. Bland chicken, thin peanut sauce and reedy vegetables in the drunken chicken. So sad the quality is down and prices up. My Saffron days are over. read more

Place looks great from the outside and I was told it was one of the best Thai food places in SD. So you order at the door then take a seat to be served. Seating area inside is a bit snug but worst is the chairs are uncomfortable and our table was wabbly. Upon ordering we asked for hot sauce and we're disappointed we had to pay extra for hot sauce which is whack because Thai food is meant to be eaten with spice so why isn't it included as a free condiment! Ordered several dishes since their menu is pretty extensive, it took us a minute to decide and finally went with drunken noodles as our first option and it was good flavor, a bit on the greasy side though. noodle soup broth was tasteful and cashew chicken had veggies cooked to perfection. Food came out fairly quickly I think I waited longer for the restroom to be free than for my food to come out. I felt staff could have been a bit more attentive since I did ask several times what the hold up was with the restroom. If it wasn't for the cleaning crew man who took the initiative to get the spare key to open up the restroom I would be giving this place a 1 star review. Overall food was obviously edible and acceptable but the accompanying details of this establishment is what will set it back. read more

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Love the slogan, Food for the Mind, Body & Soul. It's great because all that creates balance and harmony. And boy was I feeling great after chowing down on the chicken spring rolls and Thai style cashew chicken. The food was fresh and the staff very kind. Some what Zen like. The staff was very calm yet hustled to get the orders prepared. I highly recommend Saffron Thai. read more

Been wanting to try this place for a while now and it did not disappoint food was soo tasty chicken so succulent Got lucky wit parking since we came during an off time read more

Saffron Thai - Fresh spring roll half chicken pad seew fresh coconut - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

I had the Kung Pao Chicken for lunch and couldn't finish more then two bites. The chicken is bizarre and clearly extremely low quality. Years ago, I used to come this restaurant about once a week and LOVED it and now I am totally shocked at how bad it was. Literally, my meal was disgusting and I walked out of the restaurant because I am on my lunch break and don't have time to explain how chicken should taste and what texture it should be. So disappointing. $18 down the drain and never coming back. read more

This place had quick service, that was the highlight. Unfortunately the speed comes at expense of flavor. Everything seems to have been cooked separately and in advance, and you assemble your meal. We had a papaya salad with chicken. The chicken was absolutely flavorless, with the sauce served in a cup on the side so that you can flavor it yourself. It seems the chicken is pre-cooked so that it can be added to a noodle dish or thrown into a curry. We also got a noodle dish-the noodles were lacking in flavor and rubbery, as thought they've been sitting around for a while. Dishes had the main ingredients of Thai cuisine-but lacked that spice and depth of flavor found at other places. Saffron gets 2 stars because the food is not bad-just exceptionally bland. They prioritize speed over flavor. When your food comes out sooner than the group behind you can finish placing their order, there is going to be some corners cut. read more

Got their healthful cleansing soup while I had a sore throat. It was just bland enough to not upset my stomach but had good flavor to still be enjoyable. Would definitely get this again. read more

As good as I remember it from the early 90s, this is an offbeat and affordable Thai-inspired "quick food" community institution. Great any time and on rainy days they make Rainy Day Soup! Not to be missed Try the grilled chicken with peanut sauce, as well as the drunken noodles, and you won't be sorry. read more

It's been ten years since my last visit, having moved to the central Coast. Absolutely everything is as spectacular as it was years ago. We had to go even though we had a very short schedule. But we made time to visit our friend Marcia. She was so pleased. From the Chicken sate to the cucumber salad ending with Mango Coconut rice for dessert. read more

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Got some items to eat family-style with friends and we all really enjoyed it. I didn't tell them it was healthy Thai food, and the people who never eat healthy were pleasantly surprised that they liked it. None of us had ever had red rice before, but we got the Healthy Beef Fried Rice to try it. The dish itself could have used more beef and more flavor. We got the Chicken Pad-Thai Noodles medium spicy, but there was no spice whatsoever. My girlfriend is sensitive to spice and even she couldn't taste it. It was a great dish, though, even without the spiciness, but I think it would've been better with some. The Kung Pao Cauliflower, on the other hand, had a nice soft kick to it. It was my favorite dish we got. Eating it together with the red rice was a perfect pairing. For dessert, we got the Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango. The two people who enjoy mango said it was absolutely delicious and next time they aren't going to be splitting one. Needless to say, this place was definitely an overall success and we will all be back to try some more dishes! read more

Saffron Thai - Healthy Fried Rice (Beef) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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