Proprietors Val, a native of Thailand and Art Habbestad deserve much of the credit for the emergence of the Hillcrest restaurant scene. It was 1989, they opened their marvelous Taste of Thai restaurant right in the heart of the vibrant community. It was a time when Thai food was coming into its own. Taste of Thai started a unique trend of Thai food and the first vegetarian cuisine in the San Diego area. The location was perfect and the locals embraced the hip and trendy restaurant. To this day, the restaurant still remains among the most popular, despite the fact that a number of other Thai spots have opened up near by. In 1997, Art and Val opened up a second, even more beautiful restaurant at Flower Hill Mall in Del Mar and experienced instant success.
The factors that contribute to the continue success are light food, fresh- made dishes at reasonable prices with traditionally seasoning that has a daily consistency at both locations. The use of fragrant herbs and spices and the delicate specialties on the menu will ensure the memorable dinning experience.
Throughout the years, Taste of Thai has won most of the critically acclaimed awards in this industry including Gold Medallion and ZAGAT Survey.
Gold Medallion 1990
Gold Medallion 2006
Gold Medallion 2007
Gold Medallion 2009
Best Thai Reader’s Choice since 1995 to present
Best Thai – Sign On San Diego.com
San Diego’s Best Thai Reader’s Poll