Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

Rama

327 Fourth Ave. (J St.) Send to Phone
San DiegoCA 92101
619-501-8424
Upscale Asian cuisine in a striking setting sets this restaurant miles apart from others in the trendy Gaslamp area.

Cuisine

Open

Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features

* Click here for rating key

Dining room at Rama, San Diego, CAOne of the Gaslamp’s hippest spots, this architecturally-stylish restaurant blends cool vibes with spicy, authentic Asian cuisine. Slip inside the colorful, cozy front bar for a sophisticated cocktail like a Tao, (Patron Silver, Patron Citronage with cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime) or head straight down the long hall into the dining room with its wall-size waterfall and stonework. Ask for one of the semi-private, spacious booths veiled in the lightest of scrims that shimmer in the subtle light. Owner Alex Thao and chef Pannuwat Soukjai offer a variety of classic Thai dishes, as well as myriad modern fusions. We recommend standards such as chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce; lightly fried tofu tod with plum sauce; and massaman curry, rich with coconut milk, peanuts, potatoes and onions. Special treats include Rama crab, fresh King crab legs, mushrooms and bamboo in rich red curry sauce; and larb pla, grilled striped bass with green mangoes and chili-lime sauce. Post-prandial clubbing is only a step away at 30-Two, Thao’s adjoining nightclub---so bring your dancing shoes.

User Ratings & Reviews for Rama
 
Best Restaurateur of the Year
Top 40 Restaurants

Once a year, we examine the best of the best, and compile our list of the Top 40 Restaurants in the country, featured in our Annual Restaurant Edition. Also check out the Top 40 Cheap Eats, and Best Restaurateur of the Year.

Browse our Recipes
Cook Up a Storm

What's for dinner tonight? Or for your dinner party this weekend? Check out our recipe section to find healthy meals such as Broccoli Rabe Soup and sweet treats like Dark Chocolate Dipped Pineapple with Pistachio.

Food Trucks, the hottest trend
Taco Truck Trend

A phenomenon that started in East Los Angeles is sweeping the nation: food trucks are emerging from coast to coast, offering Korean tacos, French take-away and even gourmet desserts.

Latest Cookbooks
Latest Cookbooks

Whenever a chef or important food personality publishes a new book, we are among the first to review it. Find out what's worth whisking around with our cookbook reviews!

 
 


RESTAURANT AWARDS

Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!