Are you on the hunt for the best Thai restaurants in Charleston, SC? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the top 7 unmissable spots that offer a delightful Thai culinary experience in the charming city of Charleston. From the authentic flavors at Pattaya Thai Restaurant to the fusion delights at Dashi and the mouthwatering dishes at Thailicious Dorchester, our comprehensive list features the must-visit Thai restaurants in town.
Jump to places
- ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar
- Taste of Thai
- Thailicious Thai cuisine and Hotpot
- Thai Elephants Restaurant (James Island)
- Pick Thai Restaurant
- Basil Thai Park Circle
- CO Restaurant
ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar is a hidden gem that many visitors have stumbled upon while exploring the city. Located on an unassuming street, this restaurant offers a straightforward dining experience with traditional Thai cuisine that is sure to impress.
Guests rave about the exceptional service and the incredible flavors found in every dish. According to one guest, the drunken noodles and Thai curries are simply outstanding, with a Pad Thai that boasts a delicious sauce and great flavors. Another visitor declared ThaiZapp to have the best Thai food they have ever had in the entire country, even after traveling through seven states.
The restaurant's unassuming street sign may be easy to miss, but the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a clean and beautifully decorated space. The menu is not your typical Thai fare, as ThaiZapp is more than willing to customize dishes to your liking, offering vegetarian options such as a flavorful vegetarian soup and fresh rolls.
The friendly and attentive server named Yao adds to the overall enjoyable dining experience. Whether you are a Thai food enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar is definitely worth a visit.

Taste of Thai, situated in a well-appointed restaurant in an unassuming area, is worth visiting for its authentic Thai cuisine and excellent service. Visitors have mentioned the great atmosphere and praised the friendly wait staff. One guest particularly enjoyed the panang curry, which had a bit of a kick at level 4 spiciness, but wished they had opted for the Thai hot option at level 5.
The steamed veggies were generously portioned, and the rice was cooked to perfection. Another guest was impressed by the amazing food and the waitress's kindness, even going as far as to take photos of them and their friend. For those craving authentic Asian flavors in Charleston, it can be challenging to find quality options, but Taste of Thai manages to stand out.
Guests have been pleased with dishes such as pad thai and basil chicken, highlighting both the delicious food and attentive service.

Thailicious Thai cuisine and Hotpot is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit for Thai food enthusiasts. Visitors have raved about the authenticity of the dishes, mentioning that they are reminiscent of their trips to Thailand. One guest mentioned that having traveled to Thailand multiple times, they were pleased with the traditional flavors they experienced at Thailicious.
From the chicken yellow curry to the fresh shrimp rolls and Thai iced tea, the dishes at this restaurant are described as delicious. Another guest exclaimed that the Cashew chicken was the best damn Thai food they had ever tasted, with flavors that were perfectly balanced and left them wanting more.
With options to customize the level of spice in each dish and a tray of spices and seasonings provided on the side, guests have praised the restaurant for its attention to detail. The Thai boat soup and red curry have also left patrons extremely satisfied with both the quality and quantity of the dishes.
For those looking to indulge in a truly flavorful and authentic Thai dining experience, Thailicious Thai cuisine and Hotpot should definitely be on the list.

Thailicious Thai cuisine and Hotpot Full Review
Located on James Island, Thai Elephants Restaurant is a hidden gem among the Best Thai Restaurants in Charleston. Visitors rave about this casual eatery, which features ornate, traditional decor and serves up classic Thai dishes as well as Japanese sushi.
One person mentioned how this tucked away restaurant attracts an impressive amount of business, with patrons flocking to dine-in or order takeout through services like DoorDash. The Basil Fried Rice and Red Curry are standout dishes that guests simply cannot get enough of.
Although the restaurant no longer offers an extensive sushi menu, it remains highly recommended by visitors. The food is undeniably delicious, with highlights including calamari, crab wontons, chicken satay with a stellar peanut sauce, and pineapple fried rice with beef.
The chef, Joey, is fantastic, and the service provided by Da, the server, is top-notch. Prepare to be blown away by the authentic tastes and friendly atmosphere at Thai Elephants Restaurant. Duck lovers will especially rejoice at the selection available, such as Duck Pad Thai, Garlic Duck, and Duck Soup, all of which are bursting with flavor.
Other favorites include Chicken Pad Thai, Chicken Satay, and Chicken Wings. Don't forget to try a refreshing Coconut Bubble Tea along with your meal. Thai Elephants Restaurant truly delivers an unforgettable dining experience in Charleston.

Thai Elephants Restaurant (James Island) Full Review
Located in an unassuming strip-mall, Pick Thai Restaurant stands out as one of the best Thai dining experiences in Charleston. Visitors rave about the friendly and efficient staff, evident from the moment they pick up their orders. One guest even mentioned how their order was ready on time and the staff was incredibly friendly on the phone.
The food at Pick Thai is truly mouthwatering, with the curry dumplings and pad Thai being particular highlights. Reviewers note that the seasoning is perfect and no additional sauce or seasoning is necessary. Guests also highly recommend trying their custard and sticky white rice for a sweet ending to the meal.
The consistency and freshness of the Pad Thai are also praised, making it a standout dish. Moreover, the chicken satay with its delectable peanut butter sauce has become a popular choice among diners. Overall, Pick Thai Restaurant offers both incredible flavors and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for Thai food enthusiasts.

Basil Thai Park Circle is worth visiting for its delicious and full-flavored dishes, according to guests. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere and provides excellent customer service. One visitor mentioned that they loved being able to walk in without needing reservations, and they particularly enjoyed the coconut soup and the wide noodle dish.
The latter had a hint of sweetness and was a clear favorite. The pad Thai and Thai noodles also received high praise. Despite a previous location closing down, this outpost in Park Circle continues to impress with its friendly service and generous portion sizes.
While there were some criticisms, such as mediocre food and overly salty duck sauce, the majority of guests have found the dining experience at Basil Thai Park Circle to be a positive one.

CO Restaurant is a hip eatery in Charleston that offers a contemporary twist on Southeast Asian cuisine. It has become a popular choice for locals and visitors alike due to its mouthwatering dishes. People rave about the restaurant's noodles, particularly the Curry Laksa, which starts off flavorful and gradually increases in spiciness, making it irresistible.
Guests also appreciate the excellent service and abundance of hot sake. One of the standout features of CO is its dedication to catering to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan options. Visitors love the fact that they can enjoy a delightful meal while adhering to their dietary restrictions.
Additionally, CO's happy hour bites are highly recommended, with one guest expressing their enjoyment of the amazing salad and shrimp. The attentive service provided by the server, Heather, is also worth noting, as she was honest about the spiciness level of certain dishes, ultimately guiding guests towards an alternative that turned out to be superbly delicious.
CO Restaurant undoubtedly offers a memorable dining experience for those in search of contemporary Southeast Asian flavors.
