Rama - A Thai Restaurant In San Diego
We decided to try a new restaurant a few days ago. I don’t know how new Rama is since it has already been rated the best Thai-Restaurant in San Diego. It is set in an old warehouse, formerly a night-club. The ceiling is high, with one of the interior walls made out of rocks with water dripping down it. It has tall mesh curtains separating the tables, giving an illusion of privacy. Dim candlelight lighting, nicely decorated tables and relaxing music enhance the ambience. We got seated in one of the booths situated along one of the walls and had a great overview over the entire restaurant.
I wouldn’t say it is the best Thai-food I’ve ever had, but the ambiance more than made up for it. It is a truly beautiful restaurant. We decided to not over-order this time as we so often do. We started with the Triangle appetizer which is lightly fried wonton skins stuffed with cheese and crab. The cost is $9. Then we ordered a Tom Kha (coconut lemon grass) soup with has choice of vegetables, tofu, chicken, or shrimp. A cup costs between $5 to $6.5 and a bowl from $11 to $13.5. The soup was not as creamy as we are used to, but very good. It has all the usual ingredients such as lemon grass and galanga. Next we ordered Lad Nar, an entrée made from flat rice noodles topped with Chinese broccoli in Thai gravy. ($15) You had the choice of chicken, beef, pork, vegetables or tofu. Add $2 for shrimp or squid, $2.5 for scallops, $3 for roast duck, or $3.5 for seafood combination. The shrimp was a little on the chewy side. Not worth the extra $2.
A note about parking. You can valet at the restaurant for $15. Normal parking fees downtown on a Saturday night is $20. If you arrive prior to 6PM, you can usually find free street parking in parking zones that were designated 30 minute parking prior to 6 PM.
We were unimpressed by the service at Rama because we felt our waitress asked us too many times if we wanted to order more food. Also, before we had tasted the Lad Nar, she asked us how we liked it. We also didn’t get the utensils replaced without having to ask for them after they had been cleared along with dirty dishes.
The restaurant is one of the most beautifully decorated Thai restaurants I’ve ever been to. It is a hip place to even just get a drink at the bar before going out on the town. For two appetizers, one entree, one glass of wine, one soft drink and some peanut satay sauce on the side the cost was $42 including tax but not including tip.
327 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-501-8424
