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Torsap Thai Kitchen

1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
$$$
Thai, Trendy, Business Lunch

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Torsap Thai Kitchen 8.2
Locust Street Corridor
Modern Thai with bright, balanced flavors and a sleek dining room that stays conversation-friendly at lunch. Dishes arrive fast and travel well for teams splitting plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy basil duck, Pad Thai, Khao soi
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Refined Thai plates with quick pacing and clean presentation.
Who should go: Teams craving lighter, flavorful plates
When to visit: 12:45–1:30 for easier seating
What to order: Crispy basil duck; khao soi; pad Thai
Insider tip: Ask for medium spice to keep meetings distraction-free.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby garages at Broadway Plaza; generally easy before noon but fills by 12:30 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs or blouses fit well with the business-lunch crowd.
Noise level: Moderate – background music and steady chatter but still easy for small-group conversations.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation; usually manageable for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 12:15 or after 1:15; peak window fills fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu or veggie versions available for most entrées.
Vegan options: Limited – several curries and noodle dishes can be prepared vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – most dishes can be made gluten-free; staff are familiar with cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – stylish but comfortable, with polished service and food that sparks conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for lunch or early dinner; evenings after 6:30 pm benefit from reservations, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably – high chairs available, though menu leans more toward adult palates; best for ages 8+ who enjoy flavorful dishes.
Best For
Better for: Faster, fresher, and more polished than typical Thai takeout spots—ideal when presentation and timing matter for business meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-traditional Thai street food heat or budget lunch specials; it’s a modern, elevated experience.
Torsap Thai Kitchen 8.2
Locust Street Corridor
Contemporary Thai with vibrant plating and a sleek dining room that stays busy. Balanced, herb-forward dishes and cocktails make it a modern downtown favorite.
Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao, Tom Kha Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-led Thai cooking with modern presentation and balance.
Who should go: Modern Thai fans and cocktail lovers
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for shorter waits
What to order: Khao soi, pad kee mao, tom kha
Insider tip: Spice levels run true—order medium if unsure.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby garage parking are available; the Locust Street Garage usually has open spaces after 6 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but relaxed; jeans or a nice blouse fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still suitable for conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous vegetable-forward dishes and tofu substitutions are available.
Vegan options: Partially—several dishes can be made vegan upon request; ask to omit fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many curries and stir-fries are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, modern décor, and shareable plates make it an inviting spot for an intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are often accommodated on weeknights, but weekend reservations are strongly recommended for dinner service.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning in atmosphere; older kids who enjoy flavorful dishes will do fine, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Upscale presentation and balanced, herb-forward Thai flavors compared to more casual local Thai options.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, casual neighborhood Thai spots or need very mild spice levels.
Torsap Thai Kitchen 8.5
Locust Street Corridor
Contemporary Thai with a cocktail-forward bar and polished service, led by Executive Chef Lalita Souksamlane. Locals come for vibrant curries, regional noodle bowls, and a lively downtown setting with happy hour and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi, Crispy Pork Belly Basil, Som Tum (papaya salad)
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern Thai flavors with a serious bar program and brunch.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and mixed-taste groups
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for happy hour deals
What to order: Khao Soi, crispy pork basil, tom yum
Insider tip: Bar seats are fastest for walk-ins during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and surrounding blocks can fill up quickly on weekends; the nearby Locust Street or Broadway Plaza garages offer free 2-hour parking.
Dress code: Smart casual — think neat denim or a sundress; most guests lean slightly dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversational early, buzzy after 7pm when the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several curries, noodles, and appetizers can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 mains can be adapted by removing fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff are familiar with gluten sensitivities and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — stylish interiors, balanced noise, and shareable plates make it great for casual but polished first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — bar seats and small tables turn over quickly, but weekends are safest with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — kids are welcome but the vibe is adult-oriented; no dedicated kids’ menu, better suited for older children or early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward Thai dining and modern plating — ideal for groups and social nights out.
Skip if: You’re after ultra-traditional Thai street fare or a quiet meal — this is more upscale and scene-driven.