Zen Yai Thai Cuisine

Thai Restaurant $$ 4.3 (148)


Zen Yai Thai Cuisine offers a warm and inviting atmosphere complemented by a menu that showcases mostly authentic Thai dishes. Many customers praise the flavor and quality of the food while expressing a desire to return, though some have noted inconsistent service at times.

Overall:

4.5

(130 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (805) 957-1102

Address: 425 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Dessert
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Zen Yai offers both great food and wonderful service. The spicy noodle dish was a true highlight of my meal. The flavors were bold, and the dish itself was well presented. While the atmosphere could be a bit lively for my taste, it did have a cozy vibe overall. Good portion sizes too, which is a pleasant surprise! " (*Curated Review*)

" Zen Yai is a hidden gem! I stumbled upon this restaurant one rainy evening, and I couldn't have been happier. I tried the yellow curry, and it was just divine: rich, aromatic, and layered with flavors that felt authentic. The staff was friendly and made me feel right at home. The atmosphere was intimate but lively, which I enjoyed. I will definitely be returning! " (*Curated Review*)

" Zen Yai is my go-to Thai spot. After trying various dishes, I can say they consistently exceed my expectations. The ambiance is perfect for dinner any night of the week, whether with family or friends. I especially love their unique appetizers. If you haven’t been yet, get there soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" As an avid fan of Thai food, I had to try Zen Yai finally! The experience was delightful from start to finish. The food arriving quickly after placing our order, and the waitstaff being personable added to the nice vibe of the evening. The coconut ice cream was hands down my favorite part of the meal! " (*Curated Review*)

" Avoid this place if you're looking for excellent Thai food. My experience was quite disappointing. I tried the vegetarian spring rolls, and the flavors were very muted; I had a better experience at a much cheaper restaurant. The service was friendly, but it can't compensate for the bland food. I have had authentic Thai food before in various cities, and this just did not match up at all. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (120)

" Zen Yai is truly one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara! The variety of dishes is wonderful; I particularly enjoyed the duck curry, which was full of flavor and richness. The service was attentive, making for a memorable dining experience. I plan to come back and explore more of their menu soon. " (*Curated Review*)

" Each time I visit Zen Yai, I'm always impressed. The food has maintained its quality over the years, and the curry remains especially good. However, I'd love to see more variety in the vegetarian options. Nevertheless, a must-visit restaurant for Thai lovers! " (*Curated Review*)

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