Top Asian Restaurant in Carlsbad
Pick Up Stix Fresh Asian Flavors
7150 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011, United States
Stay far away from this place, the manager is rude and ignorant and lacks any kind of customer service. I ordered Fire Cracker Tofu because we are strict vegetarians and when we got home it was chicken. I called the store and told the manager about the mistake, he kept insisting that I ordered chicken when I didn't, he continued to argue with me and insisted I bring it back. I told him I lived on the other side of Carlsbad so I asked him if he could give me a refund, he insisted I bring it back and then he would, I said I can't because I'm handicapped. Now this he didn't care about, he just wanted me back in the store to return the food so he could give it to someone else. He said, “well I can check the cameras.” I said go ahead and check them, he said, “I can't now but I will tomorrow.”I asked to speak to the manager, he said “I am the manager.” Wow I can't believe a business would treat a customer this way for $23!!!I asked his name and he hung up on me!Tomorrow I am calling the corporate office and report him.It's very sad because I really like their Fire Cracker Tofu, you couldn't pay me to do any kind of business with this guy.The company needs to give customer service training.2/9th updateI finally received a call from his regional director, she was applauded by the managers treatment. She stated that they would reimburse my money (which they did) and also send me a couple of coupons for free meals. She said if I download their app she would send them to me via the app, this never happened.
P.F. Changs
5621 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
My second eating experience with P.F. Changs with kids (first was in Waikiki Beach) - and certainly I would summarize it as disappointing. Similar to other reviews, presentation of the initial plate (Kung Pao Dragon Rolls) was pretty with smoke coming out of a transparent cover, but the food itself fell far below standard. We order pork dumplings and they, too, were stale and not soft and delightful - instead they were dry and old.The only item that came out well was their signature lettuce wraps. The Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts were satisfactory - a bit charred and oily, while also very tasty.Our server seemed to be having a bad day - or just has a less than gracious personality. When he brought out the water, we mentioned that our daughter prefers no ice, and he said, oh, theres barely any in there, and it will be the same temperature anyway - i.e. he rejected our request for no ice.The child portion of egg noodles (with chicken and a side of broccoli) is extremely small, and this seems consistent at all P.F. Changs. We ordered a second one, and asked if it was possible to swap out the chicken and broccoli for extra noodles, and were told no, so we said, thats fine, just bring out the same. However, our server ended up accommodating our request without disclosing hed charge us 71% more - which was not okay. The charges described extra chicken and substitute broccoli.And finally, there was the snarky comment after we ordered the chicken lettuce wraps, kung pao brussels sprouts, pork dumplings, and kung pao dragon rolls - and he said something like, oh, youre only having appetizers?On the ambience side, the decor was pleasant, bathrooms are well appointed and clean. I noticed the architect or designer artistically integrated a fire sprinkler into every light fixture so that it wrapped below them to be able to effectively put out fire while blending in. We also ordered a signature cocktail - which was nice. So, perhaps Mondays are an off day for the main chef and top servers, and so food quality and service are lower...
Sushi Kuchi
7180 Avenida Encinas #100, Carlsbad, CA 92011, United States
Hidden gem in Carlsbad. Warning to all the Sushi Aficionados out there though. This is not your high end sushi by the coast or like one of those fine dining sushi that you bring your partner on a special date. This is a sushi restaurant plain and simple. So I have to rate this based on mid-tier level Sushi Place standardsLets start with the food. The food is amazing, the fish are fresh and the portions are just perfect. Price-wise its not that expensive, because if its expensive, Id rather go to a fine dining sushi restaurant. So they just priced their food just right. We tried unagi, tuna and the oyster and non of them failed. Yes they arent cooked but the chef is confident enough to serve it to us, you guys wanna know why? Heres a little Sushi trivia for you guys. When they are that confident in the kitchen that means that they stand proudly behind the FRESHNESS of their fish, mollusks, echinoderms and crustaceans.Now when it comes to service, they are welcoming but I must say that the front requires more training. I ordered a Sake but our server forgot to put it in our bill. Since I am an honest customer, I did point out that it was missing and they are grateful about it. However what does a well trained restaurant do for customers like that? I dont know maybe a free dessert at least to thank them, but nope they just let us walk away. I mean I know it isnt necessary but I just feel that nowadays, how many honest people/customers are out there? Might as well give the good ones reasons to keep on coming back right? Again its no biggie but Im just sayingLast but not least and this is the reason why it went down from 5 stars to 4 stars. Its the ambience. I feel that the place is a bit crowded. Like for example the table next to us is super close i could literally hear the guy breath next to me.Overall, we had a good experience. Wed definitely comeback. Maybe when we do, they do changes that would make this 5 out of 5 in my book
Krave Asian Fusion Restaurant
6021 Innovation Way Suite 130, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
I felt honored to be invited to participate in a soft opening event for Krave Asian Fusion. Although their menu is heavily invested in various Korean Fried Chicken dishes, there are also noodle, burger, fish, and vegan options available (although I didn't find any Gluten Free items).Executive Chef and owner Will Chen was present and was careful to explain that this isn't his first launch, but rather an expansion of his initial footprint first planted in Orange County, California (where his fried chicken has been recognized as award winning).Both the number of courses and portions at this event were generous. Each of the chicken dishes featured very distinctive flavors with my favorite being the “Chinese Chili” offering. It was covered in a sweet and crispy shell with a tender and flavorful chicken center that reminded me of the Lemon Chicken dishes that I've enjoyed elsewhere. A close second for me was the “Spicy” version. I sampled it immediately after the “Mango Habanero” (which was pretty spicy and created apprehension about the “spicy” dish that was to follow). Surprisingly I found the “spicy” dish to be less so than the “habanero” dish.To round out the chicken dishes I also sampled the “Soy Chili” (which I found crispy, but not as sweet as the “Chinese Chili”), “Lemon Pepper” (which was a bit salty for my palette), and the “Taiwan 5 Spice” (which had a very thick and crunchy shell).Their other offerings included “Taiwanese Garlic Noodles” (the garlic smell was wonderful and the noodles were light, but buttery, possibly because they were sautéed in olive oil) and the “Loaded Kogi Fries” (the Sriracha Cheddar Sauce was a 2/10 on the hotness scale while the Jalapeños achieved the high score of 6/10).If you enjoy Korean Fried Chicken, Krave is worth your time.And that's…Henry's Take.#sandiegokoreanfriedchicken
Thai Pasta
7680 El Camino Real #103, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
The service was terrible. The woman just starred in my face when I informed her it was my first time in the place. I expected a little more appreciation because I could have went anywhere. She did not give any suggestions on meals just made me feel like I needed to hurry and order. I got the food and the food was alright. I'm very familiar with true authentic Thai food taste and this place did not have that authentic taste. The woman asked if I wanted utensils I said a clear voice “yes please!” She proceeds to give me no utensils so the food was difficult to eat without it (we weren't home or near any place with utensils so we had to eat the best way we saw fit smh) The food wasn't AS terrible as the service though…. I enjoyed the soup. I will certainly be trying a new place next time I have a Thai food craving. These workers need to leave their attitude of not wanting to be at work AT THE DOOR. Or work a job that is far away from customer service and working with people.
Panda Express
5630 Paseo Del Norte #141, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
We used to really like this place until one night I went in ordered my food about 45 minutes till they closed we were the last people before they closed. the people behind me were obviously friends of the employees they ordered exactly like my order and there was enough left in the pans for all of us to get the normal sized amounts . The employees gave them all of it and then made me wait for 25 minutes to cook another pan when it came out they dumped it all into a to-go container and gave all of it to their friends and they didnt charge them a dime. I requested to get my money back and they refused and made me wait another 25 minutes When they did give me the food it wasnt even cooked thoroughly and they were mad because I asked my money back that they refused, so they only gave me half of what we normally get, then I had to go home and use my pans to cook it thoroughly.To say the least I used to eat there three to four times a week spending about $70 a meal for a family of five. Well I now eat there is zero times a week.. I would have given zero Stars if I could have, their food was never that great kind of like eating at McDonalds they all taste the same, no matter which one you go to.
Super Sushi
1854 Marron Rd #104, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
This is kinda been my secret backup sushi spot. I've been getting burned recently by places closer to my house with long waits, boring rolls or bland ingredients in otherwise good ideas.A few reasons why it's not my first choice is that in order to wash away other sushi experiences I tend to go for a higher priced option relying the overall experience to find neutrality. I also don't' like coming here because of the parking. It's bad, even when all the other business are closed, there is still Souplantation taking up 90% of all the taken spots. I get it, but I'd just as easily go to Albertos behind this place.I love the sushi chefs. I love the banter they have between them and the kitchen. It reminds me of when I worked food service. I like how they speak some Japanese phrases with a Mexican accent. I like ordering I Spanish (what little I can speak). The service is great from all the staff though. The décor is pretty basic, a little dated. The prices are very affordable, downright cheap.The last 2 times I asked for Ikura and quail eggs they gave me masago and then tobiko, but no ikura, which really makes that item sing. I love their handrolls, you can taste the hint of roast, they certainly pack them and for many items hand mix the sauces (90% of places batch their spicy tuna). They remember how spicy I like things and are generous with additional heat.Their rolls are not sloppy, they don't fall apart at the seam and you can taste the vinegar they use in their rice. They don't overload things with asparagus (which frankly in a roll is gross imo), gobi, or other fillers. I mean yes cucumber is standard, but some places throw in all kinds of stuff to cut down on fish, like tons of rice even. Things are pretty proportionate here. I love getting their food to go too, though I haven't tried their non sushi items and I've never not sat at the bar.It's worth a check out for people less interested in fried rolls, fillers, overpriced bland items. Sort of that true local spot.
Chicken Basket & Boba
7610 Via Campanile #142, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
This restaurant has a great variety of Asian food, however their specialty is the Korean fried chicken. They offer several different flavors of fried chicken and a multitude of dipping sauces that you can choose from. They also have homemade teas and boba drinks which are very good. The atmosphere here is casual and it is in a convenient location.
Great Khans Mongolian Grill Carlsbad
2525 El Camino Real #262, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Okay at best.When walking up to the counter the cashier actually walked away from us after helping those in front of us in line. Had to get his attention to take our order. Seemed very bored and disinterested in his job.When getting the meat and veggies there was a decent selection. 4 meats and more than 10 types of veggies. However, when its time to add sauce its basically just spicy or not. Theres very little flavor customization.The food was served to us piping hot and we were quite excited as we love Mongolian grills. But this was disappointing. It was very bland. I believe this is due to the lack of sauce options. They put the sauce on for you so you dont get much choice.Overall 2/10 wont be going back. Acceptable but too expensive for how bland the food is.
Kinaly Lao & Thai eatery
2508-C1 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92010, United States
When I walked into the shop, it was very quiet with just one customer inside. Im not sure why, as the food I had is great. The restaurant is quaint and clean. Although there was no one up front to take my order for a few minutes, once they came out, I was greeted with a smile and a very polite cashier. She was attentive to my order and very pleasant to talk with. I placed my order to go and then stepped out for a few minutes while they prepared my order.The menu here is robust. I chose the pad see ew with tofu as my protein. I additionally ordered their Thai spring rolls with tofu as my protein.The pad sew ew was extremely flavorful! The portion is huge and actually fed my daughter and I. The flat, glass noodles were tender and packed with flavor from the brown sauce. You get hints of sweet, savory, and a mild hint of garlic as well. There are plenty of vegetables and tofu strewn within the dish. Excellent is what comes to mind when I think about its flavors.The spring rolls were my highlight. The rice paper wrapper was pliable and held up to the heavily stuffed roll. You could taste the fresh flavors of the thinly sliced and crisp carrots, bran sprouts, rice noodles, fresh mint, and crunchy lettuce. The peanut sauce served on the side for dipping was creamy, with a great combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and savory. A perfect compliment to the dish!