Thai Elephant Santa Rosa Beach: Menu, Reviews, and Local Favorites
Casual beachfront Thai spot with an exhibition kitchen, customizable authentic menu, affordable prices, and strong local reviews.
Thai Elephant in Santa Rosa Beach delivers flavorful Thai food in a casual setting. Located at 3906 US-98, the restaurant is known for its exhibition kitchen, diverse menu, and reasonable pricing. Top dishes include Chicken Pad Thai, Red Curry, and Basil Fried Rice. With options for dine-in, takeout, and online orders, it’s a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
Key points:
- Ratings: 4.4/5 on Google, 4.5/5 on Facebook and Tripadvisor.
- Popular Dishes: Spicy Pineapple Cashew Chicken, Crab Rangoons, and Long Song Peanut Chicken.
- Pricing: Lunch specials start at $8.95, dinner entrees range from $11.95 to $14.95.
- Hours: Open daily, weekend lunch starts at 11:00 AM, dinner ends at 8:30 PM.
The restaurant blends great food with attentive service, making it a standout choice in the Santa Rosa Beach area.
Thai Elephant Santa Rosa Beach Quick Reference Guide: Ratings, Prices, and Hours
Menu Highlights and Popular Dishes
Thai Elephant serves up authentic Thai cuisine with a menu that's all about customization. Each dish is made fresh to order in their exhibition kitchen, allowing diners to choose their protein - chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or seafood - and adjust the spice level to suit their taste. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery punch, the menu has you covered. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout offerings across main dishes, appetizers, desserts, and drinks.
Main Dishes and Curries
The heart of Thai Elephant's menu lies in its main dishes and curries, prepared with care and authenticity in the open kitchen. A crowd favorite is the Chicken Pad Thai, featuring rice noodles tossed with bean sprouts and a flavorful sauce. Curry enthusiasts will love the Red Curry, a rich blend of coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and fresh basil. Other popular picks include Pad See Ew, made with flat noodles, broccoli, and carrots, and the fragrant Basil Fried Rice.
For something extra special, try the Thai Elephant Fried Rice, a chef's specialty featuring Thai-style fried rice mixed with eggs and onions, topped with crispy breaded shrimp. Prices are reasonable, with curries starting at $12.95 for chicken, beef, or pork, and $15.95 for shrimp or seafood. Dinner entrees range from $11.95 to $14.95, while lunch specials are a steal at $8.95. As Amanda Evans put it:
"I had the Long Song Peanut Chicken and Veggies and it was hands down one of the best meals I've ever had! Huge portion and delicious!"
Appetizers and Starters
Kick off your meal with appetizers that pack both flavor and variety. Crab Rangoons are a favorite, with crispy wonton shells stuffed with a creamy mix of crabmeat and cream cheese. For a lighter bite, the Fresh Rolls - wrapped in rice paper and served with a peanut dipping sauce - are the way to go. Another standout is the Chicken Satay, marinated in coconut milk and yellow curry, which pairs perfectly with the restaurant's signature curries. Appetizer prices start at $7.95, with premium options like Shrimp Tempura available for $9.95.
Desserts and Beverages
End your meal on a sweet note with the Sweet Rice and Mango, a classic pairing of sticky rice and fresh mango. Another option is the indulgent Fried Bananas and Ice Cream. Both desserts are priced at $5.95, offering a delicious finish to your meal.
For drinks, the Thai Iced Tea - made with Pantai tea, evaporated milk, and sugar - provides a creamy, sweet contrast to the spicier dishes. The Thai Iced Coffee (Thai Latte) is another favorite, with both beverages priced at $4.00. These drinks round out the menu, ensuring a complete Thai dining experience.
Dining Atmosphere and Service
Thai Elephant might sit in an unassuming shopping center on U.S. Highway 98, but once you step inside, you're greeted with a dining space that radiates authentic Asian charm. The interior design features a mix of Asian-inspired décor, neatly arranged around both tables and booths, creating an open and inviting layout. As Alexander Lafargue observed, "The ambiance is genuinely Asian and expertly arranged." Adding to the charm is the exhibition kitchen, a standout feature that reflects the restaurant's transparent approach to cooking.
The service here is just as thoughtful as the setting. The staff are not only attentive but also well-versed in Thai cuisine and the restaurant's décor. Daily News Contributing Writer Sharon Dooley shared, "Our server, Pu Na Tida, answered our many questions about the cuisine, the décor and the techniques." This combination of warm hospitality and expertise ensures every guest feels welcome and informed.
Service at Thai Elephant is consistently praised for being quick, friendly, and detail-oriented. The restaurant boasts a 4.0/5 rating on MapQuest from 110 reviews, with staff members like Bang, Nam, and Patimaporn often singled out for their exceptional service. One satisfied diner remarked, "The place was very clean and the staff was very nice. Enjoyed it very much."
That said, the cozy, casual atmosphere does have its quirks. Some diners have mentioned that the fluorescent lighting during dinner can feel a bit harsh, while others noted that the space occasionally becomes uncomfortably warm during peak lunch hours, especially in the summer. However, these minor critiques are often overshadowed by the overall experience. As Tyler Shiltz put it, "Not elegant, the modest atmosphere is more than balanced by exceptional food."
Despite its modest exterior, Thai Elephant delivers a welcoming environment where great food and attentive service shine. The restaurant is also accessible to all, offering wheelchair access, high chairs for families, and convenient free parking either in a dedicated lot or on the street.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Thai Elephant has made a strong impression on diners, earning solid ratings across various review platforms. For instance, it holds a 4.0/5 rating on Restaurantji based on 218 reviews. This aligns with its positive reputation across Google, Facebook, and Tripadvisor.
Customers frequently commend the restaurant for its high-quality food and authentic flavors. Many highlight the use of fresh ingredients and the generous, made-to-order portions. In fact, portions are often described as so ample that leftovers are common. Pricing is another plus, with many diners noting that it’s often more affordable than other nearby Thai spots.
That said, some reviews point out inconsistencies. A few diners have mentioned fluctuations in portion sizes and service quality over time. For example, in October 2022, a returning customer commented on smaller portions and newer staff occasionally overlooking requests. Similarly, in March 2025, a diner reported spending about $60 for two small plates and found the portions disappointingly small, with dishes consisting mostly of vegetables and minimal meat.
Certain dishes, like Tom Yum soup and calamari, have received mixed feedback. Some found the Tom Yum soup overly salty, while others felt the calamari lacked flavor due to bland breading. Despite these critiques, customer favorites like Chicken Pad Thai, Crab Rangoons, Red Curry, and various fried rice dishes continue to shine in reviews. Additionally, the kitchen's flexibility in accommodating dietary restrictions, such as nut allergies, has earned praise.
Next, find out how to plan your visit, including details on ordering options, pricing, and the restaurant’s location. You can also use our South Walton itinerary generator to see how this stop fits into your broader vacation plans.
Planning Your Visit
Once you’ve checked out the menu and reviews, organizing your trip to Thai Elephant is a breeze.
Ordering Options
Thai Elephant makes dining easy with options for dine-in, takeout, and online orders. Reservations are available for dine-in, which is especially useful during busy times. If you’re in a rush, you can place takeout orders by calling the restaurant directly or using their online system at thaielephantsrbfl.com. This is particularly handy for those staying in nearby beach rentals.
Pricing and Portions
When it comes to value, Thai Elephant stands out in South Walton. Lunch specials are priced between $13.95 and $16.95. Popular choices like Tom Yum, Red Curry, Pad Pak, and Cashew Chicken are $13.95, while Pepper Steak is slightly higher at $16.95. Most dishes come with a choice of chicken, pork, or tofu, with an option to upgrade to shrimp or beef for an extra $3.00. As Ashley Carson Studl shared on Facebook:
"Best Thai restaurant and not pretentious… great attentive service and yummy authentic Thai food without the elaborate South Walton pricing!"
Portions are typically generous, often leaving enough for leftovers, though some visitors have recently noted smaller servings. Payment is flexible, with the restaurant accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments like Apple Pay. With fair pricing and satisfying portions, it’s easy to see why Thai Elephant is worth a visit.
Location and Hours
Finding Thai Elephant and planning your timing couldn’t be simpler. The restaurant is located at 3906 US Highway 98 W, Suites 5-6, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, in a strip shopping center near the post office. Parking is free, with both on-site and street options available. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking area. Families are also accommodated with high chairs and a kids' menu.
Thai Elephant operates seven days a week with a split schedule. Dinner service runs from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Monday through Friday. On weekends, they open earlier at 11:00 AM to serve both lunch and dinner, closing at 8:30 PM. Since weekday lunch isn’t offered, it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly.
Conclusion
Thai Elephant offers a dining experience that stands out for all the right reasons. From their use of fresh ingredients to the generous portions and expertly crafted dishes, every meal is a treat. Whether you're in the mood for Long Song Peanut Chicken, a classic Red Curry, or another flavorful dish, their menu has something to delight every taste.
What truly sets Thai Elephant apart is the combination of fair prices, attentive service, and consistently excellent food. It’s no surprise that locals have made it a go-to spot. As Alexander Lafargue describes it:
"Thai Elephant restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach Florida is like 'no other' …An anytime dining delight … a 'must-do' in the Santa Rosa beach area."
If you're searching for authentic Thai cuisine served with warmth and care, Thai Elephant is the place to be. Whether you visit for a weekday dinner or a weekend lunch, you'll quickly see why it's become a beloved choice in South Walton. Treat yourself to Thai Elephant's unforgettable flavors today.
FAQs
What are the must-try dishes here?
If you find yourself at Thai Elephant in Santa Rosa Beach, there are a few dishes you absolutely need to try. Start with the Red Curry, known for its bold flavors and creamy texture. For something classic, you can’t go wrong with the Pad Thai, a dish that’s a staple for a reason. Another standout is the Tea Rose Dumplings, which are filled with marinated pork and crunchy water chestnuts, all delicately wrapped in wonton skin. And don’t miss the Pad Woon Sen, a stir-fried glass noodle dish that’s become a fan favorite thanks to its authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
How spicy is the food, and can it be adjusted?
At Thai Elephant in Santa Rosa Beach, you can customize the spice level of most dishes to suit your taste. Thai food is famous for its bold and vibrant flavors, but whether you prefer something mild or fiery, the kitchen can accommodate your preference. Just let them know how much heat you want when placing your order, and they'll make sure your dish is just right.
Does Thai Elephant have good options for allergies or dietary needs?
Thai Elephant caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and lighter meal options. They focus on using fresh ingredients, offering dishes like tofu and vegetable-based meals. If you have allergies or specific dietary restrictions, it’s important to let the staff know when placing your order. Thai cuisine often incorporates ingredients like fish sauce or peanuts, so clear communication helps ensure your meal is both safe and enjoyable.
