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Thai restaurant · Big Bear Lake

Royal Thai Bistro Big Bear review of menu and portions

Royal Thai Bistro is a small, family-run restaurant serving Thai dishes in Big Bear Lake's Village. It suits diners looking for curries, noodles and other familiar Thai choices and is about 1.4 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

  • 1.4 mi from Snow Summit

At a glance

  • Thai restaurant
  • 40766 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Dine-in and takeout
  • Best for: a casual Thai meal
  • Official website: royalthaicafebigbear.com

What it is known for

The restaurant's website lists curries, noodle dishes, soups, satay and desserts under the Royal Thai Bistro name.

Visitors often mention generous portions and the small family-run setting. Flavor consistency and service receive mixed reports.

The food and the room

Royal Thai Bistro is located at 40766 Village Drive, in the heart of Big Bear Lake's Village. The restaurant offers a dining experience focused on dishes inspired by various regions of Thailand. Visitors can anticipate a menu featuring popular items such as Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and a selection of curries like Massaman, green, and yellow.

Beyond the staple dishes, the menu also includes spring rolls, cashew stir-fry, and satay. For dessert, mango sticky rice is available. The restaurant provides both dine-in and takeout options for patrons. Additionally, delivery services are offered within a 5-mile radius of the establishment.

The setting at Royal Thai Bistro includes patio or outdoor seating, as noted by the visitor bureau. This provides an option for diners who prefer to eat outside. The restaurant accommodates different preferences for heat by allowing diners to choose the spice level for their meals.

The restaurant operates as a small, family-run establishment. Reviews suggest some variation in flavor and service. Patrons looking for a taste of Thai cuisine in Big Bear Lake's Village will find a range of familiar dishes.

Strengths and limits

Pros

  • Broad Thai menu
  • Generous portions are frequently mentioned
  • Central Village location

Cons

  • Flavor consistency varies
  • Mixed service reports
  • Small dining room

Other places to try

Casual and quick bites

Tropicali is a restaurant located in Big Bear Lake that received a score of 8.3 out of 10. This spot is recommended for those seeking a quick lunch.

Polished and special occasions

For a more refined dining experience, Peppercorn Grille in Big Bear Lake is noted with a score of 8.1 out of 10. It is suggested for those planning a polished dinner.

Sweet Basil Bistro, also in Big Bear Lake, holds a score of 7.9 out of 10. This establishment is particularly suited for a date night.

Captains Anchorage, a restaurant in Big Bear Lake, earned a score of 7.8 out of 10. It is put forward as an option for special-occasion dinners, catering to celebrations and significant events.

Who it suits

  • Curries and noodles

    Diners seeking familiar Thai dishes will find them here.

  • Dietary needs

    The visitor bureau lists plant-based food among the restaurant's offerings.

  • Heat preferences

    Spice levels can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

  • Service options

    Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are available for visitors.

  • Skip this spot

    Those wanting a dining experience with consistent flavor might consider other options.

On the menu and beyond

The kitchen's approach

Royal Thai Bistro sources many ingredients from farms in Southern California, according to the restaurant. The culinary staff received training in restaurants located in both Asia and the United States.

Signature dishes and options

The Royal Pad Thai at Royal Thai Bistro includes rice noodles, egg, cashews, pineapple, carrots, broccoli, bean sprouts, and green onions. For many curries, diners can select chicken, pork, tofu with vegetables, beef, fish, or shrimp.

Tom Yum soup is prepared with lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, galangal, mushrooms, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. The restaurant also offers a whole fish dish, marinated in Thai spices and topped with vegetables in a sweet-and-sour sauce.

Dietary considerations and beverages

Royal Thai Bistro can prepare menu items to be gluten-free or vegan upon request. The children's menu features items such as Rama Tofu, steamed broccoli, steamed vegetables, steamed tofu, and fried eggs.

The beverage selection at Royal Thai Bistro includes Thai iced coffee, Thai iced tea, sparkling water, and mango or apple juice.

Plan your visit

  1. 01

    Spice Level

    Diners may ask for their preferred level of heat in their dishes.

  2. 02

    Dining Options

    You can eat at the restaurant, take food to go, or have it delivered within a 5-mile radius.

  3. 03

    Seating

    Request the patio if you wish to dine outside.

  4. 04

    Dietary Needs

    The restaurant offers choices for those who do not eat meat.

  5. 05

    Confirm Details

    Verify current ordering arrangements by visiting the restaurant's website.

Before you go

Which website is current?

The business uses royalthaicafebigbear.com while identifying itself as Royal Thai Bistro, per its own website.

Where is it?

At 40766 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

What dining options are available?

Visitors can choose dine-in service, takeout or delivery within the restaurant's stated 5-mile area. If you are seeking outdoor seating, you can ask for the patio.

How can dietary needs be accommodated?

Vegetarian diners can use the restaurant's listed vegetarian options. The kitchen staff trained in restaurants in both Asia and the United States.

What ingredients are used?

Royal Thai Bistro says many of its ingredients come directly from farms in Southern California. The restaurant makes Tom Yum with lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, galangal, mushrooms, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

How can dishes be customized?

Diners can request their preferred spice level for their meals. For many curries, visitors can choose chicken, pork, tofu with vegetables, beef, fish, or shrimp.

What are some notable menu items?

Royal Thai Bistro’s Royal Pad Thai combines rice noodles with egg, cashews, pineapple, carrots, broccoli, bean sprouts, and green onions. They also serve a whole fish marinated in Thai spices and topped with vegetables in sweet-and-sour sauce.

How should I confirm current arrangements?

Visitors should verify current ordering arrangements through the restaurant's own website.

Where it is

Who reviewed this

Jenna Whitcomb

Jenna Whitcomb

Local guide editor

Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every place on this page was checked against the business's own website and OpenStreetMap on the date below.

Reviewed by
Marcus Delgado, Fact checker
Updated
September 22, 2026