Red Dragon Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Carlsbad

Unfortunately, not a good experience. Ordered pick up for dinner for our first time trying Red Dragon. The good: The order was ready on time and it was hot. Things went downhill after that. The Pad Thai noodles had already congealed into a bland, solid mass on my 6 minute drive home. I’d ordered medium heat and it was undetectable. Also tried the Tom Kha soup with chicken, also medium heat. Got the heat part right but the flavor was not like any Tom Kha I’ve ever had. It wasn’t bad, just not reminiscent of Tom Kha. My wife’s crispy honey sesame chicken was nearly inedible. It looked fine, but the sauce was bland and the chicken pieces were actually hard on the outside and dry on the inside. Her mother’s mandarin orange chicken was the same. Neither of them finished their meal and over half of it went into the compost bin. I tried a piece of both of their entrees and they were not exaggerating in how bad it was. We also shared an order of veggie chow mein which was ok. The rice that came with the chicken entrees was fine and we saved it and the side of veggies we ordered, figuring we could add it to something else later. I may or may not go back to my leftovers…maybe if I mixed the Pad Thai and Tom Kha together…?

$82 before tip and literally had to dump $25 worth while not...

A customer of mine highly recommended I try Red Dragon for lunch, and I’m very glad I did. The food is fresh and delicious, the ambience pleasant with fresh flowers on the tables, and service was excellent.

I knew I was in for a treat from the get-go with their simple vinaigrette house salad. The owner/chef mentioned she had used fresh plums to sweeten the dressing and it was absolutely delicious.

Ordered a few items from the dim sum menu and each was creative and flavorful. Then I had chicken pad Thai for the main entrée and it was perfect. Served piping hot, the glass noodles have a great consistency, and all of the accompanying flavors were there.

I was told the dinner menu is far more expansive, so I look forward to returning one evening soon to check it out.

5/23/25 Back for lunch. I really enjoy stopping by here when in Encinitas working. The restaurant is nice and clean. The music is on but not too loud. The wait staff is very attentive and professional. And of course the food… dynamite, as has been my experience each time. I love the flavors and textures. So glad to have this option available for an enjoyable Asian...

This is one of my new go-to spots. I've been a couple times for lunch and would give a strong recommendation for anyone else looking for a tasty bite or even a quiet place for a lunch & meeting kind of venue.

The service is kind, considerate, and prompt. They're receptive to requests on dishes. The meals did not take long at all.

I've had the Pad Thai with chicken and Mongolian Beef. The former was by far my favorite of the two. The medium spice was as advertised. The chicken was juicy and a good fit with the dish.

The wonton soup was loaded with veggies and a few dumplings, making a perfectly sized appetizer.

At the end, I received these warm, glazed walnuts.They just disintegrated in the mouth. Normally, a topping, they make for a wonderful end of meal treat.

Overall, it is a strong value and a solid addition...