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ZipPicks Awards
Best Thai in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Hed 11
8.6
An ambitious Thai tasting-menu experience at Kimpton Hotel Enso led by chef Piriya “Saint” Boonprasan, celebrating regional dishes through an 8–11 course progression. Service is highly guided and the pacing keeps the meal lively.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Kha Prawn Taco, Hokkaido Scallop Papaya Salad, Passionfruit Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Contemporary Thai tasting menu spotlighting lesser-seen regional techniques.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans and Thai cuisine lovers
When to visit: Early evening seatings for best chef interaction
What to order: Tom kha prawn taco, scallop papaya salad, dessert course
Insider tip: Book counter-adjacent tables for faster pacing and course explanations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel Enso offers limited valet parking ($15) with some metered street options nearby; garage parking at Japan Center is a reliable fallback within a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—guests often dress up for the tasting format; dark denim and jackets are common, though ties are unnecessary.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation flows easily across the table, with occasional background energy from the open kitchen and serving staff pacing.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required; weekend slots book out a week or more in advance, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner-only tasting format with two seating windows (typically 5:30pm and 8:00pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Available with advance notice—chefs can adapt most courses to highlight vegetables and tofu without compromising balance.
Vegan options: Limited—some elements rely on fish sauce or egg-based textures; advance request required for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Mostly compatible—kitchen can accommodate with soy substitutions and careful handling if notified when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice for a first or second date if you both enjoy adventurous dining. The guided tasting and intimate setting help conversation flow naturally.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The restaurant operates on fixed seatings with limited capacity; book at least several days ahead, especially for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children—the multi-course tasting and pacing are designed for adults, with no children’s menu or space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Best suited for diners seeking a polished, progressive Thai experience unlike typical à la carte options. Stronger storytelling and plating than casual Thai restaurants.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer large portions, family-style sharing, or quick meals; the experience is curated and time-intensive by design.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm
Saturday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sunday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm