0 Followers
Sun and Moon
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sun and Moon
8.1
Compact Thai-and-ramen counter turning out house curries and regional plates a short walk from South Park. Massaman with crisp roti and a slow-cooked Pa-Low pork & caramel-egg stew headline a menu built for quick, satisfying meals before or after Oracle Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Massaman Nuea with crispy roti, Pa-Low pork & caramel egg stew, Cal-Train fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: House curries and Pa-Low stew with fast, friendly counter service.
Who should go: Pre/post-game diners and nearby office crews
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30am–1:00pm or early evening before rush
What to order: Massaman with roti; Pa-Low stew; Cal-Train fried rice
Insider tip: Ask for extra roti with the massaman—it’s perfect for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Second Street and around South Park; easiest before noon or after 6pm. Several paid garages nearby on Brannan and Third.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—office attire or game-day gear both fit fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quiet to low in early evenings with soft kitchen sounds.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; turnover is quick due to counter format.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12pm; short line forms around 12:15–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to omit fish sauce or egg; a few curries and tofu plates qualify.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice-based curries and soups are naturally gluten-free; staff is accommodating but no separate prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual lunch or quick bite than a formal date—it’s more cozy counter than candlelight setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Seating is limited but turnover is fast; expect to share communal tables at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy flavorful Thai dishes; no high chairs or play space, so best for quick meals rather than long family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more consistent than nearby Thai casuals, with standout curries and roti that beat typical takeout options.
Skip if: You’re seeking a long sit-down meal or wine list—it’s a compact, counter-style experience built for efficiency.
Sun and Moon
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Thai-forward spot that also serves well-executed ramen bowls, from a rich Tokyo tonkotsu to a spicy miso with house chashu. Consistent, quick service and central SoMa location make it a go-to for lunch or casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Niwa Vegan Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Ramen lineup alongside Thai favorites with vegan option.
Who should go: Downtown workers and casual ramen seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for minimal wait
What to order: Tokyo Tonkotsu, Spicy Miso, Niwa Vegan
Insider tip: Ask for onsen egg add-on to upgrade any bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Folsom and adjacent blocks is limited but usually available mid-day; nearby paid lots on 5th and Folsom offer easy access.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—office attire or jeans and a T-shirt are both common.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter and kitchen sounds, but you can hold a conversation easily.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; faster for solo diners at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15 pm; short 5–10 minute queue after.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several curries, appetizers, and ramen options can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but present—the Niwa Vegan ramen is the best choice.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some dishes use rice noodles or gluten-free soy, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual lunch or low-key dinner—it’s bright, comfortable, and conversation-friendly, though not especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; reservations aren’t typically needed unless you’re with a large group during peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs are available, and the staff is accommodating; ideal for older kids who enjoy noodles or mild curries.
Best For
Better for: Quick, consistent ramen in a clean, modern setting with Thai fusion options on the same menu.
Skip if: You’re seeking purely traditional Japanese ramen or an extended dinner experience—this leans casual and efficient.
Sun and Moon
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Thai-forward menu with speedy counter service near Caltrain, covering wok noodles, curries, and a few ramen bowls. Portions are fair for the price, and it’s a reliable pre- or post-commute stop with takeout efficiency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (spicy basil wide noodles), Massaman Nuea with crispy roti, Pa-Low pork & caramel egg stew
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Efficient Thai comfort standards steps from Caltrain with consistent execution.
Who should go: Office workers and commuters needing fast Thai
When to visit: Weekdays before noon or after 7 pm
What to order: Pad Kee Mao; Massaman Nuea; Pa-Low stew
Insider tip: Order online for pickup—queues move faster than dine-in at peaks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best to use Caltrain lot or rideshare during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—office wear or jeans are both fine.
Noise level: Moderate—steady lunch traffic, but quiet enough for conversation off-peak.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; faster with takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes wait during commuter rush; no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie noodle and curry options.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for tofu substitutions and no fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes are suitable; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a practical, fast-casual Thai spot geared to commuters and office workers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Seating is quick turnover, though peak lunch hours can fill briefly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle casual counter service; no special amenities for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and commuter-friendly location compared to sit-down Thai restaurants in SoMa.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for an extended dinner, cocktails, or upscale ambience—this is a quick-service Thai option.
Sun and Moon
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Group Dining Gatherings
Compact SoMa spot serving a Thai-led menu with a focused ramen section. Reliable curries and wok dishes make it a fast, satisfying choice for pre-game or after-work meals near South Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Massaman Beef (Massaman Nuea), Fried Salmon Rolls, Cal-Train Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Thai comfort classics with efficient pacing in a central SoMa location.
Who should go: Office diners and event goers nearby
When to visit: Weekdays 11–12 or after 7 to avoid rush
What to order: Massaman beef, fried salmon rolls, pad see ew
Insider tip: Order online for pickup—street parking on Brannan turns over quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Brannan and side streets with moderate turnover; limited metered spots—no valet or garage affiliated.
Dress code: Casual; work attire and jeans both common. No need to dress up unless heading to an event nearby.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from lunch and dinner crowds but still possible to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; larger groups may wait longer without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the 12–1pm rush; little to no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—curries, stir-fried noodles, and starters can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—request tofu or veggie substitutions and no fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some options like curries and rice plates are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs or pre-game bites than formal dates—small room and efficient pacing make it more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical. Walk-ins are fine, though small groups move faster than large parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—fast service and familiar dishes like fried rice work well. Limited space and no high chairs make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, satisfying Thai dishes with reliable execution near Oracle Park and SoMa offices.
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely dinner with ambience—other SoMa Thai spots offer more atmosphere for date nights or special occasions.