What is the best Thai restaurant in Tenderloin?

Kin Khao is our top pick for Thai restaurants in Tenderloin, scoring 8.7/10. Elevated regional Thai with a tight, technique-driven menu.

Any insider tips for Kin Khao?

Menu is small—share plates to try more variety.

What should I order at Kin Khao?

Pretty Hot Wings, khao soi, massaman beef

When should I visit Kin Khao?

Early evening for easier reservations

Who should go to Kin Khao?

Serious Thai eaters and cocktail fans

Any insider tips for Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Request Thai-level spice only if you really mean it.

What should I order at Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Crispy pork belly basil, beef salad, pad kee mao

When should I visit Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Before curtain or late after crowds

Who should go to Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Spice lovers and pre-show diners

Any insider tips for The Thonglor SF?

Ask for weekly specials—often off-menu and good value.

When should I visit The Thonglor SF?

Early evening before peak theater rush

Who should go to The Thonglor SF?

Pre-show diners and casual groups

Any insider tips for The Old Siam Thai Restaurant?

Spice runs hot—ask for medium if unsure.

Best Hidden Gems Thai Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

🔖 Save List

Our Top Pick

Kin Khao

Elevated regional Thai with a tight, technique-driven menu.

Notable Picks

#1 Kin Khao

8.7

$$$ Union Square

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players

Chef-driven Thai in the Parc 55 with precise, layered flavors and a short menu of regional standouts. A destination downtown option when you want sharper execution and serious cocktails.

Must-Try Dishes: Pretty Hot Wings, Khao Soi, Massaman Nuea (braised beef cheeks)

What makes it special: Elevated regional Thai with a tight, technique-driven menu.

View Full Review →

#2 Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley

8.5

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Trendy Table Hotspots

Hayes Street’s Thai workhorse from chef Tom Silagorn serving assertive, region-spanning flavors before and after symphony or opera. The menu runs deep, with heat and herbal notes dialed in.

Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Pork Belly with Basil, Grilled Beef Salad (Nam Tok/Laab Neua), Pad Kee Mao

What makes it special: Big-flavor Thai near the performing arts corridor.

View Full Review →

#3 The Thonglor SF

8.1

$ Union Square

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Date Night Magic Hidden Gems Heaven Trendy Table Hotspots

Union Square’s under-the-radar Thai spot balancing crowd-pleasers and a few house specialties at fair prices. Handy pre- or post-theater with brisk service and a broad menu for groups.

Must-Try Dishes: Thonglor Curry, Pad See Ew, Som Tum (papaya salad)

What makes it special: A central theater-district Thai with a deep, reliable menu.

View Full Review →

#4 The Old Siam Thai Restaurant

8.0

$ Theater District

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Long-running Tenderloin/Theater District standby known for late hours and consistent classics at wallet-friendly prices. Ideal for a fast sit-down or takeout near Powell and the Curran.

Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Tom Kha Gai

What makes it special: Fast, affordable Thai classics a block off Powell.

View Full Review →