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Manora's Thai Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Manora's Thai Cuisine
8.0
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run Thai stalwart since the late 1980s serving generous plates and reliable lunch combos in SoMa. Locals come for consistent flavors, fair prices, and quick, friendly service that’s steady year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
Imperial Rolls, Chicken Curry lunch set, Kow Pad Talay (seafood fried rice)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Decades-long neighborhood fixture with steady, honest Thai cooking.
Who should go: Budget-minded lunch and Thai comfort seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest pacing and turnover
What to order: Imperial rolls; chicken curry; seafood fried rice
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten curries and rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby, but spots fill quickly during weekday lunch hours. Garage options exist a few blocks away on Folsom and Howard.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, t-shirts, and work attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are possible, though peak lunch rush brings more chatter.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; dinner traffic is lighter than lunch.
Weekday lunch: Expect a brief 5–10 minute wait at peak noon hours; otherwise usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many stir-fry, curry, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — curries and veggie stir-fries can be prepared without fish sauce upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more casual and functional than romantic, better suited for quick meals or everyday dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t common here. Walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual space with quick service works fine for kids, though there aren’t specific amenities like high chairs or a kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, budget-friendly Thai meals served quickly by a long-running local family team.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambience, craft cocktails, or a special-occasion setting.
Manora's Thai Cuisine
7.8
Family-run SoMa classic offering straightforward Thai comfort dishes at wallet-friendly prices. A reliable neighborhood stop with generous portions and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai with Prawns, Panang Curry, Tom Kha Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Longtime, family-run kitchen with generous portions under $15 at lunch.
Who should go: Value seekers craving Thai staples
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:15 to skip lines
What to order: Pad thai; panang curry; tom kha soup
Insider tip: Ask for extra lime and herbs—staff is happy to add them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Folsom and side streets is possible but fills quickly; nearby paid garages at 5th & Mission or Moscone are more reliable.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, t-shirts, and work attire all common.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable at most tables, though lunch rush can be busier.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; tables usually turn over steadily.
Weekday lunch: Often a brief line between 12–12:30pm; earlier or later seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pad thai, curries, and stir-fries can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—several stir-fry and curry options if requested without fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Some options—ask staff to adjust sauces for soy and oyster sauce substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date—ambience is casual and practical, better suited for a comfortable, no-frills meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, though lunch peak hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-run vibe with a relaxed setting; high chairs are limited but portions are shareable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling portions at lower prices than trendier SoMa Thai spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a stylish ambience or cocktail program—consider Basil Canteen nearby instead.