Best Thai Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Nari
High-impact Thai flavors executed with finesse in a modern dining room.
Notable Picks
#1
Nari
8.9
Michelin-recognized Thai from chef Pim Techamuanvivit in Hotel Kabuki, where boldly spiced curries and seafood plates meet polished, attentive service. Locals book it for celebratory dinners and refined takes on regional flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gaeng Rawaeng (turmeric curry with game hen), Squid & Pork Jowl, Gaeng Bumbai Aubergine
What Makes it Special: High-impact Thai flavors executed with finesse in a modern dining room.
#2
Kin Khao
8.7
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.
#3
Fin Thai SF
8.6
Contemporary Thai on the Russian Hill stretch of Polk with a polished room and seafood lean. Elevated takes on classics and a cocktail list make it a low-key date choice that stays neighborhood at heart.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Sea Bass with Lime & Chili, Crab Fried Rice, Tom Yum Seafood Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Thai plates in a refined, intimate space.
8.6
Modern Thai with bold, spicy signatures served in a neon-lit, music-forward room. The Mission outpost keeps the heat and fun high without losing technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Party Wings (chili jam), Pad Thai Old Skool, Charcoal-Grilled Pork
What Makes it Special: High-heat, party-energy Thai with standout wings and curries.
#5
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
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Thai tasting menu spotlighting lesser-seen regional techniques.
8.6
Flagship of chef-owner Tom Silargorn’s group serving assertive, regional Thai with depth—think jungle curries, khao soi, and crisp pork belly. A Mission standby where experienced diners go for bolder spice and hard-to-find dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Jungle Curry (Gaeng Pa), Crispy Pork Belly with Chinese Broccoli
What Makes it Special: Deep regional menu from a veteran Thai chef-owner since 2008.
8.6
Little Saigon flagship known for assertive seasoning and regional range from Isan to Northern Thai. It’s a lively room where boat noodles and khao soi show layered broths and spice control.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boat Noodles, Khao Soi (chicken), Crispy Pork Belly Over Rice
What Makes it Special: Regional Thai depth with bold, dialed-in flavors.
Showplace Square spot focused on country-style Thai street food led by Chef Nutnawat “Kobe” Aukcarrapasutanun. Menus lean spicy-savory with Isan salads, grilled meats, and crispy-rice specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Som Tum (Papaya Salad), Nam Khao Tod (Crispy Rice & Sausage Salad), Crying Tiger (Grilled Beef)
What Makes it Special: Regionally focused Isan menu with assertive flavors and house techniques.
8.5
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.
8.5
Long-running Inner Sunset standard from chef-owner Chai Siriyarn serving classic Central Thai flavors with steady execution. Locals come for dependable curry and noodle staples before or after Golden Gate Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Chicken, Pad Thai, Som Tum Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong Thai institution known for reliable classics.
#11
Ben Thai Cafe
8.4
Compact, family-run spot in Lower Nob Hill known for Northern Thai touches and careful seasoning. Locals come for deeply flavored noodle soups and curries done with pride at friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Deluxe, Roasted Duck Noodle Soup, Salmon Avocado Curry
What Makes it Special: Northern Thai signatures and careful broths from a local sibling team.
8.4
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Color-splashed Mission destination for Southern-leaning Thai with playful plating and big flavors. Dishes like Hat Yai fried chicken and khao soi draw groups celebrating or settling in for a lively night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hat Yai Fried Chicken, Khao Soi, Crab Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Joyful, high-energy Thai with signature Southern dishes and showy presentations.
#13
Rice & Shine
8.4
A modern Thai-meets-brunch concept from the family behind Khan Toke, serving daytime plates alongside proper curries and stir-fries. The refreshed room and all-day hours make it a handy Outer Richmond meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Skillet (daytime), Kua Kling, Massaman Curry
What Makes it Special: Thai flavors with a brunch lens from a long-trusted local team.
#14
Rin's Thai
8.4
Neighborhood Noe Valley favorite serving a broad Thai menu in a low-key dining room. Consistent execution and family-run hospitality attract regulars for casual weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green papaya salad (som tum), Prik king green beans with pork, Tom kha gai
What Makes it Special: Steady neighborhood kitchen with wide menu and warm service.
#15
Baan Yaai
8.3
Compact Thai street-food spot turning out boldly seasoned curries and noodle soups with a few chef-y specials like crab omurice. Locals lean on it for comforting bowls, quick dine-ins, and reliable takeout along Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Style Crab Omurice, Khao Soi (chicken), Tom Kha (coconut galangal soup)
What Makes it Special: Street-food flavors with standout crab omurice and rich khao soi.
#16
Chaa Roen Pohn
8.3
Thai–Lao kitchen in a quiet Parkside stretch turning out punchy papaya salads, herb-heavy larb, and soulful noodle soups. Friendly service and a compact menu make it an easy weeknight staple with regional dishes you won’t see everywhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Som Tum Platter, Pad Kra Pao (basil stir-fry), Khao Piak (Lao rice noodle soup)
What Makes it Special: Thai–Lao dishes with real regional depth on a quiet block.
#17
Champa Garden
8.3
Cozy Ingleside fixture serving Lao and Thai comfort dishes with bright, punchy flavors. Nam khao and Lao sausage lead the menu, alongside reliable Thai curries and stir-fries at wallet-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nam Khao (crispy rice salad), Lao Sausage with Sticky Rice, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Lao-Thai menu with standout crispy rice salad and sausage.
#18
Hed verythai
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Alleyway Thai near Union Square serving khao gaeng-style set plates—tri-color rice with rotating curries, stir-fries, and a small dessert. Locals like it for punchy Isan flavors, quick service, and solid value just off the main shopping streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao gaeng set (tri-color rice + curry trio), Pork belly set, Yum goong (shrimp salad)
What Makes it Special: Set-meal format brings a balanced Thai spread on one tray.
#19
House of Thai
8.3
Bustling Larkin Street kitchen with a broad street-food menu and quick ticket times. Crowd favorites like crab fried rice and green curry arrive hot, bright, and consistently seasoned.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Fried Rice, Green Curry (chicken or tofu), Chan Pad Poo (crab noodle)
What Makes it Special: Street-food energy with a deep, crowd-pleasing menu.
#20
Kin Phed
8.3
Thai comfort-food specialist with a street-food lean—think tom yum with giant river prawn and southern-style pork ribs. Locals use it for bold flavors, short waits, and a tighter, chef-driven menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum Giant River Prawn Soup, Southern Thai Spicy Pork Spareribs, Slow-Braised Pork Leg on Rice (Khao Kha Moo)
What Makes it Special: Focused Thai street-food flavors with dishes rarely seen elsewhere.
#21
Marnee Thai
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood stalwart serving a broad Thai menu with balanced curries, wok dishes, and bright salads. Consistent execution and quick table turns make it a go-to for Outer Sunset weeknights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin Curry, Spicy Eggplant (Pad Makua), Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
What Makes it Special: Long-running Sunset favorite with a deep classic Thai menu.
#22
New Thai Bistro
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Established in 2016, New Thai Bistro delivers authentic Bangkok street food with modern presentation in a spacious Valley Plaza setting. The kitchen excels at classic dishes like Pad Thai and their signature Tom Ka soup, with consistently fresh ingredients and generous portions that locals rave about.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Ka Soup, Citrus Chicken, Thai BBQ Pork
What Makes it Special: Authentic Thai flavors with ample parking and spacious dining room.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Long-running Castro standby for classic curries, noodles, and stir-fries at honest prices. Locals lean on speedy counter service and reliable spice levels for a quick Thai fix day or night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green curry with chicken, Pad kee mao (drunken noodles), Crispy garlic pork over rice
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong Castro fixture known for dependable flavors and speed.
#24
Blackwood
8.2
Thai-influenced bistro popular for brunch by day and a fuller Thai menu at night. The room hums, the bar turns out crisp cocktails, and classics like pad thai and basil rice plates land with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Rice Plate, Beef Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Day-to-night Thai-leaning menu with lively Chestnut Street energy.
#25
Chili Cha Cha 2
8.2
Long-running 24th Street counter-service favorite with a deep menu of noodle soups, stir-fries, and curries. Friendly pricing and later hours make it a reliable Mission standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Noodle Soup, Pad See Ew, Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Expansive, customizable menu with speedy kitchen pacing.
#26
Mangrove Kitchen
8.2
Thai street-food meets ramen house, with coconut-curry broths and well-seasoned wok plates in a stylish Divisadero room. A neighborhood pick when you want Thai flavors with a modern spin.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Ramen (curry noodle soup), Southern-style Green Curry, Moo Ping (pork skewers)
What Makes it Special: Curry-driven Thai flavors applied to ramen and street-food staples.
8.2
Neighborhood staple doing a broad, homespun Thai menu—think fragrant curries, wok-seared noodles, and comforting soups—at fair prices. Locals lean on it for weeknight takeout or an unfussy sit-down after a Clement Street stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi (chicken), Pad See Ew, Tom Kha Soup
What Makes it Special: Well-rounded Thai classics with reliable flavors and generous portions.
#28
The Thonglor
8.2
Union Square Thai with late daily hours, a broad menu, and steady execution on wok noodles and curries. It’s a convenient sit-down option steps from theaters and hotels without premium pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry, Crispy Fried Chicken Over Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Central Thai spot with long hours and crowd-pleasing wok dishes.
8.2
Modern Thai with bright, balanced flavors and a sleek dining room that stays conversation-friendly at lunch. Dishes arrive fast and travel well for teams splitting plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy basil duck, Pad Thai, Khao soi
What Makes it Special: Refined Thai plates with quick pacing and clean presentation.
#30
Tycoon Kitchen
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact counter-service spot turning out Thai staples for the downtown lunch crowd. Pad kee mao and basil chicken come out hot with wok char, and portions land solid for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Basil Chicken, Pumpkin Curry
What Makes it Special: Fast, flavorful wok-fired Thai classics under $20.
8.2
Little Saigon staple prized for boat noodles and punchy soups served fast. It’s a no-frills room where the broth is the star and solo diners feel right at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Boat Noodles, Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Crispy Pork with Rice
What Makes it Special: Rich, aromatic boat noodle broths made to order.
#32
Andaman Thai
8.1
Neighborhood Thai kitchen with balanced spice levels and flexible substitutions. Families come for shareable curries, noodles, and friendly service that handles special requests well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin Curry, Pad Thai, Basil Chicken (or Tofu)
What Makes it Special: Flexible spice and protein swaps keep kids and adults happy.
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
SoMa mainstay (since 1995) known for polished Thai staples, a full bar, and steady lunch-and-dinner crowds. Dishes lean savory and balanced, with specials and a few seafood standouts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Fried Rice, Crispy Catfish Salad, Honey Roasted Duck
What Makes it Special: Long-running Thai spot pairing familiar classics with a proper bar.
#34
House of Thai 2
8.1
Long-running Lower Haight outpost of the House of Thai group turning out bold wok dishes, curries, and noodle staples. Reliable takeout with enough heat control for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Panang Curry, Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
What Makes it Special: Spice-forward wok cooking with broad menu depth and steady execution.
8.1
Comfort-driven Thai staples executed with care in a relaxed bistro space. Reliable for weekday lunches and low-key dinners with well-seasoned curries and noodles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Green Curry with Chicken, Crying Tiger
What Makes it Special: Balanced spice profiles and dependable execution at fair prices.
#36
Lapisara Eatery
8.1
Lower Nob Hill’s Thai-influenced brunch-and-dinner spot (since 2018) known for a tight menu that blends comfort plates with Thai flavors. Locals come for playful brunch staples by day and tom yum–leaning comfort at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Benedict, Tom Yum Burrito, Pad Kee Mao
What Makes it Special: Thai-influenced brunch by day with comfort-driven Thai plates at night.
8.1
Long-running Thai staple (since 1991) known for bright curries and rice-noodle dishes. Staff fields modifications well, making it a dependable stop for gluten-free diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry with tofu, Pad See Ew with tofu, Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong Thai kitchen with rice-based dishes and GF-friendly tweaks.
8.1
Neighborhood Thai spot a block off the Wharf turning out a deep noodle menu, crisp wok dishes, and herb-bright salads. Locals lean on hearty duck and beef soups plus punchy stir-fries when they want quick, reliable flavor without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yen Ta Fo noodle soup, Stewed duck leg noodle soup, Pad Kra Pao (basil stir-fry)
What Makes it Special: Brothy duck and beef noodle soups alongside a broad, crowd-pleasing Thai menu.
#39
Osha Thai
8.1
Downtown outpost of a local Thai group popular for business-lunch-friendly classics and efficient service. Lunch specials and familiar noodle dishes make it an easy, reliable choice near Montgomery Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Central FiDi location with speedy lunch service and broad Thai menu.
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Polished waterfront Thai with a broad menu and cocktails, set at street level in Embarcadero Center with Ferry Building views. Popular for business lunches and after-work dinners; portions are solid and the kitchen handles classics with reliable balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry with Eggplant, Tom Kha Gai
What Makes it Special: Waterfront FiDi setting with a full Thai menu and cocktails.
8.1
Long-running Thai food truck serving street-style staples at SPARK Social’s open-air park. Expect fast counter service, rotating noodle and curry specials, and budget-friendly portions ideal for pre-game bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai with shrimp, Pad Krapow (basil chicken), Khao Soi (northern curry noodles)
What Makes it Special: Authentic Thai street food from a veteran truck in a lively park setting.
#42
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
What Makes it Special: House curries and Pa-Low stew with fast, friendly counter service.
8.1
This intimate downtown spot blends traditional Thai recipes with Asian fusion touches, taking time to select peak-season ingredients. Their signature B.E.C.K. fried chicken and Northern-style Khao Soi noodles showcase a commitment to bold flavors without shortcuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
B.E.C.K. Fried Chicken, Khao Soi, Roti with Curry
What Makes it Special: House-made fried chicken with secret Thai spice blend.
8.1
Neighborhood Thai spot on Mission Street known for well-seasoned stir-fries, curries, and swift counter service. Portions are generous for the price, making it a dependable weeknight option in the Excelsior/Outer Mission corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew (Chinese broccoli, wok char), Green Curry with Eggplant, Basil Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Straightforward Thai staples cooked hot and fast at fair prices.
#45
Aroi Thai
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact Mission Dolores spot turning out punchy stir-fries and curries with steady execution. Good for a quick, satisfying plate before or after a park stroll without the wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry with Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly Basil
What Makes it Special: No-frills Thai with bold wok heat and dependable curries.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late-night Thai specialist with an emphasis on noodle soups and stir-fried noodles. It’s a practical, affordable stop when most kitchens have closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Pad Kee Mao, Duck Curry
What Makes it Special: Open late with an extensive noodles lineup under $15–$20.
8
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)
What Makes it Special: Decades-long neighborhood fixture with steady, honest Thai cooking.
8
Longtime downtown noodle cafe from the local Osha group with a focus on soups, curries, and stir-fried noodles. Pricing stays midrange and the menu covers familiar favorites with dependable speed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Royal Pad Thai, Pumpkin Curry
What Makes it Special: Soup-centric menu with fast ticket times and broad appeal.
#49
Phat Thai SF
8
Brick-and-mortar from a longtime food-truck team serving homestyle Thai staples at friendly prices. Portions are generous, flavors are direct, and takeout is fast for weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Green Curry (chicken), Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Family recipes from a veteran truck team at wallet-friendly prices.
#50
Sai Jai Thai
8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Neighborhood favorite since 1997 turning out homestyle Thai comfort with generous portions. The menu leans classic and hearty, ideal for casual dinners and family sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao), Khao Soi, Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
What Makes it Special: Long-running, family-style recipes served with steady value.