With an abundance of farm-fresh produce and seafood that rivals the daily catch from the Andaman Sea, it’s no wonder San Francisco and the Bay Area area are home to an incredible range of Thai restaurants. From cozy neighborhood favorites to swanky destinations serving 11-course tasting meals, your quest for the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco will take you from the Mission District all the way to Oakland.
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Discover the best Thai restaurants in San Francisco.
For nostalgic Thai dishes reinvented with Californian flair — try Jo’s Modern Thai (Oakland)
At Jo’s Modern Thai, owner Kao Saelee serves up modern Thai dishes in a lively setting. This MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant’s menu includes all your favorite Thai dishes with a twist—think drunken noodles with BBQ brisket and crispy catfish salad with nutty avocado. Bonus points for a cozy patio covered in plants and warmed by heat lamps.
For Thai classics from a celebrated chef — book a table at Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine (Mission District)
From street food classics to rich curries reminiscent of chef Kasem “Pop” Saengsawang’s childhood, the menu at Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine goes all in on nostalgic Thai favorites. Ideal for birthdays or group meals, the atmosphere is social, and the extravagant platings will put you in the mood to celebrate. Don’t miss the golden hat yai fried chicken or the panang neua with slow-braised short rib.
For Southern Thai-inspired dishes in a cozy setting — visit Daughter Thai Kitchen (Oakland)
At Daughter Thai Kitchen, the artfully plated dishes will transport you to the sun-kissed Southern Thai provinces. Feast on soups, noodles, rice dishes, and other familiar Thai favorites made with fresh ingredients as you admire hanging wisteria and edible flower garnishes in the stylish space. Don’t miss the restaurant’s specialty dishes like softshell crab curry with butterfly pea-dyed vermicelli noodles. Pair your meal with an Asian-inspired cocktail.
For rice dishes brimming with home-cooked flavors — try hed verythai (Financial District)
hed verythai serves khao gaeng-style Thai cuisine, consisting of a scoop of rice accompanied by small portions of curry, stir-fried meats and vegetables, and fried snacks. Dig into set menus of chicken massaman curry, tangy coconut soup, and stir-fried basil pumpkin with the kitchen’s signature tri-colored rice. Worn wood and metal accents give the dining room an industrial feel, while soft lighting keeps the atmosphere warm and inviting.
For a swanky meal at the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco — grab a table at Osha Thai (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Decorated with impressive floral displays and crystal chandeliers, Osha Thai’s opulent interior would be right at home in any of Bangkok’s upscale hotels. From street-style bites to huge sharing platters, the extensive Thai menu has something for everyone. Dip strips of the crying tiger kobe beef steak in tangy tamarind sauce, or try Thai-inspired brunch dishes like the Dungeness crab omelet. Don’t miss the popular happy hour, complete with creative cocktails and small plates.
For family-favorite Thai recipes with a modern twist — try Oraan Thai (Richmond District)
At Oraan Thai, beloved Thai family recipes get a modern makeover, thanks to high quality California ingredients. Standout dishes include a green papaya salad with raw blue crab and marinated fish sauce, plus the mango sticky rice dessert. A cozy atmosphere and attentive service make you feel like you’re dining in someone’s living room, ranking this as a best Thai restaurant in San Francisco.
For an epic 11-course tasting menu in the heart of Japantown — find a table at Hed 11 (Japantown)
From the moment you step inside Hed 11’s refined yet unpretentious interior, a fine dining experience awaits. The rotating 11-course tasting menu showcases a diverse range of Thai cuisine, allowing for a unique dining experience on every visit. Expect rare regional specialties prepared with high-end ingredients, such as rich hung lay curry with baby lamb rack or spicy ant egg salad with lotus root. Add optional wine pairings to your meal.
For bold Thai flavors at a trendy neighborhood favorite — dine at Krua Thai (Mission District)
When you’re looking for a laid-back meal with all your Thai favorites, Krua Thai is the place to be. A terrarium wall and neon lights add a trendy touch to the dining room, while ample seating gives you and your crew space to spread out. Dig into a steaming portion of pad Thai or yellow tango (sliced chicken breast with mangoes) paired with a Thai iced tea. Or, order chicken skewers and other snacks to share.
For flavor-packed fare at an option for the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco— find a table at Basil Canteen @ 11th Street (SoMa)
Named after the fragrant herb that’s a centerpiece of many dishes, Basil Canteen serves diverse regional Thai cuisine from the mountainous north to the southern shores. Choose from dishes like neur nham tok—spicy grilled steak salad with roasted rice—or familiar favorites like cashew chicken. Once a brewery, the historic building boasts red-brick walls, high ceilings, and tons of natural lighting. Don’t miss the fried banana with coconut ice cream.
For heritage cuisine that will transport you to the streets of Thailand — visit Attraros Thai Eatery (Oakland)
For punchy Thai flavors that rival anything you’d find in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Attraros Thai Eatery is the place to be. The menu includes dishes that you would find at the best mom-and-pop restaurants and food carts across Thailand. Try the sikrong tod—deep-fried pork ribs topped with garlic and sweet chili sauce—or the kang gae, marinated lamb shank in massaman curry sauce. The open layout and minimalist decor allow the food to take center stage.
Although the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco depends on your preferences, the Bay Area’s Thai restaurants showcase the best of the country’s expansive cuisine. Try fragrant soft shell crab curry at a Southern Thai-inspired standout, or head to the Richmond District for homestyle Thai favorites. Whether you’re planning a casual date night or a celebratory dinner, San Francisco has it all.
