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oChef » Samila Thai – San Francisco
Samila Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Samila Thai
Samila Thai at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 5 of the guests
#1435 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#28 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
90
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Quick service
- Efficient takeout
Frequently criticized
- Poor ambience
- Small portions
- Value concerns
The restaurant Samila Thai is a delightful Thai Restaurant located in the vibrant Seacliff neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its authentic Thai flavors, offering a welcoming dining experience whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner. You can expect a friendly environment that caters to various preferences, including excellent vegan and vegetarian options.
Overview: Introducting Samila Thai
Samila Thai offers a notable culinary experience, with many appreciating its flavors and the quality of its fresh ingredients. Customers often highlight the efficiency of their takeout service, noting that orders are consistently hot and ready on time.
The staff also receives praise for being particularly kind and helpful. However, some diners have found the food to be inconsistent, with concerns about blandness and pathetic portions for certain dishes.
The dining environment itself also presents challenges, as several reports mention issues with cleanliness, including an odor smell and the need for significant renovation.
Good
7.2
out of 10
90
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
65
positive
Overall, Samila Thai earns a solid 7.2, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. This is further supported by a 72.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
A significant portion of this positive sentiment, based on 65 positive remarks out of 90 total, stems from the strong performance in Food (7.8) and Service (8.4). The culinary offerings are often praised for their quality, and the staff consistently delivers attentive and quick service.
However, not all aspects shine equally. The Value (5.7) is perceived as average, with some finding prices a bit high without lunch specials.
The most notable area for improvement is Ambience (3.8), which falls into the poor category. This is a recurring concern, contributing to 21 negative remarks, with customers frequently mentioning issues related to the dining environment and cleanliness, suggesting it could detract from the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Quick, attentive service
- Efficient takeout
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness/decor
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Value concerns
Samila Thai presents a mixed but generally positive picture. With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s a place worth considering if you prioritize flavorful Thai cuisine and efficient service.
It particularly shines for those looking for a reliable takeout option with consistently hot and well-prepared dishes. However, be mindful of the dining environment, which may need improvement, and potential inconsistencies in portion sizes.
If you’re seeking a vibrant dine-in atmosphere or strict budget options, you might find it less appealing. For a tasty, quick Thai meal, it’s a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Samila Thai
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 50 comments, 40 rave about dishes like the delicious papaya salad, flavorful yellow curry, and the must-try mango sticky rice.
Guests also appreciate the excellent noodle texture, fresh veggies, and balanced flavors, often noting the generous portion sizes. However, not every bite is perfect. A few of the 50 comments, specifically 7, point out some areas for improvement.
Concerns primarily revolve around take out portions being surprisingly small, with some finding the curry and shrimp servings meager. There were also mentions of the Pad Thai noodle being a bit too sweet for some palates, and a rare comment about the food being bland.
Food
50
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious flavors
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small takeout portions
- Sweet Pad Thai
- Bland food
Often praised
- foodI also tried the Eggplant dish, and I couldn't believe eggplants could be that buttery and delicious. Lastly, the food is always hot and prepared on time for takeout. I definitely recommend it and am glad it's in my neighborhood!
- flavorsMy experience was fantastic! I found a delicious little gem with very solid flavors. The fresh veggies and meat were excellent.
- mango sticky ricemango sticky rice are too good to be true
- pineapple fried riceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, with standout dishes like the sticky rice, pineapple fried rice, scallion pancake, and mango sticky rice, which were "too good to be true. " The service was unbelievably good, with a very kind and helpful front hostess.
- Eggplant dishThe pad thai is perfectly seasoned, with a great noodle texture and a healthy serving of veggies, tofu, and peanuts. I also tried the Eggplant dish, and I couldn't believe eggplants could be that buttery and delicious. Lastly, the food is always hot and prepared on time for takeout.
- Thai toastespecially liked the Thai toast
- brown riceOrdered a side of brown rice
- brown rice optionThey also offer brown rice option here.
- cashew nut chickenespecially liked the cashew nut chicken
- chickenThe chicken: nice, thin and crispy
Frequently criticized
- Pad Thai noodlePad Thai noodle it’s little be too sweet.
- Thai foodSo much great Thai food in SF; this isn’t one of them.
- curryThe take out portions were beyond pathetic. I paid $17 for about a half cup of curry and literally two tiny shrimps. It was unbelievable.
- foodThe food was bland, uninspiring, and forgettable.
- portion sizegive you the portion of an appetizer for your main
- shrimpsliterally two fricking tiny shrimps
- take out portionsThe take out portions were beyond pathetic
If youre dining in, youll likely find the food delicious and satisfying, with many standout dishes. Just be mindful that takeout portions might be a bit inconsistent, and if you're sensitive to sweetness, you might want to specify for the Pad Thai.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! With a fantastic 89.5% customer satisfaction and a solid score of 8.4, guests frequently rave about the experience. Based on 17 positive remarks out of 19 total, you can expect quick and unbelievably good service from the friendly staff, with many appreciating the efficient takeout options and order accuracy.
However, its not entirely perfect, as a couple of guests did mention some hiccups. The 2 negative comments primarily pointed to instances of slow service, suggesting that while generally excellent, there might be rare moments where the pace isnt quite as quick as expected.
Service
19
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Accurate takeout
What people don't like
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was unbelievable due to its fantastic environment and crazy quick service. I definitely walked out happier than I walked in.
- staffThe staff were super nice
- front hostessfront hostess was very kind and helpful
- ladySuper nice lady
- order accuracywhen something was left out of the order they emailed us and offered to deliver it personally
- quickit was very quick too
- take outprepared on time for take out
- takeout optionThe fresh veggies and meat were excellent. It's a great takeout option, conveniently located just 7 minutes from the beach.
Frequently criticized
- serviceslow service to get our orders
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, making it a great choice if you value efficiency and a friendly encounter. While a rare slow moment might occur, the overwhelming feedback suggests you'll likely walk out happier than you walked in, especially with their quick takeout options.
Ambience (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
While some guests found the atmosphere and environment quite welcoming, describing it as friendly, comfortable, and even unbelievable, with appealing ornaments that some wished to take home, these positive sentiments are based on only 4 customer remarks. However, the overall vibe leaves much to be desired, with a poor score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 33.3%. Based on 8 negative remarks out of 12 total, significant issues like cockroaches and an infestation were reported, along with a strong odor smell.
Many also felt the interior decoration and restroom desperately need a total renovation.
Ambience
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly atmosphere
- Appealing ornaments
What people don't like
- Cockroach infestation
- Strong odor smell
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereVery friendly atmosphere made me feel comfortable
- environmentUnbelievable environment
- ornamentsbuy some ornaments to take home
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cockroachI had a cockroach jump on the table
- cockroachesthere are cockroaches roaming around.
- infestationIt appears to be an infestation.
- interior decorationinterior decoration and the restroom. It really deserves a total renovation.
- odor smellThe restaurant has strong odor smell.
- restroominterior decoration and the restroom. It really deserves a total renovation.
- utensilsutensils were dirty
If you prioritize a clean, pest-free environment and updated decor, this might not be the place for you. While some found the atmosphere friendly, the severe hygiene issues and strong odors could significantly detract from your experience.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the restaurant offered good quality for reasonable prices, with specific dishes like the fried rice and crispy chicken or the pineapple fried rice being noted as generous and well-priced for two. Based on 4 positive opinions, it seems customers appreciate the overall price point, contributing to an average score of 5.7. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 44.4%, these positive experiences highlight where the restaurant shines.
However, the value proposition isnt universally praised. Other customers felt the price was a little high, especially for smaller portions like a half cup of curry, and the lack of lunch specials was a drawback. The unexpected request to pay cash only also added to some negative sentiments.
With 4 negative opinions balancing the positives out of 9 total, its clear there's room for improvement in consistency.
Value
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality for price
- Generous dish portions
What people don't like
- Cash-only payment
- Can be pricey
- No lunch specials
Often praised
- pricepineapple fried rice $12 and that was more than enough for 2
- pricesquality for good prices
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it was a little on the pricey side, as there were no lunch specials. However, the food was very tasty.
- lunch specialsMy experience at this restaurant was that it was a little on the pricey side, as there were no lunch specials. However, the food was very tasty.
- pay cash onlyunexpectedly were asked to pay cash only
If you're looking for generous portions on specific dishes like fried rice, you might find good value here. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on other items and the possibility of needing cash, as the value experience is quite mixed.
How are the prices at Samila Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 5 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners seem to stick to this range, with just a few venturing into slightly higher-priced options. Since we only have 5 reviews, its a good snapshot, but keep in mind its a small sample.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 5 reviews. Since we only have 5 reviews, its a good indication, but keep in mind its a small sample.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given its a Thai restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the quality and experience youd expect. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Samila Thai
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Super Nice Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were super nice, and the food was amazing. We especially loved the mango sticky rice, which was the best we’ve ever had!
- staff10
- food10
- mango sticky rice10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Poor Service and Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The portion size for the appetizer was served as a main, which was unexpected. Furthermore, the service was just poor.
The atmosphere was also rated low.
- portion size2
- service1
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Mixed Feelings: Good Papaya Salad, Needs Renovation
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food quality was average overall. While the Pad Thai noodle was a bit too sweet for my liking, the papaya salad was good.
The restaurant's interior decoration and restroom are in dire need of improvement and really deserve a total renovation. There was also a strong odor smell. On the positive side, the service was friendly and helpful.
They also offer a brown rice option, which is a nice touch.
- food quality5
- papaya salad8
- service8
- Pad Thai noodle3
- interior decoration2
- restroom2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Rip-off portions for mediocre food
My experience at this restaurant was a complete rip-off. The food tasted alright, but it was nothing special. The take out portions were beyond pathetic.
I paid $17 for about a half cup of curry and literally two tiny shrimps. It was unbelievable.
- food taste5
- take out portions2
- curry2
- shrimps2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bland and Forgettable Thai Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Despite the abundance of great Thai food options in San Francisco, this establishment did not meet expectations. The food was bland, uninspiring, and ultimately forgettable.
I would advise others to skip it.
- food2
- Thai food2
What Samila Thai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does Samila Thai Restaurant offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, when you visit Samila Thai Restaurant, you’ll find a variety of choices to suit your preferences. They proudly offer delicious vegan options and healthy options, alongside their full menu. Vegetarian options are also readily available for you to enjoy.
What service options and accessibility features are available at Samila Thai Restaurant?
Samila Thai Restaurant provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with no-contact delivery also available. For your convenience, outdoor seating is offered. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Samila Thai generally rate with customers?
Samila Thai holds a good overall score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction of 72.2%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.8) and Service (8.4), while Value (5.7) is average and Ambience (3.8) is an area for improvement.
What can I expect from the food at Samila Thai?
Many customers praise the delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes like the Eggplant dish and pineapple fried rice. However, some have noted issues with certain dishes being too sweet or portions being inconsistent.
Is Samila Thai a good option for dining in or takeout?
Samila Thai is highly regarded for its efficient takeout service, with food prepared hot and on time. While the service staff is kind, the dining atmosphere and cleanliness have received negative feedback, suggesting it might be better suited for takeout.