Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kin Khao – San Francisco
Kin Khao - San Francisco
Photo from Kin Khao
Kin Khao at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 184 of the guests
#2210 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#46 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1104
Reviews
49.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud venue
The restaurant Kin Khao brings an authentic Thai Restaurant experience to the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood. You’ll discover a culinary journey that stands out, especially with its great wine list, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of Thailand.
This spot offers a unique blend of upscale yet cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both casual meals and special occasions.
Overview: Introducting Kin Khao
Kin Khao offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, delivering bold and memorable flavors that many appreciate. However, the overall dining experience can be a mixed bag, with some aspects leaving a less favorable impression.
While the service is frequently noted for its attentiveness and the atmosphere can be quite cozy, guests should be aware of potential inconsistencies. The perception of value also varies, suggesting that expectations around pricing might need adjustment.
Average
5.8
out of 10
1104
Reviews
49.6%
Satisfaction
436
negative
120
neutral
548
positive
Kin Khao registers an overall restaurant score of 5.8, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 49.6%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a significant portion of guests leave feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Looking closer, the Food (6.3) is the strongest performer, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (5.5) and Ambience (5.0) hover around average, reflecting varied experiences. The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (3.4), which garners considerable negative feedback.
These insights are drawn from over 1100 customer opinions, with 548 positive and 436 negative.
What people like
- Delicious Thai food
- Attentive staff
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Loud atmosphere
- Inconsistent service
Kin Khao presents a compelling case for its culinary offerings, particularly if you prioritize flavorful Thai dishes. The kitchen consistently delivers on taste, making it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a vibrant meal.
However, with a recommendation score of 5.9, it’s clear that the experience isn’t universally stellar. Be prepared for a potentially lively, even loud, setting and consider that the pricing might feel steep for some, with service quality occasionally varying.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Thai Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
465
89.7%
- €€
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
142
85.2%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
349
87.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
257
86%
- $$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
314
86%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
534
86%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Kin Khao
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the authentic Thai cuisine and creative Thai dishes on offer, often highlighting them as flavorful and delicious. With 385 positive opinions out of 690, dishes like the caramelized pork belly frequently stand out, making a strong impression on guests. However, the culinary experience isn't always a home run.
The food scores an average 6.3, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.8%. Some of the 217 negative comments point to dishes being salty, oily, or bland, and a few mention small portions, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
690
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
217
negative
88
neutral
385
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai cuisine
- Flavorful, creative dishes
- Caramelized pork belly
What people don't like
- Too salty or oily
- Small portions
- Inconsistent flavor
Often praised
- foodFor our first night in San Francisco, my wife found this restaurant, and it was a fantastic choice. Our family of three, including our 9-year-old daughter, absolutely loved everything we experienced. The food was a hit, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere, despite being loud, allowed for enjoyable conversation.
- Thai foodThe service provided by Miles, Garrett, and Anthony was world-class. The kitchen delivered flawless food, offering Thai cuisine that was bold, balanced, and unforgettable. I can confidently say this is the BEST Thai I’ve ever had.
- dishesThis place was a random pick that surprised me with its elegantly made and plated Thai food. Every dish was delicious. We made reservations earlier that day since it was busy.
- pork bellyone dish that has heavily exceeded expectations for me is the pork belly. This was phenomenal
- black rice puddingblack rice pudding for dessert - the sweet, salty, and sour balancing each other out
- caramelized pork bellyThe dishes are served family style, so we ordered the caramelized pork belly, the soft shell crab gaeng kua, the baby bok choy, and jasmine rice, and we ate nearly every bite until stuffed. The pork belly was so tender and sticky and flavorful, and the sauce in the dish was great with rice. I haven't had a soft shell crab since culinary school and didn't realize how tender the shell is.
- flavorsEvery dish packed with bold, vibrant flavors
- mushroom hor mokmushroom hor mok which had a wonderful savory curry flavor
- noodlesHighly recommend the noodles if you like a bit of spice
- FoodFood:4
Frequently criticized
- foodAs a Thai individual with high expectations for this Michelin-starred restaurant, my experience was unfortunately marred by rude and unprofessional service. The food was below standard; the meat had a bad smell and tasted strange. While the atmosphere was nice, the overall meal was quite overpriced.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately terrible. All the dishes were either very salty or oily, and the sticky rice was dry. This was easily by far the worst Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to.
- food qualityI expected the food to be top notch, but that was far from reality
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I was expecting authentic Thai food, but honestly, there was nothing Thai to see or taste here. It felt more like a fusion attempt that missed the mark entirely.
- chickenMaybe it's the chicken... it didn't seem as juicy
- flavorI felt the price was too high for the food I received. The portion size was small, and the flavor was not really impressive. I visited three times and tried different dishes each time, but the Michelin star seems to be a bit overrated.
- menuno time to review the menu forcing us to order straightaway
- pork bellyThe pork belly was maybe the blandest pork belly I've had from a restaurant. But the flavor wasn't great and it was hard to finish.
- rabbit currythe rabbit itself was my least favorite part of this dish. The rabbit in comparison was less flavorful
- riceThe rice in the chicken rice was a bit too overcooked to my liking. The rice melted in my mouth instead of snapping
If you're looking for authentic and creative Thai dishes, this place could be a hit, especially for its standout pork belly. Just be aware that some experiences mention overly salty or oily flavors and smaller portion sizes, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 46.9%, which is pretty mixed. Many guests praised the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting their ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, provide great menu knowledge, and ensure good pacing of food. These positive sentiments were noted in 106 opinions.
However, theres a noticeable downside, with 108 negative opinions out of 226 total. Some diners encountered rude service, slow pacing, and a general lack of attention from the waitstaff. Issues like reservation problems, long wait times, and staff with bad attitudes also popped up, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
226
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
108
negative
12
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Good menu knowledge
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Slow pacing
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Khin Kao was okay. The service was great and the food was good, but if you're not into spicy food, you might struggle. I tried the following dishes: Pretty Hot Wings were amazing, crispy, and had the right amount of spice.
- staffOn a brighter note, the service was impeccable—attentive, professional, and well-paced throughout the meal. The staff certainly lived up to the fine-dining reputation, and the ambiance matched the upscale tone of the evening. However, if you’re visiting specifically because of the Michelin distinction, I’d suggest tempering your expectations—or perhaps looking elsewhere.
- ServiceService was fantastic
- server0 cocktail (which I very highly recommend), and the Riesling and Verdujo were great too. The server was very attentive to allergies in our party and brought parts of certain dishes separately without us even asking!
- StaffStaff is incredibly helpful and friendly
- reservationsHighly suggest reservations ahead of time
- Friendly serviceFriendly service, really seemed to know the menu well.
- ServersServers were friendly
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- allergies0 cocktail (which I very highly recommend), and the Riesling and Verdujo were great too. The server was very attentive to allergies in our party and brought parts of certain dishes separately without us even asking!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was great, as many other reviews suggest. However, the service was terrible. They brought all the dishes out at once, which meant that by the time we started eating the noodles, they were cold.
- serverThe food is decent, but the service completely ruined the experience. The server — an Asian lady in a blue shirt — was incredibly rude. We should’ve known what we were walking into when we first arrived and saw her yelling at two customers who were simply trying to find the restroom.
- reservationDon’t make a reservation if you think there is a slightest chance you may miss it
- staff15 minutes later probably 4 different staff offered us to-go boxes
- waiterour waiter told, not asked, us to order (immediately)
- hostessOur hostess was super rude and not courteous
- managerMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The manager was super rude and, after seating us, demanded we move for no apparent reason. It felt elitist and thoughtless.
- Amex Resy partnerthey told us they are not Amex Resy partner
- StaffStaff kept wanting to take the pork cast pot numerous times even though staff was told not to
- attentionno one checked on us after foods were brought out
If youre looking for service thats consistently top-notch, you might find it hit or miss here. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-stellar experience, especially regarding pacing and attentiveness.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands an average score of 5, with a mixed customer satisfaction of 40%. Many guests, in 48 observations, really enjoy the cozy atmosphere and warm and inviting vibe, often appreciating that it's nothing pretentious. Some even highlight it as a great date place with good vibes, especially if you like a communal table.
On the flip side, 61 observations point to some notable drawbacks. A frequent concern is the loud noise level, making conversation tough. Others found the space cramped or the interior dated.
There were also mentions of dirty table and flying bugs, raising cleanliness issues, plus inconveniently located bathrooms.
Ambience
120
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
61
negative
11
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Unpretentious vibe
- Good date spot
What people don't like
- Very loud noise
- Cramped space
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, the Soi Ari cocktail was a definite highlight, with flavors that were perfectly balanced and well put together. The restaurant itself is a small, cozy spot with a nice, communal atmosphere. It's a very nice place overall, but I’d recommend making reservations in advance due to its size.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience and the friendly staff was just as I remembered.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- spaceIt's not my first time here, but it's always a great spot to bring friends to! The fixed menu is always great, and be sure to have the space.
- ambiancethe ambiance matched the upscale tone
- communal tablethere is a communal table in the middle of the restaurant for people without reservations. We sat here and loved it.
- convenient locationit's convenient location in the parc55 near the powell st. Bart
- cozy atmosphereCozy atmosphere with attentive, engaging service
- crowdsMy experience at this restaurant was a boisterous and fun scene, even midweek. Despite the lots of noise and lots of crowds, the waitstaff managed everything impressively. The food felt like authentic modern Thai, with no peanut sauce and many adventurous dishes.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere". Additionally, the atmosphere was quite loud, requiring us to shout to have a conversation, as indicated by "시끄러워서 소리지르며 이야기해야해요".
- noise levelThe noise level was so high that it felt like a marketplace
- bathroomleave the restaurant to go to the bathroom
- restroomParking and restroom are a bit hard to find
- Michelin starI honestly don’t understand how this place got a Michelin star
- ambiencehow loud the ambience is
- fliesthere were flies around one of the dishes
- loudThe restaurant is also extremely loud
- parkingParking and restroom are a bit hard to find
- spaceThe food is good, but in my opinion, it is not worthy of its Michelin star. The setting is reasonably nice, but rather cramped, feeling now like a small cafe than a highly rated restaurant.
Overall, the ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre seeking a cozy, unpretentious spot and dont mind a potentially lively (or loud) atmosphere, it could be a good fit. However, if quiet conversation, spaciousness, and pristine conditions are crucial for you, you might find it disappointing.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some bright spots. Some appreciated the reasonable price and price point for certain dishes, especially noting the lunch menu as a decent value and the stir-fry as surprisingly cheap for its quality. These positive remarks, though few among 68 comments, highlight that good deals can occasionally be found.
However, the overwhelming sentiment points to significant concerns, reflected in a low score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 13.2%. Many of the 50 negative remarks describe the experience as expensive Thai food and overpriced, citing issues like hidden service fees, cancellation fees, and hefty price tags that didnt match quality or portions. It seems the overall value just didnt hold up for most.
Value
68
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
50
negative
9
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lunch menu value
- Stir-fry is cheap
- Some items reasonable
What people don't like
- Food is overpriced
- Hidden fees
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceThe price was reasonable, if not cheaper
- pricesvery reasonable prices
- Price per personThe service was friendly and helpful. While it's on the pricier side, costing $50 to $75 per person, it is 100% worth every penny. I highly recommend this place and wish it would come to Houston!
- costThe yum hed, massaman nuea, and black rice pudding were the stars of this meal. Overall, this was an enjoyable tasting menu and felt worth the cost.
- lunch menuthe lunch menu was a decent value
- price pointdelivers wonderfully for a reasonable price point
- stir-fryespecially the stir-fry is really cheap compared to the quality and quantity you get.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe dishes seemed to use Thai flavors and sauces on American-style food, which I found a bit odd. The food was just okay, not bad, but definitely overpriced. We chose to dine here because I enjoy trying Michelin restaurants.
- pricesThe prices are outrageous for what you get
- cancellation feeif i had done that to the restaurant they would have charged me $60
- $46$46 for a bowl of curry
- 50 buckspaying 50 bucks for it
- 6% fee6% fee added automatically on the bill
- Amexexpectation of using your Amex
- Michelin ratingThe rabbit curry was not impressive at all. Honestly, I don’t understand how this place earned a Michelin rating. Neither my boyfriend nor I enjoyed the experience, and we definitely won’t be going back.
- Michelin rating systemHaving dined at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, we feel that if Kin Khao retains its star, it’s likely at the very bottom of the one-star tier. It also raises questions about the consistency and reliability of the Michelin rating system, particularly at the one-star level. We ordered the prix fixe menu at $95 per person, but overall, the experience fell short of expectations.
- billit was included on the bill
For most, this spot struggles with value, often feeling overpriced with unexpected charges. While a few specific items might offer a decent deal, be prepared for potentially high costs and scrutinize your bill carefully before committing.
How are the prices at Kin Khao?
On average, you’ll spend around 75 per person – from 184 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher end, leaning towards premium.
While the average is 75, a significant number of diners actually spend over 101 $, suggesting a mix of experiences, from a solid mid-range to more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 184 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing here, especially with many guests spending over 101 $, positions it as a more upscale Thai experience. If the quality, ambiance, and service deliver, it could be a fair price for a special occasion or a premium meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kin Khao
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience, Poor Pacing
My experience at this restaurant was an absolute waste of time and money. The pacing was so poor, I wouldn't expect this place to be on any fine dining list. Dishes took 30 minutes to come out, one at a time, with no cohesiveness.
It was frustrating to see others near us receive 4 dishes at a time. The plates were scratched and old, which detracted from the dining experience. The autumn curry may be one of the worst curries I've ever had in my life.
I'm telling you, skip it.
- pacing2
- dishes2
- plates2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Worst Michelin Star Experience
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately terrible. All the dishes were either very salty or oily, and the sticky rice was dry. This was easily by far the worst Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to.
I do not recommend going.
- food1
- dishes1
- sticky rice2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Michelin-Worthy Thai with Amazing Drinks
My experience at Kin Khao was absolutely fantastic! The wine selection was amazing and perfectly complemented the Thai food. They also offered great cocktails and mocktails.
The highlights of the meal were the Hot Chicken Wings, the Saeng Wah ceviche, and the Black Cod Gaeng Kua, which were all absolutely Michelin star–worthy!
- wine selection9
- cocktails and mocktails8
- Hot Chicken Wings10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Anniversary Dinner at KinKhao
We visited KinKhao for our anniversary, but unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. While Thai food is usually a favorite and a safe bet for me, KinKhao proved otherwise. The website and menu suggested authenticity, but the reality fell short.
We followed the waitress's recommendations: Yum Polamai as an appetizer, Massaman Nuea for the main, and Namprik Long Lua as a side. The Yum Polamai was acceptable; it was acidic, which is typical for an appetizer, though I didn't particularly enjoy it. The Namprik Long Lua, a dish of fresh vegetables with a dip, was not a good combination.
The dip was overly salty and didn't pair well with the cucumber, fig, or papaya. It only worked with the fried eggplant. By this point, disappointment was setting in, but I held out hope for the curry.
The Massaman Nuea, a braised beef dish in massaman curry, was served last and truly upset me. After the appetizer and the salty dip, the curry was surprisingly bland and lacked flavor. The beef was tender but completely tasteless.
It makes me question who enjoys this and how this restaurant received a Michelin star, which feels equivalent to a one-star review. For anyone trying Thai food for the first time at KinKhao, I am truly sorry.
- Yum Polamai5
- fried eggplant7
- Namprik Long Lua2
- Massaman Nuea1
- beef2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience with Stomach Issues
Our experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. Three out of four people in our party suffered from stomach issues the same night and the following morning after dining here. This was particularly disheartening given the restaurant's reputation and its boasting of a star.
The food quality was a major concern, leading to significant discomfort. We rated the food a 1, service a 2, and atmosphere a 2.
- food quality1
- food1
- service2
What Kin Khao offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Kin Khao?
Yes, reservations are recommended for dining at Kin Khao. You can plan ahead, as dinner, brunch, and lunch reservations are all accepted, ensuring you secure your seating at this popular San Francisco Thai restaurant.
What kind of dining options and accessibility features does Kin Khao offer?
Kin Khao offers diverse dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. You’ll find healthy, small plates, and vegetarian choices. For accessibility, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall impression of Kin Khao?
Kin Khao holds an overall score of 5.8, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.3) is a strong point, Service (5.5) and Ambience (5.0) are average, and Value (3.4) is a notable concern.
Is Kin Khao considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with many finding the price to be high or even “outrageous” for the portions received, despite some noting reasonable lunch options.
What is the atmosphere like at Kin Khao?
The atmosphere at Kin Khao is often described as cozy and communal, but many guests also report a significantly loud environment, making conversation difficult.