Highlights
- Sports
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Osha Thai – San Francisco
Osha Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Osha Thai
Osha Thai at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#1787 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#39 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
657
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beautiful ambiance
- Quality food
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited vegetarian
The restaurant Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar (Embarcadero), a vibrant Thai restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll find a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
With its great wine list, it stands out as a prime spot for those who appreciate fine pairings with their authentic Thai cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or an upscale dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Osha Thai
Osha Thai offers a vibrant dining experience where the ambiance often leaves a strong impression, described as lively and elegant. Many appreciate the thoughtful presentation of dishes and the overall pleasant environment.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in the culinary execution. While the food quality receives considerable praise, with many enjoying various offerings, there are notes about certain dishes being bland or overly spicy.
The service can be a mixed bag, with some finding staff attentive and others encountering less welcoming interactions, which can impact the overall visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
657
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
182
negative
47
neutral
428
positive
Osha Thai generally earns a respectable 6.8 overall score, indicating a good dining experience for many. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 65.1% , suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among patrons.
This contrast highlights that while many find the restaurant appealing, there’s a notable segment with reservations, based on 657 customer opinions. Diving deeper, the Ambience truly shines with a strong (8.4) score, often praised for its decor and lively atmosphere.
Food also performs well (7.1), with many positive remarks about its quality. Conversely, Service (5.6) and Value (4.1) are areas where the restaurant appears to struggle, drawing more critical feedback from the 182 negative comments compared to the 428 positive ones.
What people like
- Beautiful ambiance
- Quality Thai food
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited vegetarian options
Osha Thai presents itself as a visually appealing spot with a generally good culinary offering, making it a decent choice for those prioritizing atmosphere. With a 7 recommendation score, it suggests that many find the experience worthwhile, especially if you appreciate a vibrant setting.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential inconsistencies in service and certain dishes. If you’re seeking a consistently budget-friendly option or have specific dietary needs like extensive vegetarian choices, you might want to explore other venues.
Otherwise, it’s a place that could offer a pleasant meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Osha Thai
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Overall, the food here is quite a hit, scoring a 7.1 and leaving 67.8% of customers satisfied, which is a good sign! With 234 positive remarks out of 345 total, many rave about the vibrant flavors, quality Thai food, and delicious dishes. The presentation and vegetarian options also frequently earn praise.
However, it's not all perfect, with 77 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some found the food flavorless, too sweet, or lacking authenticity. Concerns about small portions and bland curries also popped up, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
345
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
77
negative
34
neutral
234
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant flavors
- Quality Thai food
- Great veggie options
What people don't like
- Food lacks flavor
- Often too sweet
- Lacks authenticity
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food was equally impressive, also receiving a 5-star rating. I particularly enjoyed the yellow curry with chicken, which was absolutely perfect.
- presentationGood presentation, tables covered in clean, white tablecloths.
- Thai foodslightly different take on Thai food but it was good
- dishesThe service was excellent, and we appreciated that our dog was allowed on the very nice patio, which offered good shade. Most of the dishes were good, however, the vegetarian Panang curry was too bland. Overall, it was a pleasant lunch experience with a great atmosphere.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great entrees and excellent quality food all around. The portions were of an ok size, and the staff was nice and attentive.
- FoodFood is fantastic - I’ve never had a bad dish here
- Pumpkin CurryThey have recently undergone a beautiful remodel and redesign, making the interior stunning. I particularly enjoyed their Thai Brunch, and the Pumpkin Curry was a standout. For vegetarians, there's a large vegetarian selection and it's highly recommended.
- Thai iced teaThe Thai iced tea was excellent--perfectly balanced
- drinksThe drinks were excellent!
- pumpkin currythe pumpkin curry had some spice to it
Frequently criticized
- foodThe Pad See Ew was disappointingly flavorless, and the spring rolls had an overwhelmingly earthy taste that wasn't enjoyable. Despite the beautiful decor, the poor service and lackluster food make it hard to recommend.
- Pad ThaiThe pumpkin curry was particularly good. However, the Pad Thai had too much vinegar, which detracted from the dish.
- chickenI found the portion sizes to be huge. My Khao Soi was as expected, though the chicken was slightly chewy for my liking. Overall, it was an average dining experience with decent quality food.
- dishesThe atmosphere was beautiful, with flowers and high-end decorations everywhere. The food was overall delicious, though some dishes were too spicy. The service was good, and our food arrived pretty fast considering how busy the place was.
- shrimpliterally 2 pieces of shrimp
- tofuchicken pad Thai had tofu would have been nice to know
- vegetarian optionsThis is just a PSA that there is literally almost nothing vegetarian here. The only options are fried rice and spring rolls.
- Boat noodlesthe Boat noodles, the beef was very tough and chewy
- Cocktails from Happy hourCocktails from Happy hour - 1/5
- Country ChickenCountry Chicken was too tough and chewy
If youre craving quality Thai food with vibrant flavors and dont mind a few inconsistencies, this spot is worth a try. Be mindful of potential issues with sweetness or authenticity, but many find the delicious dishes and vegetarian options make it a good choice.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had wonderful experiences, praising the friendly and attentive staff who often provide quick service and are great at accommodating large parties or special requests like food allergies. With 85 positive remarks, its clear that many appreciate the excellent suggestions and warm smiles from the team. However, the service isnt always a home run.
With 73 negative remarks, some diners reported extremely slow service, unwelcoming staff attitudes, and a lack of attentiveness, such as neglected water refills. The overall score for service sits at an average 5.6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.8%, indicating a noticeable inconsistency in the experience.
Service
161
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
73
negative
3
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming staff
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food was equally impressive, also receiving a 5-star rating. I particularly enjoyed the yellow curry with chicken, which was absolutely perfect.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant featured very nice decor and friendly staff, with fast service. However, the food quality was a bit disappointing for the price, described as having an average taste and being everything a la carte.
- ServiceService:5
- serverI chose the vegetarian Yellow Curry served with rice and natural coconut water. It's important to note that some vegetarian dishes may contain oyster sauce, but the server will certainly make you aware of it.
- accommodate 12 peopleMy running group was looking for a place to eat last night, and OSHA Thai on the Embarcadero was able to accommodate 12 people with no problem. Everybody loved the food and I really enjoyed the ginger honey chicken.
- accommodatingThey were very accommodating
- bar tenders and serversThe bar tenders and servers are elite
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering really good quality Thai food with a beautiful and aesthetic ambiance. The friendly customer service contributed to a high-end feel, fitting for its location next to The Ferry Building. I particularly enjoyed the Pork Belly Noodles, a specialty brunch item that elevates Pad Thai with bok choy, crispy pork, and a runny egg – it was soooo delicious and perfectly flavored.
- demeanorOur server, appropriately named Best, truly lived up to her name. She was exceptional, offering fantastic suggestions, maintaining a polite demeanor, and always serving us with a warm smile. Frank, another server, also stood out with his exceptional service.
- double checkingvery good about double checking
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was lacking. I asked for “spicy” but both my dishes were completely flat.
- orderShe shook her hand and said I only have 30 minutes left now
- serversIt seems as if they only had two servers in the whole restaurant
- waitressthe waitress preselected an extra tip and asked me to sign
- bad attitudeempty tables welcomes with bad attitude
- managermanager was very rude to us
- serverI told the server honestly how I felt, but all I got in return was an apology
- staffno one came to us, no one was welcoming
- ServerServer seemed rushed and overwhelmed
- accommodatingInte tillmötesgående för fem öre
Service here can be a bit of a mixed bag; you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, or you could face slow and inattentive moments. If youre willing to take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, but dont expect consistently stellar service.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.7%, its clear guests love the vibe. Out of 109 total remarks, 101 praise the beautiful ambience, great location, charming decor, and picturesque views.
Many found it perfect for dates, business meals, or just enjoying the lively, clean environment, especially with outdoor seating. However, its not entirely without its minor snags. Only 3 negative comments surfaced, mainly concerning parking space difficulties and occasional issues with specific seating sections.
A few also noted external factors like drug use nearby, which, while not directly the restaurant's fault, can impact the overall experience upon arrival.
Ambience
109
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
5
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Great views
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Parking difficulties
- External environment issues
- Seating section limits
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is lively and vibrant because of the amount of people
- ambianceThe ambiance, a harmonious mix of elegance and comfort
- locationI'm giving it 2 stars for the food, but 4 stars for the service and atmosphere. The convenient location is also a plus. Overall, I'd say it nets out to a 3-star experience, but I would personally give it a 2.
- ambienceLove the ambience it’s so pretty
- decorMy experience at this restaurant featured very nice decor and friendly staff, with fast service. However, the food quality was a bit disappointing for the price, described as having an average taste and being everything a la carte.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessThey have maintained a very high level of cleanliness.
- dining roomMy experience at this restaurant, located on the 1st floor of 4 Embarcadero, was marked by a very spacious dining room. Parking is available for $2 under Embarcadero, though it can sometimes be full.
- environmentGreat service and environment
- kid-friendlinessThe selection of dishes was quite wide, and the cocktail menu was diverse. This restaurant is suitable for visiting with children.
Frequently criticized
- drug useclear drug use by the homeless right out front
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seating sectionWe asked if we could be seated in a certain section that was quieter but they said no
If you're looking for a place with a truly delightful atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its beautiful decor, great views, and lively vibe make it a fantastic choice for almost any occasion. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges or external surroundings.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed story, with a score of 4.1, placing it in the average range. Some guests have found bright spots, particularly praising the great happy hour with fair pricing and the overall experience being definitely worth it, especially considering the location. A few even mentioned finding the prices quite reasonable for the quality of food.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a poor 19%, heavily influenced by 29 negative comments compared to just 8 positive ones out of 42 total remarks. Many feel the restaurant is overpriced, with sky-high prices for dishes and drinks, and often mention aggressive price-to-quantity ratios. The automatic gratuity and additional requests for tips also left a sour taste for some, leading to feelings of it being a bit of a tourist trap.
Value
42
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
29
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth it (sometimes)
What people don't like
- Extremely overpriced
- Small portions
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- pricesAll the food we ordered was very delicious. The service and environment were great, especially considering the good prices. I would definitely recommend it to friends and revisit soon!
- reasonable pricefood for a reasonable price
- happy hourGreat happy hour with fair pricing
- locationconsidering the location
- pricinggreat happy hour with fair pricing
- worth itWe particularly enjoyed the Pad Se Ew and the Volcano beef, which were excellent. While it was a bit pricey, the quality of the food and the overall experience made it definitely worth it. The dining room itself is large, well decorated, and offers a cool view.
Frequently criticized
- pricealittle pricey for what you get
- pricesI've visited this restaurant about 4-5 times now. The food has consistently been great, though the prices are on the expensive side. Serving sizes are mediocre, but the hospitality is great.
- $26not for $26 for rubbery old tasting chicken
- PricesPrices have soared yet again
- dishThe service can be hit or miss, depending on the day and how busy it is. What largely brings the rating down a bit is that the price/quantity of the restaurant can be a bit aggressive, with one dish typically running $30-40, which is a whole meal at other Thai restaurants.
- dishesThe dishes were also on the pricier side
- drinksSince we already had our meal at the Franciscan, we just ordered a glass of Thai ice tea and a cup of hot jasmine tea bag without looking at the menu. We were surprised to be charged $8 for each drink + tax. Good thing we didn't eat there.
- economical optionNo longer an economical option
- foodThe food is extremely overpriced
- food priceFood is priced for the location and ambiance (aka expensive)
If youre looking for a good deal, your best bet might be to stick to their happy hour, where some find the pricing fair. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially steep prices and smaller portions, as many guests felt it wasnt worth the money.
How are the prices at Osha Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 121 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Digging into the numbers, we see a nice spread, with most people spending between 21 – 50 $. This means you can find options for a casual bite or a slightly more indulgent meal.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to different spending levels within a comfortable mid-range, making it accessible for various occasions.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Osha Thai
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Beautiful Thai Food, Group Friendly
My experience at this Thai restaurant was marked by the beautiful presentation of their food. The restaurant is also well-suited to accommodate larger groups. For parking, it's convenient to use the Embarcadero garages, especially on a Sunday.
- food presentation9
- accommodate larger groups8
- parking7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was great! The food was nice and the service was good. They were also very good about double checking to make sure my order was correctly placed.
- food9
- service8
- double checking9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Thai Spot with Veggie Options
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. It's a good spot for Thai food, and I was pleased to find plenty of veggie options to choose from. The dishes are offered with moderate spice, but they are happy to amp up the heat if you prefer it spicier.
I highly recommend trying the appetizer platter, especially because of its puff pastry base. The samosas are also definitely worth ordering!
- veggie options8
- amp up the heat8
- appetizer platter9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Helpful Staff
We visited around 5 PM without a reservation and were easily seated as it wasn't crowded. The food was delicious, and all the staff members we interacted with were very helpful.
- food10
- staff members9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Food, Great View, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! All the dishes we tried were delicious. We particularly enjoyed the Pad Se Ew and the Volcano beef, which were excellent.
While it was a bit pricey, the quality of the food and the overall experience made it definitely worth it. The dining room itself is large, well decorated, and offers a cool view. Furthermore, the service was very fast.
- dishes9
- Pad Se Ew9
- Volcano beef9
- price4
What Osha Thai offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation services does Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar (Embarcadero) offer?
Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar (Embarcadero) provides diverse dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. You can also enjoy dessert, catering, or private dining. Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to ensure you get a spot.
Are there healthy or dietary-specific options available at Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar (Embarcadero)?
Absolutely! Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar (Embarcadero) caters to various dietary needs with healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. You’ll find a thoughtful selection to suit your preferences while enjoying authentic Thai flavors.
What is the overall dining experience like at Osha Thai?
Osha Thai holds an overall score of 6.8 , indicating a generally good experience. The Ambience (8.4) is a strong point, and Food (7.1) is also well-regarded. However, Service (5.6) and Value (4.1) are areas that receive more mixed feedback.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Osha Thai?
Many customers praise Osha Thai for its beautiful ambiance and decor, often describing it as lively and elegant. The food quality is also frequently highlighted, with specific mentions of delicious curries and excellent drinks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Osha Thai?
Some common concerns include the prices , which many find to be on the higher side, and occasional inconsistencies in service . Additionally, some patrons have noted limited vegetarian options and specific issues with dish execution, such as chewy meat.