Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Basil Thai – San Francisco
Basil Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Basil Thai
Basil Thai at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1527 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
476
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique cuisine
- Tasty drinks
- Modern decor
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High cost
- Dim atmosphere
The restaurant Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar in San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood invites you to experience authentic Thai cuisine. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Don’t miss their impressive great tea selection, a highlight that truly sets them apart. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner, this spot has you covered with excellent service options.
Overview: Introducting Basil Thai
Basil Thai offers a distinctive culinary experience, setting itself apart with a menu that goes beyond typical Thai fare, featuring unique items and incredible cocktails . While the food quality often receives praise, the overall dining journey can be a mixed bag.
Guests have noted that while the ambiance is generally pleasant and modern, the service can sometimes be inconsistent, leading to longer waits or overlooked requests. This can detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Good
7.1
out of 10
476
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
115
negative
35
neutral
326
positive
Basil Thai holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1 , placing it firmly in the good category, suggesting a generally positive dining experience. However, the Customer Satisfaction sits at 68.5% , which is in the mixed range.
This slight divergence indicates that while many find it good, a notable portion of diners have reservations. The culinary offerings are a clear strength, with Food scoring (7.7).
The Ambience also contributes positively, rated at (7.2). On the other hand, Service (5.8) and Value (5.6) are areas where the restaurant could improve.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 476 customer comments, with 326 positive remarks and 115 negative ones.
What people like
- Unique Thai dishes
- Flavorful food quality
- Creative drink menu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Perceived high prices
- Dim lighting, fruit flies
Basil Thai presents a compelling case for those seeking Thai cuisine with a twist, especially if unique dishes and creative cocktails are a priority. With a Recommendation Score of 7.6 , it leans towards being a worthwhile visit for its culinary strengths.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the value proposition carefully, as some find it on the pricier side. If you prioritize innovative flavors and a modern setting over flawless service, Basil Thai could be a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Basil Thai
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 75.6%, it's clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 291 total opinions, 220 rave about the authentic Thai food, praising its delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and impressive depth of flavor.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 47 comments point out some areas for improvement. A few found certain items bland or excessively sweet, while others noted salty food or even undercooked chicken. It seems consistency might be a slight challenge for some specific dishes.
Food
291
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
47
negative
24
neutral
220
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai food
- Delicious flavors
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Salty dishes
- Excessively sweet
Often praised
- foodThis place is a little more unique than most Thai restaurants, which often have remarkably similar menus; they have some items on the menu I don't see as often. The food seemed to me more like places I've eaten in Thailand, though I'm not sure if that's more authentic to what Thai people actually eat or just what restaurants in Thailand feed to tourists.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was nothing short of amazing! I can honestly say there's literally nothing better on the planet than good Thai food, and this was GREAT Thai food. The Pad Thai was everything I could ever want or need or hope for, and I would absolutely recommend it.
- cocktailsThe Pad Thai was everything I could ever want or need or hope for, and I would absolutely recommend it. They also have tons of incredible and unique cocktails, including the Thai-phoon, which was a spiked Thai tea. I loved it here!
- Pad Thaithe Pad Thai was everything you could ever want or need or hope for
- corn frittersWe enjoyed everything we got! We ordered corn fritters
- dishesdishes are always a near perfection of flavor
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and tasty drinks. While the service was quite slow to take our order, the food itself came out very quickly.
- pad thaiAll of them are delicious and perfectly cooked
- spring rollsReally liked their spring rolls - well made crispy rolls
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was just not good enough to ever return anymore.
- Chinese broccoliUnfortunately, they took a long time to get the order out to me. The menu stated it would have Chinese broccoli, but it was mostly all stems. The chicken was also a bit undercooked.
- Larb2nd time ordered Larb to go-they again didn't give you to-go utensils
- Pad ThaiPad Thai with 4 shrimp total for $20
- Thai foodbetter Thai in the city
- Thai teawanted a dirty thai tea without the whipped cream but got a plain thai coffee
- Tom KhaOrdered a Tom Kha for to-go, No chili because I'm allergic-they put chili
- allergic reactionI ate and had an allergic reaction
- basilWanted extra basil on my pad kee mao but was in the curry
- blandVery bland and too healthy (low oil)
If youre craving authentic Thai flavors and dont mind a potential hit-or-miss dish, this place is definitely worth a try. Most diners leave happy, enjoying the fresh ingredients and delicious options, but be mindful of some occasional inconsistencies.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Many guests have found the service to be quite positive, with 51 positive remarks out of 100 total. Youll often encounter friendly service from an attentive staff, with some even highlighting prompt service and quick food delivery, making for a pleasant dining experience. However, the experience isnt always consistent.
With a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 51%, the service here presents a mixed bag. Some diners reported issues like long waiting times, occasional slow service, and even moody waitresses, as seen in 47 negative comments.
Service
100
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
47
negative
2
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Prompt service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceI also had a cup of hot tea for $3. Overall, I found the place to be over-priced, though the service was excellent towards the end of their lunch hour. The mango sticky rice was especially creamy and delicious, making the $8 price point acceptable for that dish.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with very good food and cheap enough prices. The staff were friendly, which contributed to a pleasant atmosphere. However, I found it peculiar and somewhat over the top that we were instructed to keep our masks on until our drinks arrived, even when seated at our table.
- ServiceService:5
- reservationsoffers the convenience of reservations, ensuring prompt seating
- attentive and promptserver was attentive and prompt
- attentive waiterThe waiter was attentive
- covid-19 safetycare about covid-19 safety
- foodthe food came out very quickly
- friendly serviceMy friend and I visited Basil Thai Restaurant and Bar during SF Restaurant Week, and it left a positive impression with its nice ambiance and friendly service. The restaurant boasts a contemporary feel, featuring sleek décor and a lively atmosphere.
- parkingvisiting during the evening proved hassle-free, with complimentary parking
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe main drawback was the service, which, despite being warm and friendly, seemed inexperienced. Even with open tables, the service was spotty and slow, leading to forgotten drinks and entrees arriving at staggered times. The dining experience took about 45 minutes longer than necessary.
- waiting timesat for over 20 mins and no one even brought water
- managerthe “manager” (quotes because it was clearly a random waiter)
- wait to place orderWe waited a very long time to place our order
- waitressWhen I called it out to the waitress because she physically came to move my kid's chair
- biasUnappetizing bias. It's unfortunate this restaurant treats people of color differently.
- closed on Sundayclosed on Sunday!
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by garbage customer service and a complete ripoff. The portions were incredibly small, with only 2 measly chicken satay skewers for $12 and Pad Thai with a mere 4 shrimp for $20.
- drinkswe had drinks forgotten
- fairlywe can't get treated fairly
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many enjoy attentive and friendly interactions, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or longer waits, especially during busy times. It might be worth a try if youre not in a rush, but dont expect consistently stellar service.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.7%. Out of 60 total opinions, 43 rave about the atmosphere, highlighting its cute, trendy vibe and aesthetic appeal. Many found it a great place for a date night or groups, appreciating the contemporary feel and lively environment.
However, not everyone was completely charmed. With 12 negative comments, some found the dim lighting a bit too dark, making menus hard to read. There were also concerns about wheelchair accessibility and the surrounding neighborhood, plus a few minor mentions of fruit flies or a confusing host stand.
Ambience
60
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, trendy vibe
- Lively atmosphere
- Great date spot
What people don't like
- Limited accessibility
- Very dim lighting
- Neighborhood concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile the service was VERY slow, this was attributed to two large groups dining at the same time; typically, the service is pretty standard. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambiancethe ambiance remained vibrant and inviting
- placeThe service also took a while for some things, but overall it was fine. The place is nice but very dark. Prices are very standard.
- interiorclean & pleasant interior
- vibeLove the vibe in here
- BasilMy only suggestion is regarding the service; it felt like the staff were more focused on serving than attending to the tables. Overall, Basil is a fancy and clean place to eat with affordable prices.
- Covid restrictionsthe Covid restrictions that were set felt reassuring
- aesthetic spotcool, aesthetic spot to get Thai food
- contemporary feelrestaurant itself has a contemporary feel
Frequently criticized
- Thai cafeThe Thai cafe was also incredibly sweet
- atmosphere" LMAO, the absurdity of this explanation was baffling. Adding to the negative experience, a mouse scurried past a table of women just five minutes after I wrote this review, causing them to shriek. This incident significantly impacted the atmosphere.
- dim lightingespecially given the dim lighting
- fruit fliescouple fruit flies hovering around our table
- host standno host stand so we walked in and were confused
- lightingThe service also took a while for some things, but overall it was fine. The place is nice but very dark. Prices are very standard.
- maskstold to keep our masks on until our drinks arrived
- menu confusingThis made the menu confusing to read
- neighborhoodThe food and staff were excellent. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars for atmosphere is because the neighborhood is not the best.
- outside patioThe outside patio is unheated
If you're looking for a place with a stylish and lively atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the lighting can be quite dim, and it might not be the most accessible spot for everyone.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Despite an average 5.6 score and mixed 48% customer satisfaction for value, there are definite upsides. Many diners appreciated the price and prices as reasonable, often finding good value and even happy hour deals . With 12 positive opinions out of 25 total, some felt they got a real deal with surprising portions for the cost.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 9 negative opinions pointing to some significant concerns. Some found the price to be over-priced or even a ripoff . Specific issues included surprise charges for things like fountain drink refills not mentioned on the menu , and the cost of rice feeling excessive.
Value
25
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value found
- Reasonable quality price
- Great happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Over-priced items
- Expensive rice charge
Often praised
- priceOn the drink side, the Sake Leche was unusual yet intriguing, and the Berry Tequila was a hit. Basil provides authentic Thai food at a reasonable price, complemented by a noteworthy drink list. I'll definitely be returning for the Larb Gai and Berry Tequila.
- pricesMy only suggestion is regarding the service; it felt like the staff were more focused on serving than attending to the tables. Overall, Basil is a fancy and clean place to eat with affordable prices.
- Pricesurprising portion given its price
- dealmight have been the best deal in town
- good valueDespite the minor issue with the undercooked dumplings, the friendly service, extensive menu, and delicious food make it a great choice for a fun and flavorful dining experience. The Restaurant Week deal, in particular, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore their diverse offerings at a good value.
- happy hour dealsGood happy hour deals!
Frequently criticized
- pricethis place is over-priced
- $15Not worthy of $15.
- fountain drink refillsMy first time at this restaurant was marked by an unpleasant surprise: being charged for fountain drink refills. This was not mentioned on the menu, making it a negative experience.
- menumentions nothing of the sort on the menu
- returned Pad ThaiThey had me pay for the returned Pad Thai
- ricecharge $3.50 for rice. Absolutely ridiculous
- ripoffa complete ripoff
- surprise chargessurprise charges are not
If you're seeking a good deal or happy hour deals , you might find some value here. Just be mindful of potential surprise charges for things like fountain drink refills or rice , as these can quickly make the overall price feel over-priced .
How are the prices at Basil Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 36 $, our data shows a good mix of spending. Many guests spend a bit less, in the $21–$30 range, but also quite a few opt for slightly more premium options, spending $41–$50. So, there’s a nice spread of choices available!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There are options for different budgets, making it accessible while still offering quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Basil Thai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Thai Food in SF
My expectations for Thai food were high, and this restaurant completely met them. The prices were in line with or even competitive for San Francisco. I highly recommend trying the Coconut-red curry braised short ribs; it was truly delicious and blew my mind.
- Thai food10
- prices8
- Coconut-red curry braised short ribs10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Family-Style Meal!
We visited during the tail end of happy hour and enjoyed a wonderful family-style dining experience. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including corn fritters, fried brussel sprouts, veggie spring rolls, wok fried rice noodles with Chinese broccoli, honey duck in red curry, and pad see ew. We also had a couple of drinks.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed everything we got! The food was a definite highlight, and the service was excellent (rated 5/5). The atmosphere was also pleasant (rated 4/5) and very quiet.
While there are many vegetarian offerings, there are not many vegan options due to the presence of egg. Parking can be somewhat difficult to find, and there are no gluten-free options marked. The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs.
- corn fritters9
- fried brussel sprouts9
- veggie spring rolls9
- wheelchair accessibility2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. I sat for over 20 minutes and no one even brought water. To make matters worse, another table that arrived after us received their water right away.
I do not recommend this place at all. Don't go there.
- waiting time1
- service1
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Cold food, terrible experience
My experience at the restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food arrived an hour and a half after I ordered, and it was cold and tasted like garbage. The service was also rated very poorly.
- food1
- service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Excellent Thai Food, Service Could Improve
My experience at this restaurant was marked by top-tier Thai food, offering surprising portions for the price. I particularly recommend the panang short ribs curry from the shared plate. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, the experience would have been perfect with great service as well.
- Thai food9
- portion8
- panang short ribs curry10
- service3
What Basil Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar?
At Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy ambiance perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer a full range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. Catering services are also available for your special events, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Does Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar cater to various dietary preferences and offer a diverse drink menu?
Absolutely! Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar prides itself on offering healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options to accommodate diverse tastes. Their extensive drink menu includes hard liquor, wine, beer, coffee, and a fantastic selection of cocktails, complemented by a great tea selection and happy hour drinks.
How does Basil Thai generally rate among diners?
Basil Thai has a Restaurant Score of 7.1 and Customer Satisfaction at 68.5% . While Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.2) are well-regarded, Service (5.8) and Value (5.6) are areas for improvement.
What culinary aspects do customers appreciate most at Basil Thai?
Diners frequently praise Basil Thai for its unique menu items that stand out from typical Thai restaurants, as well as its incredible cocktails and flavorful dishes .
What are some common concerns reported by customers?
Customers occasionally report inconsistent service , including slow waits and forgotten drinks . Some also feel the restaurant is over-priced and have noted dim lighting or fruit flies affecting the atmosphere.