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oChef » Fin Thai – San Francisco
Fin Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Fin Thai
Fin Thai at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#735 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
368
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Great Ambiance
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Misleading Labeling
- Service Inconsistency
- High Prices
The restaurant Fin Thai is a delightful Thai Restaurant located in the vibrant Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. You can step into a cozy atmosphere where you’ll find a perfect spot for a casual meal.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming vibe, making it a local favorite for both lunch and dinner. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed evening, you’ll discover a memorable dining experience here.
Overview: Introducting Fin Thai
Fin Thai appears to offer a vibrant dining experience, largely thanks to its appealing ambiance and flavorful food. Many guests appreciate the fresh ingredients and well-designed dishes, contributing to a generally positive impression.
However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service and concerns regarding overall value. While the atmosphere often receives high marks, there are occasional mentions of vegetarian options containing fish sauce, which is an important detail for some diners.
Good
7.9
out of 10
368
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
54
negative
15
neutral
299
positive
Fin Thai garners a respectable overall score of 7.9, indicating a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 81.3%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 368 customer observations, with 299 positive remarks outweighing 54 negative ones, painting a favorable picture. The Food (8.1) is a strong point, frequently praised for its flavors and quality.
Service (7.2) is generally competent, though some experiences suggest room for consistency. The Ambience (8.6) truly shines, creating a pleasant and inviting setting.
However, Value (5.7) appears to be the main area needing attention, receiving a more mixed reception.
What people like
- Flavorful, quality food
- Inviting, pleasant ambiance
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent vegetarian labeling
- Occasional service issues
- Perceived high prices
With a recommendation score of 8.3, Fin Thai is certainly worth considering for its appealing atmosphere and generally well-regarded cuisine. It offers a vibrant setting for a meal, particularly if you appreciate a lively environment and distinctive flavors.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the pricing, especially if you have specific dietary needs or are budget-conscious. For those prioritizing a great dining experience over strict value, Fin Thai could be a rewarding choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fin Thai
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.6%. Out of 219 customer remarks, a significant 183 were glowing, praising dishes like the incredible Pad Thai with shrimp, the to-die-for Khao Soi Chicken, and their complex, seafood-forward Thai offerings. Many found the flavors vibrant and authentic, highlighting delicious sauces and fresh ingredients.
However, 26 comments pointed to some areas for improvement. Some found the Fried Calamari overdone, noted inconsistent dish temperature, or felt portion sizes were too small. A recurring concern was the use of fish sauce in dishes labeled as vegetarian, which can be a dealbreaker for those with strict dietary needs.
Food
219
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
26
negative
10
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood dishes
- Complex, vibrant flavors
- Delicious Pad Thai
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish temperature
- Small portion sizes
- Misleading vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodWe were absolutely blown away! The food was so good and tasty. Chef Kobe really knows how to highlight and master every aspect of each dish.
- Thai foodThis is the best Thai food experience tucked on Polk street! You wouldn’t have found it; the owner of Saap Verr in the Soma/Arts District shared his amazing dishes plus delectable specials.
- crab fried riceI was already impressed with the modern decor and tropical theme that the restaurant has. I was in for a treat and tried the fried shrimp cake, garlic squid, crab fried rice, and seafood and gai lan egg noodles with gravy. What really drives these dishes up a notch is the sauce and spices that are paired with the food; depending on your spice tolerance, this will make for a very hot meal!
- dishesThis is the best Thai food experience tucked on Polk street! You wouldn’t have found it; the owner of Saap Verr in the Soma/Arts District shared his amazing dishes plus delectable specials. I love it for its simplicity & casual yet delightful dining.
- flavorsyou could go wrong with any of the flavors here.
- oystersoysters were incredibly fresh and served with a delightful sauce
- seafoodcombination of flavors with seafood
- FoodFood:5
- Pad ThaiThe appetizer was so well-designed that it made me swoon. My French friend, an expat in Asia, found the food to be the best Pad Thai outside of Thailand. The server was convivial, and I particularly loved my fried rice with vegetables.
- Pad Thai with shrimpPad Thai with shrimp tasted wonderful
Frequently criticized
- fish sauceDon't label food as vegetarian if there's fish sauce!
- foodIt's more like the fake Chinese food from Panda Express. In terms of price, they charge you 50% more than the market with 50% less food, making it ridiculously expensive.
- vegetarian optionMy experience at this restaurant was mixed, particularly for vegetarians. While they mark certain dishes as vegetarian options, it's crucial to be aware that these may still contain fish sauce. This is an important detail for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- fishIf you don’t eat fish or seafood - Do Not Eat Here!
- Fried Calamariworst calamari I've ever had. They were hard and overdone.
- Thai foodworst Thai food of my life
- authentic foodThe food was mediocre and overpriced. As someone who has traveled to Thailand several times, I can tell that their food is far from authentic. It's more like the fake Chinese food from Panda Express.
- dish temperatureIt came out in a metal pot, Cold
- dishesthe dishes were not served at the same time
- label on the peppersthe label on the peppers remains
If you're seeking vibrant, authentic Thai flavors and fresh seafood, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish temperature or portion sizes, and double-check vegetarian options if you have strict dietary needs.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 71.4%, many guests rave about the staff being super friendly and attentive. Out of 63 experiences, 45 highlighted great service and an amazing experience, often mentioning how accommodating the team is.
However, its not always smooth sailing. There were 18 instances where service fell short, with some guests encountering "rude" interactions or feeling "ignored. " Issues with "online orders" not getting "attention" and reports of "passive aggressive" staff suggest theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
63
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Ignored online orders
- Passive-aggressive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I found the food to be yummy, and the ambiance was nice, complemented by good service. I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality and the overall value.
- staffThe fried rice was mild in spices but would pair well with another dish. The staff was very helpful in letting us know the ingredients while ordering and keeping in mind our dietary restrictions.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffsStaffs are super friendly
- accommodatingMy experience at this restaurant was fabulous. We arrived pretty late, but they were not salty about accommodating us. The island vibe decor is festive and unpretentious.
- all the staffgreat service from all the staff
- attentive and friendlyvery attentive and vert friendly
- chefThe chef even came out to greet us himself
- experienceAmazing experience
- great servicegreat food paired with great service
Frequently criticized
- online ordersDon’t bother ordering from them through online platforms.
- serviceService was very rude too
- waitressHowever, the dish arrived in a metal pot, was cold, contained a small piece of fish, minimal sliced onions and carrots, and few noodles, proving to be not enough for one person. I informed the waitress, but received no apologies. We ended up having to purchase bread and cheese from a store to satisfy our hunger.
- attentionDidn’t attention online orders
- dashersattention online orders and dashers
- driver waitedMy Ubereats driver waited over 60 mins
- hostesseshostesses were extremely passive aggressive
- ignored himthey just ignored him
- in persondid not smile when met in person
- ownerowner came over and said he is going to go out of the way
Overall, you can expect a good experience with friendly and attentive staff. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies, especially if youre relying on online orders. Its likely worth a visit for the in-person service!
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here is truly a standout, scoring a 8.6 and boasting an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.9%. With 62 positive opinions out of 66 total, guests consistently rave about the wonderful atmosphere and inviting ambiance. Many appreciate the beautiful interior, often highlighting the tropical decor and clean, modern vibe that makes for a comfortable dining environment.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of minor points were noted. Out of 66 total opinions, only 2 mentioned slight concerns, such as a few plates not being clean enough. One guest also wished for real plants instead of fake ones, but these are small details in an otherwise highly praised setting.
Ambience
66
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Stunning decor
- Comfortable setting
What people don't like
- Some plates unclean
- Fake plants used
Often praised
- atmospheresuper fun atmosphere in terms of decor, lighting, and music
- AtmosphereThey also offer hourly bottomless mimosas. The restaurant has great flavors and good vibes, with a quiet atmosphere that makes conversation easy. It's definitely worth a visit if you are around Polk Street.
- ambianceWe loved the ambiance it was gorgeous inside
- ambienceThe food was great, and the service was FAST. I really enjoyed the chill, clean, and pleasant ambience, complemented by nice music. Overall, a highly enjoyable dining experience.
- cleanlinessThe food was great, and the service was FAST. I really enjoyed the chill, clean, and pleasant ambience, complemented by nice music. Overall, a highly enjoyable dining experience.
- Japanese interior decorThe restaurant boasts a glamorously expensive look, yet its prices are reasonable, offering excellent value. The food is excellent, with a distinct Japanese interior decor featuring wooden slats on the walls and unique lamp shades. The appetizer was so well-designed that it made me swoon.
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- area to hangoutgreat area to hangout and drink
- beautiful decorationsfeatures beautiful decorations that create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere
- beautiful interiorVery beautiful interior
Frequently criticized
- platesa small portion of the plates are not clean enough
- real plantswish they had real plants for decorations, instead of fake plants
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful decor, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its inviting and often tropical vibe makes it perfect for a date night or a group outing, with only tiny details to nitpick.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a definite upside, with many guests finding the prices surprisingly reasonable. Out of 20 total comments, 9 positive remarks often praised the good happy hour deals and felt the overall price was worth it, especially considering the location. You might be pleasantly surprised by the value here.
However, the value isnt universally praised, contributing to an average score of 5.7 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 45%. With 8 negative comments, some guests felt the prices were high, even ridiculously expensive, especially for certain dishes. Concerns also arose about the happy hour menu not delivering and an excessive recommended tip option, suggesting some areas for improvement.
Value
20
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worthwhile happy hour
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Ridiculously expensive
- Excessive tip option
Often praised
- priceit’s worth the price
- pricesprices are for San Francisco also totally reasonable
- fairly pricedfairly priced
- happy hourHappy hour is also so worth it!
- happy hour dealsgood happy hour deals
- valuepleasantly surprised with value
- well pricedsurprisingly well priced
Frequently criticized
- recommended tip optionputting it on the left hand side where the lower amount would typically be (trickery)
- Parking spacesomewhat difficult to find parking
- expensiveRidiculously expensive
- fishThe fish is little bit expensive though $58
- happy hour menudidn't really find their happy hour menu worth it
- priceIt's more like the fake Chinese food from Panda Express. In terms of price, they charge you 50% more than the market with 50% less food, making it ridiculously expensive.
- pricesthe prices felt high
If youre looking for a deal, hitting up their happy hour seems to be the sweet spot, offering good value. Otherwise, be prepared that some regular menu items might feel a bit pricey, potentially leading to disappointment if youre not careful.
How are the prices at Fin Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many diners spend around this average, we also see a good mix of folks enjoying a more budget-friendly meal and others splurging a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair, offering options for different budgets while still delivering a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fin Thai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Yummy Food, Great Ambiance & Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I found the food to be yummy, and the ambiance was nice, complemented by good service. I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality and the overall value.
My only minor feedback is that the rice to curry ratio could have been better.
- food quality8
- value8
- ambiance8
- rice to curry ratio4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Thai-Mexican Brunch Fusion
My wife and I tried the new Brunch menu at Fin Thai, located across from Crunch Fitness. Parking is available via metered street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult. The menu offers an interesting mix of American brunch with Thai-Mexican fusion.
We absolutely loved the Thai French Toast, which was sweet but not heavy, and the smoked salmon eggs benedict, featuring perfectly poached eggs. The tomato soup was nice, but the toast and benedict were the true stars. They also offer hourly bottomless mimosas.
The restaurant has great flavors and good vibes, with a quiet atmosphere that makes conversation easy. It's definitely worth a visit if you are around Polk Street.
- Brunch menu9
- Thai French Toast10
- smoked salmon eggs benedict10
- Parking space3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Beautiful Thai Brunch Experience
My experience at this beautiful Thai restaurant was amazing. We visited for a brunch club, and everything was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend trying the Thai tea French toast, which was a perfect 10/10.
- Thai tea French toast10
- food9
- brunch club9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Vegetarian Nightmare and Rude Service
Vegetarians, be warned! The menu claims a vegetarian option, but the restaurant defines 'vegetarian' to include fish. This was a major issue for me, as I am vegetarian due to religious reasons or allergies.
Additionally, the service was very rude. An owner's reply did not address the core problem of mislabeling food with fish sauce as vegetarian. I strongly advise against labeling dishes as vegetarian if they contain fish sauce.
- vegetarian option1
- fish sauce1
- service1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Vegetarian Nightmare and Rude Staff
As a vegetarian, I strongly advise against dining here. Our group inquired about vegetarian options like Pad See Ew and Green Curry, only to be informed by the waitress that vegetarianism includes fish and oyster sauce. They also mentioned not making Jain food, which felt dismissive as we weren't requesting Jain cuisine.
The owner eventually agreed to prepare our ordered vegetarian dishes without fish, which was presented as a significant effort. Shortly after receiving our entrees, we were asked about take-out boxes as they needed to close. The hostesses exhibited passive-aggressive behavior throughout the experience.
Between the perceived racism, the staff's passive-aggressive demeanor, and the misunderstanding of what constitutes vegetarian food, I will not be returning.
- vegetarian option dishes1
- vegetarian food1
- waitress1
What Fin Thai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- 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
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Fin Thai SF?
At Fin Thai SF, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, and even brunch, with comfortable seating available. Table service is provided, and you can also opt for outdoor seating to enhance your experience.
Does Fin Thai SF cater to different dietary preferences and offer convenient services?
Yes, Fin Thai SF offers a wide array of choices to suit various dietary needs, including healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. For your convenience, you can choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. Reservations are also accepted, making your visit easy to plan.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Fin Thai?
Fin Thai holds an overall score of **7.9** with **81.3%** customer satisfaction. The **Food** (8.1) and **Ambience** (8.6) are highly praised, while **Service** (7.2) is generally good, and **Value** (5.7) is seen as more mixed.
Does Fin Thai offer a good dining atmosphere?
Yes, customers frequently praise Fin Thai’s ambiance, describing it as super fun, clean, pleasant, and featuring beautiful decorations with a modern, tropical theme.
Are there any concerns regarding dietary options at Fin Thai?
Some customers have noted that dishes labeled as vegetarian may still contain fish sauce, which is an important consideration for those with strict dietary restrictions.