Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Hed 11 – San Francisco
Hed 11 - San Francisco
Photo from Hed 11
Hed 11 at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#716 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
302
Reviews
81.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Elegant setting
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Food temperature
- Cocktail cost
The restaurant Hed 11 invites you to discover authentic Thai flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. This cozy Thai restaurant offers a delightful escape, perfect for a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring healthy options alongside a curated selection of wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails. Whether you’re craving traditional dishes or something new, Hed 11 provides a welcoming atmosphere for your dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Hed 11
Hed 11 offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its creative food and attentive service. Guests frequently appreciate the thoughtful presentation and the unique Thai-inspired flavors.
However, some experiences point to occasional issues with stretched staff during busier times. While many find the lunch menu to be a bargain, providing good value, dinner can feel a bit pricier, especially with cocktails.
There are also a few notes about lukewarm dishes and explanations feeling rushed, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Good
7.9
out of 10
302
Reviews
81.5%
Satisfaction
41
negative
15
neutral
246
positive
Hed 11 generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall 7.9 score and a solid 81.5% customer satisfaction. This positive sentiment is built on 246 positive remarks against 41 negative ones, out of 302 total customer comments.
The Food (8.1) stands out as a particular strength, with many appreciating its creative approach and distinct flavors. The restaurant’s Ambience (8.2) also receives high marks for its modern and sophisticated feel, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
While Service (7.4) is generally good, some comments suggest occasional inconsistencies. The Value (6.8) is seen as reasonable, especially for lunch, though some find the dinner pricing and cocktails a bit steep.
What people like
- Creative Thai cuisine
- Sophisticated ambiance
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service pace
- Lukewarm food temperature
- Pricier cocktails
Hed 11 comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.4, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you’re seeking an elevated Thai dining experience with creative dishes and a refined setting, it generally delivers.
The lunch menu, in particular, often provides excellent value. However, be mindful that service can sometimes be stretched, and some dishes might not arrive at ideal temperatures.
If these minor inconsistencies don’t deter you, Hed 11 offers a unique culinary journey that many find rewarding.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hed 11
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Based on 185 customer comments, the food here is definitely a highlight! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 85.9%, guests rave about the vibrant food flavors, modern twists on Thai dishes, and authentic Thai tastes. The high quality ingredients truly shine through, making for a memorable dining experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. About 20 comments noted concerns, particularly regarding inconsistent dish temperature, some finding the food taste bland, or a lack of expected spices and heat. It seems some expectations for traditional Thai spice levels weren't always met.
Food
185
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Creative modern twists
- High quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Lukewarm dish temperature
- Lack of spice
- Bland food taste
Often praised
- foodI visited Hed 11 for a celebratory dinner with no prior expectations and was incredibly impressed. The restaurant offers delicious, creative food in a beautiful space, complemented by truly exceptional service. Although our childcare plans fell through and we had to bring our baby (which I don't recommend with a tasting menu), the staff were beyond patient, kind, and accommodating.
- dishesYou leave feeling full but not overly stuffed, with the rice definitely contributing to the satiety. All the dishes were outstanding! They were a bit on the spicy side, which I could tolerate, but I wouldn't want them any spicier.
- flavorsthe flavors were undoubtedly Thai, yet distinct
- Thai foodVery good high end Thai food
- portionsthe portions were enough & not too much either
- presentationTheir presentation is also stunning.
- wine pairingOverall, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting for an elevated Thai food experience. The food is great, the cocktails are amazing, and the wine pairing is well prepared. For anyone who enjoys Thai cuisine, this is a must-try restaurant in the city.
- 11 course tasting menuthe 11 course tasting menu & the service are exceptional!
- FoodFood:5
- amount of foodand the perfect amount of food.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was bland. The food is horrible
- Thai foodWhile the food is nicely presented, it was not very tasty or interesting. You'll end up spending a lot of money for mediocre Thai food when most basic takeout in the city is better.
- Thai street foodNot Thai street food. No spices, no heat
- dish temperaturemost of the dishes were served lukewarm
- dishesthe dishes became cold fairly quickly.
- family style main dishesThe temperature of the dishes were not as hot as I assumed it should be.
- food tasteIt's incredibly overpriced for what it is. While the food is nicely presented, it was not very tasty or interesting. You'll end up spending a lot of money for mediocre Thai food when most basic takeout in the city is better.
- fried red onions on itThey added fried red onions on it, which i dont think went well.
- heatNo spices, no heat
- ice qualityRegarding drinks, the cocktails are on the pricier side at $18 each. While the flavors were solid and well-crafted, the ice quality really missed the mark. Instead of clear, high-quality ice, they used cloudy cubes from a standard ice maker, even for whiskey-based drinks, leading to a noticeably watered-down cocktail by halfway through.
If you're looking for an elevated Thai culinary adventure with creative dishes and authentic flavors, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent dish temperatures or a milder spice level than expected.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 74.6%. Many guests, accounting for 53 positive remarks out of 71 total, raved about the friendly service, attentive staff, and warm hospitality. Shout-outs often went to servers for their wonderful service and accommodating dietary restrictions.
However, not all experiences were seamless, with 15 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some diners encountered disorganized staff and poor communication, leading to long waits between dishes. A few felt the explanations of courses were uneducated or rushed, suggesting a need for more consistent training.
Service
71
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Accommodates dietary needs
What people don't like
- Disorganized staff
- Long waits
- Poor explanations
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant is quite new, so it wasn't crowded, which slightly impacted the atmosphere. However, the service was attentive, with the wait staff taking the time to explain each dish and its history. We enjoyed an 11-course tasting menu, paired with wine recommendations.
- staffMy dining experience was overall pleasant and unique, featuring Thai-inspired flavors present in all courses. The courses were served quickly, and the staff was attentive. However, some courses were explained too rapidly for me to fully grasp their ingredients.
- ServiceService was good.
- Italian translationsneeded italian translations and she was able to explain everything from the menu in italian
- ViolaThe waitress, Viola, was extremely kind
- bartenderThe host was also our server and bartender
- chefYou can tell chef cares about pleasing the guests
- coursesThe courses came out fast
- dietary needsattentive to our table's dietary needs
- dietary restrictionsaccommodate all our allergies and dietary restrictions
Frequently criticized
- CommunicationCommunication between the kitchen & waitstaff was poor
- DinnerDinner took over 3+ hours
- businessNot a serious business
- chopsticksask for new chopsticks 3 times
- course explanationsSome of the courses were explained too quickly
- dishes explanationuneducated in explanation of dishes
- front-of-house staffingOur server, Federico, was warm and cheerful, genuinely making us feel welcome. However, he appeared to be the only staff member working the front, handling hosting, bartending, and serving. Even with only four tables during our two-hour visit, the service felt stretched.
- lunch servicebusiness decision of stopping lunch service
- noticeWhy not give me a notice earlier?
- servicethe service was poor
The service here is generally a highlight, making it a good choice if you value attentive and friendly staff. While most guests enjoy warm hospitality, a few noted occasional disorganization or rushed explanations. It's worth trying, but be prepared for potential minor inconsistencies.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot really shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and an impressive 88.5% customer satisfaction. Out of 26 opinions, a whopping 23 rave about the beautiful space, often describing a cozy, modern atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Guests frequently highlight the gorgeous interior and peaceful decor, making for an inviting and polished experience.
However, not every experience is flawless. While rare, with only 2 negative remarks, one specific incident involving a baby crying did affect the atmosphere for a diner. This suggests that while generally serene, unexpected disruptions can occasionally impact the overall vibe, though it's not a common complaint.
Ambience
26
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy modern atmosphere
- Gorgeous interior
- Great for occasions
What people don't like
- Noise disruption
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is clean and modern.
- experienceIt was such a cool experience moving through all the different dishes and regions of Thailand. Such a great experience, and a great way to celebrate!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance exuded sophistication and comfort
- amazing nighthave an amazing night
- cozy, modern atmosphereFrom the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality and a cozy, modern atmosphere that sets the tone for a great dining experience. Hed 11’s spring-summer menu features 8/11 course meals made from high quality ingredients.
- crowdsno crowds!
- fine diningfirst time experiencing fine dining so it was a very pleasant experience
- gorgeous interiorIt is definitely a gorgeous interior
- indoor aestheticThe indoor aesthetic is clean and wooden
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredefinitely affected atmosphere for me
- baby cryingthe baby was either crying or screaming
If youre seeking a sophisticated and comfortable setting for a special meal, this restaurants ambience is definitely a highlight. It's designed to impress, offering a generally peaceful and polished backdrop for your dining experience. You can expect a great atmosphere, especially for those memorable occasions.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, Hed 11 offers a fairly good experience with a score of 6.8, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 55%. Many guests rave about the value for money and lunch menu options, calling them an absolute bargain and an exceptional experience. With 11 positive remarks out of 20 total, diners often feel the price is justified for the quality and service.
However, not everyone agrees, as 4 negative comments highlight concerns about the overall price and cocktail price. Some found certain aspects incredibly overpriced or felt the built-in 20% gratuity made the experience not worth it. This suggests that while many find great deals, others feel the cost can quickly add up, especially for drinks.
Value
20
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Value for money
- Exceptional experience
- Absolute bargain
What people don't like
- Incredibly overpriced
- Pricey cocktails
- Built-in gratuity
Often praised
- priceno matter what the price of the meal is, its justified for the service alone
- bargainMy experience at Hed 11 was a wonderful lunch. For 5 courses at $40pp, it's an absolute bargain in SF. The flavors were much more complex and less sweet than the average Thai restaurant, and the portion size was perfect.
- experienceEach course balances flavors and textures perfectly, showcasing the kitchen’s exceptional skills. At $185 per person, the experience feels luxurious and worth every penny. If you’re looking for an extraordinary meal with great service, phenomenal food, and a prime location, Hed 11 is the place to go.
- lunch menuthe $40 lunch menu was wonderful and worth it
- lunch pricesLunch prices are reasonable for a 4 course meal
- lunch set menucame for the $40 lunch set menu, which, honestly is priced very reasonably
- price tagAll dishes were tasty, with the exception of the pork jowl, which was very salty! Overall, the food was delicious, the portions were good, and the $40 price tag was great! I would definitely return to see their next menu.
- valuewas actually an exceptional experience and value
- value for moneythe value for money is in the right place
Frequently criticized
- priceLook for this price + built in 20% gratuity dude, not worth it
- cocktail priceCocktails are on the pricier side at $18 each
- gratuitybuilt in 20% gratuity dude, not worth it
If you're looking for a multi-course lunch or tasting menu, Hed 11 can be an absolute steal and well worth the visit. However, be mindful of the Ă la carte pricing, especially for cocktails and the automatic gratuity, as these can quickly push the bill higher than expected.
How are the prices at Hed 11?
On average, you’ll spend around 91 per person, based on 41 guests. That places this Thai restaurant in the $91–$100 category, which is definitely on the higher-end for its type. While the average is 91$, it’s interesting to see that a good number of diners are actually spending well over 100$, suggesting a premium experience is quite popular here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Given the premium price point, wed say this pricing feels fair if the restaurant delivers an exceptional, high-end Thai dining experience. Its certainly not your everyday takeout spot.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hed 11
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious 5-Course Lunch at a Great Price
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was truly delicious, packed with flavor, and perfectly portioned and coursed out for lunch. For San Francisco, the price of $40 for 5 courses was insanely reasonable.
Our server, Emilio, was incredibly friendly and attentive to our table's dietary needs. He was very kind and sweet!
- food10
- portion9
- price10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Thai Flavors and Service
My evening at Hed 11 was truly pleasant. Initially, I opted for bar seating to avoid a tasting menu, but the 8-course option at around $100 seemed like a great value, offering a variety of dishes including seafood and lamb, with add-ons available. Our waitress, Viola, was incredibly kind and facilitated our request to switch our reservation to the tasting menu, which they accommodated quickly.
The highlight of the tasting menu was the Andy Warhol inspired dessert, a frozen coconut banana ice cream atop a crispy, buttery, and slightly salty crumble that was a perfect combination in the mouth. I also thoroughly enjoyed the spicy lamb curry and the refreshing hamachi salad starter. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were distinctly Thai yet unique.
While some cocktails were better than others, the vanilla yuzu cocktail was a favorite. The pandan and gin cocktail, however, was too spirit-forward and lacked pandan flavor. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.
The staff are attentive, the ambiance is inviting yet polished, and the food is great. I would gladly return to try the 11-course tasting menu.
- 8-course menu8
- Andy Warhol inspired dessert10
- spicy lamb curry9
- pandan and gin cocktail3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Exceptional Modern Thai with Vegan Options
This was my second visit for lunch, and it was just as good as the first. The dishes are presented in a fine dining style, but they don't compromise on authentic Thai taste and flavors. As someone from Southeast Asia, I often worry that modernizing traditional dishes might dilute their bold flavors, but this restaurant successfully avoided that pitfall.
The price is a fantastic deal, especially for a tasting menu in San Francisco, making me eager to try their dinner tasting menu. I also appreciate that they offer equally delicious vegan options. The portions were very generous.
While the restaurant seemed a bit slower during lunch hours, I'm writing this review in hopes that it will continue to thrive so I can return for dinner.
- dishes9
- Thai taste10
- bold flavors9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Gorgeous Interior, Delicious Tasting Menus!
I definitely recommend coming here for lunch! We came to celebrate a birthday, and in my reservation, I made a note saying it was a birthday celebration. The indoor aesthetic is clean and wooden, and their pottery and plates match that aesthetic.
It is definitely a gorgeous interior which is cohesive with the menu and the overall aesthetic. The lunch tasting menu is overall very filling and such a great price too! Just note that sparkling water costs $10, but it was good with the way the meal.
We also got a lychee mocktail, and that was yummy and light without being overpowering. I got the seafood tasting menu, and my boyfriend got the vegan tasting menu. My favorite part was the shrimp, which I mixed with the wild rice (great decision).
In the vegan tasting menu, the best course was the first one, where they have some tableside explanation of what the meal is and pour the coconut curry over the tofu and pineapple pieces. The dessert was also good; I was impressed by how flavorful they made the sorbet! The waiter was so nice, and we even got a birthday Mango Sticky Rice inspired dessert!
I will definitely be coming back again and I also want to try hed very thai, also by one of the owners of hed 11.
- indoor aesthetic9
- gorgeous interior10
- lunch tasting menu8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Lunch with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I visited for lunch and found the lunch prices to be very reasonable for a 4-course meal. They offer a good variety, including a vegan option alongside the common meat choices.
I've been twice now and have truly enjoyed the flavors, quality, and presentation of the food.
- lunch prices8
- 4-course meal8
- vegan option9
What Hed 11 offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Hed 11?
Yes, Hed 11 accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you secure a table. You can plan ahead for your lunch or dinner experience at this popular San Francisco Thai restaurant.
Is Hed 11 accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Hed 11 is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom facilities. While parking can be somewhat difficult, paid parking garages and street parking are available nearby in Japantown.
How is Hed 11 generally rated by customers?
Hed 11 holds a strong overall score of 7.9 with 81.5% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7.4) and Value (6.8) also contribute positively to the experience.
What makes Hed 11's food stand out?
Customers frequently praise Hed 11 for its creative, Thai-inspired dishes with complex flavors and stunning presentation. Many also highlight the generous yet balanced portions and the elevated dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Hed 11?
Some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies with service, such as quick explanations or stretched staff. There are also mentions of dishes being served lukewarm and cocktails being on the pricier side.