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oChef » iThai – San Francisco
iThai - San Francisco
Photo from iThai
iThai at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#1070 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
305
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Great Service
Frequently criticized
- Value Concerns
- Noise Issues
The restaurant iThai Bangkok Street Food, a vibrant Thai Restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill, offers you a cozy and casual dining experience. You can explore a diverse menu featuring healthy options, small plates, and late-night food, complemented by a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this spot provides convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery, ensuring a delightful meal.
Overview: Introducting iThai
IThai generally provides a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the authentic food and the often friendly staff. The atmosphere is frequently noted as cozy, creating a comfortable setting for your meal.
However, some visitors have found the overall value to be a point of contention, with concerns about pricing. There are also occasional remarks regarding inconsistent service and the noise level during specific events.
Good
7.6
out of 10
305
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
64
negative
12
neutral
229
positive
IThai holds a respectable overall score of 7.6, reflecting a generally positive reception, and customer satisfaction stands at a solid 75.1%. This indicates a good experience for most patrons.
A significant portion of the feedback, based on 305 customer observations, highlights the Food (7.7) as a strong point, with many appreciating its quality. Similarly, Service (7.8) also receives high marks, suggesting attentive and welcoming interactions.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as a comfortable setting. However, Value (4.3) presents a more mixed picture, with some guests feeling the pricing could be more competitive.
This perspective is drawn from 229 positive comments and 64 negative remarks, offering a balanced view of what diners encounter.
What people like
- Authentic Thai Food
- Friendly Service
- Cozy Ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Value
- Loud Karaoke Nights
- Service Delivery Issues
IThai presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Thai flavors in a comfortable setting. With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, it generally delivers on its promise of good food and service.
If you prioritize authentic dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is worth considering. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing and service, particularly during busy times or for takeout.
While the food often shines, managing expectations regarding value and occasional service hiccups will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on iThai
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid 7.7 score and a 77% customer satisfaction rate. With 144 positive remarks out of 187 total, many rave about the authentic Thai flavors, delicious food, and generous portion sizes. Guests often highlight the perfect amount of spice and dishes like Pad Thai and Massaman Curry.
However, not every dish is a home run. Among the 33 negative comments, some diners felt certain items lacked flavor or had surprisingly small portion sizes. There were also concerns about specific ingredients, like the absence of real Thai basil in some dishes, unexpected dried shrimp, or an occasional complaint about too much MSG.
Food
187
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
33
negative
10
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Delicious food
- Perfect spice
What people don't like
- Lacking flavor
- Unexpected ingredients
- MSG concerns
Often praised
- foodThis was my second visit to the restaurant, and it was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere is very cozy, and the food is good. I appreciate that the chef was accommodating to my preference for less salty food, adjusting my meal accordingly.
- pad see ewThe service was great and the food was tasty. We both got pad see ew.
- Thai foodExcellent Thai food. Real genuine Thai food.
- FoodFood is really good!
- Som TumSom Tum, Tom Kha and sticky rice to soak up the juices
- Thai teadon’t forget the Thai tea
- authentic Thai foodGreat authentic Thai food if you're looking for it
- authentic foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely love the people and the very authentic food. It's a great comfort spot, and the best spot to sing your heart out with friends.
- drunken noodlesThe drunken noodles and tom yum is to die for!!!
- flavorMy experience at iTHAI was fantastic! I had the lunch special, and the entree was packed with excellent spice and great flavor. I highly recommend getting a spring roll – they are so good that you'll want to share them with friends to avoid eating them all yourself!
Frequently criticized
- chickenthe chicken they use is incorrect for the curry. It’s chunky
- foodThe food was terrible
- Kao Pad KaprowThe Kao Pad Kaprow did not have real Thai basil
- MSGtoo much MSG mouth was dry
- Pad Kaprowneither did the Pad Kaprow, which was more of a Chinese stirfry dish
- Panang CurryPanang Curry came absolutely covered in oil
- Thai rice soupI have had problems ordering take-out quite often. For instance, I ordered a Thai rice soup for take-out and they didn't add the rice.
- beefmassaman potato with 2 pieces of beef for $26.06…. What a rip off
- broccoliI ordered the iThai fried rice (chicken) and pad see ew, and both dishes were absolutely delicious. I did wish there was a little more broccoli in the noodle dish, but that's a minor point. It was also a relief to find out that the restaurant is open late, which is very convenient.
- carrotsridiculous they don’t automatically have carrots and you have to pay extra
If you're seeking authentic Thai flavors and generous portions, this spot is largely worth a visit. While most dishes delight, be aware that a few specific items might not hit the mark as consistently as others.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a solid 78.1% customer satisfaction. With 50 positive remarks out of 64 total, guests frequently praise the customer service and staff for being kind, accommodating, and offering friendly service. Many appreciate how food came out quick and the helpful menu suggestions.
However, its not without its hiccups, as 12 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Issues like wrong order and slow service occasionally surface, with some guests experiencing delays or missing items like utensils and napkins. There are also mentions of staff not response customer request' and problems with take-out orders.
Service
64
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful suggestions
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Slow service
- Missing items
Often praised
- serviceI visited this place on 7/2 after a distasteful experience at TON TON. I was pleased to find plenty of room and was greeted upon entering. The food was delicious, and I'm glad we brought our business here instead of the other place.
- staffLocated across from the Courtyard Marriot, the food was incredibly delicious. The staff was amazingly friendly and offered terrific menu suggestions. I'm already looking forward to coming back tomorrow.
- ServiceService:5
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely love the people and the very authentic food. It's a great comfort spot, and the best spot to sing your heart out with friends.
- PoppyPoppy is a really fast waiter
- Thai staffThe Thai music playing and Thai staff made it feel
- Wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- chat in Thaifun to chat in Thai for a little bit
- chefchef adjusted my food to make it less salty
- customer serviceGreat customer service
Frequently criticized
- ordersMy experience was with great food, but unfortunately, they didn’t deliver the rice with the curry or the noodles with the Khao Soi. When I called to inquire, they stated that the orders don’t include rice or noodles. Just so you know.
- servicethe service was not so great
- delivery orderThey did not provide me with utensils or napkins
- foodThe food took quite a long time to arrive
- serverthe server put our food at another table
- staffstaff not response customer request
- take-outproblems ordering take-out quite often
- utensils and napkinsThey did not provide me with utensils or napkins
- workersThe workers here always mess something up
- wrong orderGave us the wrong order
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that occasional mix-ups or slower moments can happen, especially with take-out. Overall, it's worth a try for the positive interactions.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 81.1% customer satisfaction, indicating a good experience for most. Based on 30 positive remarks out of 37 total, guests often praise the Atmosphere and describe it as a cozy place thats open till late. Many appreciate the big screen TV, Thai music, and overall restaurant cleanliness, making for a pleasant environment.
However, its not without its quirks, as 7 negative comments point out. Some found the karaoke night to be extremely loud, making conversation impossible. Other concerns included a roach sighting and the Parking space being somewhat difficult to find, which can detract from the overall experience for some patrons.
Ambience
37
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Quiet conversation possible
- Great late-night spot
What people don't like
- Loud karaoke nights
- Difficult parking
- Pest sighting
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere are simply the best
- AtmosphereVery nice Atmosphere with background music.
- placeSuper peaceful place
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Thai musicThe Thai music playing and Thai staff made it feel
- big screen TVthey had big screen TV for those people who have to dine alone
- cozyVery cozy
- cozy placeMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a nice cozy place with good prices and beautiful food. The waitress was very helpful.
- environmentthe environment is chilling
- iThai karaokeiThai karaoke is funky fun
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- conversationIt was so chaotic that I couldn’t take any photos, but by my standards, the food was just okay. Since it was karaoke night on the weekend, the place was extremely loud—having a conversation was impossible. Just shout, have fun, and enjoy yourself while you’re there!
- karaoke nightIt was so chaotic that I couldn’t take any photos, but by my standards, the food was just okay. Since it was karaoke night on the weekend, the place was extremely loud—having a conversation was impossible. Just shout, have fun, and enjoy yourself while you’re there!
- locationwish the restaurant was closer to me or at least not in the Tenderloin
- restaurantthere wasn’t a single diner in the restaurant
- roachmedium size roach crawl by
- staff energyfelt the energy of the staff was unpleasant and not so friendly
If you're seeking a cozy, clean spot with good vibes and late-night options, especially for a quiet chat or some Thai music, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that karaoke nights can get very loud, and parking might be a bit of a hunt, so plan accordingly.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found a sweet spot, praising the restaurant for its 5 positive remarks about affordable price, good prices, and offering value for money. Many felt their experience was wonderful, noting good prices and beautiful food, and that the prices and portions are also amazing, providing Full value for your money. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with 12 negative remarks indicating a struggle.
The value score sits at an average 4.3, and customer satisfaction is quite low at 29.4%. Many found items expensive, a rip off, or simply overpriced for what it is, with some even noting outdated prices on the menu, making it feel like a rip off restaurant.
Value
17
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable price
- Good prices
- Full value
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive items
- Total rip off
Often praised
- pricesReasonable prices. Very reasonable prices.
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- good pricesMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a nice cozy place with good prices and beautiful food. The waitress was very helpful.
- value for moneyFull value for your money.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was great, and the atmosphere was also a 5-star experience. I would have loved it if it was just a liiiiiiiiittle bit cheaper.
- expensivemakes it very expensive
- moneyangry I wasted my money here
- outdated pricesmenu outside has 6 years ago outdated prices
- pricessame prices as the much nicer thai restaurants
- rip offWhat a rip off restaurant
If youre looking for a bargain, this place might be a hit or miss, as many feel its overpriced for what you get. While some find good value, be prepared for the possibility of feeling like you've paid too much.
How are the prices at iThai?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend in the $21–$30 range, right around the average. There are also plenty of options in the $11–$20 range. While a few diners do splurge into the $41–$50 and even $91–$100 brackets, the main experience is clearly focused on that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, and there’s flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about iThai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Food, Great People, Fun Times!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely love the people and the very authentic food. It's a great comfort spot, and the best spot to sing your heart out with friends.
I loveeeee this place!
- people10
- authentic food10
- spot to sing10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Change in Late Night Thai
This used to be my go-to spot for late night Thai food, as their noodles were great and their hours were convenient. However, it seems they've started adding dried shrimp to a lot of dishes, including some that weren't marked as such. This change has unfortunately ruined the place for me.
- noodles8
- hours7
- dried shrimp2
- dishes2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Flavors, Sweet Khao Soi
I had a really great time here! The crispy pork belly stir fry was so flavorful! The khao soi was a bit too sweet for me, but they did a great job overall!
- crispy pork belly stir fry9
- khao soi6
- overall9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Thai Food in SF!
I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing Thai restaurant during my trip to San Francisco from Toronto, and I can’t recommend it enough! The food was absolutely delicious. Flavorful, fresh, and perfectly spiced.
It came out quickly, which was a huge bonus after a day of exploring. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. I was with a diverse group, including people from the States and the United Kingdom, and we all couldn’t stop raving about the meal long after we finished.
It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Highly recommend to anyone craving authentic, mouthwatering Thai food!
- food10
- staff10
- authentic Thai food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food, Prices, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a nice cozy place with good prices and beautiful food. The waitress was very helpful.
I'm definitely coming back to try more things.
- cozy place9
- good prices9
- beautiful food10
What iThai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at iThai Bangkok Street Food?
You can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere at iThai Bangkok Street Food, ideal for lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service. They also offer catering and are good for kids. For your convenience, choose from dine-in, takeout, delivery, or no-contact delivery options.
What accessibility features and payment methods are available at iThai Bangkok Street Food?
iThai Bangkok Street Food offers full accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Paid street parking is available for your convenience. For payments, you can easily use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments to settle your bill.
What is the overall customer sentiment for iThai?
iThai generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of **7.6**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.7), **Service** (7.8), and **Ambience** (7.9), though **Value** (4.3) is seen as average.
Is the food at iThai considered authentic?
Yes, many customers highlight iThai for its **authentic Thai food**, praising the genuine flavors and specific dishes like pad see ew and drunken noodles.
What are some common complaints about iThai?
Common complaints include concerns about inconsistent **value** and pricing, occasional issues with service delivery (e.g., missing items), and the loud atmosphere during karaoke nights.