Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Khao Tiew – San Francisco
Khao Tiew - San Francisco
Photo from Khao Tiew
Khao Tiew at a glance
San Francisco West Portal
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#1030 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#22 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
630
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Pleasant decor
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- High prices
The restaurant Khao Tiew is a delightful Thai restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming West Portal neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Offering a range of healthy and vegetarian options, along with small plates, wine, and beer, it caters to various tastes, ensuring you find something delicious to savor.
Overview: Introducting Khao Tiew
Khao Tiew offers a culinary experience where the dishes truly shine, often praised for their flavors and presentation. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and the inviting decor that evokes a nostalgic charm.
However, be prepared for potential challenges. Guests frequently mention long wait times to be seated, and some find the overall value proposition, including the price, to be a point of contention.
Good
7.6
out of 10
630
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
125
negative
51
neutral
454
positive
Khao Tiew achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, with Customer Satisfaction at 72.1%, indicating a generally positive dining experience for most. This is supported by 454 positive comments against 125 negative ones out of 630 total customer remarks, suggesting a strong preference for what the restaurant offers.
The Food (8.2) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and unique offerings. The Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting.
While Service (6.3) is generally seen as average, guests often note the staff’s friendliness. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.7), which some patrons find less compelling.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Thoughtful, welcoming decor
- Friendly, efficient staff
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Perceived high prices
- Loud, crowded atmosphere
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, Khao Tiew is certainly worth considering if you prioritize distinctive and flavorful dishes in a charming setting. The culinary experience is a definite draw, making it a good choice for those seeking well-crafted Thai cuisine.
However, prospective diners should manage expectations regarding potential wait times and the pricing. If you’re patient and prepared for a bustling environment, Khao Tiew could be a rewarding visit, especially for its standout food.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Thai Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
465
89.7%
- €€
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
142
85.2%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
349
87.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
257
86%
- $$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
314
86%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
534
86%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Khao Tiew
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 81.6%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Out of 403 opinions, a whopping 329 rave about the delicious food, authentic flavors, and the impressive balance of flavors in many unique dishes.
You can expect a truly satisfying culinary experience here. However, it's not always perfect, as 47 opinions point out some areas for improvement. A few found certain dishes lacking depth of flavor or being a bit bland.
There were also mentions of chewy or overcooked meats, suggesting some inconsistency in execution. But these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Food
403
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
47
negative
27
neutral
329
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Authentic, unique dishes
- Excellent balance of flavors
What people don't like
- Lacking flavor depth
- Chewy/overcooked meats
- Bland dishes
Often praised
- foodAnyways, after getting seated inside, we decided on the Crab Fried Rice in a Claypot, the Khao Soi, the Duck Breast Red Curry, and the Crispy Papaya Salad. I enjoyed everything a lot. The crab fried rice was rich and had a really nice savory and subtle sweet flavor.
- duck curryEvery dish is done so well, so you really can't go wrong with what you order. We ordered the fried squid with salted egg yolk, fried rice with steak, and the duck curry – everything had great flavors and was cooked just right. If you're coming on a weekend, I recommend getting there by 5: 30pm to avoid a wait of an hour or more.
- khao soiAfter tonight’s delicious meal, this has won the spot as my new favorite Thai place! We ordered tom kha hed soup, khao soi with fried chicken, pad see ew, and Kaya toast with coconut ice cream. Everything was super delicious, with wonderful flavors, generous portions, and perfectly cooked, good quality food.
- Khao Pad Mun NuerWe enjoyed a variety of dishes, all of which were fantastic. Specifically, we had the Crispy Papaya Salad, Khao Pad Mun Nuer, Pad Thai Bolan with shrimp, and Beef Massamun Curry.
- Khao SoiThe interior was lovely, and the food was fantastic. I ordered the Pad Thai Bolan with shrimp, and my friend enjoyed the Khao Soi with tempura tofu. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- disheslots of different dishes than the standard Thai restaurant
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's easily the best Thai food in the city, featuring very special and unique ingredients and excellent cuisson on every dish. Our favorite dishes were the Pork Belly appetizer and the Beef Fried Rice entree.
- flavorsWe ordered tom kha hed soup, khao soi with fried chicken, pad see ew, and Kaya toast with coconut ice cream. Everything was super delicious, with wonderful flavors, generous portions, and perfectly cooked, good quality food. It was quite busy on a Sunday night, and we waited about 45 minutes before being seated, so expect some wait time as they use the Yelp waitlist system.
- presentationThe presentation of all the dishes were beautiful
- Crispy Papaya SaladThe Duck Breast Red Curry was surprisingly fresh and rich, while the duck was super tender. Finally, the Crispy Papaya Salad was really unique and I've never had a papaya salad in this form. What we ordered was more than enough for 3 people, so I wouldn’t do much more than that.
Frequently criticized
- tom kha soupit was CURDLED and could see it floating white bits on the top
- wontonsMy experience at this restaurant was genuinely gross. We started with the wontons, which had a plain wrapper with mediocre pork and were doused in a basic barbecue sauce. The crab fried rice was super bland and had a weird sweetness.
- Duck Penangbut I wouldn’t get it again
- Khao Pad Mun NuerHer Khao Pad Mun Nuer w Soy Cured Egg Yolk was lukewarm
- Khao Soi Pad HaengMy Khao Soi Pad Haeng was also not hot. But it was warm
- Khoi toithe Khoi toi was essentially egg noodles in a pretty bland sauce.
- Pad ChaThe flavors were bold, bringing back many street food experiences. The only dish that was rather disappointing was the Pad Cha; it was bland and quite boring for a seafood dish. I particularly enjoyed their Hed Tod and Yum Neur Yang for appetizers.
- Thai flavorsit lacked the Thai flavors we expect from Thai food
- Thai foodworst Thai food I’ve had
- Thai teacouldn’t even get Thai tea right! It was just condensed milk raw!!
If you're looking for a restaurant that generally delivers on delicious, authentic Thai flavors with creative twists, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the overall consensus points to a highly enjoyable dining experience.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests felt genuinely welcomed, with 68 positive remarks highlighting friendly staff who greeted warmly and regularly checked in. Many appreciated that food came out quickly and found the online reservation or Yelp waitlist systems helpful for planning their visit. However, with 51 negative comments out of 133 total, the experience isn't always smooth sailing, contributing to a 51.1% customer satisfaction.
Some encountered long wait times and confusing waitlist issues, while others noted a language barrier or felt the restaurant was understaffed, leading to a somewhat average score of 6.3.
Service
133
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
51
negative
14
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick food delivery
- Easy online reservations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Understaffed feeling
- Confusing waitlist
Often praised
- serviceEverything we ordered was amazingly good. The staff was friendly and provided great service. While there always seems to be a long wait, it’s definitely worth it.
- staffEach menu item is expertly crafted, with tasteful modern flairs while staying true to the original tastes. The staff was welcoming and laid back, making you feel like you are joining a friend’s family for a meal at their house rather than a standard restaurant. The decor is well considered, welcoming, and VERY nostalgic of the simpler times of the 80’s/90’s Bangkok, adding to the homely atmosphere.
- serversThe servers were very nice and came by to check on us often
- wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! We went earlier to avoid the long line and were seated immediately. There were lots of vegetarian options, and all of them were really well made and full of authentic flavor.
- ServiceWe arrived an hour after opening and we're seated immediately.
- waitWe would highly recommend taking public transportation to the restaurant as parking is challenging. It is definitely worth the wait though, and if you can go at less busy days or times, it is worth it as well. We highly recommend this restaurant and it’s one of our regulars, both for nights out and when we have visiting guests.
- food came out fastBe warned though: if you come during peak dinner hours, there’s usually a long wait, but you can easily join the waitlist on Yelp! Despite the crowd, food came out really fast. Everything we ordered had such a great balance of flavors.
- food came out quicklyThe food came out quickly
- friendly staffServed by a friendly staff
- great and friendly serviceThis is such a lovely space with great and friendly service and, most importantly, creative and delicious food. I also appreciate that menu items are clearly marked for vegan and gluten-free, making it easier to navigate.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe place is nice with a loud and talkative atmosphere. However, the service could use work. Our server took our order and we never saw her again.
- wait timeWe ordered the fried squid with salted egg yolk, fried rice with steak, and the duck curry – everything had great flavors and was cooked just right. If you're coming on a weekend, I recommend getting there by 5: 30pm to avoid a wait of an hour or more. If you're a party of 6 or more, you can make an online reservation so I highly recommend doing that.
- waiting timeWe made reservations and still had to wait to be seated. Once seated, the place felt chaotic and loud, with children running around and bad acoustics.
- waitthe wait was longer than expected
- waitlistThe Toast dessert is absolutely a must-have; it’s so good. My only recommendation is to make a reservation, as we waited 2 hours on the waitlist on a Friday night. It seems the minimum party size for a reservation is 6 people.
- long waitlong wait but it’s worth it
- seatingPeople who came 25 minutes after us were seated earlier than us
- book in advanceI highly recommend trying it! Be aware that you cannot book in advance, so it's advisable to arrive early on weekends.
- foodthe food took a long time to arrive
- front of housenot efficient for front of house
If youre looking for genuinely friendly service and quick food delivery, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared for potentially long waits, especially during peak hours, and make sure to use the online waitlist if available to avoid disappointment.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The restaurant's ambience generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.2, with a 65% customer satisfaction rate indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience. Based on 80 customer remarks, with 52 positive observations, many appreciate the cozy and inviting atmosphere, lovely decor, and upscale vibe, often noting its transit-friendly location and spacious tables. However, 18 negative comments point to some challenges.
Diners sometimes find the space can get loud and crowded, especially due to limited seating and the general noise level. Parking can also be quite challenging in the area, which might detract from the overall experience for some visitors.
Ambience
80
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
18
negative
10
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Lovely, nostalgic decor
- Great, transit-friendly location
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Crowded, limited seating
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI highly recommend ordering the wontons, the papaya salad with salted egg, and the branzino. The food, service, and atmosphere were all exceptional.
- decorThe staff was welcoming and laid back, making you feel like you are joining a friend’s family for a meal at their house rather than a standard restaurant. The decor is well considered, welcoming, and VERY nostalgic of the simpler times of the 80’s/90’s Bangkok, adding to the homely atmosphere. All said, Khao Tiew is, in my estimation, easily in the top 5 Thai restaurants in San Francisco.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I love this place; everything is so delicious. I find myself needing to go every other month.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was beautifully designed
- environmentThe environment inside is cozy and warm and energetic
- interiorthe place looked nice on the inside
- locationlocation at the heart of West Portal
- addition to neighborhoodGreat addition to the neighborhood.
- atmosphere and ambienceHorrible Atmosphere and ambience is cozy
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWe made reservations and still had to wait to be seated. Once seated, the place felt chaotic and loud, with children running around and bad acoustics. Aside from the Khao pad mun nuer and the thai tea, all the other dishes we tried (pad thai bolan vo and khao soi pad haeng) weren't impressive either, so not worth it.
- loudThe service was good! It does get quite busy and loud in here.
- noise levelWe made reservations and still had to wait to be seated. Once seated, the place felt chaotic and loud, with children running around and bad acoustics. Aside from the Khao pad mun nuer and the thai tea, all the other dishes we tried (pad thai bolan vo and khao soi pad haeng) weren't impressive either, so not worth it.
- ParkingParking can be challenging in that area
- air conditioningThere was no AC so it was uncomfortably hot
- bowlthere wasn't enough room in the bowl to mix the ingredients
- crowdedThis place gets very busy, so remember to join the Yelp waitlist beforehand. It’s also a small restaurant, so it can get crowded and loud quickly.
- kidsNot good for kids
- parkingThere is usually a pretty long wait time and limited seating. We would highly recommend taking public transportation to the restaurant as parking is challenging. It is definitely worth the wait though, and if you can go at less busy days or times, it is worth it as well.
- people talk loudppl like to talk among themselves so loud
If you're looking for a place with a great vibe and charming decor, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially lively and crowded scene, and consider public transport to avoid parking woes.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to appreciate. Out of 14 customer remarks, 5 highlighted that the prices were often fair or reasonable, with a special nod to no weird surcharges. A few even felt the experience was ultimately worth the money, suggesting that for certain offerings, the cost was justified.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, reflected in an average score of 4.7 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 35.7%. The majority of the 9 negative comments frequently mentioned the place being pricey or expensive, with some even citing greedy behavior. Many felt the price point simply didnt align with the perceived value' or quality.
Value
14
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- No weird surcharges
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Poor value
- Greedy behavior
Often praised
- fair pricesTheir dessert was also amazing, particularly the Kaya and toast. It's an amazing new restaurant with fair prices and no weird surcharges, which is a huge plus.
- no weird surchargesno weird surcharges either
- pricethe price is fair
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- worth the moneyThis place is definitely pricey, but worth the money
Frequently criticized
- pricefor the price and taste, I don’t know if I would come back soon
- expensiveMy favorite part of the meal was the plain rice, as the meat quality and flavor weren't off-putting. On top of the poor food quality and bad flavors, this place is extremely expensive.
- greedy behaviorGreedy behavior milking the place to the last possible dollar
- price pointI'm not sure why it was so different in quality. I would potentially try it again and dine in, but generally was disappointed given the price point.
- pricesthe prices were kind of expensive
- priceyThis place is definitely pricey, but worth the money
- valueOnce seated, the place felt chaotic and loud, with children running around and bad acoustics. Aside from the Khao pad mun nuer and the thai tea, all the other dishes we tried (pad thai bolan vo and khao soi pad haeng) weren't impressive either, so not worth it.
Given the average score and poor satisfaction, value here is a mixed bag. While some find specific items fairly priced, many feel its quite expensive and not always justified by the quality. If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially higher costs and manage your expectations regarding overall value.
How are the prices at Khao Tiew?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 88 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 39, many diners actually spend a bit less, with the most common spend falling in the $21–$30 range. But dont worry, theres also a good number of folks enjoying meals in the $41–$50 bracket, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range for different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Khao Tiew
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Disgraceful Wait Time and Greedy Practices
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely disgraceful. We received a text stating our table was almost ready, only to wait for over an hour to be seated. This wasn't an isolated incident; it seems to be their standard practice, with around 40 other people enduring the same lengthy wait.
It felt like a case of greedy behavior, where the establishment was trying to maximize profits at the expense of customer experience. I would not return, no matter the compensation.
- wait time1
- greedy behavior1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
5
Mixed Experience with Duck Curry
My experience at the restaurant had some positive aspects, starting with the friendly wait staff and a nice interior. I ordered the duck curry, which was recommended by the waitress. While the curry had a good flavor, the duck itself was just okay, and the dish felt disconnected, as if the duck and curry were separate entities.
Surprisingly, the curry, labeled as spicy, was the least spicy I've encountered at a Thai restaurant. I also noted that one of the tomatoes in the curry had begun to spoil. The lack of air conditioning made the environment uncomfortably hot, which would have been particularly unpleasant for a date or business meeting.
Additionally, there was a minor issue with the service regarding leftovers; I wasn't offered a bag, nor was assistance provided with packing them. Given the mediocre food and somewhat expensive prices, I had expected better service, which unfortunately wasn't the case.
- wait staff8
- interior7
- duck curry5
- dish3
- curry2
- tomatoes2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Wasted Trip Due to Inaccurate Wait Time
I called the restaurant around 7 PM to inquire about the wait time, as I live about 30 minutes away. I was told there was a 15-minute wait and that I couldn't put my name in ahead of time. So, we decided to head over.
Upon arrival, the wait time was actually 75 minutes, meaning we would be seated after closing. I also noticed several other parties had joined the waitlist via Yelp. While I don't typically mind a long wait, I was disappointed that the restaurant didn't provide an accurate estimate when I called.
This led to a wasted commute, and we would have happily chosen to come on a different day if we had known the true wait time.
- wait time2
- inaccurate estimate2
- wasted time commuting2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Thai with Customizable Spice
My experience at Khao Tiew San Francisco was truly impressive. They serve delicious, simple, and authentic local Thai dishes. I was particularly wowed by their creative and tasty twists on old favorites, especially the exceptional Khao Soi.
The baseline heat level is mild, which is perfect for most palates, but you can easily customize your spice level by adding the hot powder conveniently available on the table. Highly recommended!
- local Thai dishes9
- creative twists9
- Khao Soi10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Exceptional Thai Food Experience
On a cold Wednesday evening in October, I was hoping for a delicious date night spot and Khao Tiew delivered. Though relatively new, this place has received a lot of acclaim for the food and because of that I knew I had to try it out for myself. After joining the waitlist (YOU MUST BE WITHIN 1 MILE TO JOIN), we had about 45 minutes to wait around 6: 00.
However, we blew by that time by hanging out and checking out shops in West Portal, which unfortunately were mostly closed by that time. Anyways, after getting seated inside, we decided on the Crab Fried Rice in a Claypot, the Khao Soi, the Duck Breast Red Curry, and the Crispy Papaya Salad. I enjoyed everything a lot.
The crab fried rice was rich and had a really nice savory and subtle sweet flavor. The Khao Soi was probably the best I’ve ever had and it honestly did not even need the meat add on. The Duck Breast Red Curry was surprisingly fresh and rich, while the duck was super tender.
Finally, the Crispy Papaya Salad was really unique and I've never had a papaya salad in this form. What we ordered was more than enough for 3 people, so I wouldn’t do much more than that. Anyways, I am super glad we came and I will definitely recommend this place as one of the best Thai foods I have had in the Bay.
- Crab Fried Rice9
- Khao Soi10
- Duck Breast Red Curry8
What Khao Tiew offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Khao Tiew offer?
At Khao Tiew, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, and seating is available. They also offer convenient takeout options if you prefer to dine at home.
Are there healthy or vegetarian choices available at Khao Tiew, and is it suitable for families?
Yes, Khao Tiew provides healthy options and a variety of vegetarian dishes to cater to different preferences. It’s also considered good for kids, with high chairs available, making it a welcoming spot for families to enjoy a meal together.
What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Khao Tiew?
Khao Tiew generally receives a Restaurant Score of 7.6. Its strongest aspect is Food (8.2), followed by Ambience (7.2). Service (6.3) is considered average, while Value (4.7) is an area where some customers feel it falls short.
Is Khao Tiew a good option for a quiet meal?
Not always. While the decor is welcoming, many guests describe the atmosphere as loud , chaotic , and crowded , especially during peak hours.
Should I expect a long wait at Khao Tiew?
Yes, many customers report long wait times, particularly on weekends or during peak dinner hours. It’s often recommended to arrive early or use the waitlist system if available.