Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Marnee Thai – San Francisco
Marnee Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Marnee Thai
Marnee Thai at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#1852 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#40 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
428
Reviews
62.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Food inconsistency
- Service issues
The restaurant Marnee Thai Restaurant is a delightful Thai Restaurant located in the vibrant Sunset District of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, offering a unique touch to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for healthy options, small plates, or vegetarian choices, you’ll find something to savor here.
It’s an ideal destination for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Marnee Thai
Marnee Thai offers a culinary journey with generally `delicious` and quick Thai dishes, often praised for their exotic flavors. Many appreciate the `friendly service` and the care shown by the staff, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, some experiences point to `inconsistent food` quality, with dishes occasionally falling short. There have also been concerns regarding `increased prices`, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.7
out of 10
428
Reviews
62.9%
Satisfaction
131
negative
28
neutral
269
positive
Marnee Thai achieves a `Restaurant Score` of `6.7`, placing it in the average category, while `Customer Satisfaction` stands at `62.9%`, indicating a mixed reception from diners. This assessment is drawn from over 400 customer comments, with 269 positive remarks and 131 negative ones, offering a comprehensive view of the dining experience.
Diving deeper, the `Food` (6.8) generally receives positive feedback, often highlighted as a strong point. `Service` (6.7) and `Ambience` (6.7) also hover in the average range, suggesting a generally acceptable experience in these areas.
However, `Value` (4.9) falls into the poor category, indicating that some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations.
What people like
- Delicious Thai dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Generally good value
What people don't like
- Rising prices, charges
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Service delays, rudeness
Marnee Thai presents a mixed but generally positive dining experience, reflected in a `Recommendation Score` of `7`. If you’re seeking flavorful Thai cuisine and appreciate attentive staff, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish quality and recent price adjustments. For those prioritizing a consistently perfect meal and strict budget, you might want to explore other options, but many find its charm and flavors compelling.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Marnee Thai
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to savor, with 170 positive remarks out of 267 total opinions. Many diners rave about the authentic Thai flavors, delicious dishes, and the unique dish selection. The generous portions and overall quality often leave a great impression, contributing to a solid score of 6.8.
However, the experience isnt always consistent, reflected in a 63.7% customer satisfaction. Some 83 negative comments point to issues like food being bland, overly sweet, or lacking that true authentic flavor. There are also mentions of inconsistent dish quality and challenges for those with dietary restrictions, particularly regarding vegan options.
Food
267
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
83
negative
14
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Unique dish selection
- Generous dish portions
What people don't like
- Bland, overly sweet
- Lacks authentic flavor
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Marnee Thai was fantastic! This family-owned restaurant serves food that comes out quick and is reasonably priced, plus it's consistently delicious. I particularly enjoyed the spicy angel wings, chan pad poo (47), and pad kee mao (48).
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible Thai food and the friendly service. Given the quality, I expected the place to have a much higher rating.
- angel wingsangel wings came with more wings than I anticipated
- flavorsEven though we live closer to the 9th Ave location, we much prefer the one down Irving. We visited on Super Bowl Sunday, as we're not football fans, and were transported to a world of delicious warm exotic flavors!
- green curryThe green curry and tom yum/tom kha gai aren't bad either
- FoodFood:5
- Hor Mokwow the hor mok!!! I was very impressed by the banana leaf presentation
- Imperial rollsImperial rolls which are fresh and delicate not greasy
- Pad Kee Maoimpeccable and spicy, Pad Kee Mao
- Thai restaurantTHE ONLY THAI PLACE I eat at....*EVER.* Hands Down The Best!
Frequently criticized
- foodI always had a great experience at Marnee Thai, but this time the food seemed too salty or bland, just not the same. I always have the same dishes: a tom yum soup and wok-prepared chicken with rice.
- BBQ chickenSeriously underseasoned BBQ chicken
- Pad ThaiMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I ordered the Pad Thai, and it was the worst Pad Thai I've ever had. The noodles tasted awful, and the chicken was like fake chicken.
- fish sauceI wish I could add more stars, but unfortunately, they cannot prepare any curry dish without fish sauce. This is a crucial point for vegans to be aware of.
- pad see ewtheir pad see ew and pad kee mao weren't that good
- Americanisedtoo Americanised
- Chan Pad Poo9th/Irving branch definitely serves more tastier version of Chan Pad Poo
- Hor MokThis time, I tried their weekend special Hor Mok (steamed snapper), which was recommended by the staff. I was very disappointed with the amount of snapper for a $23 dish. The dish had very little fish and was mostly cabbage and curry.
- Pad KrapowPad Krapow which was really just wok fried vegies with no flavor at all
- Pad See EewPad See Eew tasted of brown sauce only
If youre seeking authentic Thai flavors and unique dishes, this spot could be a delightful find. However, be mindful that the quality can sometimes be inconsistent, and some dishes might lean towards blandness or excessive sweetness. Its worth trying, but manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Overall, the service here earns a good score of 6.7, with customer satisfaction landing at a mixed 66%. Many of the 64 positive remarks out of 97 total opinions highlight the friendly service, attentive staff, and quick service, often praising the welcoming staff and efficient team players. However, not every experience is perfect.
The 27 negative comments point to areas needing improvement, such as rude service, feeling rushed through dinner, and long waiting times, with some guests encountering impatient server attitude that unfortunately ruined their experience.
Service
97
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Feeling rushed
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, primarily due to the best service you could ask for. The team demonstrated great team player qualities, showed attention to detail, and genuinely showed care for your needs.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was great. Although it is a small place and there might be a wait, the staff was friendly and efficient, and the food was delicious. We especially enjoyed the Beef Salad, unique Chicken Satay Wraps, and Pumpkin Curry.
- ServiceIt might not have been holy basil, but the rest of the recipes were spot on. Service was very friendly and the food was hot and fast. Plus who doesn't love Thai tea.
- customer servicegood customer service. :)
- peopleNice people their food is my favorite
- MaeMae is a true force of nature
- attention to detailMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, primarily due to the best service you could ask for. The team demonstrated great team player qualities, showed attention to detail, and genuinely showed care for your needs. In addition to the exceptional service, the food was delicious.
- care for your needsMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, primarily due to the best service you could ask for. The team demonstrated great team player qualities, showed attention to detail, and genuinely showed care for your needs. In addition to the exceptional service, the food was delicious.
- deliveryi’ve gotten delivery
- dining ineaten here
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service could’ve been better
- waiting timePlease respect the time of the customer. I am a Dasher and they took more than 20 minutes just to make 1 order. They totally ignored a delivery driver.
- rude serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good food and rude service. We arrived at 8: 50 PM and were immediately told to order quickly as the kitchen closed at 9 PM.
- appointmentappointment seems to be a little confusing
- blabberingOld lady blabbering
- dealing with issuestime consuming to deal with all of these
- delivery driverI am a Dasher and they took more than 20 minutes just to make 1 order. They totally ignored a delivery driver.
- discriminatory seatingtwo people on a big table because they are non-Asian
- impatient and discourteouslady who showed us to our table was impatient and discourteous
- line upI had to line up for 20 minutes
If youre seeking a spot with generally friendly and quick service, youll likely have a good experience. Just be mindful that some visitors have reported less-than-ideal interactions or felt rushed, so it might not always be a consistently perfect visit.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average of 6.7. While many appreciate the vibe, customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 59.2%, suggesting its not universally loved. Based on 49 customer remarks, with 29 positive and 14 negative, theres definitely a lot to talk about.
On the bright side, many rave about the overall atmosphere and ambiance, often describing the interior is beautiful and praising its clean and well-lit interior. Some even found it to have a cozy atmosphere or be a good spot for a date night. However, some experiences were less ideal, with mentions of it being uncomfortable and crowded, and a few noted a hostile environment or even a noticeable swarm of gnats.
The vibes are off for some, and a few found the atmosphere a bit dated.
Ambience
49
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful interior
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean and tidy
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable and crowded
- Hostile environment
- Noticeable gnats
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is hands down the best Thai food I've ever had. The food is incredible, and the atmosphere is fantastic, with a rating of 5/5. The service also received a perfect 5/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceNice ambiance
- Friday after ChristmasWe called in a reservation, though I'm not sure they ever get written down because the place is just too chaotic for that. For the Friday after Christmas, it was packed beyond imagination, with people spilling onto the street and camping three (or more) at tiny two-top tables. It was loud and totally CRAZY, and it was INNOVATIVE!
- Thai restaurantthe most FUN Thai restaurant ever
- beautiful interiorthe interior is beautiful
- clean and tidyclean and tidy still after so many years
- clean and well-lit interiorclean and well-lit interior
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere
- decorLovely + cute decor
Frequently criticized
- parkingI remember eating here 20+ years ago, and it looks the same, remaining clean and tidy. Parking is typically difficult, as expected on Irving St. The food was delicious and spicy.
- tablescamping three (or more) at tiny two top tables
- atmospherethe atmosphere a bit dated
- front doorI definitely plan on returning. A practical tip for future visitors: wear a jacket on cool nights as they keep the front door wide open, which can make the dining area chilly.
- gnatsNoticeable swarm of gnats in the dining room
- hostile environmentIt’s a hostile environment for the workers
- restaurant filled with hipstersThe service also received a perfect 5/5. However, I don't want to share this gem because I don't want to wait for a table or be in a restaurant filled with hipsters. It's that good, but I'd prefer to keep it my little secret.
- smelled a little off puttingsmelled a little off putting
- table for twoput us on a table meant for two and it is uncomfortable and crowded
- tensionYou can feel the tension
If you're looking for a lively, potentially chaotic scene with a beautiful interior, especially on a busy night, you might love it. However, if you prefer a quiet, spacious, and consistently comfortable setting, you might want to consider visiting during off-peak hours or exploring other options.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners are quite pleased, finding the prices to be good, especially if youre seeking a decently cheap Thai meal. Many consider it reasonably priced and a solid cheap eat option. With 6 positive opinions out of 15, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 40%, while the overall score for value is an average 4.9.
However, not everyone shares this view, with 7 opinions highlighting concerns. There are mentions of high prices and a tricky price point, with some feeling its not worth it. Additionally, watch out for unexpected credit card charges and issues with tips being added incorrectly, which can make the experience feel a little expensive.
Value
15
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Cheap Thai food
What people don't like
- High prices
- Credit card charges
- Unexpected tips
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- cheap eatRecommended for a cheap eat
- decently cheap Thaineed decently cheap Thai? This is your spot.
- pricethe plus is the price!! Everything is how Thai food should be priced.
- reasonably pricedis reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- pricesIt could be a fluke because it's always been great before. Finally, the prices seemed to have increased about 15 to 20%.
- actual amountinstead of 15% which the actual amount
- credit card chargesunbelievable credit card charges
- high pricesnot at all worthy of the high prices
- price pointgiven the price point
- tipscharged tips from my credit card for 30%
If you're looking for a potentially affordable Thai meal, this spot might be worth a try. Just be mindful of the bill and potential extra charges, as the value can be a bit of a mixed bag here.
How are the prices at Marnee Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 32 $ per person – reported by 51 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 32 $, we see a pretty wide spread in what people actually spend. Many diners opt for meals in the $21–$30 range, but there are also quite a few who go for more premium options, showing a good mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marnee Thai
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good BBQ Chicken, A Bit Pricey
My experience at this Thai restaurant was quite good. I particularly enjoyed their BBQ chicken, which was excellent. However, I found the prices to be a little on the high side.
- BBQ chicken9
- prices4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Favorite Food and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The people were nice, and their food is my favorite, with excellent portions and quality flavor. I highly recommend their yellow curry or pad Thai with chicken.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. It was a quiet and easy to talk environment, perfect for a solo dining experience.
- people9
- food10
- portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Marnee Thai: Inconsistent Food, Great Service
I always had a great experience at Marnee Thai, but this time the food seemed too salty or bland, just not the same. I always have the same dishes: a tom yum soup and wok-prepared chicken with rice. The shrimp in the soup were great, as was the service.
I felt very welcome, but the food was disappointing. It could be a fluke because it's always been great before. Finally, the prices seemed to have increased about 15 to 20%.
- shrimp in the soup8
- service9
- food3
- prices3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Thai Flavors and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The establishment is respectable and friendly, offering bold and traditional Thai flavors. The coconut stir fried rice noodles were exceptionally well tasting, and everyone at the table loved them.
The service was rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4 out of 5.
- Thai flavors9
- coconut stir fried rice noodles10
- Service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Nostalgic SF Gem: Delicious & Spicy Food
My experience at this old school restaurant in SF was a trip down memory lane. I remember eating here 20+ years ago, and it looks the same, remaining clean and tidy. Parking is typically difficult, as expected on Irving St. The food was delicious and spicy.
- restaurant8
- clean and tidy9
- food8
- parking3
What Marnee Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Marnee Thai Restaurant?
When you visit Marnee Thai Restaurant, you’ll find convenient parking. The Sunset District offers free street parking, and usually, there’s plenty of space. Paid street parking options are also accessible nearby, ensuring a hassle-free arrival for your dining experience.
Does Marnee Thai Restaurant accommodate guests with accessibility needs and do you need reservations?
Yes, Marnee Thai Restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for all guests. The restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours.
How does Marnee Thai generally rate with customers?
Marnee Thai holds a `Restaurant Score` of `6.7` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `62.9%`. While `Food` (6.8), `Service` (6.7), and `Ambience` (6.7) are rated as average to good, `Value` (4.9) is perceived as poor.
Are there any common complaints about the food at Marnee Thai?
Some customers have noted `inconsistent food` quality, with dishes occasionally being too salty, bland, or having small portions, and specific items like Pad Thai receiving negative feedback.
What should I know about the service and pricing at Marnee Thai?
While many praise the `friendly service`, there are reports of `rude service`, long `waiting times`, and issues with delivery drivers. Additionally, some customers have experienced `increased prices` and unexpected credit card charges.