Highlights
- Live music
oChef » New Thai Elephant – San Francisco
New Thai Elephant - San Francisco
Photo from New Thai Elephant
New Thai Elephant at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 128 of the guests
#856 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
342
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant, a vibrant Thai Restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, invites you to discover an authentic culinary journey. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and casual atmosphere, often enhanced by the delightful presence of live music.
New Thai Elephant promises a memorable experience, whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
Overview: Introducting New Thai Elephant
Good
7.8
out of 10
342
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
61
negative
17
neutral
264
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Thai Elephant
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid 7.9 score and 78.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 161 positive remarks rave about the authentic Thai cuisine, generous portion sizes, and delicious dishes like fresh spring rolls and Panang curry. The wide variety, including great vegetarian options, also gets a lot of love.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as seen in 34 negative comments. Some found certain items, like the Pad See Ew, to be too oily or lacking flavor. There were also mentions of dry, flavorless rice and disappointment over small meat portions in some dishes, with sauces sometimes being too thin.
Food
206
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
34
negative
11
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Dishes lacked flavor
- Oily or dry food
- Small meat portions
Often praised
- foodIt was our first time at this restaurant, and we were pleasantly surprised by the awesome food and great staff. The experience exceeded our expectations.
- Pad Kee MaoThe highlight, however, was the Pad Kee Mao
- Thai foodWe came with a desire for Thai food and we were not disappointed, quite the opposite, very satisfied! :) We especially recommend the "GUAY Tiaw Lord Noodle" dish.
- green curryI had the Pad Thai and green curry — both were bursting with authentic flavors
- pineapple fried riceThis time, we ordered the green curry and pineapple fried rice with soft tofu and no mushrooms. The pineapple fried rice tasted good, though if you're sensitive to the smell of eggs, it's advisable to ask for no eggs. We found the pineapple trunks a bit too large for our liking, and unfortunately, they forgot to remove the mushrooms.
- Panang curryPanang curry and it was delicious and perfectly seasoned
- dishit was delicious. Man that was a tasty and spicy dish.
- dishestheir dishes are pure Thai magic – vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious
- fresh spring rollsI started with the fresh spring rolls and they were perfectly crisp
- papaya saladpapaya salad is a winner
Frequently criticized
- foodWe were swayed by the many reviews for this bistro. Unfortunately, the food was not a big hit, both visually and in terms of taste. There was no variety of colorful vegetables, and the sauces were sometimes too thin.
- chickenchicken and was not tender
- Cola Zeroit had no Cola Zero
- Papaya SaladPapaya Salad - served with cabbage instead of the more typical lettuce - was let down
- Thai teaThe Thai tea was also disappointing
- chicken over pastaAveraging 4 stars and 2 stars gives us 6 stars, divided by two dinners, which results in three stars. It's not serious to sprinkle some chicken over pasta and then serve the same dish with 12 large shrimp at the next table. Or, you can do it, and then receive a not-so-great review, as happened here.
- crab meat fried riceWhile the food was OK, the meat amount was so small. The chicken was sliced paper thin, the duck was really just duck skin, and the crab meat fried rice only had one small piece of crab. : (Price per person: $20–30.
- curry duckThe curry duck and pineapple fried rice were a disaster.
- duckWhile the food was OK, the meat amount was so small. The chicken was sliced paper thin, the duck was really just duck skin, and the crab meat fried rice only had one small piece of crab. : (Price per person: $20–30.
- duck sauceThe curry duck and pineapple fried rice were a disaster. The duck sauce had tiny pieces of duck skin but no actual meat, while the rice was dry and flavorless with only a couple of small pineapple chunks and some grated chicken. The whole experience was horrific and I strongly advise against eating here.
Overall, if you're craving authentic Thai flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or have smaller meat servings, but the positives largely outweigh the negatives.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 79.2%, many guests rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive staff. Out of 77 total opinions, a whopping 61 praise the fast, polite, and efficient service, often leading to a great experience and a warm welcome.
However, it's not always perfect. There are 13 instances where guests noted slow service or a lack of organization. Some felt rushed to leave or experienced a lack of attention, especially with takeout orders missing essentials like utensils.
While not widespread, these moments can dampen the dining experience.
Service
77
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Attentive service
- Efficient seating
What people don't like
- Service sometimes slow
- Lack of organization
- Missing takeout items
Often praised
- serviceThe food was super delicious. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was authentic. Thumbs up 👍
- staffIt was our first time at this restaurant, and we were pleasantly surprised by the awesome food and great staff. The experience exceeded our expectations.
- ServiceService was fast, attentive, and genuinely welcoming
- waitwait was almost nonexistent
- Food came out quickFood came out quick and exactly how we ordered
- Recommendationeine echte Empfehlung!
- Thai peopleThai people that actually speak Thai language work here
- attentive stafftrès prévenants
- customer serviceMy experience at this Thai restaurant was fantastic. The friendly price and respectful customer service made for a pleasant visit. The food is excellent, and I particularly appreciated that the restaurant has Thai people that actually speak Thai language working there.
- deliveryThe food was delivered quickly
Frequently criticized
- servicethe oversight in service significantly impacted our experience
- ServiceService is a little bit slow
- attentionUnfortunately, the utensils were not included in the sealed bag, which caused considerable inconvenience for our meal. Given that a gratuity was provided for this takeout order, the lack of attention to this simple request was particularly disappointing.
- kitchen closingIf the kitchen closes early, it would be better not to accept orders past 2:30 PM
- organizationThe food was delicious. We visited during a busy time, and it was clear there was a total lack of organization. We ordered two appetizers and four main courses.
- pride and integritynot have pride and integrity in their business
- refundstill haven’t get my refund back
- rushed to leaveWe chose mild spice levels, which turned out to be too tame; a higher spice level would’ve been better. Unfortunately, the experience was somewhat dampened when we were rushed to leave around 3: 30 PM. If the kitchen closes early, it would be better not to accept orders past 2: 30 PM.
- service staffless friendly service staff
- staff memberseemed rather put off I was reconfirming
Overall, you can expect a good experience here, with friendly and quick service being the norm. Just be aware that during peak times, there might be a slight wait or occasional organizational hiccups, but it's generally worth a visit.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a mixed bag, scoring a 6.8 which is pretty good, but customer satisfaction sits at a 64.9% – right in the middle. Many guests, 24 out of 37, loved the lively environment and homely vibe, finding it a good place to spend a relaxed and pleasant time. The decor and location also received praise, making it feel family friendly for many.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 11 opinions highlighting some bumps. Some found it too busy and felt they had to sit so close to the other tables. The Noise level was a concern for others, described as very loud, hard to hear, and unfortunately, cleanliness issues, including a shocking incident, were a major health hazard for a few, impacting the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
37
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively environment
- Homely vibe
- Family friendly
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Loud noise
- Crowded tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was super delicious. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was authentic. Thumbs up 👍
- AtmosphereIt arrived piping hot to the table. The service was great, and the atmosphere was great as well. I would definitely recommend this place.
- decorThe decor blends traditional Thai elements with a modern touch
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambiancethe warm ambiance and friendly staff set the tone
- ambiencethe ambience inside is so comforting
- casual dinner experienceWonderful casual dinner experience!
- environmentthe environment is lively
- experienceexperience overall were both excellent
- family friendlyVery family friendly!
Frequently criticized
- cockroacha smaller black cockroach began running across the table
- CleanlinessCleanliness was another concern
- Noise levelVery loud, hard to hear
- atmosphereThe atmosphere could also be much better
- busyIt’s a bit too busy
- health hazardMy family was extremely disappointed with the New Thai Elephant experience. Cockroaches are a major health hazard, and I worry about potential infestations the owners may have neglected. Our dinner was disrupted, and it was frustrating to search for another, more sanitary restaurant.
- insidejust a little bit suffocating inside
- sanitary restaurantfrustrating having to search for another, reputable yet more sanitary restaurant
- staff shoutingThe situation was the same at the tables around us. The atmosphere could also be much better, as the staff kept shouting at each other between the dining area and the bar, which made everyone else talk louder. But again, the food was delicious!
- tablessit so close to the other tables
If youre looking for a lively, family-friendly spot with a homely feel and dont mind a potentially bustling atmosphere, it could be a good fit. However, if cleanliness and a quiet dining experience are top priorities for you, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8, indicating a good performance, and customer satisfaction sitting pretty at 81.8%, which is also good, many folks found the prices quite appealing. Based on 18 positive remarks out of 22 total comments, terms like good value for money, reasonable prices, and affordable prices frequently popped up, with diners often noting that the price was worth it for the quality received.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 3 negative comments mentioned finding an extra coffee order on the bill, which is never fun. There was also a concern raised about the authenticity of ratings due to a free ice cream offer for reviews, and one person felt it was rather expensive for Asian cuisine.
So, while mostly positive, keep an eye on your bill!
Value
22
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Extra coffee order
- Questionable review practice
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying some very nice Thai food at affordable prices in San Francisco. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score.
- pricemuch smaller price than I would expect
- good value for moneyBon rapport qualité prix
- reasonable pricesvery reasonable prices for the food
- worthy pricegreat spicy food at a worthy price
Frequently criticized
- extra coffee orderfound extra coffee order after we paid our bill
- pricerather expensive. For Asian cuisine
- ratingsHowever, upon going to pay the bill, I noticed a sign offering free ice cream in exchange for a positive review. This practice makes me question the authenticity of the ratings.
Overall, if you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Most customers found the value to be good, offering reasonable prices for a satisfying meal. Just double-check your bill before you pay to avoid any surprises!
How are the prices at New Thai Elephant?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 128 diners. That places it squarely in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, its clear theres a nice spread. While the average is 24, a large number of guests enjoy meals in the more budget-friendly $11–$20 range, with others opting for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 128 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for those looking for a quicker, more affordable meal, as well as choices for a slightly more indulgent experience, making it accessible to a wider range of diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Thai Elephant
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Thai Food & Friendly Service
What a great little restaurant! The staff were incredibly friendly, and the Thai food was truly excellent. We enjoyed complimentary water with our meal, which was refilled continuously.
The cuisine was authentic Thai, and I would highly recommend it. The prices were also very reasonable.
- Thai food10
- staff10
- water8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Noodles and Crowded Seating
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The service was nice and friendly, which was a positive start. However, the restaurant was too busy, leading to seating arrangements where tables were so close that it felt like sharing with neighbors.
This impacted the atmosphere negatively. The food was disappointing, especially considering the high number of positive ratings. The padseeyew noodles were super oily and lacked flavor, with chicken that was not tender.
The sauce also had a somewhat unpleasant taste. Overall, I would not recommend this place.
- service8
- busy3
- tables3
- food3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Thai Food, Excellent Service!
Finally tried this restaurant and it did not disappoint! The prices were comparable to Thai restaurants in Dallas and the food was so comforting (best bang for your buck here!). I had green curry and it had a nice medium spice and coconut creaminess to it.
Service was so kind too; they were always attentive to bringing water and making sure we'd get seated if we were waiting too long. Would definitely recommend this to all my friends and anyone visiting, in the mood for Thai!
- prices8
- food9
- green curry9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Thai Food Near Fisherman's Wharf
My experience at this Thai restaurant near Fisherman's Wharf was fantastic! The dishes were really good and offered great prices. I particularly enjoyed the Panang curry, which was delicious and perfectly seasoned.
The wait time was relatively short, and the environment is lively, making it a great spot for meeting friends. They even offer free ice cream for reviews!
- dishes9
- prices9
- Panang curry10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Panang Curry and Cozy Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The Panang curry was incredibly delicious, and the ambience inside was very comforting. I would highly recommend this place if you are in the area!
- Panang curry10
- ambience9
What New Thai Elephant offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience awaits you at New Thai Elephant?
At New Thai Elephant, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with table service, and even indulge in delicious desserts. The restaurant also features a bar onsite, offering a selection of wine, beer, and coffee to complement your meal.
Are there options for specific dietary needs or preferences at New Thai Elephant?
Absolutely! New Thai Elephant is committed to catering to diverse preferences. You’ll find a wide array of healthy options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. For those who prioritize natural ingredients, organic dishes are also available, ensuring a satisfying and mindful dining experience for you.