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Thai Restaurants in San Francisco

Ar-roi
643 Post Street (between Taylor and Jones), San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-5146
Authentic Thai food in an upscale, white tablecloth environment is what you will find at this downtown restaurant. Located a few doors from the popular China Moon Cafe, Ar-roi is open for both lunch (six days a week) and dinner (seven nights a week). A variety of herbs and spices is mixed with fish sauce to flavor meats and vegetables and their curries are a blend of curry paste, coconut milk and herbs to give their food a "spicy hot or spicy not" taste. Barbecue, numerous seafood choices and salads are special here.

Chiang Mai
5020 Geary Blvd. (at 14th Ave.), San Francisco, CA
(415) 387-1299
Open for lunch and dinner, Chiang Mai showcases a glassed-in Oriental garden with a waterfall. This clean Richmond District spot offers a few northern specialties, dishes that go beyond the traditional Thai offerings. Kao soy Chiang Mai, egg noodles topped with beef stew, curry and coconut milk sauce, and num prig onge, minced pork sauted with hot chili paste and tomatoes, served with cucumbers and cabbage, are just a few. Fifteen white cloth covered tables make this a cozy choice.

Gatip
2205 Lombard (at Steiner), San Francisco, CA
(415) 292-7474
This clean, comfortable spot on busy Lombard Street is named after a bamboo container in which sticky rice is served. Gatips come plastic lined and in various sizes. The traditional Thai food is mild-flavored so if you are into spicy food, ask for it. Open for lunch and dinner, Gatip offers lunch specials and complete dinners of 5 items for $12.95 or $16.95 per person. Vegetarian dishes, chicken, pork or beef BBQ, curries and the namesake sticky rice are standouts.

Narai
2229 Clement Street (at 24th Ave.), San Francisco, CA
(415) 751-6363
The proprietors, ethnic Chinese from Thailand, offer an upscale environment -- decorations and white tablecloths. Narai serves a combination of Thai cuisine and food from the South China coast called Chou Chow cooking. Many innovative specials such as jelly fish salad, pompano fish, fried rainbow trout, royal hot prawn and fresh mussels are offered. Menu items yum woonsen, or silver noodles salad with shrimp and pork, goong kratiem, prawns sauted with garlic and white pepper, and fried crab rolls should not be missed.

Thai Stick
698 Post Street (at Jones), San Francisco, CA
(415) 928-7730
Genuine Thai cuisine with several creative choices is what you will find at this downtown eight year old spot: kanom bueng, a crepe appetizer filled with shrimp, chicken, coconut, ground peanuts and bean sprouts; huarapa sauce made from chilies, basil and other spices; peanut sauce made from 15 ingredients including lemon grass, galanga, coconut milk and peanuts; many vegetarian and seafood choices; Thai tea, mango, coconut, coffee and lemongrass ice cream. Their second location is in Millbrae.

Thep Phanom
400 Waller Street (at Fillmore), San Francisco, CA
(415) 431-2526
This eight year old S.F. favorite is on a busy Civic Center street corner. They do a very good job of blending the essential flavors of fiery chilies and lively herbs, a combination of hot, tart, salty and sweet tastes. White tunics and native Thai dresses are worn by the staff, colorful china, art and relics from Thailand adorn the restaurant as does the smell of incense. The restaurant has a warm feel but when the 18 tables are full it makes for a noisy room. The large menu is offered at dinner only. Try any of the curries; marinated, fried quail in garlic and pepper; and soups.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.