It's funny because we found this place from a random short in YouTube, but the food was really good - probably the top 3 best things we tried were the Moo Hong, the Kaya toast, and Khao Soi Pad Haeng. We went right at open and lined up around 3:20 and we were 8th in line. By the time it was 4 PM the line was at the end of the block. And we were already being seated. I would wait at this place for maybe 30 minutes tops, but it definitely was a good experience. Food wasn't really spicy enough would be my only complaint, but it mostly felt like Thai fusion which isn't a bad thing, but you shouldn't expect traditional Thai cuisine coming here.
Overview
Located at 272 Claremont Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127, Khao Tiew offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich culture of Thailand, making it the perfect place for both casual meals and special celebrations.
At Khao Tiew, the menu features an array of classic Thai dishes, each carefully prepared with the finest ingredients. The flavors are vibrant and well-balanced, offering a unique experience for those familiar with Thai food as well as those new to it. Whether you are craving a savory bowl of Pad Thai or a rich and aromatic bowl of Tom Yum soup, every dish at this restaurant is crafted to deliver bold, exciting flavors. The restaurant’s signature dishes stand out, with customers often recommending the spicy green curry, the juicy satay skewers, and the flavorful Thai iced tea, which provides a refreshing balance to the heat of the dishes.
A great feature of Khao Tiew is its ability to maintain the authenticity of traditional Thai recipes while introducing a modern flair that caters to the diverse tastes of its patrons. The chefs bring their expertise and years of experience in Thai cooking, blending herbs and spices to create a sensory experience that will take you straight to Thailand. The quality of the ingredients used is evident in every bite, with locally sourced produce complementing the imported spices that are the foundation of many Thai dishes.
Customer reviews often highlight the friendly and attentive service at Khao Tiew, which adds to the overall dining experience. Guests appreciate the cozy ambiance of the restaurant, as it’s perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. Many return not just for the food, but for the genuine warmth and hospitality that the staff provides, making each meal feel like a special occasion.
One of the highlights of the menu is the restaurant's commitment to catering to a wide range of dietary needs. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, Khao Tiew offers options that ensure everyone can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. The staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients and is always ready to accommodate special requests, making it a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions.
As you explore the restaurant, you’ll find a variety of signature beverages that perfectly complement the spicy and savory dishes. From fresh fruit smoothies to crafted cocktails, the drinks menu is as diverse as the food, with options for every palate. Pair your meal with a refreshing Thai beer, or try a unique drink like the Thai basil mojito, which is a local favorite.
Khao Tiew also shines when it comes to its location. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, it’s an accessible and convenient spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch break or a relaxing dinner with friends and family, the restaurant’s central location makes it an ideal destination. Plus, its inviting and casual atmosphere ensures that it’s always a great place to relax and enjoy a meal, no matter the occasion.
While Khao Tiew is a go-to spot for Thai food in San Francisco, what truly sets it apart is the sense of community it fosters. Regulars often rave about the owners and staff, who make it a point to remember names and preferences, making each visit feel personalized. It's a place where you feel like family, and that hospitality keeps guests coming back for more.
If you’re in the area and craving Thai cuisine, Khao Tiew is an absolute must-try. The combination of expertly prepared dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service makes it a standout restaurant in the San Francisco food scene.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 241 reviews
Service was great with a kind and attentive team! Food was good with a particular shout out to the khao soi and duck curry (much debate as to which was a fav amongst friends). The Kaya toast was a clear winner out of everything. And pad see ew was a surprisingly good contender that one south bay area local said was the best they've had. Tom yum was good but not the best I've ever had. Still a delicious dish on a cold, rainy winter day. The spicy wonton was decent, we enjoyed the sauce.
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.
This place is absolutely worth the wait. It’s unbelievably delicious, please please try it. You won’t regret it. I had been craving the Khao Soi I fell in love with in Chiang Mai, and since it’s so hard to find a great one here, I came to try theirs. The Khao Soi was decent but pretty standard, nothing mind blowing. But the Steak Fried Rice? OMG. It hits you in the best, most addictive way possible. Insane flavor bomb. And the Kaya Toast? The combination of the warm toast, the kaya jam, and the coconut sticky ice cream is sooo good. Truly unforgettable. If there’s one place you absolutely cannot skip, it’s this one. We showed up on Saturday at 3:30, about 30 minutes before they opened, and the first round filled up right in front of us. We ended up getting seated for the second round at 4:45. And honestly, I’d do it again.
Got on the waitlist at 4:20 pm on Saturday. I was 36th on the Yelp list and got seated around 6:55 pm (party of two). It was nice not having to stand in line, since we could walk around while we waited. You do need to show up in person to join the Yelp waitlist, and they’ll call you when it’s your turn. If you arrive before 4 you might skip most of the wait, but it’s best to get there as close to opening as you can. The waitlist was around 150 people when we left. We ordered the Tom Gai Bai Ma Kham, the Khao Soi with fried chicken, and the Khao Pad Mun Nuer with a soy cured egg yolk. The Tom Gai Bai Ma Kham was excellent. Really fragrant and fresh, with lots of acidity and spice. The portion was generous and had a good amount of meat. The Khao Soi was also great. The broth was creamy with a lot of depth and the noodles were cooked perfectly. I’ve tried this dish elsewhere but this version was easily the best. The Khao Pad Mun Nuer was a bit disappointing. There wasn’t much steak and the ratio of meat to rice felt off, with way too much rice. The steak had a nice smoky flavor but the dish ended up feeling pretty one note. The atmosphere was nice and not too crowded, with fun Thai posters and decor. Overall, if you pick the right dishes and come early, the food is worth the wait and the prices are pretty reasonable.
Fair warning - this place is always busy. We had a 90 minute wait time for a party of 2 at 7pm on a Friday night. The great news is that this place is just around the corner from some great bars in West Portal (philosopher’s club, McCarthy’s) so you can just grab some drinks while you wait. The food was great and the dessert (burnt butter Kaya toast) was incredible and a very large portion. Overall, great food in a great neighborhood
Need to share a table? DO IT AND STOP COMPLAINING BC ITS WORTH IT! Khao Soy and the beef dish along with the duck egg noodles were so good! COCONUT CREAM ICE CREAM ON CRÈME BRÛLÉE TOAST? Must have. don’t sleep on these amazing dishes.