Hello dear
Khao Tiew, located at 272 Claremont Blvd, San Francisco, is a culinary gem serving up some of the most authentic Thai flavors in the city. With enticing vegetarian options and robustly spicy dishes, it caters to diverse palates. Patrons rave about the Beef Fried Rice and Duck Breast Curry, showcasing the chef's expertise with unique ingredients and careful cuisson. The lively atmosphere feels reminiscent of a retro arcade, making it a trendy spot for both young crowds and families. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity, ensuring you won’t miss out on this must-visit dining experience in SF.
About
If you are searching for an authentic Thai culinary experience in San Francisco, look no further than Khao Tiew. Nestled in the heart of the city at 272 Claremont Blvd, this vibrant eatery is fast becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With accolades pouring in from satisfied customers, Khao Tiew is a culinary gem worthy of its reputation.
The atmosphere at Khao Tiew strikes a perfect balance between cozy and lively, reminiscent of a nostalgic arcade vibe. As you step inside, you're greeted by cool decor that adds to the dining experience. Many guests highlight its youthful ambiance—a magnet for a younger crowd eager to explore diverse flavors.
When it comes to the menu, Khao Tiew shines remarkably, particularly in its approach to vegetarian options. Reviewers rave about the authentic flavors that bring a genuine taste of Thailand to the table. The spice levels in the dishes earn kudos, ensuring that those with a love for heat will not be disappointed. The Beef Fried Rice and Duck Breast Curry stand out as must-tries, with customers even declaring them life-changing. Moreover, the Pork Belly appetizer and the delightful Toast dessert are frequently mentioned as highlights.
While some dishes like the Crab and Shrimp Glass Noodle may not have hit the mark for all, the overwhelming consensus is that the experience at Khao Tiew is well worth the sometimes lengthy wait times, especially on weekends. It's advisable to make a reservation if you're planning to visit during peak hours, as many guests have noted that the waitlist can be considerable.
Khao Tiew isn't just another Thai restaurant; it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Southeast Asian flavors using unique ingredients and precise techniques. Whether you decide to dine in and soak up the atmosphere or opt for takeout, this establishment promises a delightful dining experience that lingers long after the last bite. The buzz around Khao Tiew is genuine, and it's clear that this rising star in San Francisco’s food scene will only continue to shine.
For an unforgettable meal, reach out at +1 415-996-1919 to book a table or check out their menu. Your taste buds will thank you!
“ What a good find. Think this is becoming a very popular spot in San Francisco. It boasts a high score on Beli and brings in a younger crowd. The atmosphere is nice. There’s some cool decorations and it feel sort of like a retro card game store if that makes sense. Like an old arcade. Or if you have ever seen the Minecraft movie, whatever Jason momoa worked in before going into the Minecraft world. The service was solid, nothing to complain about. The food was pretty good. Probably up there for top Thai food in SF. The flavors were all present and the meats worked well with the sauces and rice. Overall, great place, my Beli rated it an 8.6 which I think is pretty accurate, if not even a little lower than it should actually be. Great spot. ”
“ The wait time is always crazy, so we did takeout. The food smells really good, and the prices are reasonable. But I don’t think waiting an hour is worth it. We didn’t order anything too special—it was just standard Thai food to us. I recommend trying takeout before waiting in line for an hour. ”
“ Easily the best Thai food in the city, very special and unique ingredients and cuisson on every dish. Our favorite dishes were the Pork Belly appetizer and the Beef Fried Rice entree. The Toast dessert is absolutely a must-have, it’s so good. My only recommendation is to make a reservation since we waited 2 hours on the waitlist on a Friday night. It seems that the minimum party size for a reservation is 6 ppl. ”
“ Easily one of the best restaurants in SF, top 5 for me. Some of the best Thai food I've ever had. Beef fried rice and duck breast curry had me licking my spoon. MUST get if you go. The crab and shrimp glass noodle dish was good too, but a bit underwhelming compared to the others, and the most expensive. Wouldn't get it again. I will return here and try more of their menu. This place is definitely pricey, but worth the money. A MUST visit in SF. ”
“ Absolutely delicious! We went earlier to avoid the long line and were seated immediately. Lots of vegetarian options, all were really well made and full of authentic flavor. The spice was actually spicy, thankfully. Would highly recommend! ”
“ Came here with a group about an hour after opening and placed our names on the Yelp waitlist. We did not have to wait too long which was great but the place was packed. I thought the food was okay. We only had one dish I did not like because it tasted burnt. It was the steamed egg with large pieces of shrimp but the inside was burned and seeped throughout the dish. I would also pass on the mango sticky rice given presentation, size, and lack of complexity. ”
“ The price is fair and the environment is charming! I loved the decor—so many old Thai commercial posters from 20–30 years ago that give off a nostalgic 70s–80s vibe The waitress was super attentive. Be 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. My top recommendations: • Duck breast curry – rich, flavorful, and so satisfying. • Kaya toast – perfectly crispy and sweet. They also have a good drink selection, and we saw a lot of people ordering the crispy papaya salad—huge portion and definitely unique! If you’re craving Thai food, I highly recommend this place! ”
“ Every time I passed by, I saw the line out the door—and now I totally get it! The food is amazing. Both dishes we tried were absolutely delicious and worth every minute of waiting. The only drawback was that the dining area seemed a bit understaffed, but overall it was still a wonderful experience. Highly recommended. ”