How is it possible that San Mateo is so saturated with Thai spots, yet so many serve up bland, uninspired plates? We’ve waded through the sea of mediocrity to find the truly exceptional.
White Elephant Restaurant
$ | (650) 873-8341 | WEBSITE
Another solid Thai spot, more of a hidden gem tucked away in a shopping center. This one has particularly good pad Thai and papaya salad. Just know that you might have to deal with a little chaos to get them, even with all the takeout orders and dining parties. Again, they’re worth it.
Siamese Kitchen
$$ | (650) 592-3277 | WEBSITE
The authentic Thai restaurant scene in San Mateo County knows no bounds – it’s even extended into downtown San Carlos. Step into Siamese Kitchen for dinner and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a land of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and vibrant, flavorful dishes. The staff working here also tend to be quite friendly and attentive – but don’t get swept up and expect anything less than genuine warmth. Take it from us, the personal dining experience feels completely natural.
Chuan Chim Thai Cuisine
$$ | (650) 581-1297 | WEBSITE
A name that’s fun to say, plus fantastic Thai food. Chuan Chim Thai Cuisine has a big menu of curries, noodles, and rice dishes, all of which are delicious. They also have plenty of fresh, flavorful, well-rounded options.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
$$ | (650) 665-7935 | WEBSITE
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine is a standout Thai restaurant that specializes in vibrant, flavorful dishes. That’s sort of their signature, and they’ll serve it to you in a setting that’s both cozy and majestic. You can enjoy classics like shrimp fried rice or Pad see u or fresh options like Veg Fresh rolls and Thai salad. Pair a rich yellow curry with one of their craft cocktails, and that sounds like a memorable dining experience.
Although if it sounds too indulgent, you can always focus on their fresh, well-balanced offerings.
Spoon & Fork
$ | (650) 832-1517 | WEBSITE
The concept at Spoon & Fork is nothing revolutionary: you pick your dish, you pick your spice level. But the execution here is what makes this place stand out – the food itself tastes authentic and flavorful, and actually feels like someone put some care into preparing it. There are also plenty of options, from classic Pad Thai to comforting Tom Kha Gai, and the vegan alternatives mean you’re not stuck with the same limited choices over and over again.
Chai Yo Thai Cuisine
$ | (650) 315-2545 | WEBSITE
Looking for a spot where everyone in your group can find something they love? Chai Yo Thai Cuisine is a fantastic pick. It’s Thai, and rather than focusing on just one style, you can get everything from curries to noodles to expertly grilled tofu here. Everyone at your table will leave happy, and you can definitely eat on the lighter, veggie-friendly side of things.
Isarn Garden Thai Cuisine
$$ | (650) 802-8081 | WEBSITE
If the thought of ordering basic fried rice or simple noodles seriously bores you, maybe don’t come to or get takeout from Isarn Garden Thai Cuisine. Otherwise, if you’re craving authentic home-style Thai cooking, or for some reason enjoy eating as though you are, Isarn Garden is here for your seriously comforting food needs.
Thai Nakorn Restaurant
$$ | (650) 583-7555 | WEBSITE
Pour anything over jasmine rice and we can convince ourselves it’s a balanced meal. Chicken satay, beef pat see ew, and fish fillet paneng curry might not be detox miracles, but Thai Nakorn never leaves us feeling weighed down after eating. And if you’re truly chasing wellness? Skip the noodles, order the coconut shrimp soup, and make it your main event. Then move through your evening knowing you’ve already done something right for yourself.
Spice Me Thai Cuisine
$$ | (650) 560-0076 | WEBSITE
Spice Me Thai Cuisine was one of the first spots to prove that authentic Thai food would thrive in San Mateo, and they’ve certainly reaped the rewards of that early vision. There are now several Thai restaurants in the area, but that doesn’t stop there from being a steady stream of customers every day. The excellent food – ranging from curries and soups to noodles and salads – is all worth the visit.
Coconut Bay Thai Restaurant
$$ | (650) 558-8268 | WEBSITE
Nothing mindblowing will happen to you or your mouth at Coconut Bay Thai Restaurant. But if you’re looking for a big bowl of Thai classics that tastes fresh and satisfying, this is a reliable option.
Thai Satay Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (650) 952-3439 | WEBSITE
San Mateo isn’t in need of more Thai restaurants. But it could use many more places like Thai Satay: a Thai Restaurant Plus, serving fresh, interesting traditional and modern dishes (we love the red curry & the spicy catfish), much of which is pretty flavorful, and almost all of which is very good. The spacious space is also quite pleasant, even when it’s busy at dinnertime – if you can swing it, eat at one of the tables near the well-lit front window.
Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
$$ | (650) 212-5788 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re craving pad Thai, pad see ew, or just a reliably tasty curry, Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine has you covered. We appreciate the fact that in a world where you could easily pay $18 for a mediocre noodle dish without a second thought, the prices here remain reasonable, and the service is prompt – so you can order your pineapple shrimp, sip your Thai iced tea, and be enjoying your meal before you can say “sawasdee.”
Thai House Restaurant
$$ | (650) 299-9495 | WEBSITE
The simplest way to describe Thai House Restaurant would be to call it a Thai Chipotle. But that comparison would sell this place short – for a cozy neighborhood spot, the food here is truly excellent. You choose a curry, a noodle dish, or a salad, and you enjoy it with your selection of perfectly balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and aromatic herbs, many of which are authentically prepared.
