Zen Yai

Thai Restaurant $ 4.5 (651)


Zen Yai is highly praised for its authentic Thai cuisine that resonates with genuine flavors reminiscent of traditional dishes found in Thailand. Customers enjoy a variety of dishes, particularly the boat noodles, which are frequently highlighted. The warm service and friendly atmosphere add to the overall positive dining experience.

Overall:

4.7

(532 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.4


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (415) 885-0725

Address: 771 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I had high hopes based on past experiences and was not disappointed. The food here truly delivers on the promise of authentic Thai flavors. The tom yum soup was excellent, perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat. However, the portion size seemed a bit smaller compared to my previous visits. Despite that, the friendly service made up for it. My only qualm was the slightly crowded atmosphere, but then again, the hustle and bustle is part of the dining experience here. Overall, a great spot for Thai food lovers! " (*Curated Review*)

" After hearing so much about Zen Yai, I finally dined there and was blown away! The boat noodles were spot on, rich and savory as they should be. My server was friendly, guiding me through the menu effortlessly. The ambiance was cozy, albeit a bit busy during dinner hours. Overall, a fantastic experience, I will definitely come back to try more of their menu. Plus, it's budget-friendly! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting Zen Yai was an absolute delight! The moment we stepped in, we were greeted with smiles and friendly service. We started our meal with their renowned boat noodles, which were simply remarkable. The broth was rich in flavors, not too spicy but just enough to whet the palate. Following that, we shared a delightful pumpkin curry, which had just the right balance of sweetness and spice. It was evident that the ingredients used were fresh and authentic; you could taste it in every bite! The restaurant ambiance was cozy, albeit a bit hectic during peak hours, but that only added to the charm. Overall, we left feeling satisfied and eager to return for more. Highly recommended. " (*Curated Review*)

" As someone who spent years in Thailand, I am always cautious about my next Thai food experience. Zen Yai did not let me down. The flavors, particularly in their papaya salad, were spot on! They really captured the essence of what authentic Thai food should taste like. The only downside was that it was a bit crowded during our visit, which created a noisy environment. Nevertheless, the attentive service made for a pleasant meal. After sampling several dishes, all I can say is I can't wait to come back to try more. A true gem! " (*Curated Review*)

" Great experience! Zen Yai has an array of authentic Thai dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. I ordered the pad kra pao and it was fantastic! The service was quick and friendly, even during their busy hours. The atmosphere was pretty laid back and we didn’t feel rushed at all. I can't wait to go back and explore more of their menu, especially the desserts! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (522)

" I was blown away by the authenticity of the dishes served here. The boat noodles were probably the best I've ever had, and the flavors were just like what you'd find in Thailand. The service was friendly and the place had a unique charm that drew people in. However, I did find some portions a bit small compared to other places, though it didn’t detract too much from my overall experience. I would return in a heartbeat! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Zen Yai a few weeks back and was blown away by their boat noodle soup. The flavors were incredible, and it truly reminded me of my time in Bangkok. The ambience is super chill and relaxed, which is perfect for a dining experience. I went there during dinner time, and despite a slight wait, it was worth it. Their fried banana and ice cream dessert was the perfect end to a hearty meal. I cannot recommend this place enough if you're after authentic Thai flavors. " (*Curated Review*)

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