Best Thai restaurant in the area - food quantity to price ratio is the best, and the food is always really good!

The food is always fresh and spiced just right. There are times my mouth waters anticipating the wonderful flavors.

Our favorite Thai food place!!! The food is great, portions are generous and the staff is very friendly 🙂

Delicious food! Good service. Definitely recommend.

This was our 3rd visit and it was excellent. Our prior visits were 1 excellent and the 2nd, just OK. We decided to give Chao Thai another try and we're still talking about the Tum Kak Gai that was exceptional. Our only disappointment (minor) was I ordered the chef's seafood special but received a chicken & green bean dish that, while unexpected, was great. Next time I'll order by number to avoid confusion. In case you're wondering the guest check was accurate for the food delivered. We'll be back

My favorite Thai food in the grand lake area! Good value and consistently tasty. I'm half Thai and this is my local comfort take out spot :)

Won’t go wrong with the Pad Thai. Requested spicy and they delivered.

I visited this Thai restaurant with about 6 other friends and had a fantastic time. Servings were large and inexpensive (in the 9 to 13 dollar range) and service was speedy. We shared dishes and everything I tried was really tasty. If you find yourself in the neighborhood check this place out you are sure to have a good time.

I've been seeing this place for years finally went in there homemade cooking really really good

My forever spot grew up eating here.

Manny Ellison

We had just watched Bohemian Rhapsody at the Grand Lake theater and wanted something yummy for dinner. I saw the sign for Chao and remember it being good years ago. The place inside is homey and mellow. I had the chicken pad Thai . Full of flavor and lots of crispy veggies this dish is great. We had fried veggie spring rolls and that was good. It came with tasty sauce. I want to try their soups next time. Come to this restaurant....now.

Mars.

Cozy little place but with great food! Very out of the way but really great meals!!! I really really recommend the yellow curry!! It was so delicious. I will definitely come back! Try this place now!!!

James

I got duck curry and crab fried rice. It was VERY flavorful. We ate at one of the tables outside, which had a peaceful atmosphere and a view of people walking near Lake Merritt. I also tried a Thai beer: forgot what it was called but I liked it and it went well with the meal. Looking forward to eating here again.

Jalia -Simmons

Everything no matter what you order is delicious 😋🤤 I've been coming here for over 20 years truly a gem 💎💎💎

Taran K

Amazing food! Went with my friend for Dinner! So tasty!!

Carmen Lo

I asked for the dress rolls and Tum kha Gai soup, my delight today was the flavor of the soup, rich and with that lime ‘twist’ the leaves gave a very nice taste

Anne Garner

Delicious food! Good service. Definitely recommend.

I asked for the dress rolls and Tum kha Gai soup, my delight today was the flavor of the soup, rich and with that lime ‘twist’ the leaves gave a very nice taste

Amazing food! Went with my friend for Dinner! So tasty!!

Everything no matter what you order is delicious 😋🤤 I've been coming here for over 20 years truly a gem 💎💎💎

I got duck curry and crab fried rice. It was VERY flavorful. We ate at one of the tables outside, which had a peaceful atmosphere and a view of people walking near Lake Merritt. I also tried a Thai beer: forgot what it was called but I liked it and it went well with the meal. Looking forward to eating here again.

Cozy little place but with great food! Very out of the way but really great meals!!! I really really recommend the yellow curry!! It was so delicious. I will definitely come back! Try this place now!!!

We had just watched Bohemian Rhapsody at the Grand Lake theater and wanted something yummy for dinner. I saw the sign for Chao and remember it being good years ago. The place inside is homey and mellow. I had the chicken pad Thai . Full of flavor and lots of crispy veggies this dish is great. We had fried veggie spring rolls and that was good. It came with tasty sauce. I want to try their soups next time. Come to this restaurant....now.

Great food great service! Alec was so sweet with our large party. I can’t wait to go back. The food is delicious. The angel wings and basil fried rice were delicious. This is my new favorite Thai spot

+1

I placed a to-go order at Chao Thai Cuisine and still had a great experience while waiting. The place has a vibrant, cozy vibe with colorful art pieces that really caught my eye. I ordered the yellow lamb curry with a side of white rice and some tod mun (Thai fish cakes)—both were on point. The curry was rich, flavorful, and had slices of jalapeños that gave it the perfect kick. The lamb was tender, and the fish cakes were crispy and packed with flavor. I also got to meet the owner, which made the visit feel even more personal. I’ll definitely be back for more!

Not only is the customer service A1…. That yellow veggie curry literally has every vegetable in the garden in it! My new yellow veggie curry place! Just an update! This place is awesome! I had a problem with one of my recent orders and at first the conversation started to go left. That’s why I love communication! I’m not a complainer..and if something that I love isn’t right. I feel I owe it to not only myself, but to the establishment to let them know something wasn’t right respectfully! Low and behold, they promised to make it right! I explained I don’t want anything for free… I literally have the whole order minus a spoon of rice!..and I love love the yellow vegetable curry, it just wasn’t the A1 quality I’m used to getting from them! Anywho I said all of that to say we as humans need to be the change we want to see in others! Communication is definitely the key! Now go get some of their awesome food and A1 customer service!

We liked our food - beef with vegetables and seafood with vegetables

Omg I tried this place for the 1st time not only was the service great but the food was soooooo delicious! I will most definitely be eating here again! I had the green curry salmon which was listed as one of the customers favorite and it is definitely my favorite dish here !! It's a must try

Green curry Salmon, Papaya salad, Spicy Sole with vegetables, Basil chicken are my favs! Friendly, great quick service and ALWAYS DELICIOUSLY PREPARED! MMmmm...Mmmm...GOOD!!!

The greatest little hole in the wall restaurant you will find in the bay. A hidden gem located right by lake merritt. Mainly the locals known about it. The food is very flavorful, fresh and has a wonderful taste to it. I love going to this place. This service is always right on point. And it's a nice, quiet atmosphere. So if you go on a date it's perfect to sit and converse and have a nice meal or even a friend's date to laugh eat and be merry.

Favorite Thai spot in the area so far! Consistently good, kind customer service, and reasonable prices. Really enjoy their pad see ew and curries.

Tai C.

The greatest little hole in the wall restaurant you will find in the bay. A hidden gem located right by lake merritt. Mainly the locals known about it. The food is very flavorful, fresh and has a wonderful taste to it. I love going to this place. This service is always right on point. And it's a nice, quiet atmosphere. So if you go on a date it's perfect to sit and converse and have a nice meal or even a friend's date to laugh eat and be merry.

nayre

Favorite Thai spot in the area so far! Consistently good, kind customer service, and reasonable prices. Really enjoy their pad see ew and curries.

Martin Flores Jr

I placed a to-go order at Chao Thai Cuisine and still had a great experience while waiting. The place has a vibrant, cozy vibe with colorful art pieces that really caught my eye. I ordered the yellow lamb curry with a side of white rice and some tod mun (Thai fish cakes)—both were on point. The curry was rich, flavorful, and had slices of jalapeños that gave it the perfect kick. The lamb was tender, and the fish cakes were crispy and packed with flavor. I also got to meet the owner, which made the visit feel even more personal. I’ll definitely be back for more!

robin johnson

I've been seeing this place for years finally went in there homemade cooking really really good

Ramona Wilson

Green curry Salmon, Papaya salad, Spicy Sole with vegetables, Basil chicken are my favs! Friendly, great quick service and ALWAYS DELICIOUSLY PREPARED! MMmmm...Mmmm...GOOD!!!

Tywana Johnson

Omg I tried this place for the 1st time not only was the service great but the food was soooooo delicious! I will most definitely be eating here again! I had the green curry salmon which was listed as one of the customers favorite and it is definitely my favorite dish here !! It's a must try

Yosheki R

Not only is the customer service A1…. That yellow veggie curry literally has every vegetable in the garden in it! My new yellow veggie curry place! Just an update! This place is awesome! I had a problem with one of my recent orders and at first the conversation started to go left. That’s why I love communication! I’m not a complainer..and if something that I love isn’t right. I feel I owe it to not only myself, but to the establishment to let them know something wasn’t right respectfully! Low and behold, they promised to make it right! I explained I don’t want anything for free… I literally have the whole order minus a spoon of rice!..and I love love the yellow vegetable curry, it just wasn’t the A1 quality I’m used to getting from them! Anywho I said all of that to say we as humans need to be the change we want to see in others! Communication is definitely the key! Now go get some of their awesome food and A1 customer service!

Appetizers were perfect, and the tofu fresh spring roll especially good, but the two entrees my family tried had very little meat. Service was friendly, so will definitely try it again.

Server was nice and food delicious. I had the Chicken Panang Curry and Thai spring roll lunch combo with Fresh spring rolls for an appetizer...and a Thai tea! I will definitely return to try other menu items.

Yummy yummy for my tummy. Soup makes me come back. My vegan husband has a nice selection to choose from. The night of our last visit there was only one waitress for the entire place and she maintained such a wonderful attitude. It was impressive.

Been here a few times. This time after star wars at the grand lake. Place was very busy with guests, take out orders, and managing the queue waiting for seats. The 2 women handling the front were super helpful, got our drinks and appetizers out quickly, and the mains right after. Amazing considering all that was going on. Food is family style so plenty on each plate. Highly recommend this place. Good food and friendly staff.

Favorite place to eat! The yellow curry chicken was wonderful! Really wish I lived in the area. It's so beautiful there. I miss being able to eat here. The yellow curry was sweeter, slightly, than where I've tasted others. Sweet, subtle, and light. It may not be what others may like about the dish, but I love the way this place makes it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this Thai restaurant. I have spent a total of 3 years in Thailand so i know Thai food and so to me most Thai restaurants in America fail to serve decent Thai Food. This place blew me away the food was great ! The curries and seafood dishes were delicious and authentic. I loved the spicy Calamari dish !

Cece Smith

Visiting from San Diego. Ordered shrimp Panang Curry, delish! The level of spices was perfect for my taste... Place is small, had difficulty finding it, it was hiding.. Their sign is not as attracted and visible. Thank goodness our GPS helped us ;D ...we had a great server and shes very sweet, friendly and fast. Food was wonderful! ..Most of all, we were pleased that we were able to sit outside with my bff furr baby. Definitely recommend this place!😁👍🏼💜🌻🌺

Erich Grois

It’s a really homey, affordable go-to for tasty Thai food. Usually come here post-boxing for some filling grub in the form of pad kee mao noodles or gai ping chicken. The space is intimate, so be prepared to be surrounded by warmth and conversation.

Curt P

Pretty good and fairly accurate with Thai flavors you'll get in Thailand. Prices are comparable to what you pay at Bay Area Thai places, portion sizes are fair to generous depending on what you order. Staff is friendly, nice spot and worth a try - you may end up a regular customer :) Definitely recommended dishes are their curries, stired fried eggplant & green beans (prik king) dishes. However, if you like your pad Thai on the dry side and noodles more firm, don't order (pad Thai here is decent flavor wise but is a little too mushy/soggy, noodles too soft).

Pretty good and fairly accurate with Thai flavors you'll get in Thailand. Prices are comparable to what you pay at Bay Area Thai places, portion sizes are fair to generous depending on what you order. Staff is friendly, nice spot and worth a try - you may end up a regular customer :) Definitely recommended dishes are their curries, stired fried eggplant & green beans (prik king) dishes. However, if you like your pad Thai on the dry side and noodles more firm, don't order (pad Thai here is decent flavor wise but is a little too mushy/soggy, noodles too soft).

It’s a really homey, affordable go-to for tasty Thai food. Usually come here post-boxing for some filling grub in the form of pad kee mao noodles or gai ping chicken. The space is intimate, so be prepared to be surrounded by warmth and conversation.

Visiting from San Diego. Ordered shrimp Panang Curry, delish! The level of spices was perfect for my taste... Place is small, had difficulty finding it, it was hiding.. Their sign is not as attracted and visible. Thank goodness our GPS helped us ;D ...we had a great server and shes very sweet, friendly and fast. Food was wonderful! ..Most of all, we were pleased that we were able to sit outside with my bff furr baby. Definitely recommend this place!😁👍🏼💜🌻🌺

+1

I bought the Pad Kee Mao and it's packed with vegetables. The price is extremely reasonable compared to other places. It was delicious!

Lola

I bought the Pad Kee Mao and it's packed with vegetables. The price is extremely reasonable compared to other places. It was delicious!

Nice people that run this restaurant, however food didn’t have any flavor but the portions are large. No AC, can get hot inside.

I ordered a chicken Pad Thai which was ok but I wouldn’t order it again. It was too moist, the chicken was a little bit hard, and it almost had no peanuts. Maybe that’s a personal preference but I have ordered chicken pad Thai from a lot of other places and it’s typically not that moist.

Eddy K

ATMOSPHERE: Good location right by Lake Merrit and Grand Theater, right across the street from the saturday farmers market. Great activity nearby, lively. A few outdoor tables available in the long corridor leading up to the restaurant entrance, not much sunlight but can be pleasant if warm. SERVICE: I usually don't write about service, but it was in particular bad. There are some things that are somewhat expected with the food, like utensils, napkins, etc. We kind of had to ask for everything piecemeal, while eating our appetizers with our fingers until we had the opportunity to ask (still had no napkins). FOOD: Standard Thai food. I saw an earlier mention that some of the meats were on the chewier side, which I agree with. The chicken in the green curry was a bit on the unexpectedly tough side. The green curry overall was decent, on par with any thai place. The Pad See Ew was actually very very good, very saucy, with chewy noodles. The shrimp deep fried spring rolls were also good, especially with the sauce.

ATMOSPHERE: Good location right by Lake Merrit and Grand Theater, right across the street from the saturday farmers market. Great activity nearby, lively. A few outdoor tables available in the long corridor leading up to the restaurant entrance, not much sunlight but can be pleasant if warm. SERVICE: I usually don't write about service, but it was in particular bad. There are some things that are somewhat expected with the food, like utensils, napkins, etc. We kind of had to ask for everything piecemeal, while eating our appetizers with our fingers until we had the opportunity to ask (still had no napkins). FOOD: Standard Thai food. I saw an earlier mention that some of the meats were on the chewier side, which I agree with. The chicken in the green curry was a bit on the unexpectedly tough side. The green curry overall was decent, on par with any thai place. The Pad See Ew was actually very very good, very saucy, with chewy noodles. The shrimp deep fried spring rolls were also good, especially with the sauce.

I ordered vegetarian panang curry. The vegetables were really overcooked and soggy. The curry taste more like watery sweet and sour soup than curry. Would not get again or recommend curry here.

Had the peanut sauce, veggies, tofu dish. 1st, you can get the same dishes around the corner for the same price BUT w/rice included. It’s about $2-$3 extra here. There were 4 pieces of tofu and sauce was very watery, w shavings of peanuts on top. Was still hungry after the $14meal so went to the other Thai restaurant on Grand

got take out- got pale noodles with an odd aftertaste and a very milky ultra sweet thai iced tea.. i don’t get the hype for this place i had to add soy sauce and pepper on my own to add flavor

Claudia Blanco

got take out- got pale noodles with an odd aftertaste and a very milky ultra sweet thai iced tea.. i don’t get the hype for this place i had to add soy sauce and pepper on my own to add flavor