Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Thai Smile in San Rafael

4.5 (130) 534 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Categories

Thai restaurant

Location on the map

San Rafael, Marin County, California, US

Phone: +1 415-454-2626
Site: http://thaismilesanrafael.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Friday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Sunday:4–9 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

130 Reviews for Thai Smile 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-06 19:02:40

Having moved to San rafael 6 months ago from San Jose, where I grew up eating Asian food. I had to try all the new spotsThai Smile was the first spot to be a regular sit-down spot for me.Sandy is super friendly and welcomes everyone.The food is amazingTo-go portions are bigPrice is very reasonableAlways accommodating and adding extras like spices or vegetarian substitutes when I bring guests.

Review №2

2023-08-11 05:39:48

This was one of those rare experiences that makes you dust off your Google review account just to come out of the woodwork and say how excellent this restaurant is. I walked in around closing time and was greeted by Sandy with the warmest welcome Ive ever received so late in operation hours. The Tom Yum soup and Pineapple Fried Rice hit the spot. It was also an affordable option for quality food, which is hard to come by in these inflationary times. Thai Smile is truly a delightful experience through and through!

Review №3

2023-03-10 22:32:44

Surprisingly great food. True testament of a Thai restaurant is the curry, how much development goes into it, or if they simply mix the paste with coconut milk and call it a day. This curry is thick and flavorful, the Prik Kin wok fried dish was stunning, and the pad ki mau was very good also. Their portions are generous, and the server Sandy was very sweet. Would definitely come back here and avoid some of the other lazy Thai restaurants nearby.

Review №4

2022-05-23 05:59:14

I was never a Thai food lover. But trying (Thai smile )Thai food I am in love with Thai food. Tom Yun soup is fresh n delicious. Me and my wife we love their Thai food .the owner of this restaurant is so sweet and welcoming person .

Review №5

2022-03-29 20:56:18

Yummy flavors. The curry was not as creamy as others but the spicy taste was wonderful. The Tom kha soup was especially tasty in a rainy day. Will come back again to try other dishes.

Review №6

2023-06-27 19:25:46

One of the best!!! When they say HOT they mean HOT… portions are very satisfying. Plenty of taste! Choice your spice level wisely.

Review №7

2022-09-10 20:38:53

First time with family for take out. We went on Labor Day bc our go to Thai was closed. We ordered pad thai and pad see ew. Both we just ok. Noodle dishes were either over cooked or not cooked enough. Wait was about 15 minutes longer than expected. Not totally sure it would be a repeat.

Review №8

2017-11-21 02:23:57

Our small family of three went here by just random search in google where to eat dinner. We love Thai food and we were not disappointed. I ordered Fresh rolls & BBq pork and my husband had some BBq Calamari and Beef curry, they were amazing!!! The server is an older lady, very accommodating and friendly. We will come back for sure!😁👍

Review №9

2022-12-17 15:59:33

The sauce for chicken satay taste really different from usual. I dont like the texture of Pad See-Ew.

Review №10

2023-11-13 03:24:06

I love this thai restaurant. So far my favorite in Marin. Had the green and penang curry. They can make them vegan. Owner is a sweetheart

Review №11

2021-09-25 07:16:45

The food was delicious and the owner is really friendly! We ordered the barbecue pork and the pad Thai. Both were great! The prices are also very affordable.

Review №12

2023-02-11 23:18:01

This is a family run business and some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They are pumpkin curry is one of my favorites. Ive never been disappointed with anything that Ive ordered from here.Ive been coming here for years and they treat you like family.They are fast and affordable but just know that if they are super busy your food might take a little longer as the family runs the place without much Or any additional Employees.The Thai ice tea with coconut milk is also amazing

Review №13

2023-07-30 03:23:49

The food was AMAZING. I got the pumpkin curry, which is DELICIOUS!!!!! I would eat this breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also cater well to vegans :)

Review №14

2023-04-19 05:20:25

Good quality served in good time sats this reviewer and owner of large restaurant in India.

Review №15

2022-06-04 17:25:41

A small, wonderful place with delicious Thai offerings. The pumpkin curry was easily one of the best meals ever. A creamy curry broth with chunks of pumpkin and other veggies....so yummy. Our waitress was very friendly and interacted with all customer in this warm and inviting demeanor. They were not only customers,but her friends. People who have been coming here for year after year. Enough said.

Review №16

2023-07-22 02:18:24

Sweet little mom and pop Thai shop- cute outdoor seating area, good service, tasty food!

Review №17

2023-10-19 19:27:27

Pretty good Thai food that satiated my craving for Pad Thai and curry.

Review №18

2023-10-01 01:44:41

Such a sweet spot with good vibes, family friendly and fresh food!

Review №19

2021-10-19 20:11:24

I pass by this place every day and its always busy- Im not sure why it took me so long to try it! Excellent red curry, rice, and noodle dishes. The dinner portions are huge and very reasonably priced.l, especially for Marin. Well definitely be back!!

Review №20

2023-04-03 22:46:27

I always have a great meal at Thai Smile. Owners are so pleasant. They are helpful and never rush us. Alway a good meal!

Review №21

2022-12-17 01:05:15

Tom Yum soup was ok. Ordered the curry without coconut milk and it was the most tasteless 🤮 curry I’ve ever had. I really don’t know why it’s even on the menu

Review №22

2022-11-12 06:20:49

Amazing service and amazing food.The best Gaeng panang Ive ever had, the sweet woman who helped us made us feel so homely and comfortable. Thank you thank you this will now be our regular spot when we come to town

Review №23

2021-06-29 02:31:31

One of my favorite places in San Rafael. The owner is absolutely delightful and the food is delicious. Curry noodle soup and Pad ke Mao are my go-tos. Not the fastest, but whats the rush?! Highly recommend. Looking forward to ordering again soon. Such a comforting place.

Review №24

2019-11-24 05:43:53

Oh my god... this is the place to go! I went here with my family and absolutely loved it. The staff and so sweet and professional! There is food for everyone, people who want hot or mild or even medium! There is something for even vegetarians! This is definitely the place to get quality food! Get something you will LOVE for a reasonable price!! There is also plenty of seating so don’t be fooled by what you see from the outside in. Can’t wait to go back there again! (Sorry for seeming potentially overly enthusiastic but wow this food is amazing and there is such an amazing vibe in this place, truly magical)

Review №25

2020-08-30 17:35:33

This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Rafael! Intimate and welcoming environment, to go option is a necessity these days but I can’t wait to be able to dine in again. The sweetest and most welcoming staff! I’m a big fan of their curry options, the angel wings and the larb chicken salad.

Review №26

2020-09-17 23:20:06

I have been going to Thai Smile regularly for many years and always have a super positive experience here. The staff always greets me with warm smiles and makes me feel very welcomed. The food is always delicious and has never disappointed! My favorite Thai place in San Rafael, highly recommended Thai Smile!

Review №27

2022-08-30 04:27:25

If you want a lovely experience, with wonderful care, kind smiles, and absolutely delicious food, this place is it. Everything was prepared with love, and you can taste the difference in every bite you take. I will be coming back for more!

Review №28

2021-03-21 01:05:13

Thai Smile is absolutely delicious! We love the curries, BBQ beef, iced tea, and sticky rice with mango dessert! The portions are great and affordable! This is my family’s favorite Thai restaurant in San Rafael.

Review №29

2021-04-24 03:58:19

As someone posted about a week ago something is wrong with their takeout service. Called in an order, they told me 15 mins for pick up. When I arrived there were several people waiting out front. A lady would open a locked door, call out a name, give them a bill and take a payment. About 15 minutes later they got there food. I saw this happen 4 times. After being there for 30 minutes I asked if they had started on my order they had not. Frustrating as the woman twice asked my name when she took payments from others. Maybe they lost my order. After waiting for 30 minutes, total 45 minutes after my order I told them to cancel it. I received no apology or acknowledgment that they even cared or interested and in serving me. I went down the street to Bay Thai got a meal to go, which was great. And I got great service and was treated with respect. Like they were appreciative of my business. Thai Smile might have good food, but based on my experience they don’t have much respect for their customers. Be ready for a long wait if you order food to go. Meanwhile, I’m going to take my business where lt’s appreciated.

Review №30

2018-02-25 04:49:32

Based on reviews, expected a great meal. Pad Thai.. I make better at home, BBQ beef... was somewhat authentic as it was as tough as water buffalo in SE Asia, and curry may have come out of a can! Kind people but Thai street food is better.

Review №31

2018-07-04 15:48:58

This is a small family owned Thai food restaurant that I have been coming to for years. It doesnt have a big spacious interior but their food is always great.You can also order for take out which makes for a great way of introducing Thai food to people who would otherwise not got to the restaurant.They have a good space of parking in the back of the building but it can be missed if driving to fast by 4th street.Overall I believe if you like or love Asian food and want to try out Thai this is a great place to start and while youre there try out their Pad Thai a staple for Thai food.

Review №32

2021-03-26 21:28:14

We are regulars at Thai Smile. The food and recipes are fantastic. We have our favorites and somehow they always kindly remember that we are vegans. Great food and served with warm welcome.

Review №33

2011-05-17 04:16:52

Rich food, friendly staff, and comforting environment. I love this place! I am in Marin county 3 weeks out of the year for work. The last time I was back was last year in May. I went into day and the staff instantly recognized me and gave me a big hug. They are the nicest people and treat their guests so well. The food is some of the best Ive had, and I travel up and down Cali for my work. I was a regular for 3 weeks last year and will be whenever Im around. Try this place! (they even have a special seating area open to anyone which is private with curtains and pretty unique). Try it!

Review №34

2013-02-14 19:07:37

Ive been here way too many times. Its such a good spot. If youre in the area and are craving some good curry dish I recommend the coconut curry. Im a sea food lover so of course I selected the combination sea food but the chicken is as good. Plus the lady is so nice. Always great customer service.

Review №35

2022-01-13 04:25:35

I have eaten here before and they have always served great food..but this time it was so horrible that my husband threw the food in the trash. On top of that, I kept on saying pad Thai while placing the order and she gave stir fry vegetables and charged me more for that too. Never going back.

Review №36

2014-01-26 02:51:22

Accidentally strolled in when in San Rafael. It is larger inside than it appears outside but patrons are still sort of cozy. I ate duck with stir fried veggies, and everything was spiced and cooked just right. They have an extensive menu and Im going to try everything. The service was also excellent and caring and Im going to order take out right now. The prices arent high at all but like everything in Marin it isnt cheap. If you like authentic Thai food you will be ecstatic.

Review №37

2020-07-08 02:47:18

Been going here for years. The owners are elderly now, and the hostess (owner)is the smiling godess. Shes a lovely woman and very genuine and kind. They make the most comforting curry, fattest satay, yummy green papaya salad..price is cheap and taste is big. Place is cozy but not fancy. Wait for to go orders can be a bit, but thats cuz in person diners are a priority. If you are one of fussy Marin entitled, please stay away...no ones gonna coddle you, its not giving you that nordstrom vibe, and those of us who love it, dont want to hear your whine either...more for us! haha.

Review №38

2016-04-22 07:55:24

I love this place!!! My favorites are the curry noodle soup and the pumpkin curry. Super friendly people! I really cannot praise this place enough! You should go here, Im certain it will be your new favorite thai food restaurant!

Review №39

2018-02-19 02:53:08

The place is adorable, the staff were nice, the Green Curry with Chicken was good. Pad Tai was a heap of sticky noodles, had just one bite, that was enough. Basil Chicken, not horrible but not too good either, lacked flavor and needed more basil. The Larb Salad was ok. Wish the food was better because it would be a gem if it was. I would give it another chance, but stay with the curries.

Review №40

2019-08-20 06:41:28

Youll always be greeted with a warm smile here - we have. The food is consistently good, the portion size good. Not too little and no too much. I always walk away feeling sated and treated well.

Review №41

2021-07-28 01:40:25

Amazing food, even better service! It was such an incredible find, wish I found it sooner. Traditional Thai food!! Feels like a moms kitchen kind of spot!

Review №42

2017-09-06 18:38:03

I went to see a play @Marin Shakespear Theater. STill early so I decided to find some grubs. Thai Smile popped up on my search of nearby restaurant, closest one instead of McDonald. The restaurant is very small but cozy on 4th street. Few cafe style tables outside the door, as well as indoor. My first impression was that it mustve been a local favorites, as the owner and wait lady talked to most of these dinners as if they have been coming a long time. She even offered to help holding a new born so mom can eat. I took my left over curry with me, to my surprise, she packed additional rice just so I wont have to search for it the next day. Very sweet mom and pop type of restaurants. Their soup and pumpkin curry are the bomb!!!

Review №43

2019-04-25 03:53:14

This is easily SAN RAFAEL‘s best Thai restaurant. Any of the curry dishes, especially the red curry is pretty amazing. This place is consistent and you can easily call ahead and come in and pick it up.

Review №44

2023-05-18 16:06:50

Delicious food. Great service. Clean. Would recommend ☺️

Review №45

2017-01-26 16:39:36

Great food, always busy curry chicken, prawns, beef noodles are a hit on a cold day. Their service is sometimes slow otherwise is a great place to eat outside during the summer since indoors is a bit small but cozy.

Review №46

2021-04-13 22:35:29

I ordered chicken Phad Thai to go. I waited for almost 30 minutes and when I got home I opened the box to find a strange tofu noodle dish and no utensils or chopsticks or anything. Very dissapointing. The few bites I did eat were OK I guess.

Review №47

2018-01-22 04:57:57

The only reason I’m not giving this place 5 stars is because my order was delivered to a different table and I had to wait another 15 minutes to eat. However the food is delicious and everyone is super friendly. I’m definitely coming back for the yellow curry :)

Review №48

2017-12-04 01:37:09

Yellow curry was the best Ive ever had and the Pad Thai was excellent. Great flavors and a very welcoming environment. Server was very peaceful and inviting.#Combinations

Review №49

2020-09-21 01:58:06

Love this place! Neighborhood restaurant that has successfully adapted to covid and is such an easy and tasty way to do dinner. Order and pickup easy with parking nearby. Good food, and very friendly service.

Review №50

2018-04-23 22:45:56

Always come with the family and always get they yellow curry w/ chicken and the staff is friendly we got really got close to the owner sandy!!! Such lovely people!!! And great yummy tasting food ❤️

Review №51

2012-05-18 04:19:30

Very rich tasty food. Had the papaya salad, pumpkin curry and bbq beef with friends. Everyone loved it so much that we decided to thank them with a 6 out of 5 stars!

Review №52

2016-06-27 00:27:18

Started as an indisicive afternoon of wanting something delicious but not being able to settle. Wasnt interest in American or Mexican, and the wifey said lets try this whole in the wall. We sit down and order some Tai ice teas to start, on spot, great tastes, then we order the spring rolls and the chicken puff Kari to get going, real good. The main entrees we ordered was the beef pad sewee and beef pad thai and red peanut curry chicken with a side of rice. The food was awesome, earned a star on my wifes and Is Google map. Will definitely come back.

Review №53

2017-03-03 02:44:13

The most authentic Thai restaurant in Marin county. Thai Smile is indicative of the philosophy of the owners. It is a remarkably enjoyable dining experience for the food and because of the attitude of the proprietors.

Review №54

2018-06-16 03:51:03

Great local place for Thai food. Good food and friendly people. Fried Pork Spring roll was very good. Green and pumpkin curries are very tasty.

Review №55

2020-09-17 03:21:48

The name is perfect for this place. They are always so friendly! And are always willing to accommodate my food sensitivities. I love coming here.

Review №56

2021-06-12 03:37:04

Amazing food...went for the first time.... everything was great. Sweet and cozy restaurant. Smiling staff. Really friendly and welcoming.

Review №57

2022-04-03 08:22:05

Great food, great service. Authentic Thai/lao cuisine. Will be back for more.

Review №58

2019-04-23 05:30:29

Food is so delicious here. Best if youre not in a hurry, take the time to enjoy every bite and dont forget the coconut sticky rice with mango for dessert!

Review №59

2023-01-02 22:43:55

Stellar panang curry. Outdoor seating is a plus in good weather

Review №60

2017-07-20 03:24:41

5star curry noodle soup&customer service. My friends enjoyed their order as well but I stay at 4star because I havent been here enough to grant the 5th

Review №61

2019-04-22 17:59:20

I had a curry dish which was alright, my girlfriend had the lamb which was one of the driest pieces of meat either of us had ever consumed. We eat at a lot of Thai restaurants and decided this was one where we wouldnt return.

Review №62

2017-09-30 02:56:43

Great lunch today - red curry on coconut milk with chicken and rice. Very kind and friendly older couple that made excellent job :)

Review №63

2017-07-11 02:50:29

Good place. Service was a little slow but we were in no rush so it was just as fast as we wanted. Peanut sauce Sautee was on point.

Review №64

2016-08-10 03:40:35

They were really very kind and down to earth. The food was very delicious and we have totally stuffed with the amount. Prices were relatively very low.

Review №65

2020-10-24 22:58:47

Watching my grandchildren for the weekend so I asked my oldest granddaughter what her favorite for dinner was and she said Thai Smile. She was right it was delicious!!

Review №66

2018-12-13 03:09:45

Love the food...when they got my order wrong they offered to replace it...looking forwrd to it😉...I especially love the quaint patio in front...it feels like Los Angeles dining this way😎

Review №67

2019-01-06 18:21:36

It is my go to thai restaurant in marin. I live in Novato and there is no good thai, so I stop here if Im coming from SF. Easy off and on to the freeway. Very friendly staff.

Review №68

2022-05-04 02:34:59

I ordered green chicken curry and white rice, spicy wings and a mango sticky rice and it was delicious 😍😍😍

Review №69

2018-02-03 07:43:24

We got BBQ squid (bad) Satay Chicken (mediocre) and an additional dish completely unmemorable! My last choice in Marin!

Review №70

2021-02-27 08:41:12

Love this family-owned restaurant. Two outdoor tables on a quiet section of 4th (or pick-up To Go)

Review №71

2018-02-15 22:26:20

We love this place. Food is great. Inexpensive. Family owned by the nicest people. The best!

Review №72

2016-11-06 02:40:02

Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. The eggplant salad with roasted coconut was amazing.

Review №73

2017-12-10 09:44:38

Love this place. Excellent Thai food, friendly family who owns it and reasonable prices!!

Review №74

2019-08-18 04:38:36

Wonderful family-run authentic Thai. One of the owners reminds me of my grandmother, which I love.

Review №75

2019-02-27 02:16:04

Always delicious. We have never been disappointed with our meals here.

Review №76

2020-09-10 20:14:30

Lots of smiles, and great food. Definitely my go to Thai restaurant in Marin.

Review №77

2022-09-25 16:09:47

Always a smile from our servers and very good food

Review №78

2016-03-05 19:01:33

Love this place, consistently good food. I usually get the fresh spring rolls and pad kee mao

Review №79

2016-12-26 06:15:13

My family and I ate here for x-mas dinner and drove home speechless. Impeccable taste and lovely staff.

Review №80

2022-08-04 06:09:56

So delicious foods and the owner really nice with customers.

Review №81

2019-12-16 22:57:59

Food is great but I think old lady that works there is on happy drugs, Lol

Review №82

2017-07-18 10:44:19

Very friendly, good food, our go-to Thai restaurant in San Rafael.

Review №83

2018-04-04 02:08:40

I love it nice place food very god I will definitely recommend

Review №84

2017-03-14 05:15:52

Love the place, feels like family going there. Best fresh rolls too!

Review №85

2016-05-18 02:17:55

Worst Pad see we Ive ever had. The noodles were so overcooked, they were like porridge.

Review №86

2018-07-26 17:20:55

I would highly recommend! Slow service but really good food at a good price.

Review №87

2019-01-22 04:23:44

This is the place to go to if you want authentic Thai food.

Review №88

2018-06-22 03:05:16

Great food, awesome customer service, would definitely recommend!

Review №89

2019-07-01 11:05:59

Quirky staff, good homemade style food, we keep coming back over the years

Review №90

2022-06-03 05:31:20

Best fried rice Ive ever had

Review №91

2019-08-20 21:22:45

It went to this place wasnt sure if i should have gone there,have heard nothing but good things but the day i went well it was like I didnt want to disturb them so i wont b going back.....

Review №92

2016-11-26 19:50:14

Nice good. Authentic Thai cooking. Enjoyed the lunch

Review №93

2021-07-05 04:57:07

The service was good, the food fresh, and everyone was kind!!

Review №94

2017-06-09 16:52:00

Small one but tasty food. People are good and service is good.

Review №95

2023-03-08 06:34:23

Good vibes, good food. :-)

Review №96

2018-07-07 10:44:35

Lovely tasty food served by helpful and delightful servers

Review №97

2018-02-20 16:10:51

One waitress for this place, she could not keep up and didnt understand English very well.

Review №98

2020-12-08 20:25:27

Food wasn’t to bad needed a bit more flavor

Review №99

2023-06-19 06:02:55

This is a go to for the college students!

Review №100

2019-07-12 00:47:53

This place never disappoints. Scrumptious food.

Review №101

2020-06-07 01:55:33

Just very over rated. Will never order here again

Review №102

2022-01-29 18:21:13

The red curry with tofu was AMAZING.

Review №103

2021-03-09 14:38:01

Okay. Not a great fan of Thai food

Review №104

2016-01-31 09:28:13

Good tasting food and smiley service.

Review №105

2021-06-21 16:34:36

Take out lunch, very filling and good

Review №106

2022-09-16 18:13:06

Food is very delicious.

Review №107

2017-09-26 23:36:26

Delicious food and great environment and service

Review №108

2018-07-09 20:33:43

Really tasty food and nice people.

Review №109

2019-01-21 23:33:06

Great food! great lady!

Review №110

2018-10-25 05:48:12

Very friendly people and good foid

Review №111

2018-03-02 04:18:05

Love this place, the owners are wonderful people.

Review №112

2017-11-08 23:33:03

Our favorite Thai in San Rafael!

Review №113

2017-12-26 16:15:42

In San Rafael you have better options

Review №114

2017-12-02 20:36:01

Excellent. Definitely going back.

Review №115

2018-11-29 22:01:51

Best thai food ever

Review №116

2021-08-26 18:15:36

No open at lunch

Review №117

2018-01-01 05:39:03

All I hafto say, is wow 😍

Review №118

2017-04-08 20:04:03

Very welcoming!

Review №119

2019-07-09 18:53:42

Great thai food

Review №120

2017-09-05 03:44:37

Really not good

Review №121

2021-03-30 01:32:40

Best thai in town

Review №122

2017-05-03 07:50:17

Excellent food.

Review №123

2019-04-11 01:44:40

My favorite place

Review №124

2018-04-19 16:55:15

Yum

Review №125

2018-12-02 16:51:01

Sawadee... alli....

Review №126

2018-08-29 03:14:22

Food is good

Review №127

2018-10-23 03:48:34

Delicious....

Review №128

2020-09-07 15:24:25

I.love.this.place!!!

Review №129

2018-09-19 15:04:43

Excellent service... Chang Beer is worth a try. The taste very good.

Review №130

2019-10-09 01:25:29

Delicious for the palate 🤤