Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar

My friend and I went to Basil Thai Restaurant and Bar for SF restaurant week, and it struck a positive chord with its nice ambiance and friendly service. The restaurant itself has a contemporary feel, with sleek décor and a lively atmosphere.
Our server was attentive and prompt, making sure our water glasses were always full and answering any questions we had about the extensive menu. Speaking of the menu, it's a Thai food lover's dream! They offer a wide array of dishes, from classic noodle and fried rice options to soups, salads, rice plates, and enticing snacks.
Their Restaurant Week deal for $45 included a three-course meal and a drink.
And that's what we tried.
They also had happy hour going on when we were there, so we ordered some snacks and drinks on the side - $10 cocktails, $6 snacks, $5 beer, and $9 house wine. Here's a breakdown of some of the dishes we tried: Steamed Pork & Crab Dumplings: While the filling was flavorful, the dough was a bit thick and undercooked at first.
We mentioned this to the staff, and they kindly offered to cook them a bit longer.
The second attempt was better, but the dough was still a tad thicker than ideal. Thai Aguachile: This dish was a refreshing take on ceviche.
Shrimp, scallops, and squid were bathed in a zesty lime marinade and served with crispy sesame rice crackers.
It was a perfect light and flavorful starter. BBQ Pork Ribs: The ribs were not your typical fall-off-the-bone ribs but they were cooked well.
The accompanying green papaya and carrot slaw provided a nice crunch, while the smoked tomato relish added a touch of smokiness that balanced the sweetness of the ribs. Pan-Roasted Japanese Scallops: These perfectly cooked scallops were bathed in a savory Thai XO sauce and accompanied by tempura green beans.
It was delicious and beautifully presented dish. Sweet Mango & Coconut Cream Sticky Rice: This classic Thai dessert did not disappoint.
The sticky rice was perfectly cooked, and the sweetness of the mango paired beautifully with the creamy coconut sauce. Thai Iced Tea: A refreshing and classic beverage to complement the meal. We also tried a few other dishes that were not on the Restaurant Week menu but were definitely worth it: Indian Flat Bread & Curry: This dish offered a delightful surprise – crispy flatbread paired with a flavorful and savory vegetable curry. Corn Fritters, Cucumber Salad 'Kao Pode Tod': These crispy fritters were a delightful textural contrast to the cool and refreshing cucumber salad. Overall, Basil Thai offers a modern take on classic Thai dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
While the undercooked dumplings were a minor misstep, the friendly service, extensive menu, and delicious food make it a great choice for a fun and flavorful dining experience.
Especially with the Restaurant Week deal, it's a great opportunity to try a variety of their offerings at a good value.

Delicious food.
Huge portions.
Amazing wait staff.
Great vibe. We went for the first night of SF Restaurant Week expecting small bites given the moderately low price point.
Instead, each app and main course was a meal on its own.
Add in a dessert and drink?! This might have been the best deal in town. I've also eaten there on a normal night - the food and drink menus were equally good.
Well worth a visit.

Some of the best Thai food in SOMA! Highly recommend.
We had VERY slow service, but that was because there were two large groups.
Typically it’s pretty standard.