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Laos Kitchen

4.6 (380 reviews)
ModerateLaotian, Thai
Closed • 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

LAOS KITCHEN · YELP ASSISTANT

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Casual
Intimate
Classy
Moderate noise

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Sticky rice and Mango

This place is a solid 4 stars in my book. The flavors are delicious and mild may still be a bit spicy to those who prefer "mild". Taking one star off for the Mango sticky rice. It lacked flavor and the condense milk that drapes the rice soaked very quickly and was not enough to give it a dessert flavor. My suggestion would be to have it on the side and let customers pour it onto the rice themselves, and give it a bit more than what it comes with. Overall, super yummy

Pra rahm with peanut sauce. Wow!!!
Willliam O.

The last two times we were there it was wonderful. However, for an anniversary lunch yesterday, (indigenous peoples day), we were disappointed. No lunch specials on a holiday the curt waitress told us when asking what we wanted to order. I think that could have been posted on the menues or at the front door. The place was busy and the noise was stifling...no it was NOT a cozy feeling. The fried shrimp appetizer was Overcooked, so beyond crispy. The green papaya salad was so spicy that the interesting flavors that are often the case with this item made for any other flavor to be lost. The Pra ram was its usual - Outstanding! Yes, we will return but certainly hope that this holiday outing was an exception - it was not a good experience.

Pun Khao Poon with pork eggrolls
Annie W.

The food at Laos Kitchen is amazing! Everything was light and fresh and the three of us devoured all of it! We ordered the Pun Khao Poon platter (lettuce wraps) with pork springrolls, pad thai with chicken, and the mango salad. The portions were very generous. The mango salad was the highlight of the meal, followed by the lettuce wraps. The dressing in the mango salad had just the right combination of sweet and tangy. We loved the addition of mint for the wraps, but I personally don't care for perilla leaves. The fish sauce accompanying the wraps was delicious and was also great over the pad thai, which was a bit on the bland side without it. Service was a bit less than perfect. When one diner asked for water, only her glass was refilled when another glass was obviously in need also; minor overlook, though. The one thing that was a bit disturbing was the noise level. It was extremely loud, so it was really difficult to hear each other talk. It didn't help that the party at the next table had a woman who cackled loudly when she laughed. It was a relief to step outside after we ate. Not sure what can be done to help with this, but it did make dining there not as pleasant as it could be. Even with this, I'd definitely return if I was in the area.

Menu 7.12.26
mao x.

I was excited to find a Lao/Thai restaurant in this part of the Bay and had to try it after a day at the French Market. We ordered the Lao-style beef larb with tripe, Lao-style papaya salad, sticky rice, and the yellow chicken curry with jasmine rice. The restaurant was clean, service was okay, and our food came out quickly. The portions were generous. My partner really enjoyed the yellow curry, though I found it a little sweeter than I prefer. Growing up eating Lao food, I was hoping for a bit more authenticity. The beef larb could have used more fresh herbs and bitterness, while the papaya salad lacked some of the pungent, funky flavors that make Lao papaya salad so memorable. Both dishes were good, but they felt toned down for a broader audience. Overall, it's a solid spot with flavorful food and generous portions. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu.

Very clean restroom
Sirikanya p.

Love it love it love it!!! Love the layout and decoration not to mention how friendly the staff were. Food wise, omg to die for! We got a combination of BBQ pork with papaya salad and black sticky rice and we asked if I could add one more Lao style papaya salad into it and she said 'yes!!' Also Nam Kao Tod and beef jerky were so tasty!! Would totally recommend this place!

Thai eggplant in the Pun Khao Poon special plate
Wendy A.

A very popular place. I chose the special plate called Pun Khao Poon--or was so much fun to make my own lettuce wraps! It included ingredients I've not had before (always a thrill!) including fresh coriander herbs and green-striped skinned Thai eggplant. Also included were delicately-flavored julienned ginger, vermicelli noodles. I also chose grilled salmon. The ambiance was lovely. There were about a half dozen 1-foot spongy squares on the ceiling that usually serve as sound dampeners. I'd recommend a few more to help with the sound level. The light fixtures are lovely--see photos. The patrons are very friendly and will make pleasant comments. Service was pleasant and attentive.

Arlo T.

My friend and I were looking for a place to eat after getting some Matcha. She decided on this place because we were looking into Lao or Thai food. So we ended up here. We parked a block away and just walked there. We were greeted as soon as we got in and received water. They menu was curated and easy to read. We ended up getting something simple because we had to be somewhere. We ended up getting some Pad See Ew and Pad thai. It was hella refreshing and good. I would come here again.

Storefront
Dave M.

I was looking for local Thai food to find a new "go to" locally, and came across this Laos food spot - named Laos. I felt compelled to stop in and try lunch. San Rafael 4th street has a lot to offer - and it's worth checking these spots out. The storefront is inviting and the inside of the restaurant is clean and well organized and appointed. The wine and beer list has few choices - and I would encourage a little more local variety to make it inviting to a wine lover like myself. I was efficiently approached by wait staff and felt welcomed I ordered Pad Woon Sen, which I've never before tried. The food came quickly - a beautiful dish of thin noodles and mushrooms with onions and celery adorned with steak. I finished my plate. Perfect lunch portion. Attentive service. The taste of quality ingredients and pride in their efforts. I will add this to my go-to spots in San Rafael!

Combo lunch plate - 1/2 beef, 1/2 chicken, sticky rice, papaya salad
Ambar C.

A downtown San Rafael gem that deserves more attention! Laos Kitchen sits right on 4th Street in the heart of downtown San Rafael, and it's one of those places that feels like a delightful discovery. It's the kind of spot you want to keep coming back to. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance: casual and welcoming, with enough space to accommodate groups without losing that cozy, neighborhood feel. There's a steady stream of diners, but it never feels rushed or overcrowded. The staff is genuinely friendly and attentive, happy to guide you through the menu without hovering. Speaking of the menu, there's plenty to choose from. The curry puffs (think Laotian-style samosas) are an absolute must. They're crispy, flavorful, and the perfect way to start your meal. The grill plates are equally impressive, with well-seasoned meats and generous portions that leave you satisfied but not overstuffed. Parking is surprisingly easy for downtown with plenty of street spots nearby, and a couple of garages within walking distance. The meters shut off at 6pm, so dinner here is especially convenient. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner with friends or a relaxed meal after exploring downtown, Laos Kitchen delivers. Honestly, exactly the kind of approachable, quality spot San Rafael needs more of. I'll definitely be back for the curry puffs, the grill plates, or maybe something new.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Pad Kee Mao - Drunken Noodles
Tiffany K.

Fantastic Thai/Lao restaurant on 4th street in downtown San Rafael. Loved the abundance of live orchids and tropical plants inside as well as the decor. It was a busy evening so the only seats we were offered were sharing a table with what looked like a first date (awkward) or sitting along the from window facing outwards. Choosing the latter, we would have occasional eye contact with everyone that happened to be walking by. That proved to make for an entertaining dining experience. We ordered the Spicy Green Beans with tofu ($16) described as deep-fried green beans sauteed with garlic, chili paste, basil, lime leaves, and bell peppers. OMG I loved this dish. The beans had just the right amount of crunch to them and the tofu had a sautéed exterior while soft inside. Also had the Pad Kee Mao, aka Drunken Noodles, ($16) with chicken. The rice noodles were not soggy in the least and chicken was tender. Saw two young men get into their car and while making eye contact, one of them started twerking right in front of me. We both had a good laugh. I would've invited the young gentleman to join me inside for a drink but daughter would have been horrified. Sadly I removed a star because my pet peeve is when establishments add tip on top of the taxed amount, it should be on top of the food amount. Why would I pay tip on top of a tax? Although the small print on the bill says that the tip amount is based off the food and taxed amount, if you don't read it you wouldn't know.

Love the interior lighting.
Ma L.

The food was okay, not exceptional. Service was good. Ambience was beautiful and very relaxing . One menu stated their Tom Yum has pineapple (really?!?) in it while another menu didn't mention "pineapple" in the Tom Yum's description. I specifically told the waitress NOT to put pineapple in the Tom Yum we ordered. Was served with Tom Yum; lo and behold - there were pineapple bits in it! Had to ask the waitress to bring us the right Tom Yum we ordered.

Food L.

I recently visited this Loas Kitchen and overall had a pleasant experience. The food was flavorful and tasted freshly prepared, with authentic Thai spices. Every dish arrived hot and perfectly presented. The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel welcome. The staff checked in regularly without being intrusive. However, the only downside was the noticeable smell upon entering the restaurant. It wasn't unpleasant enough to ruin the meal but was strong and a little distracting. Once seated, the atmosphere felt cozy and comfortable. Prices were reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

Papaya salad
Paweena L.

My mom wanted to take her friends for lunch. They ended up choosing Laos Kitchen again for the second time. What is good about this place ? Let me tell you! The food is Amazing with authentic Thai-Laos style. Also they have one Vietnamese dish as well. We are all neighbor in Southeast Asia. As they bring all culture in their cuisine , so it easy choice to come here and can taste them all. The services were amazing. The waitress/waiter were so helpful and friendly. We definitely will be back there again soon.

Mango w/ Sticky Rice

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3 years ago

Excellent food, I love this place! Service can be a little slow but it's fine. I come here everything chance I can.

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3 years ago

It was ok. Kinda cold and not a lot of ambiance, but that isn't why you go to this place. Had the pho. It was fine.

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2 years ago

The food here is amazing! Everything is fresh. The place was packed, but the service was still excellent.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Great food! Great service. Phenomenal food. No wonder they have great reviews. The barbecue beef packs a lot of great flavor.

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3 years ago

With a name like Laos, I did not expect superb Thai food but that's exactly what I got. Highly recommend!

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3 years ago

Delicious food, friendly staff, reasonable prices: everything you'd want in a fun neighborhood spot.

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2 years ago

Food was outstanding. Ambiance was reasonable. Service was timely and responsive. We are definitely going to be repeat customers.

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Great food! So glad this place has come to San Rafael. We've been a few times now and the food is consistent and yummy!

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3 years ago

Just really good food. I would definitely recommend and will be going back soon. Thai type food with their personal touch.

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3 years ago

Great service and atmosphere! The food tastes great and is very affordable for downtown San Rafael!

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Cute, clean place right in the middle of downtown San Rafael. The service & food were very good, it's very similar to Thai food.

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3 years ago

Awesome spot! The food is delicious, the service is amazing and the ambiance feels really nice. I highly recommend!

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Page 7 of 10

Laos Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Laos Kitchen

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Maya Thai Laos Restaurant

Maya Thai Laos Restaurant

4.4(275 reviews)
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I'm new in the area and searching for my go to Thai restaurant. I think I found it thanks to all…read morethese great YELP reviews. After a slight mistake with my order, which was quickly and generously corrected I've enjoyed veggie Pad Se Ew (seasoning isn't super sweet which I appreciated), both Yellow and Pumpkin (my new favorite) Chicken Curry and Fried Rice. All were excellent and I'm looking forward to trying more menu items. In addition to the delicious and thoughtfully made and presented food, the restaurant is clean, the service is excellent and it's a family run business where pride in the cooking shows. Definitely worth a try. I know I'll be back!

I was having dinner with my friend and his girlfriend and he really wanted to take us to this…read moreplace. I have been in this area before, but never ate at the restaurants here. I'm always down for Thai food, so we have it a try. Prawn Roll: These were pretty crispy and delicious. Not a huge fan of prawns, but they had the fried texture I expected. The sauce was really good and it was not too oily. Not a bad starter. Basil Wontons: These were fries really nicely and the sauce was delicious as well. Not too oily either and had a nice amount of filling with chicken and basil. Spicy Basil Chicken: My go to for Thai food is Basil Chicken. I got it medium spicy and it was the right amount of spice for me. There was ample amount of the chicken and the basil and the peppers. The sauce was not overwhelming or salty. Overall, a delicious entree. I had a great time eating here and I can see myself coming back again.

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Sue's Kitchen - Pad thai chicken

Sue's Kitchen

4.4(922 reviews)
12.6 mi
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Amazing staff. Friendly very warm and Welcoming!!'…read moreSon and mom greeted me and offered me a menu. I Already knew what I wanted. Been coming here since they opened. Never met the owners though. Since I was ordering to go, I went ahead and made my order. Kao soy and Nam Khao. It was Sunday so it was quiet. Only two people eating inside at the time. Usually it's full!!! I spoke with the mom and son and we had a great conversation. Made me feel as if I was family. I loved that! Lovely intimate setting. Great for large party's or by your self as well. Great date spot for two! I highly recommend coming here for the food is really delicious! You'll be in Heaven

It's been at least 5 years since my last visit to Sue's Kitchen, so I'm glad to find that my fave…read moreThai spot in the East Bay is still open for business. While some of the dishes hit the sweet spot for me, others left me wishing for something different. Our group ordered 6 different menu items to share and everything came out in quick succession: Nam Khao, Yum Pla Muek, Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Som Tum Gai Yang, and Massamun chicken curry. Of these dishes, the star was the Nam Khao. I loved the crunchy little grains of rice and the fermented pork added a nice tangy flavor profile to each bite. It would've been great if the dish had more pork pieces in it though. Yum Pla Muek (squid salad) had a spectacular sweet and sour dynamics overall, but ratio of protein to veggies needed an improvement. Despite the name, the dish felt more like a scavenger hunt for squid pieces hidden inside the sea of cabbage. Khao Soi was great in that the broth leaned more on the clear side rather than being overwhelmingly drowned in coconut milk. Flavor-wise, it was delicious but a bit oversalted for my taste. Pad Thai is pretty decent. The sweet and tangy mix was definitely present and the noodles were cooked to perfection. Somehow, I felt like it was missing something within its aromatics profile. Perhaps the green onions should've been lightly tossed with the noodles at the end rather than sprinkled on top as a garnish. Som Tum was dissappointing in my opinion. Judging from the appearance of the papaya shreds, the preparation process might've skipped the authentic "tum" (pounded) part in the goold ol' stone mortar and pestle. The flavor was also a bit bland and the usual basic ingredients like peanuts, green beans, and dried shrimps, were nowhere to be found. Gai Yang (grilled chicken) pieces were pretty good. However, instead of steamed rice, they really shoul've included sticky rice to keep the dish's authenticity. I wouldn't recommend this dish if you're a die-hard fan of the original version. Massamun chicken curry was a bit too thin in the curry part. I didn't personally try this dish, but the general comments from those who did was that it was just mid. Overall, there's no doubt I'll be hitting Sue's Kitchen up again soon. Service there was quick, attentive, and efficient. Their price-point is also very reasonable for the portion size of the food. I'd recommend this place for anyone who wants quick and delicious Thai-Laotian food in a more quaint neighborhood of East Bay.

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Lao Garden - Thu Lith's Famous Saikoo: Steamed tapioca balls w/ ground pork, sweet radishes, shallots ($25)

Lao Garden

4.5(144 reviews)
15.0 mi•West Berkeley

So blown away. My fiance and I tried this place on a whim after signing up for the InKind app at my…read moresister in law's suggestion. We decided to try this place craving something new, and we weren't disappointed. It wasn't busy around 6pm, but the vibes were really cute inside. I love the patio area they have. Would be perfect for a group meet up on a nice day. We ordered the pork sausage to start, the saikoo which according to my fiance is a must for laotian food, the yellow curry, and the crab fried rice. Everything was genuinely amazing. Here are my rankings below: Sausage: 8.5/10 Crab Fried Rice: (with the fish sauce) 9.5/10 Saikoo: (with the fish sauce) 9.5/10 Yellow Curry: 9/10 Would definitely order everything again. It's not quite thai, but thai with a twist I'd say. Bit on the pricey side, but everything was so fresh and you can see where the chefs are making everything, so you know you're getting quality. And the portions honestly made it really worth it. Such a great place! Will 100% be back.

Stopped by Lao Thai for lunch and had a bit of a mixed experience. We ordered the 3-piece chicken…read morewings from the lunch menu, and unfortunately they were pretty underwhelming -- nothing bad, just not particularly memorable. But the Lao papaya salad completely saved the meal. It had that perfect salty-sweet balance with just the right amount of punch, and paired with the sticky rice, it was SO good. The kind of combination where you keep going back for "one more bite" until suddenly it's gone. Honestly, I would come back just for that papaya salad and sticky rice. Sometimes one dish is enough to earn a return visit, and this was definitely it. #PapayaSalad #LaoFood #StickyRice #FoodieFinds

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Thai Lao Restaurant - 25. Pad Thai with shrimp

Thai Lao Restaurant

4.2(172 reviews)
14.1 mi
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Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good Thai restaurant! Bravo Hercules, this place is a keeper…read more Thai Lao is delicious and the name says it all. It's a combination between Laotian and Thai flavors and cuisine and it's delightful. All my favorites were on the menu, spring rolls, chicken satay, crab wonton, crab fried rice, pineapple fried rice, basil catfish, yellow curry, duck noodle soup... I can go on and on. One of the specials on the menu was: trout with mango salad this is not something I would typically order but I wanted to try something new. It was delicious and a keeper on the menu if they can! The flavoring was perfect and it was very filling. The restaurant was very clean, quaint and cozy inside. There was only one other table so there was great service. I will be going back to try other things on the menu. As usual I was soooo hungry I forgot to take a picture of everything, but I managed two snap shots! Don't worry I'll be back - more footage to come.

This area of Hercules is a hidden gem no doubt. Tucked away in a shopping center, there are so many…read moregood eats including Thai Lao. It's so aesthetically pleasing inside (see pics and video). The owner was there when we entered, and we were able to chat about Thailand and the Lao culture. So friendly and welcoming! Service was quick, efficient, and portions were ample for the lunch specials. We ordered chicken satay to start (comes with a nice helping of peanut sauce and cucumber salad), a pad Thai for the table with tofu, and a few lunch plates including the yellow curry, pad krapow, and spicy eggplant. Everything was packed full of flavor, and they bring a spice/sauce tray out to the table if you need to bring your dish up a notch. The lunch special comes also with a 2-piece appetizer like potstickers, egg rolls, and curry puffs which I thought was a nice touch. Plenty of shopping center adjacent (and free) parking, and wallet friendly. They serve Thai/Laos beer, wine, and a nice dessert menu. Would love to come back and try the Lao's menu including the papaya salad and larb.

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Laos Kitchen - laotian - Updated November 2026

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