This place looks like a rundown/abandoned building in the front - there is very little signage and the windows are blocked out by hanging tapestries. But as soon as you walk in the door, you're surrounded by a lovely atmosphere and authentic Thai experience, from decor to ambiance to food presentation and serving/plateware. Best Thai food I've ever had! The fried whole trout special was amazing and the wait staff cuts it right in front of your. The red curry was creamy and delicious and the Thom Yom soup was great as well and so was the wine selection. Friendly service and the piano player was a nice touch! read more

Uhhhhmmmmm. That was RIDICULOUS. One of the best meals I've had. Not in a long time. Not in the PNW. EVER. It was delicious. We had spring roles, Pad Thai, green curry, and a shrimp / tofu in fish sauce dish...with mango sticky rice as a kicker. I was so full but couldn't stop eating. Bartender whipped us up some black manhattans that were delicious. The service was just as good as the food....everyone was super friendly and conversational and made the night a great experience. We made the trip out from Seattle and will make this a go to spot even though it's a ferry ride away. Loved it. read more

Unbelievably good Thai food! Been coming here weekly for a doze of deliciousness made with love and kindness. I honestly think May is the only actual restaurant on the whole island. Wish they stayed open seven days a week! read more

WOW! We almost missed this place! A store owner mentioned it while we were shopping down the street. Not realizing that Thai on Vashon was an option we promptly dropped our dinner plans for another restaurant and went right over to May's. Even at 5:30pm the restaurant was packed and we could only get a seat at the bar for 6:30. It was worth the wait! Everything we ordered was amazing. From the fresh rolls, the dish with the long, unpronounceable name, and the tasty drinks, we loved it all! The service was excellent and the love of their jobs really showed through in the employee's attitude. I can see why this is one of 100 best restaurants in the nation. This is a must when on Vashon Island! read more

I've only been in for a girls night of drinks. I was so happy. My husband and I plan to come for a meal soon.

I have been to Mays on a number of occasions and have always been impressed with the food and service. The decor is also special with most of it coming from Thailand. It is truly a special experience read more

Difficult to imagine a more "sleeper" establishment than this. Would swear it was an abandoned building. But..two if not three of our friends ( in one week ) hearing of our joy of Vashon recommended our visiting May's. Just look for those lions on either side on the top of the building...I was still amazed the door opened and what a delight it turned out to be. There is a bit of a zen purring meditational vibe present and some tantalizing food & drink to boot. Thomas regaled us w / his deft of hand magic tricks & I have the highest hopes that my son meets up with Roksha one day. We cannot get back too soon. Thank you May's read more

Oh yeah ! This is heaven . I plan my trips to the "rock" around the days they're open.. I have never had a bad meal here, The staff is always helpful if you don't know what to order. read more

The food was great but the hostess was incredibly rude. She greeted couples that came through the doors after me twice and completely ignored me to the point that one couple literally stepped around me to talk to her. I felt awkward and insulted at that point and interrupted after the second time it happened to ask if I could just seat myself at the bar. She said yes but if I sat at the side since it was very full. I assumed she just had something against singles so went and sat at the center of the bar anyways. After 10 minutes I finally got a menu. Then I got asked to move by the rude hostess who then explained there where reservations for that portion of the bar. Simple respect from the beginning would have made it a better night. Apparently they do not want single people eating there read more

Did we come on an 'off night/'????? Service was EXTREMELY slow, food mediocre (with the exception of the flash fried watercress appetizer and perfectly cooked jasmine rice). With the exception of the lovely Hilary who came by our table more than our assigned server, Kalab, we were truly disappointed after we had raved about May Kitchen to our visiting guests. Leftover food was incomplete as well. Really wanted this to be a special meal - not this time. read more

We came here after reading all the reviews. Pad Thai is my favorite food and I've never met a pad Thai I didn't like. We were going to get two pad Thais but decided to spread things out. We got the moo satay, thom kha soup and a chicken pad Thai. Also Thai iced tea that was really great. The place is beautiful and the service is great. Everything was pretty good. Just wasn't as ground breaking as I had my expectations on based on other reviews. Still totally worth coming. However, if you are in Seattle and you are thinking of coming to vashon purely for the restaurant. You can just go to Mays on 45th in Wallingford. Even better ambiance and honestly I couldn't tell a difference in the pad thai. In regards to the soup, it was pretty good, but the best one is probably thai Siam on 15th in Ballard/crown hill. read more

I would make the ferry trip to Vashon just to eat here again. Don't know where to start... the wonderful food, the serene and inviting decor, the attentive service. This is probably the best Thai food I've ever had, and I LOVE Thai food AND live in West Seattle... so you know what I'm comparing it against. Ms. May does the cooking herself, so it might take a few minutes to get your food (think Vashon time), but when you do it will be worth every bite. I went with 3 other companions and we ordered 4 dishes: the green coconut chicken curry, a cashew and chicken dish, an eggplant dish, and a wide noodle dish with pork. Each dish we ordered had its own unique and layered flavor profile. Exquisite food. Most dishes come with meat or vegi options. The red jasmine rice was a wonderful complement. Although the place was packed full, we were able to have comfortable conversation without consciousness of our neighboring diners or concern that they were listening to us. Our waiter was there at just the right times... never cloying, never interrupting, and he knew and described the dishes well and accurately, and gave us guidance when we asked. The prices are moderate. We went on a Sunday evening, and it was a full house. Reservations recommended. Take out not currently available, but apparently they're working on that. read more

I had heard so much about the restaurant and decided to stay on the island a little longer than planned, just to experience it. We got to the restaurant at 5:15 and the hostess asked us if we had a reservation. Well, our friends forgot to tell us that we need reservations. There was 1 couple ahead of us, so we figured we'll wait. We saw many others come in and turned away because the wait for the walk-ins was too long. The couple ahead of us was taken inside and we were told it'll be another 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes turned into 30. People kept coming in and getting turned away. One party was behind us and decided to wait, but was told by someone who was turned away, on their way out, that wait was 30, while the party waiting after us was told 45 minutes. It appeared to me that there really wasn't any system in place to manage walk-ins. After waiting for 30 minutes we were told that the wait would be around 45 minutes, reason being that since the last update that was given to us, several people had made reservations online. I understand the idea behind putting so much emphasis on reservations, in order to manage quality of food and service, but one doesn't expect a restaurant that is so successful and popular and has been around for so long to not have a system in place to accommodate walk-in traffic. The hostess was not taking anyone's names, just appeared be telling people an extremely long wait time to turn away. And common wisdom would have it that at the time of restaurant opening, they would stop taking online reservations, to accommodate walk-in guests, especially the ones that are waiting. The windows blocked with traditional fabric and a tiny cramped foyer made with the same fabric and such a poor system in place left a rather bad impression on me and my friend instead of intriguing curiosity to learn about the mystery of what makes this place so exclusive. The food might be fantastic and we'll never know, but if you're making it so that the people walking in aren't feeling welcomed, then it's not even worth wanting to experience the food. read more

Delicious!! We love thai food and this is some of the best and most authentic we have had. We were stuffed from dinner, but couldn't resist the coconut creme brule - and glad we didn't! read more

This is one of the best restaurants on the island! Bravo! The Fried Water Crest is a great appetizer.

All I can say is "amazing"... First of all you need to make a reservation which we found out on Friday so we didn't get a table that night but made reservations for the next night at the bar. I am going thru cancer radiation for my throat so limited on what I can eat, no spicy, must be soft etc and I can't swallow and it hurts to eat. Casey, the server and bartender went over the menu with me and un-suggested what I wanted as it was spicy and not soft enough for me. He went over the options that would work and I ordered the Phad Thai. Normally I do not order it .... it is bland and just doesn't appeal to me. But he said it would be the best option and he was right My other friends ordered the phad metmamuanghimmaphan and kaow phad sapparod. I had originally wanted the phad metmamuanghimmaphan and glad I was talked out of it. It had a nice spice to it, according to my friend. The know Phad sapparod...aka rice with curry and pineapples was wonderful...i stole a heaping amount from my friend. Now the Phad Thai was amazing...first the server shows up,and is is wrapped in banana leaves and she mixes the spices with the noodles in front of you..you also get fired baby bananas as one of the spices......amazing presentation. All I can say is this is a best ever Phad Thai I have ever eaten..... The other meals were just amazing. Nice portions that you are hard pressed to finish and cooked just right...very authentic and not Americanized. We got two appetizers as well...pork skewer and prawns...pork was so tender and fell off the skewer and peanut sauce had just a hint of spice that I could handle. The prawns were not your standard size prawns but HUGE, JUICY prawns that put all other prawns to shame. OMG, get those...light deep fried with a thin batter and excellent sauce. We shared the coconut brûlée for dessert....you have spice pineapple in a spoon, then roll toasted count flake then a scoop of the brûlée ......light and refreshing an perfect to end the superb dining experience Casey was very attentive and made sure my meal was workable for me to eat....you can tell not only this is a classy restaurant but the service is five star....Canlis and Metro would be put to shame by Casey's service and the food! Overall we rated the visit, presentation, service and food at 9.5 out of 10. I rarely give such as high rating as I have been in the restaurant business for a fair portion of my life but they earned this. They pay attention to every little detail and make your experience is a heavenly experience . Make your reservations, get Casey as your sever and be prepared for one of best meals you will ever experience read more

My husband and I had a fantastic time at May's Kitchen! Service was great and the yellow curry and pad Thai were so delicious, some of the best Thai food we've ever had! read more

used to be phenomenal now just meh! VERY inconsistent, when they opened it was so great...the drinks were better as well...all of the great staff is gone too and it seems like a bunch of kids work there. read more

Best Thai food I've ever had! The service was amazing, and they accommodated my food allergies without a problem. I'd say it's worth the cost of the ferry ride just for this restaurant! read more

Behind the ikat curtained windows and Thai goddess door handles , in an unassuming storefront, lies a hidden treasure land of twinkling lights, rich wood walls , deferential service and outstanding cuisine. May Kitchen & Bar is an experience which the proprietor , May Chaleoy, labored more than a year to thoughtfully create. The room itself is remarkable, and each dish, sauce, and libation has also been created from fresh, unprocessed ingredients with great pride. You've never had Pad Thai like this. Yes, it costs more. Yes, you need to reserve ahead to get in ( or be willing to be seated at the beautiful bar).My current favorite is her kabocha squash yellow curry, but everything is good at May's, especially the magic of being transported to another world for a few hours. Take your time and sink into it. read more

A little weird, this place. Vashon has been horny for a Thai place for years, so there is much enthusiasm when one actually opened for business. Though it's obvious that a lot of effort went into the planning of May Thai, I cannot see myself eating there more than once every six months. The decor feels like an opium den. Heavy dark furniture, windows totally blacked out by designer curtains, crafty wood space dividers. All this would be far more appropriate in an office building in downtown Seattle. Vashon Island is a small town, and I like to look out a window, or have a sense of a window when I eat in a restaurant because I don't have a desire to block out my community. Besides, it is too darn dark half the year around here and no windows in January would be depressing. I guess the pretense would hold some if the food was really good. But it's not. Or rather it's hit or miss. The spring rolls were light, nicely presented and tasty. But the dipping sauce is presented in a tiny serving plate with a munchkin-sized spoon. Too awkward to enjoy to the fullest. I don't understand why they would scrimp on the sauce when you are paying so much money. The Thom Ka soup was OK, similar to anything decent in Seattle. Again, the serving presentation was awkward as the bowls were strangely shaped and the tureen too tall. Your thumbs are destined for getting hot and wet in the transfer process. The Phad Thai had a classy presentation on a platter with a banana flower on the side. The kind employee then mixes the ingredients on the platter at your table. This part is good. Unfortunately what results is a greasy, gloppy concoction that got me sick for hours later. Phad Thai should be lighter and looser with the textures of the ingredients remaining. And it should be 25% cheaper too. I think May Thai is worth an initial visit, if only because there are few decent places to eat at on Vashon and this one has some entertainment value. In the longer term, however, the food is too dense and unremarkable enough to not inspire a return visit for what I think will be a long while. read more

My husband and I enjoyed everything about our experience at May's Kitchen! The food was exceptional, the service was fantastic, & the ambiance was lovely. We would definitely recommend it and will go again. Thank you! read more

One of the best meals I've ever had. Yes, this is bold, I've had many a great meal, but everything about this place delighted me, from the nonchalant, unmarked storefront to the well crafted cocktails, the friendly Vashon Island service, to the silky, flavorful curry. The decor transports your to an exotic place, surrounding you in dark wood paneled walls and sleek furniture. My friend and I got to sit on a bench at a low table in the back, which no less than thrilled us. The hostess and server were very nice and seemed just as excited to see us as we were to be there. They have a selection of perfect beers on tap- local IPAs and light sparkly Belgians, but I started with a fabulous cocktail with gin and muddled herbs (I forgot the name of it, but it was excellent). The winner for me was next, a perfectly balanced green papaya salad- tart, sweet, salty, spicy and crunchy. Better than when I used to get them in Hawaii. Even the dishware was notable. Large dramatic wooden platters with colorful garnishes. For entrees, I ordered a spicy basil sauced noodle dish with a fried egg on top, and my friend has a squash curry. The food was fresh and well executed. We savored every bite and were so enamored we had to order dessert: A coconut milk creme brulee with toasted coconut and a sort of pineapple jelly candy. Fantastic! I order you to eat here. Now, if possible. read more

Our mother has been trying to get my siblings and me here since the place opened (we live in California, so we're only in town occasionally). But tonight we were lucky to get a reservation, and what a pleasure it was! The Phad Thai was amazing...even after we had our waiter mix in all the red pepper flakes, which might be too spicy for some. But I loved it. So different from Phad Thai that I've had in California. We also had the Phad Metmamuanghimmaphan with red rice, which was fantastic, as long as you don't bite into a red pepper. Did you know that if you drink a shot of half and half, you can leach out the hot oils of the pepper so you can once again enjoy your meal? Our waiter was quick to help my sister, who was close to imploding. We also had the Moo Satay appetizer with peanut sauce. Delicious. And the accompanying cucumber salad helped temper my sister's flaming mouth. We highly recommend May's place, even though it might be hard to spot along Vashon's main highway. We couldn't find the name on the outside of the building. But Mom knew where it was. And once we opened the door, we walked into another world filled with exotic aromas, a very friendly and efficient staff, and food to die for. read more

This Thai food is so beyond good that I think I left my body and went to level of happiness I didn't know existed while I was eating it. All other Thai food is ruined for me from now on in comparison to what I ate tonight. It doesn't even come close. This place runs like a perfectly executed and exquisite dance. I sat at the bar and getting to watch the staff work and interact with them was an absolute TREAT. I can't stop thinking about the food and service and atmosphere here. I am truly heartbroken that I live in Portland, OR and not Vashon. This restaurant is enough motivation alone to move and buy property here. If you don't eat here you are missing out on the meal off a lifetime. THANK YOU, MAY! read more

The best Thai food I've ever had in my life. And I'm a complete Thai food snob. If you ever have the chance to come here, consider yourself lucky. What an amazing dining experience! Order one of everything and never look back. read more

Visited Vashon for the 1st time and came to May Kitchen with our son and girlfriend who LOVE this restaurant. We have to say it lived up to their description..delicious food, wonderful flavors. The service was top notch, our server Raksha was a delight. Ambiance was very nice. Highly recommended. read more

Outstanding service n food! Genuine interaction between the servers and bartenders with all guests. Would recommend Mays over many other places forsure! Can't wait to go back!! read more

We really enjoyed our meal tonight. Everything was so tasty - the green curry was excellent. We look forward to returning for another great dinner. read more

Yummy! Different, authentic, delicious Thai on Vashon Island. Who knew? First night in lovely Vashon, friends took us to dinner here. I can't pronounce what I ordered but it was delicious! My guy got Green curry, almost too sweet, he wanted more of the thai eggplant in the curry. Our friends ordered red curry ( yum) & Pad Thai, presented in a banana leaf. I've never seen it served that way. She had the option on how much spicy, she asked for all of it, too much spice for me. I'd recommend half. The red rice is a must. read more

Excellent Thai food, not your run-of-the-mill variety. We headed to Vashon to do some poking around and Christmas shopping and when we asked the locals about places to eat dinner, their responses were almost unanimous. Super friendly service and the place was very popular. You don't get rice with your meal, that's an extra $2-3. So it's a little spendy, but enough food to take home for a second meal/snack. Yum yum yummy. read more

Thai is my all-time favorite food, but unfortunately, finding great Thai on Vashon Island was too good to be true. My friend and I went here for dinner, and although the decor was great, the food was not. My friend and I ordered Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, two very common dishes. Both dishes were cold and lacked taste. When we asked the server to recommend something else, she barely knew the menu and went to go ask for help. The manager then came over and we asked him the same thing, he was very kind but didn't seem to know much about Thai food or even the menu. He warmed up our previous dishes and offered us a complimentary dessert but this just didn't make up for the lack of taste and overpriced dishes. If you want great Thai food, try making it in your own kitchen. read more

Wow, we had an excellent experience! I dined here over the weekend. I can't cannot say enough great things...the authentic interior, the helpful and friendly staff - and then the delicious food! I made a little event of it. I live in Seattle. My mom and I planned an excursion to Vashon for the late day/evening. We took the scenic ferry over, visited the quaint shops of the island, had a pre-cocktail at a nearby bar. Then, we went to May's and had an amazing dinner! No Thai restaurant in Seattle compares to the cuisine at May's! I highly recommend taking the trip to Vashon to experience this restaurant! P.S. May is in the kitchen cooking and overseeing everything!! read more

Had a great relaxing Wednesday Night birthday dinner. the staff was friendly, outgoing, and good. the food was even better: the best thai food I've ever eaten. the cocktails are expensive but oh so incredibly good, freshly made and from various ingredients one might not expect. BEST restaurant on Vashon. by Miles. read more

Reserved for very special occasions. Prices are a little high. Cost is justified by the nature of the meal prep, professional customer service, authentic sense of place, and supreme atmosphere inside. The only real flaw is merely a testament to its quality- it's often too busy. Make a reservation & celebrate. One of the best restaurants on the island. read more

Worst Thai food i every had. Spring rolls were way too oily. Weird taste of fried rice and pad thai. Tofu was too smokey.

I have dined twice at Mays. The first time 2 weeks after they opened...what a disaster. We had reservations and were seated at a table barely big enough for the 2 of us let alone the 3 other tables that were crowded next to us We were so close to the couple next to us that we could hear them scrutinize all the "sexy people" that walked by. We waited 10 min for water and menus and when asked when we could expect our order to be taken the bus person replied " I don't know,,,we are really busy!" The food arrived cold and lacked any imagination. The spring rolls are the worst..We ate half of our dinner, did not box it up and left... The next visit was on May 26th...ok so we gave them almost 5 months to work out the kinks...The good news...the water and the menus came within 5 minutes...The bad news...still sub par food.. Stingy protein portions, soggy tofu and weak broth .I expected much more. I have had better food in the ID from a seemingly, nondescript, hole in the wall. Nothing worth the price nor the bad taste left in our mouths.. Vashon is still waiting for Thai food is worthy of staying on the island and drowns out the siren songs of the truly great thai food that beckons across the water! read more

What a lovely experience. Everything we ordered (flash fried watercress and fresh veggie spring rolls as appetizers, phad see iew and yum neua for mains, creme brûlée for shared desert) was fresh, tasty, appropriately spiced, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is authentic and calming. May can most definitely hold her own with any of the many great Thai restaurants in Seattle. read more

May's is simply the best. Every visit is superb - my go to destination when hosting visitors from out of town, and every time May's is consistently wonderful. Calvin, often hosting, offers cheerful, kind, and attentive service that always ensures we feel welcomed and ready for a delicious meal. Thank you to all at May's - bravo! read more

The May Kitchen and Bar Thai restaurant was just okay. Making a reservation was easy because I did it on OpenTable. When we arrived our table was ready which was very nice because the restaurant does fill up. I ordered the green curry dish and found it very sweet and very salty. I had beef in my green curry and in my green beads. The beef was very tough and almost had a spoiled taste to it. I wouldn't even chew it. I know people love this place because it has such high reviews but in my opinion it was just okay. read more