Marnee Thai

Great, inexpensive Thai food. Chef/owner has won many international prizes. Front of the house is driven by the Mrs./ owner...NOT named Marnee, but Mai. She's a vibrant personality, making suggestions, reading your vibe, and your face, and more. If you're looking for a low-key private dining experience, this is probably not it. Mai is part of the show, and that's what the crowds are looking for. Weekends are a bit crowded. They now have a second location on 9th ave, between Irving and Lincoln. Highly recommended. If you're a grouch, I recommend IHOP.If ya wanna have a good time and some good food, try Marni Thai!

Posted 07/18/06

I have been going to Marnee Thai for over 15 years now with my family. They are one of the oldest Thai restaurants in San Francisco and their longevity is a testament to the quality of their food and service. Weekends can be crowded but the hostess is always helpful and makes sure that everyone that's waiting is taken care of. The recent reviews about the owner's wife are surprising because everytime we've been there she's been courteous to us and has always received compliments from the customers about her friendly demeanor. It's interesting how many customers leave praising the restaurant but very few take the time to write reviews, however as soon as something goes wrong most are quick to judge from their first experience. If you're looking for delicious Thai food in the Bay Area that's not "fusion" or some sort of generic Asian food then you should definitely give Marnee Thai a try. You'll be impressed with their service and willingness to listen to their customers as well. An example is their new addition of brown rice to their menu, many of their customers were requesting it so they've started serving it now alongside with jasmine rice. Their weekly specials are to die for and the appetizers always leave you wanting more.

Pros: Tasty Thai Food, Speedy Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/18/06

Each time I've been to Marnee the food has been delicious. We've received prompt service each time I've gone. Yes, it's crowded - so make a reservation. If you have food allergies - you probably shouldn't be eating out that much anyway. If you don't like volume & energy - don't go to Marnee!! This works out great because that means more seating for those of us who love it there! Soft shell crab with Mango salad and spicy wings, Yu-um!!!

Pros: Everything is delicious

Cons: Irving street in general

Posted 07/18/06

Just tried Marnee Thai-Irving St. this past weekend and I was pleasantly surprised. All of the dishes we ordered were delicious (spicy angel wings, soft shell crab w/ mango salad, po tak, & F.B.I.). Im looking forward to going back and trying more of the great sounding dishes on the menu. The place was noisy and crowded just as people have said. To be expected so not an issue for me. The owner was running the show, giving recommendations and chatting it up with customers - she added some fun & energy to our experience. One of my new favorite restaurants.

Pros: great food, reasonably priced

Cons: crowded

Posted 07/17/06

I just moved to this neighborhood and all my friends said, you're so lucky that you'll be so close to Marnee Thai. . . I wondered hmm, better try it if they all rave so much. From my first step into this delightful restaurant I felt I had exited San Francisco and landed in a new country! The decor creates such a special atmosphere! I got there while it was full, but Mei, the hostess with the mostest, was quick with a cold beer and we got a table ten minutes later. Their menu has so many delicious dishes to offer that it becomes hard to choose! Oh well, I'll just have to go back again and again until I've had them all! I'll tell you my favorite then! Thank you Marnee Thai! You're my new favorite neighbor!

Pros: Inexpensive, great food, quick service and very friendly staff!

Posted 07/14/06

I love going to Marnee Thai for my favorite Thai Food for the food there is so delicious, the price is right & fair, the atomosphere is great for lovers or for someone who would wants to enjoy a great dinner. The Owner - May is extremely friendly, caring and nice. Their hospitality and the delicious food is what make me keep going back to Marnee Thai.

The Spicy Angel Wings is my favorite....I must have it everytime I go there. Their Spicy Angel Wings is the best there is in San Francisco and the East Bay. I tried it at many other Thai's resturants and there is no place like Marnee Thai. Tom Yum Soup, Kang Keaw, Pad Prig Khing, BBQ Chicken, Pad Thai, Thai Style Fried Rice, Spinach, etc....are all so good.

It's definitely worth going to Marnee Thai....you will not regret it!!

Pros: Delicious Food, Hospitality, atmosphere

Cons: None....but it's better to make a reservation first..

Posted 07/13/06

I have been coming to Marnee Thai restaurant for many years. I love all the dishes over there especially the tastety Spicy Angel Wings, Fresh Egg Rolls, Prawns Salad, Po Tak(seafood) Soup, Basa Fish with Garlic Sauce, Spicy Prawns and Calamari with Basil, Chan Pad Poo Noodle(with real crab meat) and Hor Mok (red snapper in curry mousse). I always save room for their specialty dessert which is Roti with Ice Cream. The atmosphere is very unique, the service is quick and friendly. try the 2nd branch on 9th Ave if you need the private room for special occasion.

Pros: very authentic Thai food

Cons: always busy so reservation is recommended

Posted 07/07/06

They've got awesome appetizers that are all worth trying from their well-known Angel Wings to their new Soft Shell Crab over Mango Salad. If you're looking for a restaurant with plenty of great dishes to choose from, Marnee Thai is it. They also have delicious garlic prawns and basa fillet if you're craving fish. Another special worth trying on the weekends is the Hor Mok which you'll love if you're a fan of snapper. The ever-changing specials menu keeps diners on their feet and always gives them something to look forward to. Overall, regardless of what your preferences are, you'll definitely find something you'll enjoy at Marnee Thai.

Pros: Great food, Friendly Service

Cons: Parking on weekends

Posted 07/06/06

try the corn cake, it's the best in entire State, the curry is also highly recommand, overall, you'll enjoy all the food, the service is great, especially the hostess, she make you like an old friend of hers.

Posted 07/04/06

the Hor Mok and Calamari salad is to die for. Oh yes, don't forget the dessert its call ROTI..yummmmmmm

Pros: great food, friendly service

Cons: parking can be a challenge sometimes.

Posted 06/29/06

My boyfriend and I eat out almost every night and since we have tried Marnee Thai we have been going there 3 to 4 times a week! The deep fried soft shell crab with green mango salad is fantastic, i order it every time, IT IS A MUST!!!! The Pad Thai is phenomenal, Crab fried rice is amazing, beef with string beens is great !! Thai Ice - teas are the best, and service is Outstanding (May is wonderful, great personality)!! I strongly recommend Marnee Thai if you are in the mood for Thai food!!!!!!!!!!! irene and eric

Pros: Great Food, Low prices Good Service

Posted 06/29/06

Marnee Thai Restaurant - Excellent! Superb! I highly recommend this place when it comes to Thai foods in San Francisco. I frequent this restaurant for over 15 years. The owners are very warm and loving people. Both locations have great atmosphere. Very relaxing.

The foods are exotic and tasty. Foods are prepared with pride, perfection and finese. I have noticed that customers seems to pay attention to their plates (foods) and enjoys eating. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. I love all the dishes listed in their menu.

Patria Bertolano
Insurance Broker
San Francisco, CA

Posted 06/29/06

This is a San Francisco orignal both for locals and returning former city dwellers. The food is fresh and exiting, representing unique flavor's of Marnee's Thailand. The Pad Kee Mow with duck or tofu is delicious. The curry dishes are made to perfection. For an appetizer try the corn cakes, the Tod Mun or the egg rools, always a favorite.

Great place to bring a family or friends. Evene better place to bring a date if he/she likes Thai. Marnee is a great, charasmatic hostess, chatting it up with everyone. I always go back for more!

Pros: Parking, good ambience and service, also good take out.

Cons: Often busy.

Posted 06/23/06

The food is delicious, with many different dishes that each have unique flavors. Friendly service that is very helpful when you order.

Pros: Scrumptious food that you can't find anywhere else

Cons: small restaurant

Posted 06/10/06

I have been coming to Marnee Thai for the past 10 years. Their food is consistently wonderful and the service is very quick and friendly. I strongly recommend this place for Thai food lovers. Their food is to die for and very authentic. I am from Thailand so I know what the real Thai food is. Marnee Thai offer many ancient dishes that are hardly found at any Thai restaurant in town. I love the very unique atmosphere of the dining room, like being in the tropical hut in Thailand. I am not surprised that they won competitions both in Los Angeles and in Thailand and all the long list of awards that they have received. They also have a very good selection of vegetarian choices, very tasty and awesome. This is a must try restaurant!!!!!

Pros: Inexpensive , easy parking at night, unique ambiance

Cons: crowded

Posted 06/03/06

Marnee Thai is the best thai resturant in San Francisco.. When me and my family take a trip to San Francisco.. Marnee Thai would be the only thai Resturant we stop by..

Posted 06/03/06

All i can say is that everytime my family go to San Francisco we always have to stop by Marnee Thai Resturant either the one on Irving St. or the one on 9th Ave. Marnee Thai is the best thai food resturant in San Francisco..

Posted 06/03/06

Best Thai Food in the Bay Area. Try the Pad Thai, Pad Se and wonderful curries. The owners, May and Chai, make every visit a wonderful dining experience. This restaurant is a must for any one craving genuine Thai cuisine.

Pros: Inexpensive, Easy parking

Posted 05/18/06

I love this place. The service is fantastic. The food is even better. The only complaint that I have is that the tables aren't large enough to fit all the family style entrees you will want to order!

Pros: food, service, food again!

Posted 05/05/06

You can't go wrong with Marnee Thai and will probably end up returning again and again for its mouth-watering cuisine and fun, energetic atmosphere. I fell in love with owner/hostess May and her commanding yet warm demeanor. If you dine in for a birthday, she'll make sure you get some ice cream and will have the entire restaurant singing with the lights off and a gong gong-ing away! Eating at Marnee Thai is a dinner show in itself. Though a bit cramped for space on a busy weekend night, it's always fun and the food is always 100% satisfactory. My favorites include Spicy Angel Wings, Calamari Salad, Po Tak Soup, Green Curry, and Tofu Praram. Don't forget to have some hot tea with your meal...it's one of the most delicious around! After all that, I must say that Marnee Thai is hands down one of my top five favorite restaurants!

Pros: great food, great value, fast service

Cons: crowded

Posted 03/28/06

I remember reading that a year ago during my research before my first visit to Marnee Thai, but it slipped my mind when I went on Sunday after craving and eating Thai all week but Marnee was the best. What made this visit even more special was that despite all the requests I made, the owner/hostess was still friendly and accomodating, and in the end surprised me with an accurate face reading/fortune telling. Her personality, the bamboo hut decor, and the food - I ordered my favorite chan pad poo (egg and crab noodles like pad thai but better), fried egg rolls, roast bbq pork (her healthier and better value recommendation to another bbq pork dish on the menu), and f.b.i.c. (fried banana and ice cream) - definitely make Marnee Thai one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

Pros: yummy food, face readings, nice atmosphere

Cons: had take-out experience that was less yummy

Posted 02/27/06

Awesome and authentic Thai food. I highly recommend the Basa fillet. I haven't tried all of their dishes yet but I'm getting there. Their food is also very well priced for what you get. If you are in the mood for real good Thai food go here. To avoid crowds go during the week or make reservations.

Pros: Inexpensive, Authentic

Posted 02/09/06

I've been coming to Marnee Thai for years and it never fails to give me the best Thai food. I recently moved out of the city, but make sure every trip here involves dinner at Marnee. I crave their Spicy Angel Chicken Wings, shrimp Pad Thai, pork with sting beans and green curry with eggplant. I've never had anything in my life as delicious as those angel wings! I tried for years to keep this place a secret, but now that they've expanded to the 9th avenue location, the secret is out.

Back in high-school Marnee Thai was my favorite date restaurant because it screams San Francisco, the food is delicious, and everyone is always kind. Hands down the best thai food in the city!
Don't fret if you have reservations, but still have to wait a few minutes, because the food is definitely worth it!

Posted 01/24/06

Here, you have everything: a charismatic, warm, wonderful owner, brilliant food, wonderful atmosphere, and great prices. I've been eating here for 7 years and will continue to be a loyal customer. Marnee even calls you "Darling."

Posted 01/07/06

I have been going to Marnee Thai for a couple of years now and I have still not gone through the entire menu yet! There are so many dishes worth trying that you're bound to find something you like everytime you go. For those that have never gone to Marnee Thai before, I would suggest asking the server for recommendations to help you get a better idea of what the menu is like. The owner in particular is very helpful and always knows how to setup an accomodating menu for large parties. You can have your choice of atmospheres as well, the 2225 Irving Street location has more of a homely Thai hut feel to it with bamboo on the walls and plants hanging from the ceiling while the 9th Avenue location gives you a more sophisticated feel with vibrant colors and a private party room in the back.

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Selection

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/05/05

I have made Marnee Thai a regular haunt for years. The food is excellent. The dishes with tofu have amazing texture and flavor. The sauces are rich in flavor and quite varied.
My favorite dishes are the Bananna Blosom salad, Green Mango salad, Basa(fish) filet with Mushroom herb sauce and Pad Woosen Gai.
Enhancing the mix is the Owner/Hostess whose irrepressable energy, enthusiasm for her cuisine and helpfull recommendations create a memorable dining experience.

Posted 10/24/05

I grew-up in L.A. and Ive eaten at many of their 100s of Thai restaurants. I always thought L.A. had the best Thai Food Bar None, until I discovered Marne Thai. The food is great, the atmosphere is unique, and Marne is an entertaining hostess. There are a number of dishes unique to this restaurant that are wonderful, and the traditional items will not disappoint. Our staples are the Green Papaya Salad, Spicy Chicken, Pad Kee Mao, and Prig Khing J. If were in the mood for lots of garlic, Basa Filet with fresh garlic and pepper sauce is one of the best Thai Fish entrees Ive ever had. Whenever we feel like Thai food, we make it a point to get over to the Sunset District.

Posted 10/19/05

Almost 5 years ago I stumbled across Marnee Thai almost by mistake, how lucky was I!
I have tried over half the menu and can't seem to try the rest because I already have so many favorites, the corn cakes, spicy angel wings, basa with garlic and chili sauce, tofu and string beans to name but a few.
Saturday nights are usually pretty busy but Mai (the owner) moves the tables through quickly while making sure everyone gets what they need in a timely manner.
I highly recommend trying this restaurant and if you can't decide what you want, don't worry Mai is always ready to assist, in 5 years she has never steered me wrong.

Pros: Delicious, Great Value, Friendly Atmosphere

Cons: Busy , n/a, n/a

Posted 10/01/05

I bad a worst dining experience in my life at Marnee Thai.
A waitress (owner's wife) pushed us to order some more food even though we told her we thought we had enough. There were too many tables and they were too close to each other. We could hear the conversation right next to us, so I bet they heard our conversation. I was very uncomfortable and could not enjoy food. By the way the food was okay, nothing special.

Cons: Servie, Service, Ambience

Posted 07/23/05

My husband and I have been going to Marnee Thai regularly since 1990 and have enjoyed every meal we've had there. There is no better Thai food anywhere! The Spicy Angel Wings are amazing, and everything else we've tried has been fabulous. Some reviewers have complained about the size and "bumping elbows" with people at the next table. Well, that's just part of the charm. We've met many interesting people this way! Others have complained about May, the hostess/owner. May happens to be the heart and soul of Marnee Thai. We just love her, and her personality makes her unique and is what we love most about her. It's comforting to know that each time we go, May will be there to greet us with a hug. And she often sits down with us for a few minutes, just to chat and share her wisdom with us.

Pros: Excellent food, Warm, lovely owner

Posted 05/27/05

This is the second time I've been to Marnee, and it just doesn't cut the lemongrass. Average cuisine and below-average service. The entrees don't correspond to their descriptions in the menu, and the "ambience" leaves more than a little to be desired.

Pros: price

Cons: parking

Posted 04/16/05

I have been to this restaurant many times before and I can honestly say that it is the best value for your money. You are served some of the best Thai food San Francisco has to offer and you can also get dishes that many other Thai restaurants do not have. For example, the Angel Wing appetizers are amazing and the Basa Fillet with Garlic Sauce is a must for fish lovers. On the weekends it can get crowded so to avoid the rush try and go before 630 or make a reservation to ensure that you get the quickest seating possible. If you do not like to be cramped, try going to the new location on 9th Avenue between Lincoln and Irving because it is a little bit more relaxed and quiet there.

Pros: Great Food

Posted 06/02/04

I have been going to this place for a very long time and I find it to me the best Thai restaurant in the city. The garlic prawns are the best. Highly recommended!! Parking is not too horrible just go in the early evening.

Posted 01/04/04

I think Marnee Thai Restaurant is one of the few good places left in the Sunset that you can go to for Thai food. The atmosphere is friendly and the hostess (some people refer to her as May or Marnee) is extremely helpful. When you go in to eat, she will always recommend the best choices for you to choose from. There is also a new location that has opened up on 9th Avenue between Lincoln & Irving right by the entrance to the park. This location is bigger and has a banquet room in the back for private parties but is decorated more modern than the original Marnee Thai. For those that complain because they do not like the size of the restaurant, they should try out the new location. Either way, you get delicious Thai food in a welcoming atmosphere that you will not regret going to!

Pros: Excellent Food, Warm Atmosphere

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/25/03

This rating is in regards to a recent trip to the new restaurant on 9th and Lincoln. So far I've been twice, each time the food was very good, but the service was terrible. The restaurant has an estimated 30 tables and I think there were only two waitresses. The poor service became very evident when they showed up at our table with only one of the two entrees that we ordered, and told us that they had run out of the other. Not a good time to make this known. Another annoying thing is that they do not yet have their liquor license. This is not posted in the restaurant, you won't find out until you try to order a drink.

Pros: Food

Cons: service, no parking

Posted 11/08/03

Marnee used to have excellent foods years ago but now the foods are just ok. The only reason I still go there once in a blue moon is for the Spicy Angel Wings and Roti with Ice Cream. Other than that the restaurant is way too small and too crowded.

You can't eat peacefuly there. They rush you to finish your foods as fast as you can so they can give the table to other people. For all I know, it is my money and I deserve to eat my foods at my own pace.

If you want to have dinner there I suggest you to make an advance reservation. If you don't, you need to be there no later than 6:30 PM or you will be waiting outside in the cold. It is also hard to find parking.

Pros: Delicious Angel Wings

Cons: Too Crowded, Bad Service

Posted 10/08/03

Marnee Thai has been a favorite of mine for many years. Since I moved into the Bay Area I have only heard good reviews of this restaurant. One of my co-workers recommended for me to go and ever since I have been making regular visits every week. The hostess is very nice, great with kids and is always helpful on recommending what to order especially for new customers. When the food comes out it is always hot and everything is fresh. One entree I highly recommend is the basa fillet in garlic sauce, you won't find it at many other restaurants and you wouldn't want to anyway because Marnee Thai has perfected this dish. I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to anyone who has not tried this restaurant before, you will not be disappointed. This place is always packed during weekend nights which proves that the customers can't be wrong!

Pros: GREAT FOOD, FRIENDLY SERVICE, WARM ATMOSPHERE

Cons: parking

Posted 07/13/03

This place has really gone down hill. My husband and I started going to Marnee a couple years ago and it has slowly declined to the point that we won't go back. The service has always been questionable at best but the food had been really good. The last three times we went it was horrible!! We are not sure what went wrong as we were notified they have had the same chef for ten years. We can recommend!

Cons: No Parking, Bad Food, Bad Service

Posted 05/01/03

Marnee Thai is the place to go for delicious THai cuisine. Although you will most definitely bump elbows with strangers sitting inches away from you, the angel wings and green curry are worth the discomfort. Make reservations b/c the wait is a long one! This is one of the best Thai restaurants in SF!

Posted 09/08/02

I think that Marnee Thai has had its day. Close to 10 years ago it was great, but it has been on a steady decliine for the past 4 or 5 years. Did success go to their heads so that a good thing got spoiled? Who knows? The bottom line is that it is a mere shadow of its former self and no longer worth going to.

Pros: None currently

Cons: Average food, Poor service

Posted 09/05/02

I enjoy eating at Marnee Thai, not only for the food but for the service that I get. However, I can understand the frustration that other commentors have mentioned with the woman owner. But, I think pushiness and assertiveness is part of her personality...so that if you learn not to take it personally..then Marnee THai will be an enjoyable experience.

Pros: ambience, food

Cons: gets crowded, fire hazard

Posted 09/02/02

It's decorated nicely. Best Pad Thai! Great service. Extremely busy after 6pm on weekends. Love the appetizers.

Pros: service, food!

Posted 08/06/02

This place used to be my favorite Thai restaurant before it became so popular! The place gets so packed your elbows hit other people's. The food is really good- although I haven't been in a few months. And the yelling woman owner makes the eating experience a bit unnerving.

Posted 07/21/02

I use to eat at this restaurant frequently because the food was so good that I was able to overlook the horrible service and that loud annoying owner. But when I ate there this past weekend, the recipies have noticeably changed and the food is no longer as tasty as before. I believe there has been a change in chefs and when I asked the loud annoying owner she said no and then had the nerve to taste the sauce with her bare fingers saying that it still tastes the same! Unbelievable!!!

Posted 07/15/02