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! read more

Laos Kitchen - Storefront - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

Laos Kitchen - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

See all

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. read more

Laos Kitchen - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

Laos Kitchen has become a fast favorite and weekly "go to" for me. The food is always delicious, hot and the servings generous. And it comes out SO fast! The service is friendly and joyful! read more

Teriffic spot for lunch or dinner Really good portions that are all freshly cooked for your enjoyment The fried chicken and rice lunch set is so big and tasty, can feed 2 people, read more

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. read more

See all

Nam Khao Todd was phenomenal, tangy slightly acidic and crunchy rice and pork flavor explosion. Pairs perfectly inside a lettuce taco-- I'm still thinking about this dish. Mango sticky rice was super good as well! The mangoes they use are at peak ripeness and super sweet. I also took a bite of two other dishes: Pad See Ew-- Very solid and comforting to eat. Yum Woon Sen-- flavorful noodle salad dish! Lovely decor was well. We were a large party so we had about a 15 minute wait for a table to accommodate us. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about their dishes and they were so kind. The Laos food here so good! read more

Laos Kitchen - Mango w/ Sticky Rice - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

Growing up on Lao and Thai food, it's hard for my family and I to find a restaurant that we feel is worth the time. However, Laos Kitchen gets our food right and they do it so well. Yes, the menu is pricier than other Thai and Lao restaurants but the quality, taste, and portion is top tier. Not to mention the service is really good and the staff are very attentive. Out of everything I've tried, my favorites are the nam khao and the Lao sausage. Special shout out to the side of purple sticky rice that is so tasty and steamed to perfection. read more

See all

I ordered papaya salad and an order of sausage price was $32. The food was good but way overpriced.

One of my regular places to eat in the Bay Area. What more could I say. If you're dining on or near 4th, this is the one I would recommend. read more

See all

We had a delicious dinner here this evening! We had first eaten here about a year ago - the last time we were in San Rafael - and enjoyed eating here so much that we were excited to return! The experience was just as good the second time around. The food is excellent, the service is kind and friendly, and space is nicely decorated and welcoming. Our family of 3 shared the following: 1) Goong Graborg - crispy prawn rolls - tasty 2) Mok moo - ground pork sausage-like dish with steamed veggies and Lao tomato sauce - flavorful 3) Khao Piek Sen - Laotian chicken noodle soup - amazing! This excellent soup exceeded our expectations! 4) Pad phed with prawns - veggie stir fry with prawns - very good (We unfortunately forgot to order the Nam Khao Todd tonight - the outstanding crispy marinated rice dish we got the last time we came here!) Everything was delicious without being overly spicy! Our 7 year old daughter enjoyed all the dishes, too. The staff was very friendly and warm. We really appreciated the fact that the woman taking our order was not at all phased by our young daughter's (temporary) hunger-fueled antics. The decor is lovely and the restaurant is well lit and welcoming. Overall, this is a fantastic, family-friendly restaurant and we highly recommend it! read more

I have listened to others raving about this restaurant for quite some time. My husband and I finally got there. It was fresh, tasty and fun food! Great service, ambience was nice and we are eager to go back and try more dishes. Thank you, Laos Kitchen, for making San Rafael an even nicer place to live. read more

No holds barred 5 stars. We had a number of Lao dishes, and you know they're made by Lao people because of the quantity of herbs is outrageous. Overall quality is wonderful, portions are wild. We got takeout, but this isn an easy return for us when we're in the area. read more

Laos Kitchen is a solid spot! The service was super fast and friendly. I ordered their laotian sausage and spicy basil fried rice. Both of these were immensely flavorful, and really satisfying. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

Had a reservation for 20 people here and they accommodated us so well! The staff was so friendly and efficient, which made our experience great. The food was so incredible! There wasn't a dish I didn't like but my favorites were the chicken satay, spicy basil fried rice, and the basil chicken. It was packed on a Friday night so definitely recommend making a reservation if you can! Their food is delicious. read more

Laos Kitchen - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

This place is delicious and you can order online on their website for quick pick up. I really like the pad Thai and the papaya salad.

Finally walked into this place after wanting to try it for a while. From the time I walked in the smells from the kitchen and the smiles from the service, this place was rad. Very familiar with Thai food, but not as much Lao food, I was excited to try some new stuff as well as some Thai style familiarity. Both were unbelievable. The food was simple yet flavorful. Plates were garnished, portions were healthy, and when the bill came, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality vs. price. It was the type of place where I was already picking many items for my next trip, and after a couple trips, still looking forward to going back. Thanks Laos Kitchen! read more

See all

Great good. Big portions. Fried rice dish with beef my favorite. First time trying their food. Worth a first try. Won't be back because of the familiar Asian-food flavor where I have access to all. But good to try once. The dessert mango sticky rice was delicious! read more

Laos Kitchen - Mango sticky rice with coconut sauce - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

The food was so really good. The drink (Thai tea) was my favorite. The service was pleasant and the place very clean. All ingredients were fresh. It's located in the downtown area, so parking can be a pain, But it's worth it! read more

See all

The food at Laos Kitchen is so fresh and delicious. The service is always quick and friendly. The price is very reasonable and you get a lot of food for the price. Be sure to make a reservation if you go on a weekend, it can get busy. read more

"Absolutely delicious! The flavors are so authentic--you can really taste the balance of herbs, spices, and freshness in every dish. The papaya salad had the perfect kick, and the grilled meats were juicy and flavorful. Highly recommend!" read more

No idea if it is authentic but I enjoyed the food. The vegetables are fresh and the meat was very flavorful. I have not had Laos food like this before, and maybe I just haven't been to authentic Thai and Laos restaurants but it was very unique to have lettuce, mint, and cilantro next to your meats. The portions were big as well. Service was pretty good, though they didn't have a ton of staff even though it wasn't that busy. The inside is very nice, it feels less cheap compared to other restaurants with the same menu prices. read more

Laos Kitchen - Pun Kao poon - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

Gathering with friends on Saturday night. Only 5ish in the evening , they were busy already. We had to stop the waitress to help us ordering. We ordered 2 combo plates with fried rice come with coconut soup. ( coconut soup was over load with salt.) Fried rice was delicious, but the soup was just so salty. One order of fried fish over stir fried bean was great. And I ordered spicy eggplant. It was horribly salty, like someone lost control of their hands and dump the salt into it. And I can't believe I had to order rice. Honestly, it should come with rice. And I will never order their spicy eggplant again. An extra order of fresh vegetable for all of us, it was fresh and perfectly cooked. read more

Wonderful healthy, tasty, and abundant food in nice atmosphere and friendly service. Spring rolls are best ever--enough for dinner. Our go-to restaurant! read more

Authentic SE restaurant in San Rafael. I was surprised to find such a gem here. Usually the Asian restaurant in the area are ok, especially if you know how delicious Asian food should taste like. Majority of the SE Asian restaurant in the area are very average, but it this one really stands out as authentic flavoring. They don't shy away from spices. Been here many times and always love it. Be careful because it can get really busy and packed as it's a local favorite. Heads up, the noodle dishes can be shared by two+ people. I love the Tom yum soup but it can be pricey for a small bowl. Papaya salad (Thai style) - be warned.. it can be really spicy, even at the lowest level. It's a love-hate relationship . I love it eating but it can be spicy and I sometimes regret getting it... but I never learn. I like it too much to stop. My husband though can't take the heat and it makes him uncomfortable... so I have to eat the whole thing. Chicken satay - delicious and great for kids! Peanut sauce on point. Love the pickled sides with it. Pad see ew - if you don't want spicy, go for this. Pad kee mao - delicious but with a hint of heat Sticky rice with mango - delicious and great way to end the meal. A kid favorite read more

See all

With such high ratings I think my expectations were set too high. The food seemed fresh and the portions and pricing are reasonable, but the flavors on the two dishes that we ordered were just okay - mostly on the bland side. The Pad See Ew with Chicken was much sweeter that usual, and did not have the signature wok sear smokiness that I love at other establishments. I forgot to take a picture of the garlic pompano, which was served whole. Again, well-cooked but lacked in any flavor on the inside. Lastly, the restaurant was only half full on a Monday evening but was still very noisy. Maybe we didn't order their best dishes but I'm not going to hurry back. read more

Laos Kitchen - Chicken Pad See Ew - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

Truly a unique spin on Thai food. The noodle dishes are all excellent, and quite a bit different then what you would get a traditional Thai restaurant. They have great appetizers as well such as their Calamari which is cut into thicker pieces, and their curry puffs are great as well. Highly recommend. read more

Food service atmosphere are great food are fresh and quick service gems in the neighborhood Metered parking read more

See all

Amazing food! Great spot! Good Service! Very clean. 10/10 would recommend to make a trip here. read more

Laos Kitchen - Champagne - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

A cute little spot nestled on the main drag of San Rafael. We ordered a lot without realizing serving sizes were pretty large. They offer up lunch specials which makes it even more reasonably priced. The apps were a bit forgettable: the mango salad with shrimp and the curry puffs were on the bland side. However, the entrees were good. We went with a noodle and a rice dish, one with chicken and one with tofu, and both had tons of fresh vegetable and protein. Overall, a little gem of a spot in San Rafael with large portions, reasonable prices and good fare. Service was sweet and fast. read more

See all

We were impressed by all the rave reviews for Laos Kitchen and wanted to try it out. We arrived at 6:15pm on a Friday night, without a reservation, and the restaurant was jumping. Most of the tables were filled with happy diners. We were seated at a tall 4-top (even though there were only two of us). Service was friendly and speedy, even though the restaurant was full. We ordered the Tom Yum soup with seafood (wonderfully rich flavor with a hint of spice), Vegetarian egg rolls (hot and crispy), the BBQ Chicken (juicy chicken even though it's a very thin cut), and the Pad Khing with prawns. We also ordered hot ginger tea, which went perfectly with our meal. There was plenty of food left over for another meal since the servings were all generous and the plates large. We brought our own takeout containers for a change (to avoid waste) and the server, figuring we ate it all, was very surprised to return to a stack of completely empty plates. The only issue for us was the noise level of all the exuberant diners. We thought we'd be missing the crowds by going relatively early, but clearly not early enough! The table we were sitting at was wide, increasing the distance between the two of us, and making it difficult to hear. Next time maybe we'll either arrive earlier, or try a weeknight. Total with tax and tip was under $75. read more

See all

This is a gorgeous restaurant. Beautifully appointed with fresh flowers. The service is great and the food is a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. I can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Two years later and it's still one of my favorite restaurants in Marin. Consistently good quality food. Everything from the BBQ to the Curry to the noodles are fantastic. read more

I love lao sausage. I've been hoping it would be the next "big thing" for years but the masses remain unconverted. But like any zealot, I know it's only a matter of time. The lao sausage here is great. Also great is the pun khao poon, which is like a make your own lettuce wrap dish we got with fried fish. San Rafael doesn't have a ton of Asian food which only helps this place stand out even more. read more

We went to celebrate my mom's 85th birthday. They had us on 2 tables and it was the perfect set up - right next to each other. The food was soulful - we ordered a lot of food, since we were 20 of us. My fav was chicken satay, Khao Sui, mango salad, basil friend rice and sticky rice with mango. The place was buzzing - line of people waiting to get in. Beautiful decor and pics of Laos map. Would definitely go back, when I am in that part of town. No food pics - they got over too soon ;) read more

Laos Kitchen - Plate - Laotian Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

The BEST Lao food to date. The bbq, lao style paypaya, and sticky rice combination is a must have. Their chimichurri sauce was even better than imgained. I wish they sold it on the side bc I defininitely would like to purchase a jar of it!!! I can't wait to try other dishes! read more