The story
At Hed 11 in San Francisco’s Japantown, Executive Chef Piriya “Saint” Boonprasarn brings a refined sensibility to Thai cooking. The restaurant earned a place in the Michelin Guide, a nod to its precise, ingredient-driven approach. Chef Saint works closely with local producers, letting the seasons dictate a menu that balances tradition with creativity.
The heart of the experience is the tasting menu, available in eight or eleven courses. The 11-course lineup might begin with a Thai-style Kumamoto oyster, slicked with sour green chili sauce and topped with ikura, paired with a house-made Thai whisky shot. A sea crab dip in red curry arrives with grilled sticky rice; later, a grilled Hokkaido scallop sits in a bowl of Khao Soi curry with egg noodles and pickles. The progression moves through a yellowtail sashimi with green chili nam prik, a winter mushroom yellow curry, and a rice wine–marinated Maple Leaf Farms duck in red curry with lychee. Dessert is mango sticky rice ice cream with crispy puffed rice. The eight-course version offers a similar arc, ending with an Andy Warhol-inspired banana ice cream.
For those seeking a shorter format, there are also five-course menus focused on beef, pork, seafood, or vegan options, each priced at $40 per person. These include dishes like grilled Hokkaido scallop with Thai rice noodle and coconut curry, or a vegan larb with tofu and Thai herbs.
The drink program supports the food with care. Wines by the glass range from a Bourgogne Blanc to a Napa Cabernet, and the reserve list holds bottles like Barolo and Rioja. The cocktail list leans into Thai flavors: a Thai Basil Gimlet, a Lemongrass Pandan gin and tonic, and a Coconut Margarita. Sake and hot drinks round out the options.
Hed 11 also accommodates group events and private parties, with a private room available for celebrations or office functions. Wine pairings can be arranged to complement the tasting menus.
The restaurant’s warm, detailed service and thoughtful pacing make it a destination for those seeking contemporary Thai cuisine that feels both authentic and elevated. Whether for a special occasion or a quiet evening, Hed 11 delivers a memorable meal in the heart of the city.
Recognition
Ambience
Location