Osha Thai

(Mission)
819 Valencia St.  
415-826-7738 Map it
www.oshathai.com

E + D Award Winner
$$
Thai
business lunch, cheap eats, good for groups, late-night dining, lunch, open 7 days, take-out

2008 & 2007 EAT + DRINK AWARDS: Best Thai

SCENE: Urbane diners looking for excellent Thai fare with a side of ambiance flock to the Osha on Valencia—now one of five Oshas in the city. Unlike the original divey Tenderloin location, the restaurant’s sleek Mission digs are outfitted in lots of blond wood. A pumping soundtrack adds to the trendy factor.

EATS: Thai standards with a twist are presented on modern white platters and bowls. The silver-noodle salad, piled high with ground pork and shrimp, gets a touch of tartness from a tangy lime dressing. You won’t be able to stop eating the crisp-skinned, honey-roasted duck, served with wilted spinach, or the creamy green curry studded with big chunks of Thai eggplant and bell pepper. A glass of slightly sweet Riesling is the perfect match for any of the spicy but not over-seasoned dishes.