May Kitchen & Bar
17614 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA, 98070
May Kitchen & Bar Menu
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Address :
17614 Vashon Hwy SW
Vashon, WA, 98070 - Phone (206) 408-7196
- Website https://www.maykitchen.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Fri
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
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Sam M.
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.
(2)Coral Z.
This is the best Thai food I've ever had, the food was great! The service, that was just amazing though. Everyone was so polite and were constantly checking on us. I think this is the kind of restaurant service that other restaurants should strive to become. Delightful staff, food and environment.
(5)Reviews A.
Beautiful atmosphere, cheerful service, good Thai food (for the most part.) Unfortunately, it's pricey ($16 for Pad Thai takeout.) They get my business on account of being the only Thai place on the island, but you could definitely do worse.
(3)Michelle H.
Good food! Make a reservation.
(4)Paul D.
The best Thai food we've ever had, anywhere, tucked in an unassuming storefront on Vashon Island. Worth a trip to the Island just to eat here... but call ahead and make reservations first.
(5)Evan S.
I have wanted to eat at May Kitchen and have heard wonderful things about it. The one thing I was a little concerned about was the covered windows - never sure if they were open, wanted to see inside, etc. Tonight I went there for dinner and now totally "get it"! I felt as if I was on vacation or in another land. The decor and atmosphere was wonderful and relaxing. The service was so friendly and welcoming. The appetizers - fresh spring rolls - were delicous and, just that, FRESH. For entrees we got red Jasmine rice, Phad Thai (which was dressed at the table with explainations about the ingredients) and - my favorite item - the Gaeng Normai Gai. It was a relaxed, pleasant experience.
(4)Susan M.
My spouse and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at May's. The ambiance is such that, every time we go, we forget we're on Vashon, or even in the U.S. It's like taking a vacation to Thailand. And, the food is exquisite.
(5)Edward N.
Even if you don't like going to restaurants, I recommend visiting May's. Amazing food, great service, great atmosphere. Actually, I can't believe a place this good exists on Vashon Island...
(5)Rebecca O.
In a chance encounter with a Vashon local while in West Seattle I was told that May's was reason alone to take the ferry over from Seattle. She was right and May's did not disappoint: fabulous food, service, and ambiance. Will definitely be back!
(5)Nancy B.
Excellant service, beautiful interior. My husband's red curry chicken was fabulous but my Pad Thai (although uniquely presented) was mushy when served. Also loved the vegetable spring rolls.
(4)a a.
I am just so thrilled to have thai on vashon! It was even more amazing than I hoped We ordered pad thai and a green curry where they made the tofu melt into the sauce and render something much better than any tofu or cheese or anything I have had, meld into another flavor. We went with our kids and I would not say it is the best for kids, which is not traditional thai where they are flock to kids, but it was an amazing experience. Pricey - very pricey. I am looking forward to when they start serving lunch!!!
(4)Jenn G.
My partner and I were excited to take a trip to Vashon & eat here. We made reservations, and when we got there, the lady at the front desk was very friendly and sat us. The server was nice enough, and we ordered the blue tea, spring rolls, a special of pumpkin curry, and a dish of prawns, shiitake, asparagus, & black bean sauce. I asked for the pumpkin curry to be spicy & was informed that that it won't be, but sauces will be brought on the side for me to add to it. The tea and spring rolls were fine. Then, the entrees came out. Mine was extremely salty, yet bland as can be (the pumpkin curry), and my partner's appeared to be a soup (not a black bean sauce dish) with only 3 prawns, 2 shiitakes, and about 15 asparagus. His was also very salty. No chili sauce came out, and the server was busy with other tables, so we couldn't ask for the sauces to add some flavor. By the time, he came by (about 15 min later) my food was cold. I added the ground peppers and sauces, but with the large amount it salt already in the food, it just couldn't do it justice. The red rice was a bit hard and dry, as well. My stomach hurt right after eating here, and has continued to hurt through the night. Not to mention my thirst level is at an all-time high, due to the excess sodium. Overall, it was quite a let down for a $60 meal. This seems to be a popular spot, but we were not impressed by the salty, overpriced food. We have made much better dishes at home.
(2)Jenni S.
Hidden in plain sight! Gem of a restaurant on Vashon. After 2 years of walking by this hidden oasis (curtains always drawn), we ventured in on a Sunday afternoon (without reservations) and were seated at the bar, where the bartender whipped me up a scrumptious virgin cocktail. The moment we walked in, we felt like we had been transported to some calming & exotic restaurant inThailand. Beautifully & expertly decorated, the atmosphere compliments the cuisine. The food is fresh, the recipes are spectacular, each dish presentation is art to the eye. If you love Pad Thai, this is the place to go. Make reservations!
(5)Cheryl R.
Hands down, the best restaurant on the island IMO (and quite possibly, the best restaurant in the Puget Sound). I'm fortunate to live here now, so I can go whenever I want. Lucky me! My favorite dish is the whole grilled trout with mango, it's truly and spectacularly delicious. But really, you can't go wrong with anything you order. Especially if you know, and love Thai food. If you don't, my only counsel is to at least TRY something other than the Pad Thai (yes, that's great too, but there's so much more to sample!), and please for the love of Pete, have something with pork as the main ingredient (e.g. the Larb), because oh-my-goodness, you'll surely die a happy and full person. The green papaya salad is a lovely way to begin your meal, or perhaps the Fresh Roll. Definitely be sure to order a side of rice with your main dish, because it's the most fragrant & divine Jasmine rice you'll ever put in your mouth. They have red rice too, if you're so inclined. I wish I could go in with a bottomless stomach, or at least 5 or 6 dining companions, because I always want to try a little of everything on the menu. But that's impossible, so I guess I'll just have to keep going back until I've done every item at least once. Save room for dessert too if you can. Or at least another cocktail. This cozy and beautifully decorated space is packed with locals and visitors alike... *every* night. Note that they're ONLY open for dinner (which while understandable is a shame, because I'd eat here a lot more often if they had lunch service). And whatever you do, don't come here without a reservation, unless you're first in line at the door at precisely 5pm. As I said, the space is small, and the chef renowned. The locals know this, and we don't mess around crossing our fingers and toes for the chance of getting a table when we want one. In any case, consider my advice and then you won't be forced to cross the street to a better known, more visible, but far inferior dining experience. I can't wait to go back. Is it Wednesday yet?
(5)Ellre V.
I've made the ferry trip from Seattle to Vashon two times, just to come dine at May Kitchen & Bar. The five stars are really a hats off to the staff and the atmosphere they create. The furniture, wood panels, decor, etc. were all brought over from Thailand. And the resulting authenticity and craftsmanship of the interior adds just another great element to the dining experience at May's. I cannot say enough about the quality customer service by all of the staff members. The two times I visited were after a day's work in Seattle, so we caught a late 8pm ferry ride over. Even with just half and hour before closing (I know, I know, I was one of those awful people that come minutes before closing), the staff at May's still welcomed us in, brought our food out quickly, and allowed us to dine at our own pace. The full menu was not available since they were cleaning up the wok, but all the curries and appetizers were game. There are plenty of delicious options to choose from just off of those two sections! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu (sadly there is no Panang curry offered). Warning: food here is just a bit on the expensive side compared to other Thai restaurants I've been too. An example of even more above and beyond service: the very first trip to Vashon and May Kitchen was on a bike...such a rookie decision given the massive incline just after you get off the ferry. By the time we sought comfort, rest, and food at May's it was already dark and we didn't bring headlamps. One of the employees offered to take both myself and my friend (including our two bikes!) in her car and over to the ferry. Truly welcoming, friendly, and caring people at May's. Definitely worth the beautiful ferry ride over!
(5)Diane P.
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 far 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
(5)Nancy E.
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.
(5)Jason M.
Upon discovering that this location is ranked 11th, in the Nation, for Thai we had to give it a go. Very unassuming exterior betrays a classy ambience where the focus is on cuisine and the customer sensory experience. Aromas full of Thai spices rise from the kitchen, plates are garnished table side by knowledgeable staff and the service was fantastic. Never in my life have I ever ordered a whole fish, but the special featuring the fresh rainbow trout was not to be missed. This beautiful animal was deboned table side and once I was told everything was edible, I engaged. The meat was moist, fresh and very mild. The skin was scale free and perfectly crisp. Thai's believe that consuming the eyeballs are good luck - down the hatch indeed! Absolutely memorable evening, with service and cuisine to match!
(5)Leanna I.
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!
(5)Jill R.
If you want an amazing Thai food dinner, then you should go here!! I heard great things about this place and suggested it to my coworkers while we were on the island for a meeting. Everyone I took loved the food!! We all talk about going back. Now I can't wait to take my husband here. The spring rolls were so delicious and fresh. We also had an eggplant dish, Phad Makeua, that was super tasty.
(5)Richard R.
Dining at May's, as it's known locally, is like a journey to Thailand. Great Thai dishes, attentive yet unobtrusive service and gorgeous traditional interior transport the diner to another realm.
(5)Odette G.
Awesome food and service. Makes me want to take a ferry to Vashon Island every week just to eat here. We came here without reservations but the host who looks like Captain America still did his best to seat us. I heard that dinner gets really packed very fast. Had a totally wonderful dining experience.
(5)Linda C.
Now that I've been a few times I've fallen for their signature cocktails and their with the forever long name with cashews and peppers. I crave it!
(5)Cristina C.
This place is unbelievable! You don't find many people who love and cares about what they do, May and her crew are amazing!! The food is unbelievable, just go and experience yourself! Plus super affordable for that amazing quality. We get to meet May, super humble and thankful person, her staff was really really good too, the girl, Rocksha is extremely nice and sweet! 10 STARS!!! Thank you so much!
(5)William N.
Great vegan, Thai options. Highly recommend the pad thai. The tofu is deliciously prepared with so much flavor. The staff is Disneyland friendly and wonderful. It was highly recommended and did not disappoint.
(5)Micah R.
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!
(5)jenn t.
Best Thai Restaurant in the US, period. Can't call myself a Thai food expert, but I've scouted countless "highest rated" Thai restaurants from New York to San Francisco, and this place beats all others by miles. Above and beyond the elegant presentations, they use real, fresh and authentic ingredients that I've rarely seen even in restaurants charging far higher premiums. For example, unlike 99% of restaurants out there, their green curry is really made from scratch, you can still see the fresh ingredients in it! Even the humble Pad Thai gets decked out with a fresh banana flower. The fresh ingredients add so much flavor and aroma to the dishes, it struck me that I've wasted my life eating green curry made from pre-made bases till now. Why May's is on Vashon rock baffles me. But I sure am glad!
(5)Victoria M.
I really like Thai food and have been to many good spots throughout the US. The food at May Kitchen & Bar is BEYOND COMPARE. My husband and I relocated to Seattle about 2 years ago and last month we decided to sneak away to a rented cabin on Vashon Island for the weekend. The cabin's owner recommended a few local restaurants for us to go to, and she very highly recommended the Thai restaurant on the island. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations - we live in Seattle, which has amazing food, and I thought, "yeah, right - I'm sure your Thai restaurant is pretty good... for an Island." But she raved and raved, so we figured we'd give it a try - how bad could it be? OMG - mind blown. BEST THAI FOOD I have ever had in my life!! Since we were there the first time, we have been back two more times. That's 3 times in a month, and 2 of them we went out of our way to take the ferry to Vashon JUST FOR DINNER. And every time we go, I think to myself, "Mmmmmmm.... this is totally worth it!" To top it off, the staff there are just lovely people - very friendly and kind. They really seem to care that you like your food and that you have an excellent experience. This last time we went there (last night), they didn't have our table ready right away (busier than expected - good for them!) and they were so apologetic and sweet about it - really made a big effort to move things around and get us seated as quickly as possible. We mentioned that we needed to catch the ferry back and our server got our food out to the table promptly and then made sure our leftovers were packed and we were out the door in time to catch our ferry. I really felt like he was watching out for us. We got dessert to go - an amazing fried bananas and coconut ice cream concoction - and they packed the ice cream up specially insulated to try and survive the ferry ride back. Our ferry was then delayed because we needed to wait for an ambulance to get on before departing the port... but when we finally got home, an hour and a half after departing the restaurant, our ice cream was perfectly frozen with no melting at all!! We LOVE YOU May Kitchen & Bar!!! Xxx
(5)Sarah M.
Incredible interior design. The wood paneling is over 100 years old and imported from Thailand. The service is unbelievable. The staff is professional, CHARMING AS HELL, they could charm the nuts off a squirrel. Not to mention everyone working there is on the A squad looks wise. You will never be waiting too long for a drink or an appetizer because they time everything perfectly. Now onto the food. This is the best thai food on the west coast. Every dish I've had is savory and satisfying. The pad thai comes with a table side presentation in which the gorgeous waiter will silkily explain the importance of each ingredient as he mixes it into the noodles. Don't skip dessert either, it's worth the food coma.
(5)Zachary H.
You must eat here if you come to Vashon! Reportedly rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States, May Kitchen & Bar totally lives up to its reputation. Superb food (highly recommend the Pad Thai or Green Curry), excellent/professional service and a beautiful interior. What more can you ask for? Vashon is lucky to have a restaurant of this caliber on the island.
(5)Gabe W.
Words cannot describe. Probably the best tasting Thai food I have had in my life (better than in Thailand!). If you create something with passion and energy and put your soul into your work, people will know about it and want to share it with others. And this is what May has done with her restaurant. I ordered Tom Ka which was phenomenal (a tad on the sweet side), super thick and creamy, the mushrooms were delicious, the chicken cooked perfectly and the Thai basil and galanga (ginger) tasted like they were picked that day from SE Asia. My girlfriend ordered the pad thai, which was exceptional (and normally I'm 'meh' for pad thai, I prefer Pad See Eiw, or drunken noodle but this was on spot.) and even had a special presentation which the waiter nailed. I've never tasted baby bananas before so thank you for that new experience. The fried rice is off the wall good also, especially if you want something more staple and less sweet. Although the chunks of pineapple satisfy that taste bud periodically. I almost forgot the lightly battered and fried watercress with unbelievable tamarind/coconut sauce. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G It was sooo addicting, like eating potato chips without the guilt. The texture was really exciting too, crunchy outside with chewy/leafy green innards. Makes eating healthy fun. Was too full to order any desert but reading about them made me weak in the knees, and I don't usually do desserts. Dang, I'm getting hungry again writing about this . . .Any who . . . I know that if I am ever in Seattle again I will definitely be making a stop here. It's worth the ferry ride, and almost a plane ticket. The kitchen staff were very nice and cool to speak with, the host and wait staff were knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. May was very humble and gracious and you can tell she hand picked the best people and the most delicious ingredients and the most authentic decor. Her attention to detail is uncanny and you really feel that there is someone powerful behind the scenes who really genuinely cares about what they are creating and are passionate about their craft. I don't know about the old restaurant that she left behind to come to Vashon but I'm sure it is not the same without her. (They are open until 10pm weekends, not sure about Sunday)
(5)Max S.
This is one of the best restaurants on the island! Bravo! The Fried Water Crest is a great appetizer.
(5)Jan S.
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!
(5)Jeff G.
Given that there is one other Asian restaurant on Vashon this place could skate along forever and not have to try very hard, or even be all that good. But this is easily one of the best, if not, the best, Thai restaurants in the Puget Sound. There's an incredible amount of detail here from the beautiful, faux rustic wood covered walls to the coconut shells for salt and condiments and even to the presentations of food. The Pad Thais is finished at your table with loving care by the person I'll call the presenter(I don't know her name yet). She adds many things to the noodles, including little banana buds and and ground nuts and then carefully stirs it all up. It doesn't taste like 99% of the Pad Thai you'll get in Seattle. Every dish is well thought out and delicious. The servers are all extremely friendly and helpful (the current "Unnoficial Mayor of Vashon", Caleb, even works there and is charming). I'm likely moving to Vashon, but even if I don't this will continue to be a place I eat at often. If you're here on a weekend you really want to make a reservation. It's small and gets very very busy.
(5)John T.
So much more than good freshly prepared food. It's an extraordinary experience. We had a large party and the menu was going to be a challenge. Caleb, discussed the choices, then put us all at ease when he said we could opt to fold our menus, sit back and have him select some favorite dishes. What a ride. The pad thai was a table side education for us all and the Curry as good as it gets. Authentic ambiance made us forget we were on an island in the puget sound. Everything in the place came from Thailand, hand-picked by May. It's apparent May and her partner Tom hold high standards in selecting their friendly, outgoing and enjoyable staff. We couldn't have been more pleased in our choice.
(5)Kirill Z.
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!
(5)B J.
Service is very friendly but don't know where the mixup in the kitchen happened with our order as two tables that came in 30 mins after us were served first with food. Made reservations for 7:15. Very convenient via yelp / open diner apps. After one hour sitting. Still no food. 5 stars just went to 3.5. The most expensive priced pad Thai I've experience. Cooked at table side. $15+. Lovely authentic Thai decor sourced from Thailand.
(3)Tina W.
Everyone is going to tell you how good the food is, and it is. It is exceptional and so is the presentation. My husband and I just moved to Vashon this summer and we're accustomed to getting Thai take out once a week, so one of the first things we did was get take out on (I think) the only Thai restaurant on the island. Little did we know that May Kitchen is not just another Thai place. There's no sign on the outside and they don't need to advertise. I think they even refrain from take-out orders on Friday/Saturdays because of the volume of patrons that line up at the door. I hear people take the ferry from Seattle just for dinner. They don't skimp on presentation with take out either. Paper bag with hand written order on it, full garnishes and individually separated sauces and sprinkles... when we unwrapped it at home we were shocked at the beauty. And the red rice! So good we took my in-laws there about 2 weeks later and everything was as good or better when experienced in person.
(5)Suzan D.
May's Kitchen is one of our favorite restaurants. We took my Mom and sister and they said it was the best Phad Thai they had ever had. Also, the fresh rolls are the best I've had! Wonderful wait staff
(5)Sean B.
Food was amazing!!! Had pad thai, green curry, and the Cadillac Margarita. Have to say this is the best Thai I've had. The owner came out to say hello to us and then brought us into the kitchen to meet May and her mother who were both cooking. Great food and amazing staff!
(5)Nancy T.
We are lucky to have this gem on fine-dining-starved Vashon Island. Order the squid appetizer, spicy with an infusion of lime. Outstanding! The beef and spicy green beans was also five stars. If you are visiting from off the island, keep in mind the local philosophy of "Island time" and relax; don't expect to be served in a rush. Only downside is that they bring the food out as it is prepared, versus all at once. But they do warn you of that on the menu, so if it's important for you to get your food at the same time, speak up when you order.
(5)Samantha G.
The Best Thai in Seattle Is on Vashon. Well according to The Stranger, it is: thestranger.com/seattle/… Sounds pretty random right? I decided to do some research on the owner and Chef, May Chaleoy. I learned she used to be co-owner of May in Wallingford. She left the place over a year ago due to disagreements with the co-owners and opened May Kitchen & Bar in August 2012. When my boyfriend was in a mood to do a random day trip outside of Seattle, you can guess what was the first place I suggested. ;) Like what The Stranger and some Yelpers have already mentioned, May Kitchen and Bar is gorgeous. The walls are covered in mahogany panels with beautiful flatware from Thailand. We got there right when the place opened so I had a few moments to admire the restaurant before the crowd came in (around 5:30 pm). Reservations are highly recommended since the place does fill up quickly. We settled on ordering several dishes, since we did journey all the way from Seattle to check out the place. Thanks to The Stranger, we started off with their yum phak boong (fried Thai watercress served with a side of tamarind sauce). Our server told us we had the option to either pour the sauce over the fried greens and eat with a fork or to use our hands and dip the greens in the sauce. I prefer the hand method just because I like to go light on sauce. This appetizer was surprisingly light yet crispy. The sauce was lightly sweet and went well with the greens. Right when we finished our appetizer, our server brought out the following dishes: Red rice, Pra ram loang soang, and gaeng normai gai. The red rice kind of reminded me of brown rice but softer and was nice to use to soak up sauces. Now for the other two dishes: Pra ram loang soang consists of baby corn, bean sprout, red pepper and chicken stir fried in peanut sauce. My favorite part of the dish was the peanut sauce since it was so light and flavorful. I need to learn how to make this sauce because I could eat this with anything from meats to vegetables! The gaeng normai gai is a dish that has spicy chicken stir fried in May's signature red curry with bamboo shoots and Thai basil. I really like the kick of spice in this dish and again I didn't find the curry heavy. Our last entree came out later, which was May's infamous Phad Thai. It came out beautifully presented on a wooden platter with a banana leaf. Sitting on the leaves were thin rice noodles with egg and chicken in tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, banana blossom, chives, limes and ground peanuts. Our server asked us how spicy we wanted it (May does not do the star system like most Thai places), added spices then mixed it in front of us. Unlike most phad Thai I've had, this was not swimming in grease, ketchup-like or overly sweet. This phad Thai had the perfect balance of savory, sweet and bitter (thanks to the banana blossom). Even though we were almost feeling stuffed, we went ahead and ordered their Coconut creme brulee. May has an interesting way of presenting this dessert. The creme brulee was accompanied with three spoons with scoops of pineapple confit, and shreads of toasted coconut decorating the plate. Breaking into the brulee did require a little more effort than the usual tap since it was thick. Surprisingly, this dish was not too sweet but very enjoyable. Personally I think its worth the trip to eat at May's. I'm glad I got to have my last dine-out meal of 2012 there.
(5)Claire H.
Mmm I've been here twice while visiting Vashon and it's some of the best Thai food I've eaten :) The food has a lot of rich flavors. If you're adventurous you'll probably taste a spice or vegetable you're never had before. I've had good experiences with the staff, and making reservations online is easy (and recommended!). It's a bit pricy, but the portions are pretty big. My boyfriend and I had it for dinner and leftovers for breakfast. Also, the cocktails look great ;)
(5)Kathryn J.
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.
(4)Larry H.
I have never had such flavorful and delicious Thai food ever! ... And we like Thai food. The green curry was to die for! The pad Thai, when brought to the table, was mixed in front of us with an explanation of the ingredients and the blending of the flavors. Excellent. My only negative was the close proximity of the tables, which was not real conducive for a quiet evening of conversation with my wife.
(4)Phil C.
I've reviewed May before but after dining there regularly I can't help feeling that my previously outstanding reviews just weren't outstanding enough. This is not just the best Thai restaurant in the Seattle area - it's the best in my experience, anywhere, period - and that includes Thailand. I would also suggest that there is no better dining experience of any kind in this area (though obviously you can't compare styles and cuisines across restaurants). It is astonishing how May manages to blend flavors in just about everything that comes out of their kitchen. Start with the spring rolls, which are superb. Share the delicious Tom Ka soup. Then go on to curries: green (wonderful), Massaman, pumpkin (divine)... These are dishes that make you involuntarily close your eyes and moan with pleasure, as the flavors blend and change in your mouth. Order the pad Thai, and have them do the full presentation and mixing at your table - this is not like ordering Randomcrap #13 from an Asian restaurant menu, it's a whole process centered on appreciation and exploration of great food. May really is a culinary religious experience. I keep a list of the Best Meals Of My Life, garnered from years of traveling the world and sampling food everywhere from Italy to Asia; it's a short list - but May is on there. I can give no higher compliment than that. All this in a lovely setting with friendly service. So book a couple of days ahead (it's deservedly very popular now that word has spread), get on the Vashon ferry, and enjoy.
(5)Nuemes N.
Exceptional - one of the best Thai restaurants in the Seattle area; maybe even the pacific NW. Fresh ingredients and unique flavors.
(5)Lauren A.
Wonderful dinner and dessert! The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, without being annoying. I was even able to book a reservation online!! They are very vegan friendly! Couldn't possibly ask for more! Thanks may!
(5)Casey H.
Food was amazing, bartender was extremely friendly... Only complaint was service was slow. However, definitely recommend and will be back again!
(4)Emily A.
simply amazing. I'm only bummed I was so too full to try the dessert. This place is worth the trek to vashon. We devoured the fried watercress appetizer, shared the cashew dish and the green curry. Both were equally delicious. Also, the cocktails were amazing! I had the basil one to start and finished with a cucumber one, unfortunately can't remember the names. can't wait to come back!
(5)Jennifer K.
Oh wow. I guess that's it...I will never be able to eat sub- par Thai food again...We headed on a walk to downtown Vashon looking for "the elephants on top of the roof" We found them! Beautiful beautiful interior, service, and the most amazing pad Thai I have ever had, complete with explanation and demonstration as it was taken out of the steamed banana leaves and mixed in front of us. Such fresh amazing flavors- I think we will have to go there twice in two days!
(5)Sally M.
Wow this has got to be the most authentic thai food I've had since I was in Thailand. My husband and I were thoroughly impressed with the appetizers and their pad thai. Definitely try the pad thai. They literally mix in all the flavors at the table which happened to include a banana flower. I had no clue what it was but the waiter explained everything as he went through. So cool. The decor is also a huge draw. I guess they imported everything from Thailand so when you walk in you actually feel like you are walking into a new world. Loved it! Top choices: Flash fried watercress appetizer Spring rolls Pad thai Thai ice tea And we also tried a delicious soup with mushrooms.
(5)Hapuna H.
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
(5)M M.
My new favorite Thai place. It's very authentic. They prepared the Phad Thai at the table. Call for reservations. If you haven't been there before it's hard to find because there is no name out front.
(5)Kat W.
My sister took me here for dinner on 26Oct2012, and it was GREAT! It's lovely inside - a little more nice-pub than Thai decor - and the service was excellent (thank you, Caleb!). We started off with the Papia Phak Sot, which are vegetarian non-fried spring rolls, and were absolutely delicious! We also saw the table next to us order the Yum Phak Boong, which is Siamese Watercress that has been lightly breaded (with rice flour, I think) and flash fried. It's served with a tamarind sauce on the side. We weren't as happy with this dish, although it had a nice crunch, because we felt that either the watercress' flavor was overpowered by the preparation, or that something more robust (arugula?) would have been better to use. We also ordered the Yum Neua - grilled flank steak in a Thai mint/cucumber salad. It, too, was very enjoyable. I think the next time I go, however, I'll ask for SPICY, since I seem to have pretty tough taste buds, LOL On special that night was a curry with pumpkin (kabocha type, I think) that was totally rave-worthy. We had jasmine RED rice with it - a first for me - that was absolutely perfect, tender and flavorful. For my preferences on spice levels, May Kitchen is a bit mild, and I would say that there are a couple dishes which need tweaks. However, it's my understanding that the restaurant is fairly new,and there was nothing that was in any way unacceptable. Nice atmosphere, good food, and superior customer service along with an adjustment or two will, I'm sure, make it FIVE stars when I come back to visit my sister!
(4)Rachel H.
You could walk by May's Kitchen and never see it. Just pass it by. And that would be a real shame. May's Kitchen is unassuming on the outside, but delightful on the inside. The storefront to this new Vashon Island Thai restaurant and bar is almost anonymous. There is a Thai sign on the door. Nothing else. The windows look completely shuttered with Thai silks and exotic fabrics. There is nothing on the exterior to indicate what this business is, except a small "Best Places" sign in the window. Nothing really to reveal that May's Kitchen is run by the NY Times lauded Thai chef, May Chaleoy, who quietly opened up shop on Vashon, after walking away from beloved May in Wallingford due to a dispute with her partners. Wallingford's loss is Vashon's gain. Once inside the door, a gorgeous interior with rich teak woods and expansive dining room is revealed. The entire center of the room is made up of bar that looks like it belongs in 1930s Bangkok: part opium den, part speakeasy. This is a not to be missed dining spot on a small, unpretentious island. Between May's and La Boucharie, and a small but diverse Saturday Farmer's Market, Vachon Island is starting to have all the feel of a mini-culinary hot spot. Don't miss this one. Make reservations, since its very hard to get a seat here for dinner on the weekends. Walk ups will likely be disappointed, as apparently the word is now out among the locals, who all know they've got it good, making it hard to find a seat. (Note: Open W-Sunday, 4-9 pm, only.)
(4)Blythe M.
Highly overrated. I've eaten Thai food in Thailand, LA, NY. Thai food is sweeter than most Asian cuisines, but at this restaurant, the sugar bowl is relied upon too heavily. The subtle flavors of the herbal curries are lost to too much sweetness. Cloying and inedible... Very sweet service, but mediocre food.
(3)Nate W.
Wonderful ambience and great food. I would recommend May Kitchen to anyone visiting Vashon.
(4)Joseph H.
Best Thai I've had. Service is perfect. The price is a lot less than it should be. I don't think I've ever said that about a restaurant.
(5)Andy V.
We've never had an appetizer or main course which wasn't exquisite. The experience here is top notch all the way around, from the person who greets you to the food itself. And if all that still isn't enough for you, the offerings from their bar are just as amazing. Try the spicy margarita!
(5)Mo M.
What a nice room, hidden away in an obscure storefront with a small sign only in Thai! Fantastic food and service. By far the best meal I've had on Vashon.
(5)david h.
an amazing experience from the second one steps through the door. The store front of this quant establishment is very unassuming but stepping inside is like time warping to a colonial era south East Asian eatery. The staff is very friendly and helpful, don't bother trying to pronounce the dishes because they are authentically listed. Ingredients used are not your typical affair, for example the pad Thai comes with a banana flower. Order a Mai tai while you wait for the first round of spectacular vegetable rolls. The dipping sauces and curries are something you will be dreaming about for weeks to come. Don't like white rice? Then get some red sticky rice served in a hollowed out coconut shell. There isn't a dish on the menu that won't leave you wanting more. This is the kind of ethnic cuisine you will come back again again for and never get bored. Ps- make reservations ahead of time. The word is out.
(5)Caroline S.
This is the best Thai food I've ever had. And I've had Thai food in Thailand and at places in the SF Bay Area listed as the best in the Bay Area (Lers Ros, Osha, Amphawa Thai in the Richmond...). Whoda thunk I'd find the best of the best in my little ol' hometown of Vashon!? Everything is made with huge attention to detail and perfect balance of flavors. Even the Pad Thai is a special treat - they mix in banana flowers and some sort of special sugar at your table. We ate.... (there were 6 of us) - Squid appetizer - yum! Citrusy & spicy - Fresh spring rolls - tasty, nothing extraordinarily special but good - Papaya salad - much more delicious & crunchy than your standard papaya salad - Tom Ka w/ Chicken - nicely balanced tom ka w/ extra-good mushrooms - Pad Thai - fun presentation, tasty! - A noodle dish with extra wide silky rice noodles. Can't remember what it was called but it was unusual and fantastic! - Green curry w/ chicken - really fantastic curry with two kinds of eggplant (including a pea-size kind!) and a sprig of fresh peppercorns. May makes the curry paste herself and it makes SUCH a difference - phad metmamuanghimmaphan (cashew stir-fry) - this was recommended by our waiter and we're glad we took him up on it! Nice smoky taste (and the name is extra fun :) ) Yay for May!
(5)Josh T.
Simply wow! I came here while visiting a friend on Vashon and made this a priority after The Stranger's rave reviews and wasn't disappointed in the least. First of all, a reservation is must! Don't be fooled by it being a quaint little place on Vashon, you won't get in on a weekend night without a reservation. We started out with some beautiful cocktails, not too boozy nor too sweet. For an appetizer we had the lightly friend watercress which is tasty, crisp, I'd eat it all the time in lieu of crackers or chips. Our entrees included phad thai which I never order but was amazing. They prepare it at your table which is just a beautiful thing to watch, cutting up bits of the banana flower to fold in. It was delicious. Also the phad metmamuanghimmaphan as The Strangers advice and... something else that I can't recall. It was all quite a splurge and indulgence, but OUT-FREAKING-STANDING. The only negative thing I'd say is the service was a little slow, like the servers just seemed a little absent because they're running all over the place. They definitely could have used an extra hand or two.
(5)Carrie P.
We went on a Wednesday at 5 and the place was packed. We were planning on enjoying appetizers and drinks at the bar but were told the seats at the bar were reserved?! That's crazy! After some persuasion, the owner let us sit there since it was open... Thanks goodness-the food was delicious. We had the tempura watercress which was a crunchy alternative to the fried kale that is on every menu in the world!
(4)Ruth M.
Good food, good service. I grew up on Vashon back when there was just a handful of restaurants. Serviceable but nothing to write home about. Now there are quite a few good ones including May's. I plan to go back every time I get back to the Rock, assuming I remember to make a reservation.
(4)Meri D.
After a fun afternoon on Vashon with our friends at Palouse Winery, we had dinner at May's Kitchen & Bar. One of the couples we were with have been to May's many times, so they knew the lay of the land. Our server told us about the specials, and since they all sounded so good, we ordered them all. Fried fresh rolls, grilled squid, pumpkin curry, and pineapple fried rice. In addition, we also ordered moo satay, papia phak sot (spring rolls), traditional green curry, and phad prik khing. Seems like a lot of food for 6, but JUDGE NOT, LEST YE BE JUDGED. Since our wine pals brought their own wine, we didn't sample any of the drinks on the menu (though I must say they looked delish). Nothing we had was bad by any means. The all-stars for most of us were the phad prik khing, moo satay, and pumpkin curry. I quite enjoyed the flavors of the green curry, though the chicken was just a touch over-cooked. I was really hoping to love the pineapple fried rice, but it wasn't a standout, and even though we ordered it with shrimp, the pineapple tasted more ocean-y than the shrimp, which was odd. I LOVED, LOVED the pumpkin curry, and I was surprised at how tender she got the squid on the grill. I generally only eat calamari if it's fried, so having it done well another way really opened up my palate, which I appreciate. All of the dipping sauces were top-tier, and the white and red rices they served had perfect texture. Ambiance is nothing like what you're used to at a Thai restaurant, and that is a very good thing! The whole interior is done in this beautiful dark wood, and evidently they had that wood shipped over here from Thailand specifically for the restaurant. When you're dining there you feel like you're in a very nice yet very cozy place. Service is excellent...our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant in general, and you could tell he really cares about getting the food's message across adequately. We ordered 2 spiced flourless chocolate cakes with coconut icecream for dessert, but we never got to try them. They were on special that night, but May was still trying to work out the kinks of the dish, and we didn't have time to wait any longer because we had a ferry to catch. Instead our server surprised us as we were leaving with 2 orders of Thai fried bananas with coconut icecream. The 4 of us literally ate like 3 bites each as we put our coats on, but we left our Vashon friends there to finish up. Those 3 bites were some of the best bites I've had in my entire life, and it broke my heart that we had to leave so quickly. The batter was fried to perfection, and the banana to breading ratio was spot on. Also, the (dairy-free!) icecream was delectably cream and coconutty, and I didn't want it to end. They obviously didn't charge us for the dessert, and we weren't charged a corking fee, either. I feel like they must have left off a couple of other items on the tab because it didn't feel like the dinner cost as much as what we all consumed. Make sense? Anyways, my love for Vashon grows, and I've always thought everyone should go there and check it out just because. Now, you have another reason.
(5)Fred J.
We did family style and the service was exceptional. The food was good Thai food, nothing more nothing less. I was not blown away but it was on the high quality side. I have had better Thai food in the past, hence the 4 stars. If I lived on Vashon I could tell you how it compared with other restaurants but I don't so I can't. Just keep your expectations in check and you will have a great time.
(4)Tara B.
I adore May Kitchen & Bar! This restaurant sets an impossibly high standard for other Thai restaurants to aspire. I'm jealous of the folks that live on Vashon and have every opportunity to eat here regularly, although I'm sure I will be taking my share of ferry trips in the future. The entrance is subtle (hint: look for the doorknob), and will make you feel like you're entering a secret garden. Maybe you are. The phad metmamuanghimmaphan was the best I've ever had, but I have to admit, the coconut creme brulee made my cry a little. There are no words to describe that kind of lusciousness. While the food is outstanding, the staff also shines. In addition to being excellent at what they do, they are also incredibly warm and friendly individuals. Sitting alone at the bar and feeling a little sorry for myself, both the staff and owners kept me company and made sure that I had a wonderful evening. I felt like we were all old friends by closing time. A note to anyone catching the ferry back to West Seattle - can you help a girl out and bring me back some red curry?
(5)Candace G.
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.
(3)John W.
Great food, but my oh my, the service. We have eaten there five or six times. We like the bar because they are high seats with a nice view of the restaurant. We went again last night and I've decided this might be a way to get through to the management that the bartender/server for the bar is absolutely overwhelmed if they get busy. May is big on cocktails, complex concoctions that take time to make. The bartender/server is responsible for the drinks for the entire restaurant plus he is supposed to wait on 12 or 14 people sitting at the bar. They do use food runners (actually the owners) when it gets busy. Last night, my wife waited 30 minutes for a glass of wine and only got it because I insisted to a passing waitperson. We were there nearly two and a half hours for a light dinner. Make no mistake, it was pleasant enough, except a half hour to get wine when the bottle was sitting three feet from us is ridiculous. The waitstaff gets almost frantic when the place gets busy. We've noticed that most times when we've been in there. Racing around. The bartender is always overwhelmed as soon as the restaurant fills at all, so this wasn't a reflection of the gentlemen last night. It always happens. So enough on the waitstaff. Great food, I think the spring rolls are pretty fabulous, we had octopus that was very spicy and very good, my wife's creme brûlée was judged "spectacular", the red curry main dish that we split was good, very spicy, not great, although I think we just got spiced out. The decor of the place is just great. Hard to believe you are in a store front on Vashon. Very elegant. One last point, one of the owners spoke to us about running out of red rice, he said they didn't expect to be busy. It is summer on Vashon, if you serve good food, priced right, you are going to be busy. $60 for two, not including tip, is priced right for a nice dinner out with drinks. We'll try it again soon. I hope they get the service right. I'll update if they do.
(3)Daniel S.
I was in on 8/22/14 and the food at May Kitchen is incredible. By far the best Thai that I've ever had. The kitchen really knows what it is doing. There are some serious problems with the front of house staff though. Our service was terrible. The server was completely over enthusiastic, and seemed to be reciting a very cheesy script. We also only saw her twice during our 2 hour stay, and had to repeatedly walk to the bar to order drinks. The bussers were helpful, but they didn't seem like they had the training that they needed. By the end of the night, we ended up waiting 40 minutes for our check, with empty water glasses and dirty plates on the table, and no apology or even acknowledgement from our server. I would recommend sitting at the bar. I'll definitely visit again because the food is 5 star, but with 2 star service, I'll be sure to get take out.
(2)Drizzy R.
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.
(4)Erik B.
Simply incredible and well worth your drive from Seattle or Tacoma. This is Thai food as good as it gets. The Stranger rates Mays as the best Thai food in Seattle: "The Best Thai in Seattle Is on Vashon" thestranger.com/seattle/… Believe them.
(5)T T.
Absolutely fantastic Thai food. The table side phad thai is a great flourish. The service is friendly if a bit slow sometimes. Cocktails are expensive but delicious.
(5)Kali O.
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.
(5)Julie H.
I have eaten at many Thai restaurants in my almost 60 years. They have been good for the most part but, alas, all very similar. May Kitchen is different. I was enthralled by the unique dishes and spend days trying to dulplicate a couple of the sauces as I was smitten by them and wanted more!!!
(5)CJ B.
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.
(5)Doug P.
First impression was fantastic. Stuck with tradition and ordered Phad Thai. Little did I know but that it would be presented and prepared at the table! The included banana shoots were a tasty treat. May is off to a great start and Vashonites will flock to this place. Can't wait to return!
(5)Candy W.
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.
(5)Randy N.
Wow - What a pleasant surprise! Everyone on the island has been waiting for May Kitchen to open. We could see something was going on inside as they prepared to open but you couldn't see in. It seemed to take forever. Unfortunately, restaurants don't seem to have the best success on Vashon - they come and they go. Then there are the exceptions and May Kitchen & Bar is one of them. The food is absolutely the best Thai I've ever had. The ambiance is comfortable and authentic. From drinks to appetizers, entrees to dessert - we enjoyed every bit. The only minor criticism I have is that it took a bit too long to get our drinks when we arrived as well as when we ordered a second round - the server knew it took too long too and apologized profusely. We highly recommend May Kitchen and will be back many more times!
(5)Bethany S.
Hands down the best Thai food I have ever had, and I am a frequent traveler around the lower 48. While the casual Vashon visitor could easily walk right past May's and never recognize it for the gem that it is, the secret is out among the locals. I have come here on a couple of occasions with friends and the menu suits omnivores and vegetarians alike. The Seattle area lacks authentic ethnic food. Too often the Thai dishes are heavily Americanized with tomato-pastey phad thai with little to no spice, and an icky cloying sweetness, this isf definitely not an issue at May's where traditional flavors such as fish sauce, tamarind, and lime are delightfully present. And speaking of presentation! Each dish was lovingly prepared with a level of care usually reserved for pricier fusion-type bistros. The red rice is served in coconut bowls, and the phad thai comes with banana leaf buds that are sprinkled over the dish. The attention to details is readily applied to the internal decor, as there are carved sculptures, archways, and room dividers all over the peacefully lit dining room. Overall this is not just my favorite restaurant on Vashon, it's my favorite restaurant in all of Puget Sound!
(5)abigail b.
i have kind of been avoiding reviewing this place because our island is so small -- even smaller if you're involved in the food community. that being said, at least ten people have asked me how my experience here was. here it is from the beginning: we went in and had a reservation for 8:30 p.m. the hostess looked very confused/overwhelmed, to the point of not being able to finish sentences. they're using a little notepad laptop for the front of house, which seems a little excessive since they have maybe 25 tables -- none of which are made to hold large parties. the biggest seating i noticed was five people. this is a new establishment, so all of this is beyond understandable. the serving staff was really nice, including the bar tender. he stood out. we started with the thai iced tea, which was pretty delicious. i should have ordered a second one. their drink prices are a bit hefty, though. the specialty cocktails are $12ish and up, so this certainly isn't the kind of date spot where you get a buzz (but if you do, clearly you are doing something right somewhere). later i got a shirley temple that was cloying with syrup and was never finished, unfortunately. two appetizers were split with an entree: vegetable fresh rolls, pork satay, and then yum nuer. the appetizers were great, but the serving sizes of everything were so disappointing. in our first glance at the menu, we were stoked. the prices didn't seem exorbitant, especially with no competition on the island. the portions are where it got a deceptive. the satay was absolutely delicious, but it only came with four small skewers of maybe an ounce of meat on each, probably even less. it had with a scattered cucumber salad that was, again, delicious... but in an even smaller amount. it just wasn't enough. the fresh rolls were very good, but the sauce was lacking. someone wrote here that the serving vessels are pretty inappropriate, and i would agree with that. yes, everything is absolutely gorgeous -- but nearly impossible to, you know, casually use. i grew up eating yum nuer, and this was very high quality. the steak was cooked perfectly, the ingredients were top notch. but holy jesus it was so spicy. we ordered the pad thai additionally and it had a very unique presentation. it certainly was the prettiest pad thai i have seen. someone else mentioned that it was mushy, and that is accurate. it was also quite sweet and extremely rich. i would compare it to cheesecake, actually -- dense, sweet, rich. i was hoping for a sticky rice dessert, but they were offering a coconut creme brulee. "i'm not really a big creme brulee fan" said no woman but me, ever. when all of this was said and done, it was over $100. perhaps i am biased because i was lucky enough to be raised on thai food, so it's not something i think is exotic. it's very accessible and shouldn't be so classed up. to me, that's like have a michelin star-rated pho destination. somewhere that connection is lost. sometimes food tastes better on faux marble table. vashon lacks fun, quality, different dining experiences. this restaurant is something i will return to because i am curious about their entire menu and presume that there are more things i will love and enjoy. it's not somewhere i see myself going often. it's a little too crowded, a little too haughty, and i also make minimum wage (which is usually my bottom line for anything that costs money). though, i think we can all agree: the inside is drop-dead gorgeous, y'all.
(3)l p.
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.
(5)Karen B.
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!
(1)Rim S.
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.
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