Kin Khao

Pim Techamuanvivit, a food blogger, launched Kin Khao, a Thai restaurant within the Parc 55 hotel, almost three years ago. She's drawn adventurous guests searching for unique and lesser-known Thai meals since then. It's a laid-back, lively spot where the cuisine and beverages are spicy and fun, not the other way around. Lunch rates are more comparable to supper at mom-and-pop Thai restaurants, so if you want to experience a Michelin-starred restaurant without blowing your budget, go for lunch rather than evening, which ranges from $30 to $50 per person.

Bites, meats, shellfish, greens, and curries make up the menu. From the "Pretty Hot Wings" coated with fish sauce, garlic marinade, tamarind, and Sriracha to the dry-fried Duroc pig ribs in a turmeric curry paste, the meals are shareable and highly spicy. Kin Khao's contemporary take on curries, such as the rabbit green curry and the mackerel gaeng som sour curry, is not to be missed.

Location: 55 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Website: www.kinkhao.com