Ruan Thai Cuisine
| Address: | 811 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA |
| Phone: | +1 843-785-8575 |
| Site: | myruanthai.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 12–3PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
JA
Jason
Before I begin, I arrived at the establishment approximately 30 minutes before they were closing from lunch. Now, if you are of the opinion that a restaurant (on Hilton Head Island during the summer) is justified to deny service for patrons, regardless if they show up prior to closing, as soon as they close than stop reading now. We were giving a table and roughly 45-60 seconds later the server stood there with her notepad impatiently awaiting our order until we decided. We felt unwelcome and very rushed. 20 minutes later (approximately 5 minutes before their posted lunch hours were to expire) we were asked to pay. This was okay and I understood, having worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years. What I did not appreciate was when we cautiously asked if we could get some desert before we paid we were told, "Sorry. Our kitchen has closed." To which I said, "At 3 oclock you throw out all the food?" We really just wanted some ice cream. She responded that they could not do anything for us. I replied, "Does it make any difference that its my birthday?" This was true...and she said, "Oh. Well. Happy birthday. Our kitchen is closed." We paid and finished our meal and as we were leaving ( 5 minutes after 3pm) both servers were sitting at a table starring at the blue glow of their phones. The food was good, but it really doesnt do you any favors to rush people to order, rush them out the door and refuse to just accommodate a patron with a little extra service in this industry. Ive been completely closed down several times and had customers walk up wanting service...I wasnt excited about it, but I opened back up and provided them with the service they desired. Its just how you do in this business. Who kows, they might write a bad review on your restaurant.
MI
Michael J
I feel this is a top notch restaurant for atmosphere, food quality, presentation, and the wait staff. First, let me begin by stating one should ideally make a reservation beforehand. This is important because seating is limited and the bottom section is mostly reserved seating. One can go there without making a reservation, but be prepared to wait awhile. The ambiance is very elegant and more on formal side. Not a place Id recommend to go in flip flops and shorts (just in my opinion). The wait staff was attentive, courteous, and polite; not pushy whatsoever. When the food arrived, I was impressed by its presentation; everything seemed to be thoughtfully placed, including every grain of rice (I am no food critic by any means, but can appreciate the artistic style). As an example for taste, in agreement with another reviewer on here, get the soup (Tom kha or Tom yum). I chose Tom kha and it was absolutely one of the best takes on it I ever had, topping the times I have eaten it while in Bangkok. To that effect, I feel the food leans more towards the sweet side and is more mild compared to what a person would have in Thailand; perhaps more catered to U.S. tastes (in my opinion). However, it is very delicious and is probably a good way to either be introduced to Thai cuisine or just enjoy a slightly modified take. I highly doubt anyone would be upset by that. Either way, the food was excellent, atmosphere was great, and staff was great. A win, win, win. Go for it. Wont be upset.
A
A Private User
I was fortunate to stumble upon this gem. Its right outside the entrance to Palmetto Dunes, which is where I was staying. It sits back off the road quiet and unassuming, not drawing attention to itself. I figured Id give it a try some day. I was so impressed that "some day" turned into three times in a two week span. The food is delicious and very affordable. The herbs and spices strike a perfect balance of flavor and heat without stepping over the line of the latter. I had the shrimp with cashew nuts twice and the chicken with cashew nuts the other time. Lunches are served with a complimentary spring roll. The portions are more than generous considering the cost. Two of us at for less than $20, before tip. I havent even gotten to the best part. They have this Thai iced tea. The stuff is remarkable. Ive never had anything quite like it. It has a whip in it that you can spread around for best results. Im starting to Jones for it writing this review. I highly recommend this restaurant.
AK
Akshat Shanker
I am a big fan of Thai food and have had Thai food in multiple places, countries .... I typically judge the quality of the Thai food by their green curry ... This resturant is right at the level where I would love to eat their again and again and again .... Awesome currys with rich aroma and beautiful presentation.... We ordered Thai green curry tofu and Thai basil tofu (note we are veggies so cant comment on the quality of meat here) The only reason for taking away 1 star is the ambience and time it took for us to actually get the food .... Had to wait for long time before getting a seat (40 min) and it took quite sometime for the order as well ... So if you are ready to wait then believe me the food is worth the wait .... And one thing that you should do is MAKE A RESERVATION before you reach there....at least the wait time might reduce .... But the place is really small and popular so eventually wait is inevitable ....
AL
Alan Kaid
When we go on vacation, we try not to visit the same restaurants as previous years, but we gladly make an exception for Ruan Thai. The food (what you really care about) is phenomenal, perfectly seasoned/spiced, full of flavor, and just the right portion. For dishes with veggies, weve always had at least 8 different vegetables in the dish, which provides unique and great flavors. The service is welcoming, not overbearing, and quick to deliver your food/check. The ambiance is intimate and suitable to both couples as well as families. The dinner menu is vast and affordable for a restaurant like this -- something for everyone, including kids. They also have a great wine and mixed drink selection. For someone that doesnt normal rate restaurants, this easily deserves its five stars and well definitely be returning whenever we make our next trip to Hilton Head.
A
A Private User
Beware crappy customer service. We waited at the host stand for about 3 minutes without anyone even acknowledging us. We found the bartender who told us they were really busy. Her demeanor was a bit short but we said ok and were seated. While waiting for a server, we saw a caucasian couple get seated after 15 seconds! Upsetting, but not surprising. We spoke to the managers daughter (manager consisently unavailable....) who apologized for how that seemed and said they have recieved similar complaints about all people waiting as we did. Basically, its an excuse for substandard behavior. They need to fix it. Didnt even stay for the food.
WI
Wild Onion
Decent Thai but not that great of service. The restaurant was empty but we had to wait 10 min for a table because we did not have a reservation. We were off to an annoying start just standing up front staring at an empty restaurant. We ordered sake and my cup had lipstick on it. The manager adjusted the light fixture while we waited for it food. Three times the food server brought us other tables food. They made one of the dishes wrong and when they remade it, it was still wrong. Not that impressed overall.
