Boo's Kitchen — Restaurant in Brisbane City

This review is based on multiple visits over a 12 month period. I want to rate this place higher but the service continues to let Boo's down. Please take this review as constructive feedback. We will keep coming back, but we would love to see this place hum, and it doesn't.

Our first experience here some time back was 10/10. Next experience, was OK, but the food that had been top notch the first time (INCREDIBLE crispy pork belly stir-fry, delicious Massaman Beef), was under par (pork dry and overcooked, Massaman so sweet it tasted like a dessert) on the second trip. We have since been back around 3-4 times (we can't get enough of the Tom Yum, but each time the service is incredibly disappointing.

Food in general is yummy, though I no longer order the pork belly. More times than not it is dry and overcooked. The Beef Cheek is SENSATIONAL. Tom Yom too. Garlic pepper prawns were OK but nothing special, duck and Lychee was yum. We love that the kitchen always seems to nail whatever spice level we ask for - not many places do this.

Boo's is always quite accommodating with bookings, sometimes letting us arrive earlier for a 7:30pm booking), but when we have dined in the later slot, we have each time felt like we have been rushed out as soon as we finished our meal so they can close up. Fine when you just want a quick bite before a show - but if you want to take your time, it doesn't work, as on most occasions you will sit there for at least 15 mins after you arrive before someone will come to take your drinks order.

The table service. The kids mean well, but their service is always indifferent. It's not surprising though, given how they are spoken to by the boss. Food will be plonked on the table when it arrives, and plates will sit in front of you long after you've finished. We asked to sit inside recently (visited as a couple, walk-in) and were told no. We then observed that for our entire stay, a whole inside table (approx. 6 seat) sat covered in used plates and leftovers. It was still sitting there when we left. We could have sat inside at that table, but it seemed the staff just didn't want to clear it to allow us to sit there. Sadly we have also witnessed Boo and her young staff having disagreements. We get it, tempers can flare, but it's just inappropriate. Discipline your staff away from the customer - but be respectful? That poor guy on the register always looks so sad.

We frequently encounter a wine on the menu (seems to always be the one we want) that is out of stock. I would say this has happened to us three times. It's a bit of a laugh, but also, maybe don't print a wine list? Just have it on a board if you can't keep stock up?

Go to Boo's and try this place for yourselves. We recommend...

We've been wanting to go here for quite a while, and finally did so today.

The venue is light and airy with a lovely ambiance. The staff were helpful and friendly.

I met and chatted with Boo. She is a lovely lady and took great care of us. She personally came to our table twice to check on us. She is more than willing to cook your food exactly as you like it.

We had isan sausage, prawn Pad Thai and garlic and pepper prawns. All were excellent. The isan sausages were easily the best we have ever had. I just love the sour fermented flavours. If you've never had isan sausage, give it a go, they are amazing. The dipping sauce was 12/10. She could easily bottle and sell the sauce.

The Pad Thai was light, flavourful with just the right zing. It was perfect in my opinion. The garlic and pepper prawns were also excellent.

The portion size was generous and well presented. There were many interesting isan menu items to choose from and a full normal Thai menu too, so we'll certainly be back soon.

This is extraordinary Thai food from a cook who cares deeply about her heritage and her food. I didn't take any photos, the food smelt too good. Next time for sure.

Second entry Went again today. Boo is so helpful and generous. We had the isan version of Tom yum, those wonderful isan sausages again, and gaeng om. All were superb. This is now our go to Thai restaurant. So flavourful, generous and reasonable. No wonder they keep winning awards.

Thank you Boo!

Back again for about the 6th or 7th time, can't remember. There is a new menu we wanted to try.

The sai krok is still amazing. You won't go wrong with that if you like isan food.

We also ordered soft shell crab with tamarind sauce, and beef cheeks Choo Chee.

The crab dish was excellent. It was a bit sweet for me (but almost all northern Thai food is sweeter than expected), but the crab was cooked perfectly.

The beef cheeks Choo Chee was a bit similar. The beef cheeks were cooked perfectly, and rendered superbly, but the Choo Chee itself was a bit sweet. Northern Thai food, it's in your face.

Overall it was a delicious meal. We will certainly...

What a great little hidden gem!!

I was unsure at first, but so pleasantly surprised. From the moment we were greeted by the chef to casting my eyes on the beautiful, well thought out menu. I loved that the menu had a personal touch with the owners story and the decision behind the menu choices.

This took me right back to Thailand, a rustic and authentic experience with fresh ingredients, wipped up in no time, full of flavour and certainly a punch of heat.

The menu was priced very well which makes it that more enticing for just over $100, 2 entrees, two main meals, rice and a few drinks.

It was nice that diners have full view of the kitchen and can see their food being made, this is a nice touch and makes it feel more personal.

The dishes we chose were full of flavour, fresh, came out piping hot and were placed on our table shortly after ordering. Customer service was very friendly and the atmosphere felt intimate.

For a Wednesday evening this little restaurant was packed. Definitely well with the money. If I am ever back in the area I would...