Lin's Thai Cafe — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Amazing food. Amazing atmosphere. Amazing Tardis! The constantly changing art keeps Lin's feeling fresh whilst also keeping that familiar, intimate feel. Tableside manner is always exceptional and the staff are incredibly friendly. I've seen many complaints about waiting times here, I think it's relevant to add that there is only ONE CHEF, ONE Side cook, two waitresses and they're preparing food for 4 take out services as well as seating up to 30 people!! That's equivelant to cooking 18 meals simultaneously! If your main has been delayed PLEASE SAY SOMETHING! Don't wait until you've had no main course for 45 minutes and then have a go at staff! No one appreciates it Karen! Also don't be one of those people who eats their entire meal and then complains when the bill comes an hour later that you didn't like it. Say something imediately, staff will happily cook your meal again or substitute it for something else. Everything on the menu is delicious and Jai is a true artist with her traditional thai dishes and she is endlessly accommodating! They book for parties and large tables with prebooking too which is great. Have had many family parties here, we all have celebrated a birthday at some point. Honestly love this cafe and can not fault them. Heads up though: There's no liquor licence which isn't really an issue because you can bring all your own favorites with you so no worries about them not having what you like and the corkage...

As it says on the tin it is a Café that serves food. No booking required or possible as the staff is really struggling with English over the phone. The food selection and prices are decent for what you will receive however it has definitely not been the best Thai food I have tasted. A bit disappointing after seeing all natives behind the kitchen. Not option to pay by card by an ATM is positioned literally across the street if you don't have cash on you. No alcohol is served here but there is a "bring your bottle" policy so I observed most of the regulars marching in with wine and beer. The ambience is really like a poor Café with some benches and chairs. The staff are polite but definitely new to waitering so there was some waiting involved, dishes arriving in different order or difficulties with getting the bill. The food was good but not as full of favour as expected and the place itself would do with some decorating hence three stars. However, definitely worth a recommendation if you are after some Thai cuisine on a budget (starters and mains for 2 with some water...

I used to eat at Lins regularly and always enjoyed my meal. I have had two deliveries of late, the first was as I remember it. Good Thai food if a little expensive. The problem was delivery. The taxi driver had no change and I was expected to just hand over and lose another £3 on top of my bill. I phoned the cafe to remonstrated with their use of driver and was told 'can I not sort that out? Err no, you can have the food back if you want. This was alleviated by the finding of change. That was unhelpful of the cafe considering their above average prices. The food was good though. Last night (30-04-21) my Mrs and I had a chicken massaman curry, a red Thai prawn curry, dim sum and coconut rice. The delivery charge for cash was an extra £3 over ordering it on uber which was £27. I actually asked her what was different with last night's meal, because it did taste unusual. We have both spent half the night.on the toilet feeling really unwell! I wont be using lins again. Its a shame but one bad experience leads to another and we are not going...