Ruan Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Hilton Head Island

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 o'clock 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 it's 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 doesn't 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. I've been completely closed down several times and had customers walk up wanting service...I wasn't excited about it, but I opened back up and provided them with the service they desired. It's just how you do in this business.

Who kows, they might write a bad review on...

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 I'd 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....

We have been dining at Ruan Thai for many years as we would vacation here on Hilton Head several times a year. In June 2022 my family finally moved here permanently and after a busy summer we made the time to get out to the new location on 278 between Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard. Our son use to frequent that location before Ruan Thai moved in, and I can say that we were all pleasantly surprised! It offers a great atmosphere, comfy surroundings, great decor, the acoustics were good, lighting was just about right. The server we had was very nice and attentive. I went with my wife and teenage daughters for my birthday. My wife and i had a nice red wine, the girls had Sprites. They had a decent variety on the drink menu with moderate prices. We ordered the Spring Rolls and the Satay (Chicken). The apps were very fresh and good and did not last long! Gone before I could snap a photo. I did take a photo of the 3 entree's we shared. We had the Pa Nang Curry Chicken, Holy Basil Chicken, and the Thai Fried Rice. All three were so flavorful and tasty and nothing was left on the plate. We always love the presentation at Ruan Thai, such decorative plating, it looks like a work of art! Photos tell the story. We can't wait to go back! Thanks...