This is not your average pad thai joint. May Kitchen & Bar is the kind of place that makes you pause mid-bite just to say, “Wow.” From the carved teakwood walls to the delicate lotus lighting and the soft hum of conversation floating between bites of curry, May’s manages to transport you far from ferry lines and weekend crowds into a whole other dimension of Thai cuisine.
Located in the heart of Uptown, May Kitchen doesn’t just serve food. It curates an experience. Walk through those doors and you’re stepping into something intentional and immersive. The windows are draped to keep distractions out. The decor is sourced from Thailand, and the attention to detail—from silk wall panels to the aromatic jasmine rice—is just part of the charm. It’s island hospitality dressed up in Bangkok elegance.
Their menu hits all the right notes. Classic dishes like green curry and pad see ew hold their own alongside bold favorites like Yum Neau, a spicy grilled steak salad that might just ruin you for all other steak salads. Vegan and gluten-free options are easily accessible and clearly marked, making dining here feel as thoughtful as it is flavorful. And let’s not ignore dessert. The coconut ice cream and fried bananas are practically mandatory.
People love this place for a reason. It’s consistently listed as one of the best restaurants on Vashon, and not just because of its beauty. The service is warm without being fussy. The bartenders actually know what they’re doing. And yes, the cocktails are just as good as the food. The tamarind margarita? Dangerous. In the best possible way.
On Instagram, they’re not trying to be trendy. You won’t find overly stylized food shots with tweezered herbs and artificial lighting. What you’ll find is a feed full of beautifully plated dishes, a peek into the kitchen, and the occasional quiet moment from the bar that reminds you this place is about real people, real ingredients, and genuine love for what they do.
Personally, I’ll take May’s over a ferry ride to Seattle any day. It’s got all the polish of a big city dining experience, but with that casual Vashon friendliness that makes you feel like you belong even if you’re dressed for the beach. The kind of spot where you can celebrate a birthday, impress your in-laws, or just treat yourself because it’s Tuesday and the cravings hit.
May Kitchen & Bar is proof that dining out on the island can be as magical as any mainland destination. Thoughtful, flavorful, and just a little bit luxurious. That’s what makes it May.
This feature is part of our ongoing series from the Vashon-Maury.com team, highlighting the unique businesses that make our island so special. If you own a local business and would like to be featured in the Observer, we invite you to submit an article for consideration at vashon-maury.com/submit-writing. Please include as much detail as possible about your business (what you offer, what sets you apart) and share a short story about how you came to Vashon or what inspired you to start your venture here. We’re proud to support the Vashon-Maury community and would love to help tell your story.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
