Jo’s Modern Thai brings bold curries and cocktails to Oakland

The public-review picture

Jo’s Modern Thai holds a 4.6 Google rating from 712 reviews. Diners regularly point to assertive flavors, attentive service and a polished cocktail program. Its modern take on Thai cooking drives much of the enthusiasm, though it also creates some disagreement. Fusion-minded choices work well for certain guests. Others say particular ingredients or preparations feel less cohesive than the classics behind them.

Public feedback is strongly favorable overall. Reviewers describe the dining room as comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with a chic look that avoids feeling pretentious. Not everyone reads the space the same way. One diner thought the ambiance felt colder and more diner-like. Even in reviews that are more reserved about the food, the service gets credit for being friendly, accommodating and helpful when it comes to ordering.

What stands out on the menu

One of the most enthusiastic food reports calls out the Thai dumplings, pork belly in red curry and a Thai basil stir-fry. The dumplings were generously filled. The pork belly won praise for its crisp texture and the balanced curry served with it. Another diner rated the wok-charred cabbage as excellent, despite having reservations about the rest of the meal.

Drunken noodles come up more than once in the sampled reviews. One guest liked them, but noted that the skinny noodles were different from the wider noodles they had expected. Another tried the brisket version and found the meat tender yet overpowering. To that diner, the brisket tasted separate from the noodle dish instead of fully integrated. It is a clear example of the restaurant’s modern-fusion tradeoff: distinctive additions can freshen up familiar dishes, but they will not suit every diner looking for a traditional balance.

Green curry with chicken received praise, too, particularly for its well-judged flavor. The bone-in preparation, however, was not that reviewer’s preference. Taken together, these comments make a case for reading dish descriptions closely and asking the staff about preparations if noodle style, texture or bone-in meat matters.

Drinks and service

Cocktails are among the most consistent strengths in the public reviews. One reviewer called them spectacular and specifically preferred The Mango One. Another was similarly enthusiastic about the drinks. Thai tea also fares well across multiple accounts. Reviewers praised it for having plenty of flavor without becoming too sweet, although in one case it accompanied a more mixed assessment of the food.

Service does more than move the meal along. Diners mention friendly teams, accommodating interactions and useful direction for first-time guests. That can make Jo’s a practical option for groups working their way through the menu, as well as anyone unsure about the restaurant’s less conventional versions of Thai standards.

Cost and verdict

The listed price level puts Jo’s Modern Thai in the mid-range category. One guest did not think an egg add-on justified its supplement. Another considered the meal reasonably priced overall. Based on public feedback, it fits better as a polished neighborhood meal than a budget-friendly stop.

Jo’s appears best suited to diners after bold curries, modern noodle variations and serious cocktails in a stylish Oakland setting. Some traditionalists may take issue with the fusion choices. Still, the 4.6 rating and repeated praise for flavor, hospitality and drinks make it a compelling next restaurant to try in the Laurel District.