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Merlion Restaurant Reviews List

Merlion Restaurant

You'll be enchanted by this cozy haven nestled in Historic Seabrook - a quaint, yet lavishly appointed Thai destination. The menu offers a culinary tour through Thailand, carefully prepared and executed by Chef Andrew Lobeck, a second-generation virtuoso Thai chef. Expect an impressive wine selection that varies regularly, a lively lounge stocked with a full-bar, and a knowledgeable & friendly staff that will recommend the perfect pairing. The atmosphere is sultry, and an aura of understated elegance prevails. Merlion is a top choice whether you are seeking a romantic dinner for two or for a larger group for a special event.
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45 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(45 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 45 reviews
5 stars
(28)
4 stars
(14)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(32)
  • special occasion(27)
  • fit for foodies(25)
  • romantic(25)
  • notable wine list(20)
  • great for outdoor dining(9)
Merlion Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A hidden Gem In Old Seabrook

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is a very excellent place to eat. We went to celebrate a friend's birthday and had never been before. We all had different dishes and the were all good. The service was very attentive but not pushy. We were able to have a nice relaxed dinner and desert withou being puzhed. Prices are consistent with quality of food and ambience. Food can be spicy (we liked) but be sure to ask questions before you order. The place is not on the main drags so you will not drive by it every day and be reminded to go there. Dinning room was quiet a d there is outdoor seating for some non summer eves."
Dined on 6/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wonderful!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I love this place. It is our favorite place for date night."
Dined on 6/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 3 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Horrible Service Mediocre Thai

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My fiancé and I recently moved here from the Philadelphia area. We were thrilled to see a Thai restaurant near our home. However, Merlion left much to be desired. The spring rolls which stated they contained crab were overrun with black pepper and cabbage, no sign of crab. The Thai beef salad was oily and lacked the taste of the traditional lime dressing. Our entrees were decent but we both felt very bloated and hungry shortly after completing our meal. The overall worst part was the fact that it took 30 minutes to get our bill. No one checked on us after we got our entrees, the staff seemed overwhelmed and lacked attentiveness. We were highly displeased and will not return. If you are used to great Thai food, this is not the place for you."
Dined on 6/14/2013
 2012
-1point
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Review 4 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Find in Seabrook

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My dining companion and I decided to venture outside our normal haunts to the Kemah area to try the Merlion restaurant. We brought our bikes and spent a couple hours touring the vicinity of the Kemah waterfront, and then had dinner at Merlion. We had a great time - both of us thoroughly enjoyed our appetizers and entries. We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 5 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

15th Anniversary Surprise

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/07/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I decided to surprise my wife with a new restaurant venue to celebrate our anniversary. We were pleasantly greeted upon our entry and were quickly seated at nice table for two in the corner of the back room. The staff was very attentive, answered a few questions, offered some suggestions, and informed us of their 'Spicy Hot' rating system. They recommended level 2 out of 5, which is what my wife selected. I've eaten at other Thai restaurants that were pretty hot, so I decide to try their level 3. We both enjoyed the spicy level of our entrees, but I'm pretty sure that I'd be crying at anything level 4 and up. The food was delicious and the portion size was perfect. We selected two desserts and left with the intention of returning soon."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 6 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great find

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/05/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Great food with quiet, intimate atmosphere. Excellent service. Will come again."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

superb

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/01/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"we didnt know what to expect and we were completely blown away. The staff was spot on the details of how hot the food was and knew them menu. When our dinner arrived, i felt like i had gone to curry heaven. Both my husband and I could not stop commenting on how wonderful the food was. and especially how come it took us so long to find this place.
We will go back as much as we can.
"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Weeknight birthday dinner

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Thank you so much for all the added touches on my husbands birthday. I am so glad we chose to spend it at Merlion. I am never disappointed!"
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Gourmet Thai Food in Seabrook

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Took my husband here for date night and we loved it. Great place!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 10 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mother's Day dining

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have been visiting this restaurant since the first week they opened their doors. The food, wine, and service is always exceptional! It is our "go to" special place!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Make an evening of it

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good enough to stick around after dinner for an after-dinner cocktail, dessert or to makw new friends by the fire on the gorgeous patio."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
0points
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Review 12 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best kept secret in Clear Lake area

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Chef Andrew makes the best Thai food we have ever had in the US. Each dish is made to order, so be prepared to wait more than 10 minutes for your dish. But it is worth it. The peppers have been spicy lately, '2' is very hot, so if you like more mild spices, select a '1' for the level of spice."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Unexpected gem in an old home! Lov

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Unexpected gem in an old home!
Loved everything about it...
Will go back soon and bring friends...
Don't miss it if you are in the Bay Area...
"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2009
0points
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Review 14 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I had not heard much about

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had not heard much about Merlion but boy was I missing out. The food was fantastic, the ambiance was great and our server was exceptionally knowledgeable about the menu, even making suggestions for us since it was our first visit! We will definitely be back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 15 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent Thai food and service.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent Thai food and service. Awesome and we will be back."
Dined on 04/11/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 16 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

You must try this place!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our first time here and was so excited to learn that the chef (who came out to speak to us before our meal) is the son of another great Thai chef who had a restaurant near the current location back in the 90's. I loved that place and missed it when it closed. This new version is all that and more. The food is great!. If you are afraid that Thai is too spicy don't be. My dish was prepared exactly the way I described my spice level to our very knowledgeable wait person. They did not have my favorite wine on their list but she found a perfect substitute. We will be back often!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 17 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Loved the chefs table special!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Loved the chefs table special! Not knowing what you're going to eat was fun! We'll definitely do that again."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
0points
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Review 18 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food, excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent food, excellent service. The server knew the menu and wines well, was enthusiastic about her work. Overall a very good evening"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 19 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food was amazing and the service was perfection. The Chef/Owner came out after we dined to ask us if everything was to our liking. The only problem is I live in Phoenix wish they had a restaurant here. The food was super fresh and the presentation was really nice. Great place to go any day of the week."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 20 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Merlion's is awesome--we discovered

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Merlion's is awesome--we discovered it about 6 months ago and can't quit going; I know they are starting to think we are stalking them. Actually, we're contemplating just moving in so we can eat there for every meal. :) It's a lovely place, lovely people, and incredible food."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2013
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Review 21 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is the best place that

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is the best place that I have been to in a long time.. The food is deliscious, everything the staff suggested was amazing, the ambiance is awesome and I cannot wait to go back!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Review 22 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food is excellent. Outstanding

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food is excellent. Outstanding wine list, all available by the glass. A bit dark at some of the tables -- sometimes challenging to read the menu & wine list."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
0points
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Review 23 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Feels like home

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Per previous reviews, I also agree that the staff are super helpful - trust them! They are privy even to the relative spice level of the peppers that are being used that day (e.g. peppers are a level hotter than a typical 3 - go with level 2). That's pretty outstanding, if you ask me!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The price is a little expensive for Thai food. Service was ok; the waitresses need to be trained. However food was excellent. I would go back again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Merlion Seabrook first visit

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"First visit on family's recommendation and pleasantly surprised at the decor and dining area, not crowded together. Appetizers were excellent and we had 3 entrees. Rice based dish was excellent, noodle dish wash stick to your ribs and the lamb was downright tough. Desserts excellent also. Great wait staff attentive without being invasive."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2013
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Review 26 for Merlion Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent quality food. Very

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent quality food. Very fresh. A little pricey."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Merlion Restaurant
Based on the average of (19) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.7 / 3
Moderate