About
The name of Jo’s Modern Thai comes from Kao’s wife, Jo, who before meeting Kao, was unfamiliar with Thai cuisine.
Our Story
Jo’s Modern Thai founder and Oakland-native, Kao Saelee, is so excited to welcome you to his restaurant! He has spent the past 16 years working with his family at the popular Berkeley restaurant, Racha café, and Jo’s Modern Thai is his debut into the food scene.
Jo’s Modern Thai is inspired by Kao introducing Thai food to his wife, Jo, to Thai cuisine. At Jo’s, we offer an engaging and lively spot for Oakland natives and Bay Area residents to enjoy together in the Laurel district.
Kao hopes that through the incorporation of familiar local ingredients, while utilizing nostalgic and traditional Thai ingredients, guests will be able to confidently order any dish on the menu and enjoy the taste of Thailand.
We are so excited to welcome the community into the space and share what we have to offer!