If you are visiting Bangkok or are just in the mood for a truly unique Italian experience, you’ll love a romantic evening full of Italian colors and flavors at these restaurants near the skytrain.
by Lucie Barke.
In Europe, particularly in the southern part of the continent, it is not uncommon to start an evening in a bar or restaurant to enjoy a drink and a light “amuse-bouche” before going to have dinner elsewhere, then concluding the evening with a digestif on a scenic patio. We wanted to test this concept in Bangkok and are certain that you will be as delighted as we were to know it is possible here, too.
Ladies, don’t panic. We know Bangkok is a huge city and that you’d like to wear your favorite heels for the occasion—and you will, as all the restaurants we visited are located just a few steps away from a BTS Skytrain station.
There are numerous Italian restaurants in the capital, but this is our handpicked selection to savor a gastronomically varied and refined Italian evening that takes inspiration from the adventures of Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg, stars of the glamorous film “La Dolce Vita” by Federico Fellini.
A few meters from the Asoke BTS station (Sukhumvit line) you will find the BeerVault at the Four Points by Sheraton (Ground floor, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02 309 3255, www.beervaultbangkok.com/en), a veritable beer lover’s treasure trove that is usually the first to receive the newest international beers in the city. Start your evening with a well-chilled Italian lager and black sesame grissini rolled with smoked salmon and dill. It’s a perfect combination, with the crispness of the fresh grissini balanced by the soft and tasty smoked salmon. Or try the fritto misto, fresh assorted seafood fried in a light batter until it’s perfectly crunchy.
Next, make your way to the BTS Silom line and stop at Ratchadamri station to continue your gastronomic adventure at The St. Regis Bangkok (159 Rajadamri Road, 02 207 7777, www.stregisbangkok.com/fb_jojo). Carlo Valenziano, the chef at Jojo restaurant, will delight your taste buds as he transports you to the land of Michelangelo. The risotto acquarello al basilico (Italian basil risotto, braised squid heads, garlic, chili, and Parmesan) is so creamy and velvety, while the softest squid brings a different texture to the dish. Meat lovers will want to try the petto d’anatra (duck breast, chestnut ragout in red wine, glazed cherries, parsley bread, and port wine sauce), with the meat cooked to perfection and melting in the mouth. Chestnut ragout is not so common, but it’s a winner! And when in Italy, eat pasta! We cannot recommend the ravioli di agnello brasato enough (homemade ravioli, lamb confit filling, potato cream, gremolata, Pecorino dust): it’s an explosion of flavors and textures from the first bite to the last. These are three signature dishes, although they make up just a small part of a mouthwatering menu. Pair the dishes with one of Jojo’s close to 100 Italian wine labels, and another 150 labels from around the world.
A successful dinner always has to end with a sweet note. And we could not find a better setting to end the evening with style than at Giorgio’s at the Royal Orchid Sheraton (2 Captain Bush Lane New Road, 02 266 0123, www.royalorchidsheraton.com/en/gallery/giorgios), by the Chao Phraya. To get there, take the BTS Silom line again and get off at Saphan Thaksin station. Make your way to the pier, where there is a free shuttle boat service every half hour, which will delight you with romantic views of the river at night. The ricotta cherry tart with tiramisu ice cream on mixed berry coulis, although only available on their special menu, is a must-try that combines classic Italian notes with a splash of the East. Pair dessert with an icy glass of limoncello and toast to a fruitful Italo-Thai evening in Bangkok.
