Bangkok is Asia’s new culinary capital and these are our picks of the city’s ‘Top 50 Restaurants’
Bangkok is the new dining capital of the world, no doubt about it, thanks to the growing sophistication of its foodie scene. The city continues to attract new dynamic and creative culinary players, including some of the world’s best chefs and restaurateurs, and they alongside outstanding local culinary talents indulge us with some of the best dining experiences one can enjoy in the Big Mango. Here are just 50 of Bangkok’s crème de la crème of restaurants:
Antonio’s
Antonio’s is a well known restaurant considered by critics as “a special place” offering you the freshest and tastiest meals. The owner, “Tony” Armenio, takes pride in presenting his diners with only the finest and freshest ingredients available daily, delicately prepared and served with a truly personal touch.
Where: 26, Sukhumvit Soi 31
More info: 02 258 4108
Appia
There are still only very few spots that really capture the essence of true trattoria dining, a mix of class, warmth, and charm that Appia consistently manages to achieve. A lot of that charm comes from the setting, but of course, it’s the food that really wins our heart.
Where: 20/4 Sukhumvit 31
More info: 02 261 2056
Aston
“The best ingredients, the most suited way of preparation by a chef that cares,” was how one gourmet fan described the cooking of Zra Jirarath, chef de cuisine and owner of Aston Dining Room and Bar. In his “lab,”Chef Zra is like a real artist in action. The result is an endless delivery of creative dishes, special recipes with unique looks and preparations, demanding total attention as much as complete consumption.
Where: 68 Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok
More info: 02 102 2323; www.astonbkk.com
Benjarong
Recently revamped, Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine offers the best of Thai cuisine with New World innovation. By combining modern techniques and traditional flavor the chef produces contemporary dishes that are distinctly Thai at heart. A favorite of Thai food lovers indeed.
Where: 946 Rama IV Rd, Silom
More info: 02 200 9000
Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant has always been true to the culinary culture and influences of Thailand. The restaurant,housed in a century-old building, creates a feeling of time travel in addition to the exquisite dining experience that awaits you. The menu is a palette of traditions and novelties, with Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and Khun Chang taking you on a culinary journey – the Thai way.
Where: Yannawa Post And Telegraph Office (BTS: Surasak)
More info: 02 673 9353
Bo.lan
Bo.lan is founded on the belief that the best Thai restaurants should be found in Thailand. With that in mind, the two top chefs Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones started the restaurant. Bo.lan advocates the use of bio-diversified produce and this is reflected in the ever-changing menu. Bo.lan food is as flavorful as they are authentically Thai.
Where: 24 Sukhumvit 53 Alley
More info: 02 260 2961
Breeze
Breeze is lebua’s homage to Asian cuisine. Perched high above Bangkok on the 51st and 52nd floors of Tower Club at lebua, the exquisite riverside rooftop restaurant quickly became known as the ‘new face of Asian dining’ – a stunning venue where design, cuisine and service come together for an evening unlike any other.
Where: 1055 State Tower, Silom Road
More info: 02 624 9555
Cellar 11
Cellar 11 offers an extensive wine list with over 1,000 selections available for customers to try and taste unusual wines from unusual places around the world. Emphasis is on offering wine service excellence, but to complement the wine list is a bistro menu with a five-star flair.
Where: 71/1 Soi Sukhumvit 11
More info: 02 255 5833-35
China House
Inspired by Shanghai’s legendary Art Deco period, The China House is a stunning Cantonese restaurant featuring authentic Cantonese dishes interpreted in contemporary style.
Where: 48 Oriental Ave, Bangrak
More info: 02 659 9000 ext. 7650
Eat Me
Now ranked 25th on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Eat Me is an unpretentious restaurant with a cool, cozy décor. Long popular among local foodies, the restaurant, nestled on Silom’s Convent Road, doubles as an art gallery and regularly features rotating exhibitions by local artists. This enhances the guest’s enjoyment of Chef Tim Butler’s bold combinations in his food creations.
Where: Soi Pipat, 20m off Convent Road
More info: 02 238 0931
Enoteca Italiana
When former real estate developer Giancarlo and his son Nicola created Enoteca in 2004, the original idea included the aspect of promoting Italian wines, along with serving well-matched simple foods. However, with time and the help of skilled chefs, it turned into the gourmet restaurant it is today. Enoteca is now considered as one of the, if not the most authentic, Italian gourmet restaurants in Bangkok.
Where: 27 Sukhumvit Rd
More info: 02 258 4386
Gaggan
Billed as a “progressive Indian” restaurant, Gaggan has been hogging the limelight since its opening and in fact, has been named No. 1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants this year. “So un-Indian,” is probably the best way to describe the restaurant because it seems to defy conventional descriptions. Gaggan has pleasantly casual vibe that embraces the white wooden house where he serves amazing food in a playful way, always with a surprising twist, and with flavors that always delight.
Where: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Rd
More info: 02 652 1700
Ginza Sushi Ichi
Ginza Sushi Ichi, affiliated with the Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant of the same name, has brought uncompromisingly authentic omakase-style sushi to Bangkok and that means what you eat are decided by the chefs, all trained by Masakazu Ishibashi, the acclaimed head chef of the Michelin-star mother branch in Japan. The intimate diner’s interior is serene and calming, a perfect atmosphere to enjoy fresh fish coming straight from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.
Where: LG/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ploenchit Rd Bangkok
More info: 02 250 0014
Hyde & Seek
Hyde & Seek tempts diners with a playful culinary experience that serves up a feast for the senses. The cosmopolitan menu offers an eclectic mix of dishes from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. and features signature dishes from Chef Ian & Chef Peter Pitakwong.
Where: 65/1 Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Road
More info: 02 168 5152
Indus
Indus Restaurant is the proud winner of countless awards and since opening has maintained high standards of taste and quality in Indian cuisine. The executive chef, Jimmy has been trained by Chef Sonya Sapru, author of international best-selling cookbook “ZAIKA,” who was able to preserve her family’s Kashmiri-influenced Mughlai recipes for over six generations and pass them on to Chef Jimmy. Indus uses rice bran oil to replace the strong-smelling “ghee” to maintain its promise of healthy food. Recipes have been tried and tested to maintain authentic rich Indian flavors with a lighter, healthier twist.
Where: 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26
More info: 02 258 4900
Isao
Set on a busy street, it’s easy to miss this restaurant but it’s definitely worth finding. Isao serves some of the freshest and best sushi in town, with fish coming fresh from Tokyo.
Where: 5 Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok
More info: 02 258 0645
Issaya
Issaya is founded by Chef Pongtawat “Ian” Chalermkittichai, Thailand’s first international “celebrity chef.” Issaya is the ground floor dining outlet that includes both a dining room and large outdoor terrace. The menu features Chef Kittichai’s unique signature, and some of his signature dishes are the heart of the menu, which incorporates farm-to-table beliefs.
Where: 4 Chuea Phloeng Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn
More info: 02 672 9040
J’Aime
J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain’s opulent yet subtle tones of white and purple has become the city’s latest favorite foodie venue, and for a good reason. It’s not just the refined and elegant surroundings. Most of all, it’s the food which replicate Jean-Michel’s winning recipes from Côte Saint Jacque, although with a twist meant to lure the high-end Thai crowd.
Where: 105 Soi Sathorn 1, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn, Bangkok
More info: 02 119 4899
Jojo
An uncompromising Italian dining experience is redefined at Jojo, under the culinary leadership of Chef de Cuisine Stefano Merlo. Enjoy an exceptional Italian menu combining tradition with innovation, focusing on slow food and authentic ingredients, using seasonal produce from the finest purveyors.
Where: St. Regis Bangkok, Rajdamri Rd (BTS: Rajdamri)
More info: 02 207 7777
Karmakamet
Décor at Karmakamet Diner is cute and retro-inspired, highlighted by old-school medicine cupboard-like walls displaying its range of products. There is a distinct focus on the brunch.
Where: 30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24
More info: 02 262 0700-1
L’Appart
An elegant Champagne bar and restaurant inspired by the 19th Century Parisian architecture of Baron Haussmann complete with lounge, library, dining room, and open kitchen from where the highly talented Jeremy Tourret passionately makes the best with the freshest ingredients available to him. Dishes are French, but with a few twists for the Thai customer. You can’t call it fusion, but it’s not traditional French as well.
Where: 32nd floor, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit between sois 13 and 15
More info: 02 126 9999
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is packing discerning foodies in, and this is not surprising: Joël Robuchon’s reputation has a lot to do with it — he is, after all, the most important French chef since Escoffier codified haute cuisine. With executive chef Olivier Limousin heading the kitchen, guests are assured of enjoying modern French cuisine that has not lost its rustic authenticity.
Where: 5th Floor, MahaNakhon CUBE, 96 Narathiwas Ratchanakharin Rd, Silom
More info: 02 001 0698
La Bottega de Luca
La Bottega de Luca is a brainchild of Italian-born Luca Appino. Luca was called to Thailand in 2004 to start up a new restaurant called Enoteca. In 2008, he opened his own award-winning restaurant, La Bottega di Luca, where the goal is to create delicious, unpretentious food.
Where: 49 Piman Bldg, Sukhumvit 49
More info: 02 204 1731
Le Beaulieu
The vibe is intimate, one of understated refinement, with lots of dark wood and cream. Le Beaulieu is a refined, convivial restaurant that offers both sophisticated French classics and rustic French favorite. The food by Chef Herve is resolutely French and covers classic entrees and simple dishes using high quality ingredients imported direct from France or from the Royal Projects.
Where: 63 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini
More info: 02 168 8220
La Scala
A class all its own, award-winning La Scala Restaurant is a triumph of innovative interior design paired with classical Italian cuisine, perfectly concocted. Just as the design and decor unite the contemporary with a Thai cultural context, so the cuisine presents pure traditional recipes with unparalleled creative flair.
Where: The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd
More info: 02 344 8888
Le Du
Le Du actually comes from a Thai word synonymous to “season,” and it reflects the restaurant’s emphasis on culinary creations out of seasonal produce. A modern Thai-inspired eatery, it offers both a la carte and tasting menus featuring the extraordinary agricultural bounty of Thailand and the centuries-old culinary cultures that have taken roots here.
Where: 3 10500, 399/3 Soi Silom 5, Silom
More info: 092 919 9969
Le Normandie
Le Normandie is one of Asia’s most renowned French restaurants. Here, some of France’s most highly trained master chefs prepare legendary haute cuisine and master sommeliers take charge of the exceptional wine cellar for connoisseurs from all over Southeast Asia travel to enjoy.
Where: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave.
More info: 02 659 9000
Long Table
Long Table is a unique restaurant that will transform your perception of Thai cuisine. The restaurant experience is the first of its kind in the world: based around the awe-inspiring sight of the longest existing restaurant dining table. Food is distinctive, thanks to the use of inventive and unexpected ingredients combined with traditional cooking while blending a modern approach and innovativeness in presentation.
Where: 48 Column Tower Fl.25. Sukhumvit 16
More info: 02 302 2557
Mezzaluna
Chef Ryuki Kawasaki prepares his exquisitely innovative cuisine nightly in the open kitchen right besides Mezzaluna’s half-moon windows wall, overlooking one of Bangkok’s most iconic views. Staff will escort you up the polished teak staircase to your table, where you will find the table impeccably positioned for privacy, and where you will be waltzed through a magnificently choreographed culinary experience.
Where: State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd
More info: 02 624 9555
Mugendai
Like the original Mugendai at the Glass House Thonglor, this one serves some of the best meals in town. The set lunch specials are tasty, filling, and great value for money. Great views too.
Where: 9th Fl. The Helix Quartier Emquartier Rd, Sukhumvit
More info: 02 003 6333
Nahm
Renowned Australian chef David Thompson values the strong, fresh flavors of traditional Thai cuisine and he delivers surprising tastes and textures in dishes, whether savory or sweet, meat, seafood, or vegetable. The restaurant, set on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Bangkok overlooking an outdoor pool, is consistently on many best restaurants’ list.
Where: 27 South Sathorn Rd
More info: 02 625 3333
Namsah Bottling Trust
Namsaah is an Asian gastro bar that is the culmination of the respective talents of Chef Ian Kittichai, music impresario Frederic Meyer, diplomat Jeremy Opritesco, and nightlife guru Justin Dunne. Housed in an early 20th century grand villa, the focus is on classic and whimsical cocktails as well as Asian bar food and larger sharing dishes. Unique flavor combinations that are still focused on familiar Asian flavor notes.
Where: 401 Silom Soi 7, Silom Road
More info: 02 636 6622
New York Steakhouse
No bull: the best steaks in town are served at New York Steakhouse, the most exquisite steakhouse in Bangkok. This steakhouse serves only the finest steaks, mouthwatering sides and an array of superb seafood, all perfectly matched with an extensive wine collection.
Where: Nana Tai Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
More info: 02 656 7700
Opus
Since opening in January 2009, the award-winning Opus Wine Bar has become one of the best wine bars in Asia. The highlight is the state of the art walk-in wine cellar, which ensures that each bottle is perfectly maintained at the correct temperature and humidity. The cuisine is contemporary Italian carefully presented and designed by the talented Executive Chef Davide Calo’.
Where: 64 Pan, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
More info: 02 637 9899
Osha
Celebrity executive chef, Noom Thaninthom plates his food with European elegance but don’t let the gentility confuse. The taste is genuinely authentic with a pronounced chili kick in the after taste. He is a master of using the right cooking temperature to enhance the taste of his food. The ingredients he uses are sourced wherever he can find the best quality in the market.
Where: 99 Wireless Road, Bangkok
More info: 02 256 6555
Patara
At Patara, quality is a passion: it begins with the selection of the finest ingredients, inspired by the changing of the seasons. It shows in the freshness of the recipes and the loving presentation of each and every dish. It can be felt in the quiet elegance of the contemporary Thai décor and it extends to the warm welcome of the dedicated service staff.
Where: 75 Soi Thonglor 19
More info: 02 185 2960-1
Prime
Soft tones create a relaxed ambience at this sophisticated steakhouse. Its contemporary ambience makes it perfect for a candlelight dinner where you can sip new and old world wines, savor the finest imported beef or choose fresh live lobster and oysters. The restaurant looks out over the river, enhancing the atmosphere conducive to romance.
Where: Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Charoen Nakorn Road
More info: 02 442 2000
Quince
Quince focuses less on fancy garnishes and presentations and more on the respect for one’s ingredients and knowledge of where the food you eat comes from. It is also looking to help lead the way for other restaurants to attempt to eat more fresh, local food — a type of eatery serving simple yet thoughtful dishes and drinks in a comfortable, unfussy atmosphere.
Where: Sukhumvit 45 (directly behind Casa Pagoda)
More info: 02 662 4478
Roast
A casual all-day eatery that celebrates life’s simple pleasures, which is enjoying good food and good coffee, The Roast’s provide high quality comfort food made with the freshest ingredients possible. Almost everything is made in-house by a team of chefs, bakers, coffee roasters, and baristas who love what they do and enjoy doing it day in and day out.
Where: 251 Thonglor 13 Alley
More: 02 185 2865
Savelberg
With culinary heritage from one of Europe’s most inspired chefs, Henk Savelverg, dishes are sourced using the freshest ingredients and paired with handpicked discerning French wines to deliver a wonderful, palate-pleasing gastronomic event at Savelberg. Henk is the only Dutch to be awarded a Michelin star in his four different restaurants and he has sustained a career through honing the finer points of food and drink.
Where: Oriental Residence Bangkok, Wireless Road
More info: 02 252 8001
Scalini
Since Day One, Scalini has been creating buzz with it exciting New York City 1920-30’s Prohibition Era dining concept, and approachable Italian-American cuisine. The warm color scheme is a symphony of rich caramels and dark chocolate browns. It boasts an easy-going aesthetic with a contemporary feel as well as clever interpretations of traditional favorites.
Where: Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Sukhumvit 24
More info: 02 620 6666
Sensi
Charlotte and Mario Buzzanca collaborated with Italian chef Christian Martena to create a restaurant that satisfies the five senses. Chef Martena is well known among the most refined Bangkok palates. One of the chosen few to satisfy the expectations of the Thai Royal Family, diners just know that from his table, one can hear, see, touch, smell and taste the transformations of ingredients, foods, and aromas before being served.
Where: Soi Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 17, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn
More info: 02 117 1618
Seven Spoons
Seven Spoons is a destination restaurant that promises to tickle your senses. The warm, minimalist gastrobar on the edge of Chinatown offers a modern menu, including Mediterranean-influenced dishes and pasta lovingly made from local produce, using organic ingredients wherever possible.
Where: 211/8 Jakkrapatipong Rd
More info: 02 629 9214
Sirocco
Sirocco is one of Bangkok’s most preferred dining choices for many reasons. The restaurant, while a bit on the expensive side, never fails to leave one mesmerized with its breathtaking view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River, the amazing Skybar, and high-quality Mediterranean fare with ingredients from the world’s best markets.
Where: 63rd floor, The Dome at lebua, State Tower, Silom Road
More info: 02 624 9555
Sra Bua by Kiin Kin
Thai inspired with a modern twist, Sra Bua is only the second restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star for cooking Thai food (after Nahm). The setting is attractive, and the food is modern, interesting, beautifully presented by with chefs aiming to push the boundaries of form, texture, and temperature.
Where: Siam Kempinski Hotel, 9/991 Rama I Rd.
More info: 02 162 9000
Ten Sui
Situated amid an authentic Japanese garden within a Japanese-style home, Ten Sui has an ambiance that is calming. The elegant simplicity that makes Japanese food a wordwide favorite can be expected and staff in kimonos serve very fresh sushi and sashimi directly imported from the markets of Japan. The restaurant also offers a long list of sake.
Where: 33 Sukhumvit 16
More info: 02 663 2261
The Water Library Chamchuree
Water Library Chamchuree is notable for its floor-to-ceiling display of water bottles, and every details in the restaurant – from design, to cuisine, to service — is attributed to the refined taste of its founder, Pote Lee. Although a casual dining concept during the day, the restaurant turns into an exclusive fine dining experience at night with exceptional cuisine
Where: Chamchuri Square, 2 floor, 17 Chamchuri Square, Phaya Thai Rd (MRT: Chamchuree)
More info: 02 160 5188
Vertigo and Moon Bar
Stylish and sophisticated, this rooftop open-air grill and bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok the first of its kind in Asia – could easily win hands down. Enjoy succulent seafood grill and premium steaks prepared by talented chefs and enjoy the breathtaking and panoramic views of the city as well. The Moon Bar is a stunning venue for any occasion, sensual, friendly and romantic.
Where: The Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathorn Rd
More info: 02 679 1200
Vogue Lounge
Vogue is another fashionable venue to Bangkok’s impressive resume. The sixth floor lounge is kept intentionally small enough to retain an exclusive and intimate feel. The gold and marble interior, slightly reminiscent of art deco, is beautiful, timeless and even intriguing with original Warhol prints that adore the place. Vincent Thierry, winner of 3 Michelin-stars, carefully crafts the menu to make it Michelin-star quality without going into the higher spheres of haute cuisine.
Where: MahaNakhon CUBE, 6th Floor, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Rd,
More info: 02 001 0697
Zuma
Those who have been to Zuma are also all praise for the use of organic textured materials and traditional textiles that helped create the perfect environment in which to enjoy its award-winning cuisine. As founder Chef Rainer Becker once said: “Zuma is a modern Japanese restaurant, yet it respects tradition not only in the food but also in the design and approach.”
Where: The St. Regis Hotel, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri)
More info: 02 252 4707
