LITTLE PINK BOOK FOR BANGKOK
Thai Food
- Secret Garden is located in Silom and is a prefect place to enjoy authentic Thai food in a relaxed atmosphere. (177 Sathon Tai Rd)
- At first sight, Coffee Beans by Dao looks like strange hybrid of a Parisian vintage café serving Thai food. But the Thai food is to die for. Coffee Beans by Dao has several branches across the city, most of them in bigger malls. I highly recommend the fish “Plaa Nang Manau”.
- Nara also has branches in the major malls and is an upscale Thai restaurant. Their Phad Thai is one of the best in town.
- Baan Khanita– I only recommend the “original” branch in Sukhumvit Soi 23. It is located in a landed house and the food is tasty. (The other branches were rather disappointing.) It is a nice place to bring guests and enjoy the food in a traditional Thai atmosphere. (36/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23)
- You and Mee is in the basement of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Chidlom. The Kapraw Kai (minced chicken with Thai basil) is delicious but the real reason to come here is the Khao Soy – a Northern Thai curry. (Grand Hyatt Hotel, Chidlom)
- Sala Rattanakosin has some of the best dinner views of the city, directly opposite of Wat Pho. (Hotel Sala Rattanakosin, 39 Maha Rat Rd)
Fusion
- Vistro is one of the newest additions to the vegan food scene. I would describe the food as fusion of Thai, Indian and Western. Definitely try the dumplings! (46/1 Soi Sukhumvit 24)
- Issaya Siamese Club is a must. Situated in a beautiful heritage house, dining there is truly an experience. The food is Thai with a twist and will not disappoint. (4 Chuea Phloeng 2 Alley)
Japanese
- Isao is one of my favourite restaurants in town. I come for the food and the cute cat at the entrance. Definitely have the caterpillar and one of the crunchy options (the “Triple L” or “Crunchy”) (5 Soi Sukhumvit 31)
- Ramen Bankara serves authentic Ramen and is a favourite of the Japanese expat crowd. (The Manor 32/1 Soi Sukhumvit 39)
- Zuma at the St. Regis comes up to its international reputation. The lounge at the terrace is perfect for drinks before or after dinner. (St. Regis Hotel)
Dumplings
- Din Tai Fung has branches in several malls across the city.
Italian
You would not associate an Asian metropolis with good Italian food, but my list of favourite Italian places is actually quite long.
- Antonio’s is an upscale traditional Italian restaurant. I used to be a regular at its sister restaurant La Piazza which, unfortunately, closed recently. (26 Soi Sukhumvit 29)
- Peppina serves traditional Neapolitan pizza but also very nice pasta. There are now several branches but I recommend the main one in Sukhumvit 33. (27/1 Soi Sukhumvit 33)
- IO Italian Osteria is a perfect lunch spot. Ask for the Pasta Cacio e Pepe. (Groove at Central World Mall)
- The French cannot make good pizza? Well, Délices de Capoue will prove you wrong. (359/7 Ekamai Complex, Soi Sukhumvit 63)
- Bella Napoli (3/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31) and Limoncello (17 Soi Sukhumvit 11) are two further Italian restaurants which are not to be missed.
Lebanese
- Nadimos will not disappoint. Try their “Istanbuli” and “Zatar Bread”. (Soi Sukhumvit 24, opposite of The Davis Hotel)
Burgers
- Even though Daniel Thaiger is located on Sukhumvit 11 (which I usually avoid), the burgers are definitely worth heading there. (30 Soi Sukhumvit 11)
- New York Style Steak and Burger has a nice show kitchen and their fries are the best in town. (28 Soi Sukhumvit 22)
- The Smokin’ Pug is popular with the American crowd and those who would like to enjoy a good burger and drinks in a casual atmosphere. (105 Langsuan)
- For more burger recommendations, check out my article about the best burgers in Bangkok.
Indian Food
- Punjab Grill is an upscale Indian restaurants. Definitely have some chaat (small snacks). (23/2-3 Soi Sukhumvit 13)
- Charcoal is proof that Indian restaurants can be more than just the take-away restaurant around the corner. It has a trendy vibe, nice bar and serves tasty food. (Fraser Suites Sukhumvit)
- Saras is the spot for South Indian breakfast. (15 Soi Sukhumvit 20)
Brunch
- (Not Just) Another Cup is my happy place. Definitely have the French Toast. (75/1 Sathon Soi 10)
- Toby’s is a cute breakfast and brunch spot with tasty coffee in a little house almost at the end of Soi Sukhumvit 38. (75 Soi Sukhumvit 38)
Cafés and Roasters
Cafés and Roasters- Number 1 on my list: Hands and Heart Coffee Roasters. They recently moved into the connecting Soi of Sukhumvit 36 and 38 but the coffee is still the same. (4 Soi Sangchai, just off Soi Sukhumvit 38)
- Ink and Lion in Ekkamai not only has delicious coffee but also mini cakes. (The coconut cake and strawberry shortcake are my favourites.) (1, 7 Ekkamai 2 Alley)
- Single Lane Coffee is hidden in Phra Khanong off the party district W Market. The design of the café is very cute, with a tiny courtyard. Coffee is delicious and worth venturing there. (26/9 Sukhumvit 69)
- I have spent hours and hours to work at Invisible Coffee Room. (25/8 Soi Sukhumvit 16)
- F.I.X. is my go-to coffee place in Silom. (1, 3 Soi Sala Daeng 1)
- Luka at Siri House is one of the most stylish places for coffee. They have a pool and a beautiful outdoor seating area. (14/2 Soi Somkid)
- Read more in my coffee guide.
High Tea
I’m not a big fan of tea. But as you can also have coffee while enjoying high tea with your friends or family, I definitely recommend the high tea at the Mandarin Oriental. The setting at the Author’s Lounge takes you back to the “old” Bangkok. (Mandarin Oriental Hotel)
Drinks with a View
- Most guides recommend the Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree or Sirocco at Lebua State Tower. But my go-to place for great views of Bangkok is Octave rooftop bar at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit (near Thong Lo BTS Station) (2 Soi Sukhumvit 57)
- Hi-So at the So Sofitel Hotel has a beautiful view over Lumpini Park. (So Sofitel)
- Sala Rattanakosin not only has a restaurant but is also popular for its rooftop bar overlooking the river and Wat Pho. (Hotel Sala Rattanakosin, 39 Maha Rat Rd)
“Just” Drinks
- Vesper has an amazing cocktail selection. It is one of my favourite places for a nice evening or date in town. (10/15 Convent Road)
- Rabbit Hole is really a hole in the wall but one of my go-to places for a nice evening.(125 Soi Sukhumvit 55)
- Iron Balls serves their house gin in a stylish setting. (Soi Sukhumvit 45)
Dance and Drink
- Head to Sing Sing Theater for a dance night (and after drinks at Iron Balls). The setting takes you to an old Chinese theatre with swings and signature Chinese lamps in black and red. (Soi Sukhumvit 45)
Spas
- Asia Herb has several branches but I prefer the one in Soi Sukhumvit 24 for a nice traditional Thai or foot massage. (50/6 Soi Sukhumvit 24)
- Refresh@24 is in the same street and is also a great place for massages. (43 Soi Sukhumvit 24)
- Preme Spa is fairly new and I love the beautiful landed house. The massages are great too. (1/2 Napha Sap 1; just off Soi Sukhumvit 36)
Riverside
- Shangri-La (89 Wat Suan Phlu Alley)
- The Peninsula (333 Charoen Nakhon Road)
- Mandarin Oriental (48 Oriental Ave)
City
- Grand Hyatt Erawan (494 Ratchadamri Road)
