Restaurants in Bangkok

Built on the idea that the best Thai food should be found in Thailand, Bo.lan celebrates the country’s culinary heritage in a peaceful setting away from the bustle of Sukhumvit. Diners can choose a-la-carte dishes or opt for the Bo.lan Balance menu which features five dishes. Sample meals include stir-fried pork belly with Thai cucumber, lamb with betel leaf and deep-fried quail.

It doesn't have to be expensive here, but if you have a penchant for fresh lobster, Seafood Market is the place to indulge. Their motto is, “If it swims, we have it”, and with Phuket, rock and live Maine lobster among the many varieties on offer, they certainly do. The concept is simple: customers wander around the various stalls, pick up the live or iced food they want, and pay by the kilo. The kitchen then prepares the food as requested.

On the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel is the celebrated Sirocco restaurant, famous for its views over Bangkok and fine-dining Mediterranean cuisine. The Chef’s Tasting Menu is a popular choice, while a-la-carte dishes include Maine lobster with homemade pasta, slow-cooked duck breast and chocolate desserts. A cocktail at the Sky Bar is a great way to start, or end, the evening too.

Right by the Chao Phraya River, overlooking the beautiful Wat Arun, with Ratanakosin as a backdrop, this intimate restaurant on the deck is the perfect spot for sunset drinks and supper. The must-tries are the grilled or deep-fried prawns in garlic, a classic pad thai and the fresh fish such as steamed sea bass. It’s also a good spot for high tea and the weekend brunch is particularly popular.

Designed around what is claimed to be the world’s longest table at 25m (82ft) long, this 25th-floor level restaurant serves up cutting-edge Thai cuisine and creative cocktails in a stylish setting. Dishes include tuna and octopus capriccio, a trio of grilled Chiang Mai sausage, crispy pork belly and minced pork, wok-fried snapper and chilled noodle with mushroom salad. There’s a good dessert menu too, while signature cocktails include Salty Soi-Dog and Long Table Margarita.

For value-for-money pizza, 10 varieties of wine by the glass, tasty cocktails and a live DJ, Oskar Bistro is a great spot for good-quality, non-Thai cuisine such as pasta, wood-oven pizza, burgers and salads. Dishes worth trying include the signature Oskar salad of duck confit, ham, plums, eggs and truffle oil, and French casserole stews. There are plenty of tables inside as well as a porch with tables for two.

Not many restaurants have a mission, but this city favourite helps fund safe sex awareness and rural development programmes for the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). With indoor and al fresco seating under colourful canopies, there’s an extensive menu of affordable Thai classics from spicy seafood salads and green curry to stir-fried morning glory and shrimp patties. The restaurant is creatively decorated with colourful condoms, and purchases from the handicraft store near the entrance support PDA projects.

More than just a creperie, Crepes & Co is a bustling restaurant decked out with comfortable sofas, artwork and an open kitchen. Popular with locals and expats, its vast collection of crepes includes 50 savoury and 40 sweet varieties, as well as delicious Mediterranean dishes, all served in a bright dining room or on the terrace. Brunch is available every day but is an institution at weekends. 

Serving vegetarian Indian cuisine on busy Sukhumvit 11, Dosa King is, as you’d expect, renowned for its dosas. It also whips up classic south Indian pancakes made with rice and lentil batter, while plates like pizza dosa and spicy paneer tikka are good too. It also serves north Indian curries and daals, sizzlers and has an authentic Indian drinks menu with classic beverages such as nimbu pani (fresh lime with water/soda), lassi (yogurt drink) and badaam milk (almond milk).