Bangkok - Restaurants

Restaurants
Expensive

Le Normandie
This small, plush restaurant with a rarefied atmosphere serves up what has to be the best French cuisine in Bangkok. Located in the original part of The Oriental hotel, the restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with unrivalled views over the Chao Phraya River. The menu, prepared by a three Michelin star chef, is extensive. An excellent choice is baked red snapper in puff pastry. No lunch Sunday. There is a strict dress code.

The Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: (02) 659 9000.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
Price: $$$$

Baan Khanitha
This restaurant, located off Sukhumvit Road, has won the Bangkok Dining and Entertainment Award for Best Thai Restaurant' for nine consecutive years and its popularity is proof of this, so it is essential to book. The converted villa has stylish and typically Thai dcor, a mainly wooden interior with antiques and works of art that create a very calm atmosphere. The exquisite presentation of the food is as stylish as the interior. Set menus are available for two people.

36/1 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 258 4181.
Website: www.baan-khanitha.com
Price: $$$

Breeze
Sweeping views from this smart second floor restaurant, reached by crossing a dramatic illuminated sky bridge, make this an ideal venue to impress. Dine al fresco or in the contemporary interior on a menu of Asian-style seafood. The Dim Sum lunch is popular with business people.

State Tower, 1055 Silom Road
Tel: (02) 624 9555.
Website: www.breezebkk.com
Price: $$$

Nippon-Tei
One of the best Japanese restaurants in the city, the classic interior is often full of Japanese diners - always a good sign. There are eleven Japanese-style Tatami rooms for between two and 60 people as well as a sushi counter and teppan grill counter. The set lunches of Donburi rice with a choice of toppings are good value.

161 Nantawan Building, Ratchadamri Road
Tel: (02) 252 9438.
Website: www.nippontei.com
Price: $$$

Rang Mahal
This restaurant, on the rooftop of the Rembrandt Hotel (see Hotels), with superb views of the city, serves gourmet Indian food at its best. The dcor is sumptuous with Indian wall hangings and plush colours and the atmosphere very tranquil with Indian musicians playing unobtrusively in the background. The food is all excellent but a particularly fine dish is jheenga kadhai, shrimp cooked in a wok with oriental spices. Sunday brunch is very popular.

Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Soi 18 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 261 7100.
Website: www.rembrandtbkk.com
Price: $$$

Aubergine
Located in a charming house on a quiet soi off Silom Road, this cozy but classy restaurant serves classic French cuisine such as escargots with garlic sauce complemented by an impressive wine list. A good value set lunch is served Monday to Friday.

71/1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/1
Tel: (02) 234 2226.
Website: www.aubergine.in.th
Price: $$

Ban Chiang
Ban Chiang is a restored wooden house with lush garden (lit up at night) in the Silom area, serving up traditional Thai food. The magnificent selection of food is beautifully presented. The restaurant is popular with businesspeople at lunchtimes but the simple, classic dcor makes it ideal for a special evening meal.

14 Soi Sri-vieng, Surasak Road
Tel: (02) 236 7045 or 266 6994.
Price: $$

Harmonique
Situated fairly close to the river and the famed hotel The Oriental, the family-run Harmonique is incredibly welcoming. The restaurant is located in an old house, dating back more than 100 years, with a lush garden, Thai antiques and fans. The fantastic starters are particularly recommended, including the steamed shrimp in wine sauce. A selection of starters for two people is available. Closed Sunday.

22 Charoenkrung 34
Tel: (02) 237 8175.
Price: $$

Le Dalat Indochine
Down from the busy Sukhumvit Road, the upmarket Le Dalat Indochine serves probably the best Vietnamese food in Bangkok. This award-winning restaurant is located in an old house in a small, lush garden, and dining here is really a delightful experience. The elegant interior has a colonial feel and photos and memorabilia cover the walls. It is deservedly well known for its seafood particularly crispy fried crab fish. Its equally superb sister restaurant, Le Dalat, is just across the road.

14Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 661 7967.
Website: www.ledalatindochinebkk.com
Price: $$

Zanotti
The simple but stylish dcor contributes to a relaxed ambience in this Italian restaurant off the Silom Road. The restaurant appeals more to a business clientele rather than romantic diners as it can be quite busy in the evenings. There is an extensive menu put together by the Italian chef, including tasty Tuscan pizzas.

21/1 Saladaeng Colonnade Soi Saladaeng, Silom Road
Tel: (02) 636 0002/0266.
Website: www.zanotti-ristorante.com
Price: $$$

Bacchus
One of the places to be seen in Bangkok, this smart multi-level restaurant and wine bar has an impressive wine cellar. Relax after a dinner of fresh Andaman tuna steak by reclining on the top floor which has a glass roof with urban night views.

20/6-7 Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit
Tel: (02) 650 8986.
Website: www.bacchus.tv
Price: $$

Blue Elephant
Housed in an elegant old colonial building, with a Thai restaurant, bar and a cooking school on the top floor. The food is innovative and presentation is delightful; it tastes good as well. Be brave and try the durian cheesecake.

233 South Sathorn Road, Kwaeng Yannawa
Tel: (02) 673 9353.
Website: www.blueelephant.com
Price: $$

Eat Me
A magnet for trendy and sophisticated diners, the Australian Pacific Rim-inspired menu has innovative dishes such as beetroot carpaccio with walnuts and ricotta. The restaurant is multi-leveled with an open-air terrace and regularly hosts changing exhibitions of photography and paintings. Closed lunchtimes.

1/6 Soi Pipat 2, Silom
Tel: (02) 238 0931.
Website: www.eatmerestaurant.com
Price: $$$

Jesters
Located in the Peninsula Hotel, this restaurant over two levels is a great place to dine, with fun contemporary dcor and stunning views of the Chao Phraya River. It serves an eclectic mix of Mediterranean food, with dishes such as Pigeon Andre Malraux, originally created in Paris. No children 12 years or under. No lunch.

Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, 333 Charoennakorn Road
Tel: (02) 861 2888.
Website: www.peninsula.com
Price: $$$

Mango Tree
Tucked in a quiet soi between the busy Silom and Surawongse Roads, Mango Tree is made up of two old houses, with intriguing photos of old Bangkok on the wall and a collection of old cameras. Although cheap, this restaurant still serves fine Thai food. The dishes are influenced from all corners of Thailand and the spicy green and red curries are particularly tasty.

37 Soi Tantawan, Surawongse Road
Tel: (02) 236 2820.
Website: www.coca.com/mangotree
Price: $$

Cabbages & Condoms
Cabbages & Condoms is nearly as strange as its name, with displays of condoms of all shapes, sizes and colours and a tableau of vasectomy equipment in the restaurant. However, the place goes from strength to strength and combines its work to improve life for rural Thailand through contraception, hygiene programmes and AIDS education with great Thai cuisine. Located off busy Sukhumvit Road, the restaurant is surprisingly relaxing, with a lush garden and delicious food, and the addition of a deserving cause make it well worth a visit.

10 Soi 12 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 229 4610.
Website: www.pda.or.th/restaurant
Price: $$

Deck by the River
An intimate restaurant on decks right by the Chao Phraya River with Rattanakosin as a backdrop. A must-try are the grilled tiger prawns in garlic. High tea is an ideal time to watch the sun go down and weekend brunch is particularly popular.

36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road
Tel: (02) 221 9158.
Website: www.arunresidence.com
Price: $$

Kinnaree
Dine indoors or alfresco at this good-value Thai restaurant located in a cosy converted house. The food served is a modern twist on Thai favourites, such as deep-fried prawns topped with sweet and spicy tamarind sauce. The presentation is superb and diners can eat well without spending a fortune.

43 Sukhumvit Soi 8, Klongtoey
Tel: (02) 256 0328.
Website: www.kinnareegourmet.com
Price: $$

Manohra Cruise
There can be no better way to experience the Chao Phraya River than on a dinner cruise on a beautifully restored rice barge. Operated by the Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel, the Manohra Cruise welcomes visitors for daily dinner cruises passing riverside temples, waterfront homes and provides the opportunity to see river life close up. There is a set menu of beautifully presented Thai food, including green curry with duck and sweet basil. The cruise departs from the Marriott Hotel at 1930, but can be boarded from different piers: Taksin Public and Oriental Public piers. Reservations recommended.

Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel, 257 Charoennakorn Road
Tel: (02) 477 0770.
Website: www.manohracruises.com
Price: $$$

The Barbican
In a quiet soi off the Silom Road, The Barbican is a music cafe with a small contemporary area with stools and tables downstairs and a simple, teak restaurant upstairs. Tapas-size snacks are available, as well as Thai food. There is a good-value three-course set lunch. No lunch at weekends in the restaurant.

9/4-5 Soi Thaniya, Silom Road
Tel: (02) 234 3590.
Website: www.greatbritishpub.com
Price: $

Black Swan
At this British pub, run by a Yorkshireman, mementoes of Sheffield cover the wood-panelled walls and sports events are shown on a large plasma screen. Traditional British pub grub is served including fish and chips and bangers and mash. Fish flown in from Scotland is served on a Friday.

326/8-9 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 229 4542.
Website: www.blackswanbkk.com
Price: $

Bourbon Street
A longstanding favourite, this friendly restaurant serves hearty American Cajun and Creole food. Tuck into jambalaya or gumbo or try the all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet on Tuesday nights. Try raw or char-broiled oysters in the Oyster Bar. Open for breakfast.

29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Washington Square
Tel: (02) 259 0328/9.
Website: www.bourbonstbkk.com
Price: $

O'Reillys Irish Pub
This traditional Irish pub on the Silom Road has a comfortable bar with a great atmosphere. The floor is wooden and there are photographs of traditional Irish scenes adorning the walls. A good selection of Thai and European food is on offer, including some pub classics. Happy hour from 1600-1900 every day.

62/1-4 Silom Road
Tel: (02) 632 7515.
Price: $

Rasayana Raw Food Cafe
After being rejuvenated and detoxed at the Rasayana Retreat, treat yourself to some raw food, rich in vitamins and minerals, in their cafe. Try the marinated eggplants, zucchine and avocado sauce under a shady tree in the delightful courtyard. The cafe closes at 2000 and it is best to make a reservation.

57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39
Tel: (02) 662 4803.
Website: www.rasayanaretreat.com
Price: $

Crepes & Co
A bustling restaurant, popular with locals and expats, located in an old wooden house. Choose from a large selection of savoury and sweet crepes and dine in the bright dining room or on the terrace. Brunch is available every day but is an institution at weekends.

18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Klongtoey
Tel: (02) 653 3990.
Website: www.crepes.co.th
Price: $

Hotels
Cheap

Rembrandt Hotel
Located off the busy Sukhumvit Road and within easy reach of the commercial and entertainment areas, the Rembrandt is a popular business hotel. The 407 rooms are very tastefully furnished with cool colours and have the usual range of facilities, such as satellite TV, international direct-dial telephone and a safe. There are executive floors for travellers who require a little extra luxury and additional services, such as broadband Internet and express check-in. The hotel has a number of excellent restaurants, including the highly rated Rang Mahal Indian restaurant (see Restaurants) and Seor Pico Mexican restaurant. In addition, there is a pool, fitness room, spa and various shops, as well as a business centre with seminar rooms accommodating up to 20 people, with audio-visual equipment available.

19 Soi 18 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 261 7100.
Website: www.rembrandtbkk.com
Price: $$

Bel Aire Princess
This friendly first class hotel is conveniently located off the Sukhumvit Road, close to Nana Skytrain station and the expressway for the airport. It is decked out with a stylish minimalism. The 160 comfortable rooms are all good-sized with private bathrooms, satellite TV, mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities. There is one restaurant serving Thai, Continental and Indian food, a bar plus an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness centre. In addition there is a business centre plus a meeting room which can hold up to 100 people.

16 Sukhumvit Soi 5
Tel: (02) 253 4300.
Website: www.bel-aireprincess.com
Price: $$

Dream Hotel
This trendy boutique hotel, where the style is a fusion of East meets West, is now well-established on the Bangkok scene. The 200 rooms have plasma TVs, ipods, Wi-Fi and under-bed lighting. There are even pet-friendly rooms. There is one restaurant, Flava, and a cocktail lounge, spa, health club, swimming pool and business centre.

10 Sukhumvit Soi 15
Tel: (02) 254 8500.
Website: www.dreambkk.com
Price: $$

Conrad Bangkok
Stylish hotel, close to the business district and Lumphini Park, with contemporary, understated Thai design throughout. Silk and wood are used in all the rooms and suites. Superb facilities including several restaurants (Italian, Chinese and Japanese), nightclub, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, jogging track and tennis courts. Business facilities include a business centre and 14 meeting rooms catering for 20 to 1,200 people.

87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan
Tel: (02) 690 9999.
Website: www.conradhotels.com
Price: $$$$

Peninsula
With commanding views of the Chao Phraya River, this hotel has a reputation for excellent service and hospitality. All rooms have a river view, some with balconies, terraces or outdoor Jacuzzis, and are sumptuously decorated. Rooms have marble bathrooms, executive work desk, CD/DVD player, camcorder video playback facilities, Wi-Fi and fax machine. Diners are well catered for with several restaurants including Mediterranean cuisine at Jesters (see Restaurants) and Thai home-made style cooking at Thiptara. Leisure facilities include a spa, gym, tennis courts and three-tiered swimming pool.

333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan
Tel: (02) 861 2888.
Website: www.peninsula.com
Price: $$$$

Shangri-La
The Shangri-La is set in tropical gardens on the banks of the river, close to the business district, and has an enviable reputation. The rooms are decorated in relaxing colours and all have a big executive desk, voice-mail and modem point and broadband Internet connection. There are 26 function rooms, all equipped with the most advanced conference equipment, while the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests. Additional facilities include a shopping arcade, two pools, spa, fully equipped gym, tennis and squash courts, sauna and Jacuzzi. There is a good choice of restaurants, including the Next2 terrace for evening barbecues and Sunday brunch.

90 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road
Tel: (02) 236 7777.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Price: $$$$

The Oriental
One of the most famous hotels in the world, The Oriental is located by the Chao Phraya River and is the hotel of choice for royalty and celebrities past and present, such as Somerset Maugham, the Prince of Wales and Elizabeth Taylor. Although the original Author's Wing was built in 1887 and is very much colonial in style, two more modern wings tend to dominate the appearance of the hotel. However, the 393 rooms (including 35 suites) are all sumptuously decorated and have satellite TV, CD player, fridge, mini-bar and telephone lines with Internet access, while some have a split-level layout. The business centre has four meeting rooms and two boardrooms capable of holding up to 14 people and eight other function rooms catering for up to 1,000 guests. In addition, there are several exquisite restaurants, including Le Normandie (see Restaurants), various bars, two swimming pools, a spa, Thai cooking school, fitness centre and shopping arcade.

48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: (02) 659 9000.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
Price: $$$$

The Sukhothai
The dcor of The Sukhothai, in the Silom area, is pure Thai and it imparts a feeling of serenity throughout the hotel. All rooms incorporate Thai fabrics, teakwood and furnishings, and the public rooms are exquisitely furnished with many Thai artefacts. Guest rooms all feature satellite TV, safe, high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi and some have a fax machine. There is a delightful, cool inner courtyard with a water garden and several restaurants, including The Celadon, which serves excellent Thai food. There is a business centre, a range of meeting rooms and a ballroom, with timber and granite flooring, catering for up to 550 people. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available for hire. The hotel facilities include a pool, health club, spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, tennis and squash courts and a shopping arcade.

13/3 South Sathorn Road
Tel: (02) 344 8888.
Website: www.sukhothai.com
Price: $$$$

The Dusit Thani
This opulent hotel is a Bangkok landmark conveniently located off the Silom Road in the business and entertainment district overlooking Lumphini Park. The 500-plus rooms are all sumptuously decorated in Thai style and all have satellite TV, VCR, mini-bar, voice-mail and direct-dial telephones with fax/modem point. Meeting facilities are excellent, offering a range of meeting and function rooms, as well as the Napali Ballroom, which can seat up to 1,200 people. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available. Other facilities include a business centre, spa and fitness club, swimming pool, sauna, golf driving range and boutiques. Restaurants include the Thai Benjarong, the Vietnamese Thien Duong and French food at the rooftop D'Sens, with panoramic views of the city.

946 Rama IV Road
Tel: (02) 200 9000.
Website: http://bangkok.dusit.com
Price: $$$

The Eugenia
A fine boutique hotel, with just 12 suites, in an elegant colonial house. The suites all have antique furniture, part of a collection belonging to the owner. There is a lounge bar and a restaurant, the D B Bradley, which serves a fusion of east and west. Facilities include an open-air swimming pool and high-speed Internet access. Airport transfers can be arranged in one of their fleet of vintage cars.

267 Soi Sukhumvit 31, North Klongtan, Wattana
Tel: (02) 259 9017.
Website: www.theeugenia.com
Price: $$$