Top Tables 2013

Whos in charge
General Manager James Fuss Managing Editor, Product Director Grgoire Glachant Managing Editor, Special Projects Nick Measures Sub-editor Carl Dixon Senior Staff Writers Monruedee Jansuttipan, Top Koaysomboon Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Senior Content Coordinator Sita Srisawat Junior Writers Pieng-or Mongkolkumnuankhet, Nutthachai Bunluthangthum Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Wiwan Sirivasaree Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Junior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon Senior Tele Sales Associate Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Marketing Executive Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul Marketing Executive Natta Yantasri Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmung Assistant Finance Manager Kedsaraporn Suinta Senior Accountant Donnapa Umnoursarn Accountant Purida Apichanapong Administrator Maneeya Kanthongdang Interns Linh Phuong, Tanyarat Kanjanarat, Nutthanate Panyangarm, Araya Rattanawongsamaytakul, Kornkamol Porapuckham, Thamonwan Poungdee Cover Nahm, see page 6, photography by Gregoire Glachant The Asia City Media Group Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 E-mail: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
ow in its fourth year, Top Tables has grown up a lot since it first set out to Bon list Bangkoks very best restaurants. The Appetit! guide is still based on BK Magazines hard-hitting reviews, the only magazine in Bangkok where reviewers dont call ahead, dont sit with the chef (or PR) and pay for their meal. But since last year, weve also incorporated the views of a panel of foodies: journalists, food bloggers, wine makers, chefs and restaurant owners. Not that were crowd-sourcing. We have our own strong opinions about what constitutes a good restaurant and were sticking to them: Top Tables is a celebration of fine dining, with the kind of service and dcor that implies, but great food still comes first. Top Tables 2013s other shift is towards better recognizing restaurants that stand out from the crowd, either because theyre doing a less popular cuisine, or because theyre trying to push things forward. For example, the legions of fairly decent Italian restaurants in hotels tend to drop off our radar, not because theyre not good, but because theyre not interesting. It means Top Tables 2013 has more new entries than ever before, making it a particularly timely snapshot of whats worthy of your demanding taste buds. What this snapshot tells us, apart from where you need to book your next dinner, is that Thai food has never been this exciting or popular on the fine-dining scene. This is particularly obvious in Top Tables 2013s other new feature, the Top Tables Top 10. We wont ruin the suspense, but the list speaks for itself: four of its laureates are doing Thai cuisine. That would have been unthinkable when Top Tables first launched. Of course, we crave your feedback, impassioned rants and all, so please email us your comments to food@asia-city.co.th.
Symbols Price guide
B BB BBB BBBB Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up
H
F
E
Reservations recommended Parking available Dress requirements Open for less than a year
Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.
NEW
Top Tables 2013 is published and distributed on March 29, 2013. It is published by Asia City Media Group Ltd., 22/F, Silom Center, 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 1050. Copyright 2013 Asia City Media Group Ltd. The titles BK Magazine, Top Tables 2013 its associated logos or devices, and the content of Top Tables 2013 are the property of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. This publication is distributed as a supplement to BK Magazine. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specications. All advertising must comply with the Publishers terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.
Table of Contents Top 10

Ekkamai
Page 6
Page 26
Lower Sukhumvit
Narathiwat
Sunday Hotel Brunches
Phloenchit
Page 29
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
Ratchadamri
Ratchadamnoen
Ramindra
Ramkhamhaeng
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
Page 46
Riverside
Sathorn
Siam
Silom
Page 47
Page 52
Page 54
Page 56
Thonglor
Upper Sukhumvit
Casual Dining
Index
Page 62
Page 67
Page 76
Page 82
TOP Top Tables Dining Guide 2013
10
Nahm
Thai / Sathorn
We are big admirers of David Thompson and what he is doing (and has done) for Thai cuisine. Nahm is now an undoubted success and, while there may be one or two close rivals to the throne, we still believe Nahm serves the best Thai food you can eat in Bangkok. (In fact, we believe it serves the best food you can eat in Bangkok, period.) We love the exibility given by the set menu which starts you off with delicious canaps (the skewered Southern grilled mussels are divine) before letting you pick one nam prik (relish), one salad, one soup (per person), one curry and one stir fry from a mouthwatering list of options. What could be a standard Thai menu rises high above the norm thanks to the choice of interesting and high-quality ingredients, like those in the yam ta krai, a lemongrass salad of meaty prawns, crispy squid and pork, which is taken to another level thanks to the toasted coconut. And while Thompson is resolutely traditional with his dishes, there is just enough innovation to keep you on your toes, especially in the sublime desserts courtesy of his partner, Tanongsak Yordwa.
G/F, Metropolitan, Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333. Open daily 7-11pm H F E BBBB
TOP Top Tables Dining Guide 2013
10
2
Le Beaulieu
French / Phloenchit
Resisting fads and fashions, Chef Herve Frerard remains resolutely French, whipping up chicken liver pate, soups and consomms (such as his famous bouillabaisse) and hearty, rustic mains split between land and sea. The imported morteau sausage is served with a rich tomato lentil sauce while the terrine de pot au feu tweaks the classic dish, normally a big pot of boiled veggies and meat, by transforming it into a delicate terrine. In short, these are simple dishes using top ingredients imported direct from France or making the most of the chefs involvement with the Royal Projects in Thailand. With a design created by local architect Sumeth Sukapanotharam, the atmosphere is intimate but very polished, with lots of dark wood and cream. Such understated renement and taste doesnt come cheap and the crowd reects this, but Le Beaulieu is currently our favorite French restaurant in town.
G/F, Athenee Ofce Tower, 63 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-1688220-3. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-11:30pm. H F BBBB
10 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Quince
NEW
Mediterranean / Upper Sukhumvit
The food at the super popular Quince is pretty consistently excellent. Unfortunately, Chef Jess Barnes left the place a month ago. Quinces number three ranking is thus more a reection on what the restaurant has accomplished until now, than a guarantee as to its future. (Wilfrid Hocquet, who formerly worked with the Pourcel brothers, owners of a Michelin-star restaurant in France, has replaced Barnes, who will relocate to Opposite Mess Hall, in Sukhumvit Soi 51.) Using local produce and seasonal ingredients, Barnes cuisine really shines through in dishes like the roasted carrots with shallot, honey, poppy seed and thyme. The wonderfully twisted baby carrots are naturally sweet and avorful, suggesting theyve been freshly plucked from the soil. Indeed one of the highlights here has to be the sheer range of options for vegetariansnot that meat lovers arent well served by treats like the addictively buttery bone marrow or the smooth and creamy pig cheek rilettes, served with a quince jam to ensure a wonderful blend of tartness and salt, meat and fruit. The space is truly handsome and the kitchen is both bold and talentedlets hope it stays that way.
Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478. Open daily 11:30-1am. H BB
CHRISTIAN HOGUE
hearty, rustic mains split between land and sea. The imported morteau sausage is served with a rich tomato lentil sauce while the terrine de pot au feu tweaks the classic dish, a big pot of boiled veggies and meat, by transforming it into a delicate terrine. In short, simple dishes using high quality ingredients imported direct from France or making the most of the chefs involvement with the Royal Projects in Thailand. With a design created by local architect Sumeth Sukapanotharam, the general vibe is intimate but very polished, with lots of dark wood and cream. Such understated renement and taste doesnt come cheap and the crowd reects this, but Le Beaulieu is currently our favorite French restaurant in town.
TKTKTKTKTTK
12 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
The Water Library Thonglor

French / Thong Lor
What if you imported nearly all your produce from the best sources in the world? What if you had more chefs than diners? What if you made those diners start eating together at the exact same time, with a set menu they cant pick and choose from? This crazy dream is a reality at Water Library Thonglor (theres also Water Library at Chamchuree Square, which does classic a la carte dining). The restaurant serves a maximum of ten diners per night, starting at 7:30pm on the dot. To make it all happen, Water Library assembled a dream team of international mixologists, chefs and wait staff, and uses only the very best imported ingredients to boot. The 12-course menu is part meal, part theater, with the team of chefs preparing the plates in front of you and then explaining the ingredients. These came from all over the world, like the Irish oysters with seaweed and caviar, or the chicken that comes all the way from Bresse in France. Every dish looks very modern with the chefs (from Thailand, Europe and Singapore) employing plenty of gastro tricks like foams and emulsions to reinterpret the textures and avors. While this is Bangkoks most expensive set dinner, the experience and avors are also some of the most exciting in town.
Water Library Thonglor. The Grass, 264/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-7149292-3. Open daily 6pm-1am. H F BBBB Water Library Chamchuri, 2/F, Chamchuri Square, Rama 4 Rd., 02160-5188-9. MRT Sam Yan.Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-9:30pm.
H F BBB-BBBB
14 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Bo.lan
Thai / Upper Sukhumvit
Chefs and couple, Bo and Dylan (Bo. lan, get it?) worked at David Thompsons Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Nahm at its original London location. But it was them who rst brought the promise of authentic, uncompromising food at ne dining prices back home to Bangkok. The Bo.lan Balance set, which changes every two months, makes for a colorful and intense experience. It starts with yaa dong (traditional Thai spirit) served with pandanus juice and sour fruits to shake up your palate. Slightly deconstructed, it is one of Bo.lans rare nods to modernity (along with its desserts). Portions are generous but presentation is extremely delicate. The lon taojiew (dip of minced pork and prawns simmered in coconut cream with lemongrass, white turmeric, and chilli), for example, is served with fresh, elegantly presented herbs, vegetables and owers (no carved carrots here!). Flavors are uncompromisingly, but not overpoweringly, hot, such as the grilled aubergine salad with fresh, plump river prawns and a perfectly half-boiled duck egg. Each bite lets the complexities of the Thai spices and herbs unfold in your mouth. This is Thai food for connoisseurs who want to be pleasantly surprised (as opposed to comforted) by whats on their plate.
42 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-260-2962. Open TueSun 6:30-11pm. H BBBB
16 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Eat Me
International / Silom
The dcor is a cool yet cozy melange of industrial, natural (plenty of vegetation) and artistic in the form of rotating exhibits by edgy artists. On the second oor, the narrow dining room parallels a balcony wide enough for a few highly coveted tables. And while the decade-old Eat Me could just have chugged along, a couple of years ago it hired young New York chef Tim Butler, seriously upping its game in the process. Butler refocused the menu on fresher, tastier produce, well before places like Quince and Smith joined the produce-centric bandwagon. The result is simple, delicious salads like the ripe heirloom tomatoes with olive oil ice-cream mint, basil and parmesansimple yet divine. Its also one of the only places that can tap into global inuencesIndian kedgeree, lamb with harissa, duck contwithout falling at on its face. Throw in playful service thats unlike any other in town, and Eat Me is one of those restaurants that truly feels like an experience, not just a meal. But its in every guidebook, and its been around forever, so you better book ahead.
1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 3pm-1am. H BBBB
18 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Gaggan
Indian / Phloenchit
The signage here says progressive Indian but thats an understatement. The food being offered up by chef Gaggan is much more than that. Yes, there is an obvious Indian theme, but labeling his dishes puts preconceptions in your head that should be checked at the door. Everything about the place is so un-Indian: not a gold plate or red drape in sight. Instead, the magic happens in an enchanting white wood house staffed by irtatious and wellinformed staff who add to the pleasantly casual vibe. As for the food, theres a playfulness in everything served up thats hard not to like. But all the liquid nitrogen and foam in the world is worth naught if the avors dont work, and this is where Gaggan really shines. Theres a very modern gastronomic twist to dishes like the amuse bouche, a spheried raita, but the sweet and salty avors remind us so strongly of a good papri chaatthat presentation is just a bonus, not the backbone of the dish. In Gaggan, Bangkok has a restaurant it can be proud of, and in Gaggan Anand, a chef whose talent and enthusiasm make you fall in love with food again.
68/1 Soi Lang Suan, 02-652-1700. Open daily 6-11pm. H BBBB
20 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Mugendai
NEW
Japanese / Thong Lor
Aoi, Tensui, Maru Serina, Tsukijithe list of top-notch sushi restaurants in Bangkok is pretty long. These days, its Mugendai thats pushing the envelope. Not only does it claim that its produce is delivered ve times a week (most places only get two deliveries), but its alluring location and creative twists are unique. Situated on the 7/F of the building at the back of Grass Thonglor, its views of the neighborhood add an urban twist to the otherwise traditional dcor. Recommendations include the Aburi Seven, comprising seven sushi varieties like Matsusaka beef, otoro and engawa; unagi foie gras (grilled eel sushi stuffed with foie gras); and kinki shioyaki (grilled rocksh with salt). Mugendai does more than chop up raw sh, though, with lime, sh paste or shredded garlic are smeared onto generous chunks of lightly blow-torched sh. Even a humble tempura set is here transcended thanks to eye-catching presentation and perfectly executed frying. Do bring a big credit card to make the most of the place.
7/F, Grass, Thonglor Soi 12, 02-726-9222, 087-996-8888. Open Mon-Fri 5:30pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm. H F BBBB
22 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
Issaya Siamese Club

Thai / Sathorn
Run by the prodigal son, Ian Kittichai, Issaya is a vibrant and exciting take on traditional Thai cooking. It begins with the dcor, which is bright and bold, all large oral wallpaper and vivid blue walls somehow combining perfectly with this charming heritage building. The food manages the same high-wire act of being resolutely traditional and thought-provoking in equal measure. Youll recognize most dishes on the menu (which pleasantly, includes pretty thorough homegrown and organic vegetarian options). Yet most are given a little twist, notably through the artful presentation and use of high-quality ingredients, such as the yam neua, tender imported beef balanced on mini-towers of salad. Some dishes here are truly on another level, like the kradook moo aob, delicious chili glazed baby back ribs, which is fall-off-thebone tender and decadently sticky and sweet. But do make sure you have room for dessert, where Kittichai is at his most inventive.
4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Rd., 02-672-9040-1. Open daily 11:30am-2pm; 6pm-1am (kitchen closes at 10:30pm). H BBB
24 TOP Top Tables
10
Dining Guide 2013
10
Supanniga Eating Room

Thai / Thonglor
NEW
Thanaruek Eh Laoraowirodge is beginning to form a small restaurant empire. He is a partner in Minibar Royale (and therefore Minibar Deli and Singhas Est 33., managed by the same gang) and he opened Somtam Der this year on Soi Saladaeng (see page 77). This latest venture is his most personal yet, though, as the dcor is inspired by his familys boutique hotel in Khon Kaen (also called Supanniga) and the menu is simply based on what his grandmother used to cook up at homeThai food that borrows both from her hometown, Trat, and where the family lives, Khon Kaen. It sees something as simple as stir-fried vegetables reach new heights thanks to the use of Trat sh sauce. An increasingly rare curry such as moo cha muang (pork with guttiferae tree leaves) betrays long hours spent in the kitchen with its smoothly blended avors. And instead of trying to impress with Aussie beef, Supanniga uses humble beef tendon in its yam neau lai (beef salad) and pad krapow. The result is food that truly tastes home-cooked, making Supanniga top of our list when we want a simple, comforting meal.
160/11 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor Sois 6 and 8), 02-714-7508. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-11:30pm. BB
Gaggan
26
Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Ekkamai
Fuzio
The Garret
Fuzio
Italian / Ekkamai
The Garret
International / Ekkamai
Here, classic Italian recipes are mixed with just enough modern touches to suit the locale and clientele. Its locaFuzio tion atop the Mini Showroom and the modern lofted ceilings allow for plenty of light while a very long white table in the center of the room for cooking demonstrations and some tableside cooking. Try the carpaccio of chilled beef and Angus T-bone, cooked to perfection.
6/F, Mini Showroom, 99/99 Ekkamai Soi 7, 02-711-6999. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. F BBB
Instead of monopolizing that entire, gorgeous rooftop space with just one restaurant, the folks at Fuzio decided to create a second eatery, serving New American cuisine. In a high ceilinged, Boardwalk Empire-esque vintage setting, they do meat-heavy dishes, like lamb skewers, enormous and interesting burgers, hearty salads and some sinful desserts.
6/F, Mini Showroom, 99/99 Ekkamai Soi 7, 02-711-6999. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-midnight. H F BBB-BBBB
28

Ekkamai/Lower Sukhumvit
Parata Diamond
Parata Diamond
Italian / Ekkamai
NEW
Bed Supperclub
International / Lower Sukhumvit
The interior is a contemporary take on Moroccan style. The house is very 70s modern tropical, and the food is New American. That means dishes like the harrissa lamb strudel, a crispy homemade lamb phyllo with harrissa, which is topped with slow-roasted pears and apricot relish. Or the ve-spice glazed beef short rib jazzed up with sides like rosemary pineapples, gingered potato puree and crispy onion. Its also an exciting space: a large open-air garden, an all-black lounge with a beautiful bar, a gallery on the second oor, as well as a small terrace.
396 Ekkamai Soi 24, 085-167-6489. Open daily 6:30pm-1am. F BBB
This all-white, loft-like, futuristic hangar maintains its status as the grande dame of clubbing and trendy dining despite the advancing years. The menu always surfs the latest trends, from sourcing local products to comfort food. Currently, their focus is on wine with a revamped list and a series of stimulating events and pairings. Enjoy the innovative shows and then head to the bar section next door to continue the party.
26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3537. BTS Nana. Open Tue-Sun 7:30pm-2am (last order set dinner 10pm, a la carte menu 10:30pm). H F BBBB
Top Tables 29 Dining Guide 2013

Lower Sukhumvit
Bed Supperclub
El Gaucho
El Gaucho
NEW
Grottino
Italian / Lower Sukhumvit
Argentinean / Lower Sukhumvit
Rened yet rustic, its not the kind of place where youd nd an actual gaucho (cowboy) but there are masculine textures like brick, wood and oxidized bronze throughout. The meat-heavy menu includes signature dishes like homemade chorizo (beef or pork) and salchicha (sausage) while the beef ranges from a simple rib eye to a wagyu let mignon. Seating is a combination of regular and high tables, plus lounge chairs, divided into more intimate areas by large columns and wine racks. You can run up a big bill here, but the quality of the meat is getting high praises from all.
8, 8/1-7 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-255-2864. Open daily noon-midnight. BBBB
Grottinothe little grottohas a faade thats actually made to look like youre entering a Swiss mountain, albeit a very small one made of grayish papier-mch. Inside, the dcor is ttingly cavernous, with big round tables and enough wood to build a small chalet. The menu sticks mostly to Alpine favorites: cheese and meats. Its not the lightest food but the specialties where the produce does all the heavy lifting are true to form. The moitie-moitie Fribourgeoise cheese fondue, which is half-Gruyere and half-Vacherin cheese, makes for creamy, gooey goodness and comes with very decent bread (Grottino has its own bakery).
19/9-10 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-253-6024. Open daily 7am-11pm. BBB
30

Lower Sukhumvit
Limoncello
Ma Du Zi
Limoncello
Ma Du Zi Restaurant by Yuya
French / Lower Sukhumvit
Located in bustling Soi 11, this is a bright house nestled at the end of a small subsoi. As the sister of the well-regarded Zanotti, Limoncello offers tasty pizzas as well as other authentic Italian dishes. But why order anything else but the pizzaperhaps the best in Bangkok in the thin-crust category thanks to their perfect crisp and the superior ingredients used in the toppings.
17 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-0707. BTS Nana. Open Mon-Fri noon-2pm, 6-11pm; Sat-Sun noon-3pm, 5:30-11pm. H F BBB
Nippon national Yuya Okuda has worked at Taillevent Robuchon in Paris and Niki Club in Tokyo. His French cooking is light, fresh and subtle, with a focus on presentation and some discrete Japanese touches. Thai architectural rm August has created a space that ows yet offers privacy thanks to the striped marble oor owing up into wide columns and the dark bookcase partitions. The use of noble materials like wood, leather and marble suffuses Maduzis clean-cut modernism with a palace-like lavishness. The dining rooms highlight is a gunmetal latticework on the uninterrupted bay windows.
9/1 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-615-6400. BTS Asok. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm; 6:30-9:30pm. H F BBBB
32

Lower Sukumvit
Rib Room & Bar
Rib Room & Bar
Oskar Bistro
French, International / Lower Sukhumvit
Rib Room & Bar (RR&B)

Steak / Lower Sukhumvit
Two houses down from Bed Supperclub, Oskar Bistro is a restaurant with a slightly clubby vibe. It certainly packs a lot of things under one roof: a hearty menu, a long list of cheap drinks and a DJ. The dcor is fuss-free, and so is the French comfort food, even though the kitchens chef was formerly head of DSens, one of Bangkoks very best French restaurants. You cant go wrong with the cocottes, particularly the duck parmentier.
24 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-255-3377. Open daily 4pm-2am. H BBB
The birds-eye-view of Bangkoks skyline is sure to impress, as is the discreet, dimly-lit dining room on the 31st oor of the hotel. Bigger parties can book the glass-encased private room, which nestles between the open cooking station and the meat room. Occasional wine dinners offer particularly good value, usually with plenty of Japanese beef and strong Tuscan wines.
31/F, The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. BTS Nana. Open daily 6-11pm. www.landmarkbangkok.com/rrb.html. E H F BBBB

Lower Sukumvit
Tktkttktktk
34

Lower Sukumvit
Rossanos
Rossinis
Rossanos
Rossinis
Rossanos looks like your typical Italian restaurant, but stands apart thanks to its attention to detail, immaculate presentation, lightness of touch and the freshness of its ingredients. You do pay for the privilege but there are some more affordable disheswhether its a raw tuna carpaccio with a citrus dressing, homemade ravioli with ricotta cheese, or even a pizzathat shine just as bright. The decor is not grand, but it is cozy, with its distressed yellow walls, low-beamed ceilings and brick archways.
167 Asoke Soi 3, 02-260-1861, 02-661-7449 Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-11pm. H F BBB
Rossinis has always been a solid, if slightly stodgy, Italian restaurant: highly-polished service, box-beam ceilings, massive faux replaces and painted muralsyou get the idea. But its recent efforts at rejuvenation have seen a signicant drop in its wine prices, numerous unpretentious wine dinners and Chef Stefano Merlo cranking out some tantalizing seasonal menus. Go on a wine dinner or a regular night, but we recommend you pass on oft-visiting Michelin-star chef Alfredo Russo.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8364. BTS Asok. Open Mon-Fri noon2:30pm; 6:30-10:30pm. Sat 6:30; daily 11am2pm, 6-10pm.
H F BBB
36

Lower Sukhumvit
Shunbo Sumibiyaki Tapas Y Vino
Shunbo Sumibiyaki
Japanese / Lower Sukhumvit
Tapas Y Vino
Spanish / Lower Sukhumvit
Shunbo is known almost exclusively to a Japanese clientele and serves up simple dishes that are brilliantly prepared in sometimes unexpected waysand at prices lower than you would expect, as well. Though named after its specialty, charcoal-grilled food (sumibiyaki), Shunbo has a wider selection of small items that could classify the venue as an izakaya (a tavern with drinking food). The dcor pure Japanese minimalism and understated eleganceis no pub though.
33/5 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-254-5885. BTS Nana. Open daily 6pm-midnight. F BBB
Traditional tapas may be synonymous with casual nger food but theres a certain sense of occasion here, dining under the big Spanish chandeliers, with a wall of wine to one side and the cooks busying themselves behind a long zinc counter on the other. Tapas y Vinos plates are also more sophisticated in their presentation than youd nd in your average tapas joint. For example, the classic diced potatoes, patatas bravas, are artfully presented as six small hollowed out, inch-long potato cylinders, stuffed with a wonderfully tangy mayonnaise.
2/F, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel, 30 Sukhumvit 21, 02-204-4000. MRT Sukhumvit. BTS Asok. Open daily 6-10:30pm, Mon-Sat noon2:30pm. F BBB-BBBB
38

Narathiwat
Signor Sassi
The Oyster Bar

Seafood / Narathiwat
Signor Sassi
NEW
Italian / Narathiwat
Set up by oyster importer Bill Marinelli as a space where he could wine and dine potential customers, this place quickly developed a life of its own, pulling in people from all over town keen to sample the range of fresh oysters own in twice a week from Canada and the USA. The modern American menu has touches of New England and Creole, and lets the produce do the talking. Dont miss the good value Sunday brunch.
395 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 24, 02-2124809. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm; Sun noon-3pm. H F BBBB
Founded in 1984 in swanky Knightsbridge, Signor Sassi now has a global presence despite its lack of Michelin-star cred. The vibe is classic ne dininggrown up tables, a richly decorated interior and an open kitchen, making it particularly suited for special occasion dining. There are even cliched Italian dcor cues, like the Venetian carnival masks and bottles of balsamic. As for the kitchen, some of the cooks have been brought over from London, as are many of the ingredients. The signature dish, spaghetti with lobster, isnt just for show, thoughit is truly delicious.
37/F, Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-210-9011. Open daily noon2:30pm, 6-10:30pm.
E F BBBB

Sunday Hotel Brunches
Anantara Riverside B1,400 or B2,199 with free-flow wines at Trader Vics. 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476 0022. Brunch every Sun 11:30-3pm The Eugenia B1,450 with soft drinks and a glass of sparkling wine. 267 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-2599011. Brunch every Sun 11:30am-2pm
Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. Brunch every Sun noon-2:30pm PICK> Mandarin Oriental B980 or B1,380 with free-flow wines at China House. 48 Oriental Ave, 02-6599000. Brunch every Sun 11:30am-2:30pm Millennium Hilton B1,999 or B2,999 with free-flow wines.
Siam Kempinski B2,950 with free-flow wines, cocktails and local beers at Brasserie Europa. 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-1629000. Brunch every Sun noon3pm Sofitel So B1,400 or B1,700 with free-flow wines on Sat and B1,600 or B1,900 with free-flow wines on Sun at Red Oven.
123 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-4422 North Sathorn Rd., 02-6242000. Free ferry from BTS PICK> Four Seasons 0000. Brunch every Sat-Sun Saphan Taksin. Brunch every B2,700 with free-flow wines at noon-3pm Madison, Spice Market and Aqua. Sun 11am-4pm Sofitel Sukhumvit 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126Okura Prestige Hotel B2,250 or B3,200 with free-flow 8866. Brunch every Sun Maduzi B1,800 with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at Voila. 11:30am-3pm B2,400 with free-flow booze at 189 Sukhumvit Rd. Up & Above. Grand Millennium (between Sois 13-15), 02-126B1,500 with free-flow wines and 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. 9999. BTS Nana. Brunch every BTS Phloen Chit. Brunch every beer at Atelier and Tapas. Sun 12-4pm Asoke Rd., 02-204-4000. Brunch Sun 11:45am-3pm The St. Regis Bangkok every Sun noon-3:30pm Plaza Athenee B2,650 with soft drinks and B3,599 with free-flow wines, Hyatt Erawan cocktails. B4,150 with free-flow B1,600 with soft drinks at Tables. cocktails and beers at Rain Tree wines at Viu. Caf. 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207Witthayu Rd., 02-650-8800. 1234. Brunch every Sun noon7777. Brunch every Sun 12:30Brunch every Sun noon-3pm 2:30pm 3:30pm Shangri-la JW Marriott PICK> The Sukhothai B1,690 with free-flow wines and B1,550 or B1,850 with freeB2,700 with soft drinks at flow wines and draught beer at sake at Tsu. Colonnade. Next2. Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700. 13/3 South Sathorn Rd., 02-344Brunch every Sun 11:30am-3pm 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, 8888. Brunch every Sun noonCharoenkrung Rd., 02-236-7777. 3pm The Landmark Brunch every Sun 11:30am-3pm B1,700 at RR&B. B2,790 with free-flow wines at Atrium.
40

Phloenchit
Elements
Artur Restaurant
Steak / Phloenchit
Elements
NEW
Western / Phloenchit
After running some very successful hotel restaurants, it was about time Artur packed up all his secrets and opened up his own place. The result is a steakhouse that offers the same kind of tableside carving, high-end beef and hearty sides as the hotel places, but with a personal touch they simply cant compete with. The meat, too, is often superior thanks to Arturs unerring eye in selecting only the best produce.
9 Soi Tonson, Phloenchit Rd., 02-658-6288 BTS Chit Lom. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-10pm. BBBB
Elements French chef de cuisine, Cyril Cocconi, draws inspiration from his time working with super-chef Joel Robuchon. The restaurant proclaims to serve modern logical cuisine, combining modern techniques and seasonal produce with many special ingredients imported from far-off places like Australia, Japan and Brittany. The venue is exciting, too: charcoal wall partitions, timber furnishings and the blue LED lighting at night. Theres a terrace that offers a sweeping view of the skyline, but sadly food is not served out there.
25/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 6-11pm. E F BBBB

Phloenchit
Gianni Ristorante
Hyde and Seek
Gianni Ristorante
Italian / Phloenchit
Hyde and Seek

International / Phloenchit
Giannis, as its referred to by most, has earned this affection with consistently oustanding food, an elegant opera-house atmosphere and polished service. The fritto misto, with baby squid, tiny shrimp and sh llets on a bed of polenta is head-and-shoulders above the mundane deep-fried starters served elsewhere, and the slow-cooked wagyu beef cheeks served with an Amarone wine are also wonderful. The ever-changing specials frequently knock it out of the ballpark.
34/1 Soi Tonson, Phloenchit Rd., 02-252-1619, 02-652-2922. BTS Chit Lom. Open daily noon-2pm, 6-11pm. H F BBBB
Former interior designer turned cocktail connoisseur and the man behind Flow, Chanond Purananda, and Chef Ian Kittichai, of Issaya and New York Citys Kittichai, came together to share their love of food, drink and detail at Hyde and Seek, a chic gastro bar with a playful edge. The beveled windows, dark woodwork and leather couches make this a spot worthy of a Mad Men cocktail meeting. The menu features traditional pub food with a high-end twist, like baby back ribs in a chili and chocolate glaze, but we go mostly for the cocktails, which are some of the very best in town.
Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruamrudi, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-168-5152-3. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 11-1am. H BBB-BBBB
42

Phloenchit
New York Steakhouse
Reexions
New York Steakhouse

Steak / Phloenchit
Reflexions
French / Phloenchit
The competition is erce among Bangkoks steakhouses, and to be honest we dont nd them all that different: Sinatra; martinis; gorgeous waitresses; meat from at least four countries; and sides you pay extra for that are inevitably disappointing. But for an over-the-top experience, theres nothing quite like NY, with its huge handlebar platters and knives, oversized chairs at tables that are so close you cant help but pause when the couple next to you start talking, and a stufness thats more Monaco than Manhattan. The steaks are pretty darn good, too.
2/F, JW Marriott Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02656-7700. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 6-11pm. E H F BBBB
The young Chef Daniel Bucher is now helming this long-lasting French restaurant, but Chef Thibault Chiumenti remains the head honcho for all the hotels restaurants. Apart from the wellexecuted, and fairly classic, French food, Reexions stands out for its commitment to serving great wine, including some rarer boutique labels. A winner of the Wine Spectactor Award for Excellence for the past three years, it also hosts regular wine events such as pairings and tastings.
3/F, Plaza Athenee, Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800. BTS Phloen Chit. Open Mon-Sat 6-10pm; Sat 6-11pm. E F BBBB

Phloenchit / Ratchadamri
Triplets
Biscotti
Zum
Triplets
French /Phloenchit
Biscotti
Italian / Ratchadamri
Triplets might have moved to a sexier space on Langsuan but it retains its serious dedication to locally-sourced produce. The food is a lighter take on French cuisine and remains fairly affordable. Made to order by Chicago-returned and Royal Projects enthusiast Chef Nate, her produce-centric dishes let her fresh ingredients do the talking, without useless frills or foams, such as their recommended grilled chicken with rosemary or seared tuna with strawberry and rocket.
92/3 Soi Langsuan 6, Langsuan Rd., 02-684-1684. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2pm, 6-11pm. H BBB
With a chic but comfortable ambiance, varied menu, well-rounded wine list and we aim to please staff, the place works to make sure every diner feels like the restaurant is created especially with them in mind. The menu changes its mains, pizzas and pastas frequently enough that you never tire of the offerings. The almost affordable lunch menus with the heaving antipasti buffet are a good introduction.
G/F, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-251-6127. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. E F BBBB
44

Ratchadamri
Madison
Shintaro
Madison
Steak / Ratchadamri
Shintaro
Japanese / Ratchadamri
Bright and open, Madison was tastefully designed by the renowned Tony Chi. This contemporary, high-end restaurant foregoes the traditional steakhouse feel, unless you book one of the booths. A meat-eaters paradise, the extensive menu features imported beef from Australia and Japan and comes with exceptional service. Also note that the Four Seasons has the best brunch in town.
G/F, Four Seasons Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000, 02-251-6127. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm; E H F BBBB
Its location in one corner of the Four Seasons Hotel makes this cozy and somewhat dim Japanese restaurant a draw for the glam crowd who come to pose on weekend nights. The food is trendy-Japanese, with dishes like sushi-pizza and California rolls that you wouldnt nd in a traditional restaurant. Attentive but unobtrusive service makes it an ideal place for media-types to sit around and gossip.
G/F, Four Seasons Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-251-6127. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10:30pm. E H F BBBB

Ratchadamri / Ratchadamnoen
Zuma
Seven Spoons
Zuma
Japanese / Ratchadamri
Seven Spoons
American / Ratchadamnoen
Spot the hip, the hi-so and the beautiful at Zuma, whose high-end hotel surroundings and generous proportions are genuinely impressive. Its granite, bamboo, reective walls, timber, and glass provide a backdrop thats simultaneously warm, luxurious and exotic. Whats on the plates? Japanese ne dining with modern air like the signature dynamite spider maki roll (soft shell crab, chili mayonnaise, cucumber and wasabi tobiko sauce) or suzuki no osashimi (sliced sea bass with yuzu, trufe oil and salmon roe).
G/F, St. Regis Hotel, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-4707. BTS Ratchadamri. Open Mon-Sun noon-3pm, 6-11pm. E H F BBBB
Situated in a restored Thai-Chinese shophouse, the all-wood interior radiates a warm, yellow light out onto the sidewalk. The menu is homey North American cuisine, mostly organic, with dishes like haloumi cheese with caramelized almonds. Youll also spot an Italian inuence in dishes like the hearty and tangy risotto ball on marinara sauce. With a few affordable wines and a list of signature cocktails, Seven Spoons, resolutely healthy food doesnt mean you cant have a tipple, too. Keep an eye on the new larger branch set to open in April.
211/8 Chakkaphatdi Phong Rd., 02-628-4588. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. H BB
46

Ramindra/Ramkamhang
Joes Table
Joes Table
NEW
Janhom
Thai / Ramkhamhaeng
International / Ramindra
From the same folks behind Four Garcons, Joes Table is an altogether more fun and casual affair, from the yellow and white striped canopy to the sky blue Eames chairs. Chef Van and his team studied the local cuisine served at down-to-earth eateries in Vietnam before setting out on this new venture. The result is pork belly with Vietnamese shrimp paste and fried rice that tastes incredibly authentic. Or cha ca, sh llets marinated with dill and turmeric, that will have you licking your plate. There are also some Italian and French dishes taken from the owners childhood memories.
2/F, The Promenade, 587,589, 589/7-9 Ramindra Rd., 02-947-5691. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Janhom is one of the top restaurants for authentic Southern cuisine in the capital. Theres no sugar to accommodate Bangkokians and only solid tongues can take the heat. Janhoms matriarch hails from Surat Thani and her reputation reaches all the way to Chiang Mai, where she has another branch. Despite uncompromisingly hot dishes, an increasing number of patrons are coming to this distant, non-descript soi in Ramkhamhaeng so that this restaurant is always busy, especially at dinner.
273/4 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 21, 02-319-1128-9. Open Tue-Sun 11am-9:30pm. H F BB
F BB

Riverside (Charoen Krung)
China House
China House
Chinese / Charoen Krung
China House is one sexy place with its tiny aquamarine bar, deep red and black lacquers and art lms playing in the toilets. While there are cheaper places with greater reputations, we still think China House is a winning blend of style and substance. Classics like sweet and sour pork can be truly masterful, while the shrimps in a creamy wasabi sauce never fail to elicit oohs. Our tip: go for the wellpriced Sunday brunch.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoen Krung Soi 40, 02-659-9000. Open daily 11:30am2:30pm, 7-10:30pm.
E H F BBBB
48

Riverside
Chon
Mei Jiang
Chon
NEW
Mei Jiang
Chinese / Riverside
Thai / Riverside
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Krung Thonburi Bridge, Chon is the signature Thai restaurant of The Siam. To match the classic views, Executive Chef Blair Mathieson, former head chef at The Chedi in Chiang Mai, promises authentic Thai recipes like the tender grilled chicken served with somtam. We recommend you sit in the beautiful Thai teak house brought down from Ayutthaya and take in the owners stunning collection of curios and antiques, after grabbing the free shuttle which cruises from Saphan Taksin pier to the hotel in 20 minutes.
3/2 Khao Rd., 02-206-6999. Shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin Pier. Open daily noon-11pm. E H F BBB
This elegant establishment sat right by the Chao Phraya River offers one of the best dim sum experiences in town. The food is authentic Cantonese fare, while the service is knowledgeable and courteous. Theres even a cool display of tea on the counter and specially-trained staff so you can have your very own mini tea ceremony. Abalone is the other big specialty here, although they also make a mean Peking duck, too.
The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-861-2888. Shuttle from Pier Saphan Taksin. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. H F BBBB

Riverside
RR&B
50

Riverside
Le Normandie
Sala Rim Naam
Le Normandie
French / Riverside
Sala Rim Naam

Thai / Riverside
The Mandarin Orientals agship restaurant needs little introduction. For years it has set the standard for service and cuisine with river views as an added bonus. Dinner can easily break the bank, but if youve ever wondered what bourgeois French families have for their dejeuner, order yourself their three-course lunch set menu. A sample set: homemade meat pie, duck and pork belly casserole with garlic cont and creme brulee. Le Normandie is ideal for any occasion. Then you can throw your empty wallet into the Chao Phraya.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000. Open Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm, 7-10:30pm. E H F BBBB
Classic Thai restaurant Sala Rim Naam has been sitting on the riverside for more than 20 years now but only recently shed its Thai food for tourists stigma. The chefs table, cooked by Chef Vichit Mukura, is one of the best ways to appreciate his authentic Thai cuisine. Most of the quality ingredients either come from his own rice elds and farmers he knows personallyand hes always ready to share these stories. His Thai dishes bring out the natural avors of these carefully curated ingredients, but being in contact with the chef also means you get a personalized master class in what youre eating.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000. Open daily 12-2:30pm; 7-10:30pm. E H F BBBB

TOP 10
52

Sathorn
Park Society
La Scala
Italian / Sathorn
Park Society
French / Sathorn
NEW
Embellished with dark wood furniture, antiques and a large central open kitchen, Ed Tuttles design is timeless and resolutely Asian. The subtle, yet nely-tuned, ambiance is the ideal backdrop for Chef Maurizio Menconis authentic Italian cuisine. Highlights include the jamon Iberico and black ink risotto but most diners just go nuts for the pan pizza. There are cheaper places in town that can compete on the food front, but very few with this level of polish in terms of dcor and service.
The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888. Open daily noon-3pm, 6:30-10:30pm. E H F BBBB
While most know Park Society for its impressive al fresco bar area complete with soaring columns, killer views and cocktails to match, the dining option inside has been a little overlooked. Thats a shame because its an experience in its own right. The dcor is a mix of steel, mirrors and mood lighting to give a sophisticated backdrop to the wallto-ceiling windows that run the length of the place. Under Chef Paul Smart the food is equally sophisticated, a modern take on international classics with a French leaning. That means dishes like roasted pigeon, pan seared sea bream with ratatouille and oysters, as well as a themed monthly menu.
29/F, Sotel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000. Open daily 5pm-1am. E H F BBBB
AdvertoriAl 53 Top Tables Dining Guide 2013
Silom
The Kitchen Table

Urban chic meets wholesome cuisine
The Kitchen Table is the very essence of a modern bistro, serving food thats honest, wholesome and bursting with natural flavors. Open all day, The Kitchen Table effortlessly transitions between hearty breakfasts, power lunches, romantic tete-a-tetes and family get-togethers. Exciting but honest, flavorful but uncomplicated, this is food that connects you to your favorite tastes and memories. Start the day with a full breakfast buffet of Western and Asian favorites. For lunch, take refuge from the city in the
convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation while tucking into authentic Thai food and global classics. In the evening, the chic urban charm of The Kitchen Table is at its most alluring. As for the menu, it continues to celebrate the worlds flavors, cooked from the heart. Whether its an out-oftown client, a close friend, a family affair or a date, this restaurant hits that perfect middle note between familiar and eye-opening, elegant and relaxingand it does it from breakfast to dinner!
106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, 02-344-4000

Reservations recommended. Open daily (breakfast 6:30am-10:30am, lunch noon-3pm, dinner 6-10:30pm).
54

Siam
Crystal Jade
Crystal Jade
Chinese / Siam
Four Seasons Restaurant

Chinese / Siam
This classy Chinese bistro from Singapore features a selection of familiarand perfectly executedCantonese specialties, like la mian (Chinese noodles) and xiao long bao (steamed bun). Despite its mall locations, its often considered some of Bangkoks best Chinese food. Head to Paragon for the most upscale branch.
G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9363, 02-129-4343. Siam. Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, 5:30-9:30pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm. Lower G/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ratchdamri Rd., 02250-7988. BTS Chidlom. Open daily 11am-10pm. Citi Resort, Sukhumvit 39, 02-204-2964. BTS Prompong. Open Daily 11am-9:30pm. H F BBB
Some say the best roast duck is in London, not Beijing, and that Four Seasons (completely unrelated to the hotel chain) is the place doing it. Judging by its Bangkok branchs instant popularity, our ThaiChinese taste buds concur. Well spare you the tales of Siberian ducks, treadmills, Scottish spring water or whatever magical secret is applied to their succulent, crispy-skinned birds but its always a good sign when something is good enough to inspire conspiracy theoriestoo bad the location is in a mall.
G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9578. BTS Siam. Open daily 11am-10pm. H F BBB-BBBB

Siam
Sra Bua
Xinn Tien Di
Tktkttktktk
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin

Thai / Siam
Xinn Tien Di
Chinese / Chit Lom
Sra Bua is a sister of Copenhagens Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Kiin Kiin (one of just two Thai restaurants in the world to have received this distinction). Chef Morten Nielsen whips up Thai food with a very contemporary twist: frozen red curry with baby lobster, green curry shaped as freshly harvested vegetables covered with edible soil or spicy salad with orchids and sankhaya ice cream. All this in an atmospheric setting thats part soaring, glittering palace and part fairy tale lotus pond.
1/F, Siam Kempinski, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02162-9000. BTS Siam. Open daily 11am-2pm, 6-10:30pm. E H F BBBB
Xinn Tien Dins food is blessed with fresh ingredients, subtle sauces and discreet twists. In fact, we think this is one of the best Peking ducks in town and the seafood is just as stunning. Its all the more extraordinary a nd as it is situated on the uppermost oor of a mall, Gaysorn, and the prices are very reasonable. Were Xinn Tien Di at a nicer location, we might be more inclined to visit in the evening, but then again, we would probably have to pay a whole lot more for the privilege.
3/F, Gaysorn, 999 Phloenchit Rd., 02-656-21145. BTS Chit Lom. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. H F BBB
56

Silom
DSens
DSens
French / Silom
Indigo
French / Silom
The French-imported eatery by the Michelin-starred Pourcel brothers has all the oomph one might expect. Its chef, Christian Ham, probably has more years spent in Michelin-starred kitchens than any other chef based in Bangkok. The result is light, but authentic French cuisine that truly dazzlesand the view of Lumpini doesnt hurt either.
22/F, Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-2009000. BTS Saladaeng. MRT Silom. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm. , 6:30-9:45pm; Sat 6:30-10pm. E H F BBBB
The restaurant is housed inside a beautifully restored L-shaped colonial-style home, and the setting alone makes it worth a visit. The music is modern and mellow, and there is a good selection of wines by the glass (a dozen or so) at reasonable prices. The menu has a sizeable sh section, with traditional French offerings like sole and mullet. But Indigo has always been better with meats, and beef in particular. Just one look at their boucherie, Gargantua (02630-4577), and you can see where their interest and expertise lie.
6 Convent Rd., 02-235-3268. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 11:30am-11:00pm. F BBBB

Silom
Indigo
Opus
Nius (Concerto)
Italian / Silom
Opus
Italian / Silom
Muted tones, crisp white tablecloths and large windows anking two sides of the room let the food take center stage. Prepared by chef Marco Cammarata, who works the tables and makes suggestions to diners, its both inventive and delicious, with dishes like the roasted porcini with goat cheese, veal ravioli with trufe and cream essence and roasted kingsh on eggplant caponata. Add in an extensive wine list and big-name jazz acts downstairs, and you have an experience that is denitely worth the hefty price tag.
1-2/F, Baan Silom, 661 Silom Rd., 02-266-5333. Open daily 6pm-1am. E F BBBB
Owned and managed by Alex Morabito who used to run Vino Zanotti, Opus has a similar emphasis on winethere are over 400 Italian labels to choose from in the impressive walk-in cellar. But thats not to dismiss the food created by Davide Calo, from Lecce (Southern Italy), who has a passion for simple classic dishes and a real love for seafood. Dont miss the wonderfully light and avorsome seafood platter as you soak up the understated but distinctly opulent atmosphere.
64 Pan Rd., 02-637-9899. BTS Surasak. Open daily 6pm-midnight; Sat 6:30pm-midnight. E F BBBB
58

Silom
Scarlett
La Table de Tee
Scarlett
NEW
La Table de Tee
French / Silom
Italian / Silom
Alongside European dishes, tapas and panoramic views from the 37/F of the Pullman Hotel G Silom, youll nd ample lounging areasplush sofas, communal wooden tables and a bar in the center of the roomand even DJs on weekends. Scarlett boasts an extensive wine list of more than 150 selections a notable consulting chef, Manuel Martinez, who is the owner of two-Michelin-Star restaurant, Le Relais Louis XIII. The menu is a mix of classic dishes and tapas creations such as the lobster and foie gras ravioli or roasted rack of lamb with butter braised potatoes.
37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm H F BBBB
The Thai chef, Tee, might be young but he completed six formative years working at Michelin-star French restaurant Roussillon, in London, before opening his own place here. His use of Thai ingredients cooked French-style make this small shophouse well worth hunting out. The reasonablypriced set menu (no a la carte) includes a small soup, an appetizer, a main, two desserts and little treats to enjoy with your coffee. While the menu rotates weekly, you can always count on intriguing and bold fusion dishes.
69/5 Soi Sala Daeng, Silom Rd., 02-636-3220. MRT Silom. BTS Saladaeng. Open Tue-Sun 6:30-10:30pm H BBB

Silom
Zanotti
Tsukiji
Japanese / Silom
Zanotti
Italian / Silom
Named after the famed Tokyo sh market, the specialty here is sashimi and sushi. The clientele is mostly Japanese salarymen, and although this place bears some kind of afliation with the Fuji chain, this is clearly their little pet project, and operates on a whole other level. Despite the recent revamp, the dcor is still suitably bland, the no-nonsense kimono-clad waitresses efcient and the chefs masterful. Dinners can break the bank, but those in the know enjoy the much more affordable sushi sets at lunch.
62/19-20 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd. 02-233-9698. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:3011pm. H BBB-BBBB
If no longer a contender for Bangkoks best Italian restaurant, Zanottis dining room retains its buzz with the neighborhoods businessmen, Hong Kong tourists, and afuent fashionistas headed to Silom Soi 2. Here, authentic Piedmontese cuisine is whipped up from top-quality ingredients. Lunch is incredibly affordable, while dinner can be just the opposite particularly if you start ordering specials.
1/F, Saladaeng Colonnade Condominium, 21/1 Soi Sala Daeng, Silom Rd., 02-636-0002. MRT Silom, BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-midnight. E H F BBBB
60

Silom/Surawong
Nadimos
Nadimos
Lebanese / Silom
Ruen Urai
Thai / Surawong
In almost every respect, barring the tourism posters, this is a fairly elegant place with competent service and a kitchen (and Lebanese chef) to match. Each table is brightened by a bowl overowing with pickled and fresh vegetables which are served with some pleasant dipsyogurt, garlic puree and hot pepper. The mains cover all the usual suspects like shawarmas, shish kebabs and the national dish of Lebanon, kibbeh. Theres also a second branch on Sukhumvit Soi 24.
Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 02-266-9081. BTS Surasak. Open daily 11am-11:30pm. Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-2619816-7. Open daily 11:30am11:30pm. H F BB
After walking the gauntlet of Surawongs beer bars and massage parlors, its a shock to discover this century-old, two-story house which has been skillfully decorated and outtted with rare taste and attention to detail. The vernacular architecture draws its share of tourists and the food tastes slightly international, but the ingredients are of high quality and the curry pastes and sauces taste like they are made from scratch.
Rose Hotel, 118 Soi Na Wat Hualumphong, Surawong Rd., 02-266-8268-72. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily noon-11pm. H F BBB
Get your digital copy of Top Tables

from the BK iPap App, on your desktop browser or as a PDF download. Visit bkmagazine.com/toptables2013
Ruen Urai
Serina
Japanese / Surawong
The waitresses in kimonos, glass tower stocked with Bordeaux Grand Cru and windowless dining room anked by two massive tepanyaki grills create a hushed atmosphere. We come often for lunch (great sets) but in the evening, both the sets (Kobe beef, seafood or US beef) and the a la carte menu are on another plane entirely. But its also the superb foods supporting castthe beautiful crockery, the stern waitresses that never miss a beatthat makes Serina not just a great meal, but a great experience.
9/26 Soi Jim Thompson, Surawong Rd., 02-2358382. BTS Sala Daeng. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am2pm; daily 5:30-10:30pm. BBB-BBBB
Follow Top Tables all year long on the TOP Tables Facebook Page facebook.com/toptablesbangkok
62

Thonglor
4 Garcons
Gossip
Honmono Sus
4 Garcons
French / Thonglor
Gossip
NEW
Italian / Thonglor
Four men with respectable day jobs in the high-ying elds of law, medicine and nance opened this restaurant in the depths of Thonglor. Although cooked by a Thai doctor, this is classic French fare, such as Burgundy escargots with garlic and parsley and their in-house pate de campagne. Mains are hearty affairs, involving dishes like agneau de sept heures (seven-hour roasted lamb with potato gratin) and poulet la crme et porcini (grilled chicken thigh with porcini cream sauce and rice pilaf). A great alternative to many of the stuffy, expensive French restaurants in town.
1/F, Oakwood Residence, 113 Thonglor Soi 13, 02713-9547. Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm. H F BBBB
Run by the team behind Oskar Bistro, Gossip remains fairly masculine, mixing rustic chairs, tufted couches, and panels of glass framed in black aluminum. But the food is radically different from its Sukhumvit 11 sister. It sees Chef Julien Lavigne doing his most personal cooking yet, combining his Franco-Italian heritage with what hes picked up during his years spent here. The result is a global mix of avors with nods to the Mediterranean, Japan and Thailand: hamachi ceviche a la Thai, seared red tuna where the mashed potatoes are spiked with wasabi, or morel and cep risotto.
313 Thonglor Soi 15, 02-185-3093. Open daily 4pmmidnight. BBB

Upper Sukhumvit
shi
Honmono Sushi
Japanese / Thonglor
Sushi is all about the raw materials. And Honmono Sushi is an authentic Japanese restaurant that prides itself on the freshness of its ingredients. With its creative sushi offerings, like the dragon avocado, the roasted matsusaka and the salmon skin roll, the place is always bursting with trendy Bangkokians. But we recommend just going for its sashimi sets, whose freshness and value for money are some of the best in town.
19 Thonglor Soi 23, 02-185-1447. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2pm. Other branches at Paragon, Central Chidlom, Central Bangna. H BBBB
64

Thonglor
Johann Bistro
Khua Kling Pak Sod
Hanako Kappo
Japanese / Thonglor
Johann Bistro
French / Thonglor
NEW
The main reason we like this restaurant with adjoining karaoke bar so much, besides the cool ambience (dark, multi-leveled interior) and irtatious service, is that we can pop in for a snack, or a luxurious meal, at 9 or 10pm. In addition to table seating, Hanako also has a teppanyaki bar and some nifty private tatami rooms. The food is pretty good, too: steamed clams, broiled eggplants, sashimi, and fried stuff like tempura and breaded Hiroshima oysters.
113/1 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-6371-2. Open daily 5pm-midnight. H F BB
Tucked in the small mall No. 88, Johann Bistro serves up Italian and French classics. Co-owner Christian Kostner, an engineercum-chef, says he got his passion for cooking from his father, Chef Norbert Kostner, of the Mandarin Oriental. After going on to train at many Michelin-starred restaurants, including Don Alfonso 1890, hes back in Bangkok and doing what he likes best: no fuss, no sous-vide and no chemicals. The result is pumpkin velvet soup with fried gnocchi and herbs or a simple fusilli with tomato sauce. The dcorclassic and brightreects the food.
88 Soi Paidi Madi (between Thonglor Sois 5 and 9), 02-712-5070. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm. F BB

Thonglor
Little Beast
Khua Kling Pak Sod

Thai / Thonglor
Little Beast
NEW
American / Thonglor
This eatery is unapologetically Southern, hitting every spicy note, which genuine home cooking from those parts is all about. Under the rule of a matriarch chef who hails from Chumpon, the single-room restaurant is family-run. Shell point you to the signature offering, a Southern classic of course, khua kling, a ery dish of minced pork. It can be hazardous if you dont watch out for the chilis, but thats the way its meant to be.
98/1 Thonglor Soi 5, 02-185-3977. BTS Thong Lo. Open daily 11:30-2:30am, 5:30-9:30pm. H BB
This gastro bars dcor takes most of its cues from 1920s New York: moodily lit space, burgundy couches, elegant bar and industrial accents. The menu, with its nods to nose-to-tail eating, creative cocktails and emphasis on rich, homely French-tinged New American cuisine, comes in tapas-style portions designed for sharing. The roasted pumpkin and goat cheese tart (B280), for example, is a delicious coalescing of avors, with a texture thats almost an-like, atop a crumbly seven-grain crust. Little Beast takes whats cool right now and imbues it with a refreshingly personal warmth.
44/9-10 Thonglor Soi 13 02-185-2670. Open TueSat 5:30pm-1am; Sun 5:30pm-midnight. BBB
66

Thonglor
Akanoya Robatayaki
Maru
Japanese / Thonglor
Soul Food Mahanakorn

Thai / Thonglor
This tiny Kaiseki restaurant is arguably one of the best in town. According to the Japanese omakase style of eating, most diners entrust their entire meal to the able hands of the chef, who prepares a lavish succession of small, beautiful dishes for them. In fact, chefs from other restaurants can often be seen on the other side of the bar, too, rubbing shoulders with Japanese expats for Marus fresh, perfectly cut sushi. Beware, the quality here comes at a price.
95/5-6Thonglor Soi 3, 02-712-5001-2. Open daily 5pm-midnight. H BBBB
Soul Food is strong on two fronts: it dishes out very strong (double pours, actually) original signature cocktails like the spicy Bun Bang Fai (a mix of tequila, lime, chilli, almond syrup and egg white) as well as a brief menu of well-executed Thai regional dishes like khao mok kai, tamarind ribs and pad krapao made with Australian lamb. The combo has a heady, infectious effect as the place is packed almost every night of the weekunfortunately not with many Thais, though.
56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 085-904-2691, 02-714-7708. BTS Thong Lo. Open daily 6pm-midnight. H BBB

Upper Sukhumvit
Soul Food Mahanakorn
Appia
Akanoya Robatayaki
Japanese / Upper Sukhumvit
NEW
Appia
NEW
Italian / Upper Sukhumvit
This fun and energetic restaurant brings robata (Japanese grilling) to town. Theres no menu here; rather the ingredients are displayed like at a fresh market. Youll even have to ask the staff to translate the signs and prices as theyre all in Japanese; but your reward is exotic fare such as isaki (chicken grunt sea bass) and kinki (rocksh) and Hokkaido crab. The vegetables are also imported and denitely worth a try, such as the tomato and taro, despite the hefty price tags.
46/10 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (across from Terrace 49), 02-662-4237. Open daily 6pm-midnight H F BBBB
Jarret Wrisley of Soul Food Mahanakorn on Thonglor has teamed up with Chef Paolo Vitaletti to open a trattoria doing Roman-style family recipes. The place is focused on good wines (eight selections by the glass), proper al dente homemade pasta and a rotisserie behind the bar that churns out perfect roast chickens and porchetta. But the veal tartare and pana cotta are also absolute must-tries. As for the dcor, it is fairly classic and casual, too, in line with Vitalettis food.
20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. Open daily 6-11pm. H F BBB
68

Upper Sukhumvit
Bei Otto
La Bottega Di Luca
Bei Otto
German / Upper Sukhumvit
La Bottega Di Luca
What could be a German tavern stands behind a small courtyard on Soi 20, where they offer a remarkable selection of sausages, sauerkraut and other homemade delicacies with little grace but with an efciency and authenticity that is unmatched in Thailand. Its a great place for friends and family to gather over sumptuous grilled platters washed down with plenty of German beer.
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-260-0869. BTS Asok. Open daily 11am-11pm. F BBBB
The beloved project of well-traveled chef Luca Appino, this deli-cum-restaurant sticks to traditional recipes but stands out thanks to its distinct emphasis on fresh and, when possible, homemade ingredients. A range of authentic dishes takes you on a tour of different cities in Italy as indicated on the menu.
Terrace 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-204-1731. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-midnight; Mon 5:30pm-noon. H F BBBB

Upper Sukhumvit
Enoteca Italiana
Enoteca Italiana
In the Mood for Love

This enoteca (tavern) is cut from a traditional cloth, with its wall of wines and a bar groaning under the weight of various dried meats, cheese wheels and platters of antipasti. Its a charming little place, especially at night as there are tables set inside overlooking a brightlylit front yard, through a wall of arched windows. Bold dishes like the risotto with licorice and saffron or oxtail in tomato and red wine sauce with celery and raisin are testament to Enotecas ambitions to be more than just another Italian joint in Bangkok.
39 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-258-4386. MRT Sukhumvit. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.
The lofty space is lovely, with a turn-ofthe-century-style iron roof, moody blue lighting and chairs upholstered in big bold oral prints. The intimate vibe is ably supported by the garrulous chefs manning the central sushi bar. And while the interiors style guide comes from 1960s China, the culinary inspiration is from contemporary Japan. With creative presentation and unusual combinations, certain recipes can be hit and miss, but produce is always impeccably fresh (in fact, we recommend In the Moods more traditional offerings).
9/9 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 02-661-5076. Open TueFri 5:30-12pm; Sat-Sun 11:30-2; 5:30-12:30pm. BBB
F BBBB
70

Upper Sukhumvit
Indus
Isao
Indus
Indian / Upper Sukhumvit
Isao
Those who see Indian as a culinary adventure could nd a reassuring guide in Indus. Not only is it an ambient spot where beautiful people ock to be seen, the kitchen does a good job serving up much lighter versions of the usual favorites like biriyani, kebabs, tikkas and seafood. They also have a beautiful backyard where you can enjoy your appetizers with cocktails. Currently, Indus is our favorite address for classic Indian food.
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900, 02-661-5279. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-11am. H F BBBB
Having learned her art at Chicagos Green Tea sushi bar, Karuna Sangaroon came back to Thailand and named her small, but super friendly, restaurant after the sushi master who taught her everything she knows. In fact 80% of her innovative-yet-affordable sushi dishes, prepared with international ingredients and American twists, come from the Green Tea menu. Expect the unexpected: like the crunchy sushi sandwich (spicy tuna and salmon in sushi rice and crispy tempura akes) or the crowd-pleasing Volcano (spicy, baked scallop served in a shell and featuring Karunas secret sauce).
5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-0645. Open daily 11am2:30pm, 5:30-10pm. H BBB-BBBB

Upper Sukhumvit
The Local
JP French Restaurant
French / Upper Sukhumvit
NEW
The Local
NEW
The straightforwardly-named JP French Restaurant denitely lives up to expectations. Its simple, authentic, reasonably priced and uses very good produce. The quality of the service is therewaiters clearly know the menu and can even answer pointed questions. JP excels with bistro classics, like escargots, and those involving beef, such as the burger and hanger steak. The space also manages to be cozy, casual but intimate enough for a tete-a-tete, depending on whether you stick to the bar downstairs or head to the mezzanine.
59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-4247. Open MonSat 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-11pm. BBB
The Local was opened by the secondgeneration owner of Thai eatery Naj, who has transformed a 100-year-old house in the middle of Asoke into a ne-dining restaurant serving Thai local dishesboth familiar and hardto-nd onesand regional products. The khao soi (noodles in Northern-style curry) is brilliant thanks to its thick and avorful curry. Another lovely dish, the platu sordsai with sang-wa (deep-fried mackerel stuffed with minced pork in a mango salad) is very refreshing, with its sweet-and-sour mango and lime going well with the salty mackerel.
32-32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-664-3360-1. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-11:30pm.
F BB-BBB
72

Upper Sukhumvit
Napa on 26
Philippe
Napa on 26
Californian / Upper Sukhumvit
Philippe
French / Upper Sukhumvit
Inspired by the long list of primarily Napa Valley wines served here, the kitchen serves full-avored dishes that stand out for their perfectly cooked meats and seafood. The food is fairly simple and down-to-earth, such as the Caesar salad Napa-style with crispy Parma ham and tomato, or braised pork belly in Zinfandel wine served with cabbage and crispy leek. The dcor is masculine and heavy on the woodperfect for those expense account dinners. The Sunday brunch is value for great money, too.
2/F, Nihonmachi (behind K-Village), Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-2622. Open Tue-Fri 4-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-11:30pm. F BBBB
Enjoy classic French fare and good wine while rubbing shoulders with the local bigwigs. The food is just as classic as the stately decor: foie gras, escargots and plenty of trufes. The affordable threecourse set lunch, which changes weekly, is another reason to pay a visit to the knowledgeable, friendly staff.
20/15-17 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-259-4577-8. BTS Phrom Phong. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-10pm. H F BBBB

Upper Sukhumvit
The Seafood bar
Rang Mahal
Indian / Upper Sukhumvit
The Seafood Bar

Seafood / Upper Sukhumvit
Known as one of the best Indian restaurants in town, Rang Mahal serves royal Indian cuisine in a maharaja themed dcor (gigantic artifacts and gold, gold and more gold). If the lengthy offerings require too much effort to peruse, opt for a set menu. A traditional Indian band keeps you entertained throughout the meal and the service is impeccable. Dont miss the mouth-watering butterchicken.
26/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7532. BTS Asok. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am2:30pm; daily 6:30-11pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm. E H F BBBB
The Seafood Bar is the bigger, more centrally located sister of the Oyster Bar also owned by oyster importer Bill Marinelli. While it retains the emphasis on seafood, of course, more space means more choice and a real kitchen to cook up their trademark modern American cuisine. Work up an appetite looking at the glass seafood showcase before selecting from 20 different types of oysters and a range of perfectly grilled daily sh dishes. Really hungry? Try the Sunday Brunch (by reservation only).
Somerset Lake Place, 41 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02663-8863. Open Tue-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 6-10pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 6-10pm; Sat 6-11pm. F BBBB
74

Upper Sukhumvit
Smith
Shufe Zanotti
Zuma
Shuffle
NEW
Smith
NEW
Western / Upper Sukhumvit
Western / Upper Sukhumvit
This new bistro follows the industrial chic trend with bare brick walls, steel painted black and lamps dangling from the ceilingand gets extra points for the outdoor terrace overlooking Sukhumvit Road. The menu embraces comforting dishes but also offers more unique options like the peach and prosciutto salad with brie or rustic quesadilla with smoked salmon, mornay sauce and chive sour cream. They stock decent wines and a few American craft beers at good prices, too.
2/F, Rainhill, 777 Sukhumvit Rd. (corner of Soi 47), 02-261-6992. Open daily 5pm-midnight. F BB
Throw in an industrial chic dcor (corrugated steel faade, a scattering of old tools and unadorned loft-style ceilings), the uber-cool Hyde & Seek team (star chefs Peter Pitakwong and Ian Kittichai, and Flow mixologist Chanond Purananda), and youve got an achingly hip venue. The menu here focuses on two things: locally-sourced ingredients and nose-totail cooking. Try the head cheese terrine or the simple hanger steak and wash it all down with the ne selection of craft beers on offer.
1/8 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-261-0515-6. Open daily 5pm-midnight. H F BBB

Upper Sukhumvit
Thai Lao Yeah
Ten-Sui
Thai Lao Yeh
NEW
Ten-Sui is one of the citys most upscale Japanese eateries. Its magnicent grounds and handsome patios and interiors alone make it worth a visit. Then theres the wide array of foodfried, grilled, hot stone, sukiyaki, shabu shabu, sashimi, sushi, noodles and rice disheswhich is consistently excellent, made from top-quality imported ingredients, expertly prepared and served up by waitresses in striking traditional dress. The bad news is that the prices at Ten-Sui place it beyond the means of most of us, making it more of a special occasion kind of place than your regular sushi-ya or izakaya.
33 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-2281. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm. H F BBBB
Set in the same small dead-end soi that is home to Casa Pagoda and Quince, is Cabochon, a purpose-built colonial-style hotel with more than a touch of the English country house about it. Despite these design themes, the restaurant (Thai Lao Yeh) is resolutely Thai, focusing on dishes from the Northeast (with a few forays into Phuket and the North). The food isnt dumbed down for tourists, and even if these are hotel prices for food more commonly seen at roadside restaurants, the service and dcor warrant the expense.
Cabochon Hotel, 14/29 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02259-2871-3. Open daily 11am-2pm, 6-10:30pm.
F BB
76

Casual Dining
Bars & Eateries

Some places might not be quite right for a gourmet meal, a client dinner or that special anniversary, but they are also just too good to ignoreparticularly if youre as thirsty as you are hungry.
Above Eleven Above Eleven has some of the best views in Bangkok, and a truly creative menu. Seating at the high bar or low coffee tables indicates this is more of a bar than a proper sit-down restaurant. But in a city where rooftop dining often means an overpriced meal geared towards clueless tourists, Above Elevens Peruvian cuisine is a refreshing change. Still, wed actually encourage you to stick to the delicious appetizers ceviches, skewers and some creative Peruvian-Japanese fusionthan to tuck into the lackluster mains. 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-207-9300. Open daily 6pm-2am. BBBB Baan Garagade Before the former Baan Chamnong got a bright, trendy, Thong Lor-esque makeover, it was grungier and cheaper. But the white walls, black chandeliers and oral prints havent scared off the families and large groups of regulars who are addicted to this kitchens magic touch with seafood. Dont miss the signature pla
meuk dad diew (deep-fried squid) or hearty classics like the gaeng som. The menu may be pretty standard but the food is just right.
37 Mahasak Rd., 02-6318808. Open Mon-Fri 11am2pm, 5-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10:30pm. BBB Daimasu This is probably Bangkoks most charming yakinikua type of Japanese barbeque where hearths are placed on each table to grill mostly beef and offal but also seafood and porkand the do-it-yourself grills here are stocked with invariably fresh cuts. If youve been to Tokyo, youll be in familiar territory, thanks to the lantern-strewn faade, laminated picture menu and the painstakingly recreated dcor. And just about everything else is made of wood, except for the steel pipes that come down from the ceiling over each table, so that despite the charcoal grills, there isnt a hint of smoke. The food is reasonably priced, fresh and super well-prepared. 9/3 Soi Tan Tawan, Surawong Rd., 02-634-1477.
Open daily 11.30-2pm; MonFri 6-11pm; Sat-Sun 6-10pm. BBB Escapade Burgers & Shakes The best burger in town, according to us, is at Escapade. Crammed into a tiny shophouse with an equally petite garden out the back, it is home to mixologist Karn Liangsrisuk and Chef Van Rohitratana. Pull up a stool at the tiny bar and order a classic burger or whatever special is in store that day (wagyu, foie gras) along with some of the homemade liquors. 112 Phra Athit Rd.,087-3632629, 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 12pm-midnight. BB-BBB Nagiya Its near impossible to get in on weekends, and youll be waiting for a table alongside chain-smoking salarymen even on weeknights (though you could always try the new location in Gateway Ekkamai). The izakaya mood is perfect, even if the dcor is minimal: lanterns hanging from ropes, Japanese kitsch plastered all over the wooden bar/kitchen,

Casual Dining
thunderous bellows from the all-male kitchen as patrons come and go and steam rising from the yakitori grill. Obviously, youre here to knock back pints of Asahi or cups of shochu (the menu has two pages of the Japanese liquor by the glass and some bottles, too) but Nagiyas food is no afterthought, particularly the rich, creamy signature nabe hot pot. Nihonmachi 105 (behind K Village), 115 Sukhumvit Soi 26. 02-258-2790. Open daily 5pm-midnight. BB La Monita Hands-down the best place to get a avorful quesadilla or sh taco and cozy up with a date or a large party of friends. Burritos and the steak torta are also excellent thanks to well-avored meat, onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. You might also want to try the Cuban rice topped with fried egg and the amazing choriqueso, a spicy dish made with Mexican chorizo and cheese. The dcor isnt much, but you wont care after your third michiladaa concoction of beer, lime juice,
salt and chili. Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02650-9581. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. BB Pala Located beneath the escalator connecting BTS Asoke, Terminal 21 and MRT Sukhumvit, Palas large bay windows offer near-subterranean views a space that practically begs that you order takeaway from their outdoor counter. But Palas pizzas are a play on avors and textures verging on the trancendent. Romanstyle, theyre cooked as thick one-meter-long slabs cut up in squares. The amicable chef also whips up a mean selection of pastas and daily specials that are equally wonderful. Room #1, MRT Sukhumvit Station, Asoke, 02-2591228-9. Open daily 10ammidnight. BB Somtum Der The objective of this cute somtam restaurant is to steer our taste buds back towards Northern Isaan, and away
from the sweeter avors that Bangkokians so cherish. The place has a little mezzanine which lets in plenty of light, while a red accent wall, the central somtam bar and craft-inspired bamboo lamps add a bit of warmth and Isaan avor to the mix. Do try the tam sua Sakon Nakhon, with kratin beans and freshwater crabs. 5/5 Saladaeng Rd., 02-6324499. Open daily 11am10pm. B Xuan Mai The dcor isnt much and the impossibly long waits between each dish slightly detract from Chef Me Yungs mastery of textures, colors and avors. But this remains perhaps the best Vietnamese food in town. If its available, do try the cha ca Hanoi, or grilled catsh, which arrives in its own wok, with handfuls of fresh dill and home-made fermented shrimp paste. 351/3 Thonglor Soi 17, 02185-2619. Open Tue- Sun 11am-2:30pm, 6-11pm. BB
AdvertoriAl
Dining Essentials
amBar
Le Beaulieu
Bed Supperclub
8/F, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3288. Open daily 4pm-1am From its location on the 8th floor rooftop of the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, amBar enjoys stunning views of the citys busy downtown. Whether youre chilling at the bar, by the pool or on the comfy couches, amBar has become a firm favorite for those in search of a well-crafted cocktail, a solid selection of wines and tasty tapas. No wonder it was voted one of the top 10 rooftop bars in Asia.
G/F, Athenee Office Tower, 63 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-168-8220-3. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-11:30pm Le Beaulieu has become Bangkoks premier dining institution. Serving the best French cuisine in Bangkok, Chef Herve Frerard brings just enough personal twists to his food to keep things interesting. The dcor of his new venue, now at Plaza Athenee Towers, is just as impressive, thanks to the soaring ceilings and an elegant, understated design.
26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3537. Open Tue-Sun 7:30pm-1am Eating at Bed Supperclub is an experience unlike any other in the city. As you lounge on your gleaming white bed, order a stiff cocktail and get ready for a world-class show that blends cutting-edge choreography, a certain oddball humor and some irresistible sex appeal. The food comes with an exciting modern presentation worthy of the clubs futuristic allure, but the flavors are also comforting and solid.
Brasserie Europa
Decanter
diVino
Siam Kempinski, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000. BTS Siam. Open daily 6:30-10:30am, 12-3pm, 6-11pm Siam Kempinskis venerable hotelier tradition can best be enjoyed at Brasserie Europa. Instead of surfing foodie trends, this old-school brasserie has its culinary roots firmly planted in central Europe, with such fare as wiener schnitzel and berner roesti. Lighter Mediterranean recipes are on offer, too, as well as a tantalizing selection of desserts.
12/F, St. Regis Hotel, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7829. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily 5pm-2am With the longest wine list in town, a selection of which you can see in the showcase cellars, Decanters core focus lie is no mystery. Fittingly, the elegant gentlemens clubwood floor, plush carpets, silk-covered walls, velvet high-back chairs, leather sofas and classic chandeliershas the dark, velvety smoothness of a great Bordeaux.
Pennys Balcony, Thonglor Soi 16, Sukhumvit 55 Rd., 02-714-8723. Open daily 5pm-1am, Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm diVinos wine list alone is enough to make heads spin, with an exceptional selection of over 300 wines. But the menu is equally exciting, with simple, no-fuss starters, specials and main courses that pack all the tasty goodness of Italian cuisine without the pomp of fine dining. For a creamy plate of pasta, a crunchy Caesar salad, or a fresh piece of seared tuna, diVino always hits the spot, whether youre with friends, family or associates.
Dining Essentials
Elements
Eve
Isao
25/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. Open daily 6-11pm Elements has generated plenty of buzz, thanks mostly to Chef Cyril Cocconi, who draws inspiration from his time working with Chef Joel Robuchon. Inspired by the two-Michelin-star Ciel Bleu at the Okura Amsterdam, it features modern cuisine using seasonal produce which changes every few months. The dcor takes its inspiration from nature, reimagined via a charcoal wall partition, timber furnishings and the blue LED lighting.
Hansar Bangkok, 3 Soi Mahadlekluang 2, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-209-1234. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily 6-10:30pm Boutique hotel Hansars French restaurant Eve boasts a sophisticated design and inventive French menu with a focus on the southeastern Provence region. Its gastronomic philosophy focuses on freshly-sourced ingredients, meaning the menu regularly changes, allowing for constantly updated dishes using only the best producea true haute cuisine experience.
5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-0645. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm The owner and head chef learned her trade in Chicago and there are certainly plenty of American influences in the wonderfully inventive sushi and sashimi dishes on offer at the unpretentious, but always popular, little restaurant. Must-tries include the Volcano, a meaty scallop covered in spicy sauce and served in its shell, and the addictive and unusual sushi sandwiches.
JoJo
The Kitchen Table
Mandopop
G/F, The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. Open daily noon-midnight (last order 10:30pm) Ratchadamris most exclusive hotel, St. Regis, is home to JoJo, an elegant, contemporary restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine by Chef Carlo Valenziano. With sliding panels and ambient lighting, Jojos atmosphere is constantly evolving but always intimate. Drop by for JoJos celebrated antipasti buffet for lunch, or feast on fine cuisine such as Boston lobster tagliolini and the signature black truffle pizza Al Tartufo for dinner. Thirsty? The vast wine cellar has you covered, no matter what you crave.
2/F, W Hotel, Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi. Open daily 6:30am-5pm, 6-10:30pm W Hotel Bangkok s The Kitchen Table has been blessed with the same level of cuttingedge design as the rest of this brand new hotel. However sharp the interior architecture, the foods focus is on wholesome, honest cuisine. With a global selection of favorites, The Kitchen Table is perfect for a signing that big contract, impressing a date, or just taking the family out for a big day.
Oriental Residence, 110 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-125-9000. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 5pm-midnight Mandopop promises to change your perception of Chinese restaurants, from the dcor to the food. Chef Adrian Chua, from Singapore, has thoroughly modernized Chinese cuisines presentation while maintaining authenticity through the use of traditional recipes and techniques. Set in the luxury Oriental Residence, the dcor is equally impressive and opulent.
AdvertoriAl
Dining Essentials
Medici
Minibar Royale
Nagiya
Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-630-4006. BTS Chidlom. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm. 6pm-midnight Tuscan-born chef Francesco Lenzi whips up his hometowns specialties surrounded by a neo-industrial interior that conjures up images of dining in 1910 Chicago thanks to the predominance of iron girders and metal vats adorning the walls. Most notably, there are some top-notch beef dishes on the Italian menu.
Citadines Bangkok, 37/7 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-5533. Open daily 6:30ammidnight Its all about New York chic here, where casual bistro staples like eggs benedict and croque monsieur can be washed down with a list of well-crafted cocktails. (Dont miss the Minibar Long Island Ice Teait packs quite a punch). With clued-in servers, an elegantly raw dcor and all your favorite bistro classics, Minibar is the kind of place that works for every occasion.
Nihonmachi 105 (behind K Village), 115 Sukhumvit Soi 26. 02-258-2790. Open daily 5pm-midnight Its no surprise getting a table at Nagiya can be so tough, particularly on weekends. Both the atmosphere and the food here are equally exciting. Reputed for its nabe hot pots (delicious, thick broths loaded with meaty goodness), Nagiya is also known for its skewers (yakitori). This being an izakaya, you can also expect a wide selection of sake, sochu and some ice-cold draft beer to wash it all down. Campai!
Rossinis
RR&B
Ruen Urai
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8364. BTS Asok, MRT Sukhumvit. Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm. Sat 6:30-daily 11am-2pm, 6-10pm Chef Stefano Merio works closely with Michelin-star chef Alfredo Russo from Turin to deliver contemporary Italian cuisine with perfect wine pairings at retail prices. The grandeur of the dcor and the impeccable five-star service do the rest.
31/F, The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-252-0404. Open Sun-Thu 6-11pm; Fri-Sat 6-11:30pm; Sun 12-2:30pm RR&B doesnt conform to the steakhouse stereotype; instead, its more of a sexy and sophisticated minimalist dcor, with an eye-catching red palette and floor-to-ceiling windows. Still, the menu keeps it eye on the prize: five kinds of beef (Australian grain-fed, US Angus, wagyu, Matsusaka and Thai-French) and traditional side dishes such as steak fries, mashed potatoes, sauted spinach and lip-smacking potato gratin.
Rose Hotel, 118 Soi Na Wat Hualumphong, Surawong Rd., 02-266-8268. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily noon-11pm The gorgeous wood pavilion is packed to the rafters with antiques, creating an enchanting mood of aristocracy and the charm of a bygone era. But not only is this century-old home one of the most exquisite places to have a traditional Thai meal in Bangkok, the food is served and prepared with the utmost respect for authenticity. The menus particular attention to herbs and spices is inspired by the houses original owner, a herbal medecine doctor.
Dining Essentials
The Sala
Senor Pico
Smith
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. 1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana, Nong Plup, Prachuap Kiri Khan. 081-701-0222. Open daily 10am-5:30pm (breakfast from 10am, lunch from 11am, last order 5:30pm). www.huahinhills.com This former elephant corral is now a splendid vineyard best appreciated at one of The Salas tables, a wooden deck overlooking this sea of green. Designed by Sylvia Soh, The Salas architecture is befitting its views. And so is its drinks list. There are some 20 Moonsoon Valley wines, to be enjoyed by the glass or the bottle, along with a half-dozen tasting sets to accompany a selection of light Thai food dishes and international favorites.
Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100. Open 5pm-midnight One of the longest standing Mexican restaurants in town, Senor Pico now sports a dashing modern style with brand new lighting and one of the best-stocked tequila bars. On top of the face-lift, theres a completely new food menu, as well as a wide range of cocktails. The kitchen is overseen by Chef Fernando Reyes Barba, a Mexican-born chef from the US with 15 years of experience, meaning you can expect some of the best Mexican and Tex-Mex food in town. To top it all off, Cuban bands (Tue-Sun from 7pm) set the dance floor on fire every week.
1/8 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-261-0515-6. Open daily 5pm-midnight Chef Ian Kittichai does it again, in association with Chef Peter Pitakwong, conjuring up fullon flavors derived from high-quality produce. With a focus on the nose-to-tail food ethos, the menu is loaded with such earthy delights as head cheese terrine, hanger steak and sausage pie. With delicious craft beers thrown in, and an edgy industrial dcor, Smith is currently the top place to be and be seen.
Taihei
Thara Thong
Yamazato
53-54/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-11pm Taiheis bold contemporary dcor is split between the 53rd and 54th floor of the luxury hotel Banyan Tree. You can perhaps imagine the sky-high views, but rest assured the food is equally sensational. With fresh produce and a presentation that resembles pieces of art, your only problem will be deciding whether to look at the view or the incredibly fresh fish in your black and red chinaware.
1/F, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Charoen Krung Soi 30, 02-266-0123 ext. 3213-4. Open daily 6-10pm With Thai cultural performances from Tuesday to Thursday, mesmerizing Chao Phraya River views, a gorgeous teak pavilion and Royal Thai cuisine by the award-winning Chef Charoensri, Thara Thong is everything a five-star Thai restaurant should be. The china is Celadon, the cutlery made of bronze, the food exquisitely presented, and the flavors perfectly smooth.
24/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd. Open daily 6am-10:30am, 11:30am-2pm, 6-10:30pm. 02-687-9000 The original Yamazato is a famed traditional Japanese restaurant in Amsterdam which has held on to a Michelin star since 2002. To maintain these standards here, Okura has flown in its master chef to oversee its little sisters opening, while the Bangkok team has been imported wholesale from Yamazato Tokyo, headed by Chef Shigeru Hagiwara. The results are Japanese food of the highest possible quality and authenticity.
INDEX
2 0 1
TOP TABLES
3
#
62 4 Garcons
i
56 70 69 70 22 Indigo Indus In the Mood for Love Isao Issaya Siamese Club
Q
10 Quince
a
67 67 40 Akanoya Robatayaki Appia Artur Restaurant
r
73 42 32 34 34 60 Rang Mahal Reflexions Rib Room & Bar (RR&B) Rossanos Rossini Ruen Urai
b
8 28 68 43 14 68 Le Beaulieu Bed Supperclub Bei Otto Biscotti Bo.lan La Bottega Di Luca
j
46 64 46 71 Janhom Johann Bistro Joes Table JP French Restaurant
k
65 Khua Kling Pak Sod
s
50 52 58 73 60 45 44 74 36 38 74 66 55 24 Sala Rim Nam La Scala Scarlett The Seafood Bar Serina Seven Spoons Shintaro Shuffle Shunbo Sumibiyaki Signor Sassi Smith Soul Food Mahanakorn Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin Supanniga Eating Room
c
47 48 54 China House Chon Crystal Jade
l
30 65 71 Limoncello Little Beast The Local
d
56 DSens
m
44 30 66 48 20 Madison Ma Du Zi Restaurant by Yu Ya Maru Mei Jiang Mugendai
e
16 40 69 Eat Me Elements Enoteca Italiana
f
54 26 Four Seasons Restaurant Fuzio
n
60 6 72 42 57 50 Nadimos Nahm Napa on 26 New York Steakhouse Nius (Concerto) Le Normandie
t
58 36 75 75 43 59 La Table de Tee Tapas Y Vino Ten-Sui Thai Lao Yeh Triplets Tsukiji
g
18 26 29 41 62 29 Gaggan The Garret El Gaucho Gianni Ristorante Gossip Grottino
o
57 32 38 Opus Oskar Bistro The Oyster Bar
W
12 The Water Library
x
55 Xinn Tien Di
h
64 62 41 Hanako Kappo Honmono Sushi Hyde and Seek
p
28 52 72 Parata Diamond Park Society Phillippe
z
59 45 Zanotti Zuma

Top Tables 2013

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Top Tables 2013

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Whos in charge

Table of Contents Top 10

Sunday Hotel Brunches

TOP Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

TOP Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

10 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

Mediterranean / Upper Sukhumvit

12 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

The Water Library Thonglor

14 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

16 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

18 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

20 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

Japanese / Thong Lor

22 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

Issaya Siamese Club

24 TOP Top Tables

Dining Guide 2013

Supanniga Eating Room

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables 29 Dining Guide 2013

Argentinean / Lower Sukhumvit

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Rib Room & Bar

Rib Room & Bar

Rib Room & Bar (RR&B)

Top Tables 33 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

The Oyster Bar

Top Tables 39 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables 41 Dining Guide 2013

Hyde and Seek

Hyde and Seek

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

New York Steakhouse

New York Steakhouse

Top Tables 43 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables 45 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables 47 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables 49 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

Sala Rim Naam

Sala Rim Naam

Top Tables 51 Dining Guide 2013

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

AdvertoriAl 53 Top Tables Dining Guide 2013

The Kitchen Table

106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, 02-344-4000

Top Tables Dining Guide 2013