Stomach grumbling? Join us as we continue our countdown of the best restaurants, bars and shophouses offering non-Thai food in Bangkok.
Missed part one? Find it here.
Appia
Billed as a Roman Trattoria in Bangkok, there is no doubt that Appia has charm and charisma – with its cosy decor and soft lighting, you’ll feel as if you’re going for dinner at Don Corleone’s country home. Indeed, the emphasis is on the honest and homely cooking, and though the delicious pasta is cooked fresh daily, it’s the meat dishes that really shine.
Enlist one or two really good conversationalists, be sure to book a table in advance as the buzz has spread exponentially among Bangkok’s foodies – and then while away the evening over a juicy steak or the indulgent porchetta, perhaps accompanied by a bottle from the comprehensive wine list.
Where: 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31
Tel: +66 2 261 2056
Nearest station: Phrom Pong BTS
Rocket Coffeebar/Lady Brett Tavern/U.N.C.L.E
A haven for good-looking people, not least the three strapping Swedes who run the multi-purpose joint, these three venues have all the bases covered; whatever you want, whatever the time.
By day, Rocket Coffee Bar is packed with hipsters sipping artisanal coffee, plus joggers enjoying spirulina smoothies with their eggs and smoked salmon. Cosy gastro-pub comfort food, live mixology and an achingly cool playlist draw lively groups to the Lady Brett Tavern as the evening draws in. Later, couples canoodle upstairs over cut crystal glasses of high-end liquor or hand-crafted concoctions after hours at U.N.C.L.E cocktail bar.
Where: 149 Sathorn Soi 12
Tel: +66 2635 0404
Nearest station: Chong Nonsi BTS
Hemingway’s
Just steps from one of the busiest stations in the city stands a beautiful old colonial building, lantern-lit and overhung with the fat leaves of frangipani trees. Hemingway’s is dedicated to the life and journeys of its titular author, from the cigar smoky bars of old Havana via the streets of Paris to Florida Keys.
Each space has its own charms, from the Serengeti-inspired safari bar to the balcony deck overlooking the Spanish garden. Join the lazy balmy afternoon drinkers, picking on meat and cheese boards or drop in for a romantic dinner or night cap, with a cigar of course – it’s what Ernest would have wanted.
Where: Sukhumvit Soi 14
Tel: +66 2 653 3900
Nearest station: Asoke BTS
The Corner
The Corner conjures up a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, with its exquisite blend of Spanish and Italian cuisine, alongside a steady flow of fine red wine and warm hospitality. This Sathorn Soi 1 area is hugely popular with expats, and it’s quite evident that this is one of their favourite spots.
Almost every night this place is buzzing and alive with passionate conversation between old friends and new acquaintances alike. Come in the daytime, and things are more low-key. The Corner resembles more a chic café, yet still provides a good place to hang out with an iced coffee, a good book or their free WiFi.
Where: 27/39 Soi Sri Bamphen, Thung Maha Mek
Tel: +66 2679 8438
Nearest station: Khlong Toei MRT
Chef Man
Crazy about dim sum and planning a trip to Bangkok sometime in the next two months? Then it might be a good idea to pick up your phone – right now – and make a reservation at Chef Man.
Tables here are among the most sought-after in the capital, and there’s typically a huge waiting list. All the buzz is easily justified. Their dim sum is cooked to perfection, with classics such as ‘shu mai’ (steamed pork dumplings) and ‘ha gao’ (translucent shrimp dumplings) all finding the perfect balance of delicate savoury and sweet flavours. Don’t miss out on the melt-in-your-mouth duck either!
Where: 3/F, Eastin Grand Sathorn
Tel: +66 2212 3741
Nearest station: Surasak BTS
Viva 8
Viva 8 might just be the hippest place to hang out at the world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Over the last couple of years, this trendy little restaurant and bar has become a local sensation, purely thanks to one man – Chef Fernando – the round-bellied, larger-than-life Spaniard, who cooks up huge pans of paella.
For a perfect break from the shopping pandemonium of the market, rock up, grab yourself a plate of that delicious yellow rice-seafood combo at a super-friendly price, and let the house DJ soothe your soul with their selection of laid-back electro. They get bonus marks for their (limited) selection of beers and tasty mojitos, too!
Where: Chatuchak weekend market
Tel: +66 2 618 7425
Nearest station: Mo Chit BTS
Charley Brown’s Mexicana
Duck down the side street just off the pulsating den of drinking, Sukhumvit’s notorious Soi 11, and you’ll find an array of eateries. But none as colourful as Charley Brown’s Mexicana.
If you like your margaritas strong, your burritos cheesy and your atmosphere unpretentious, it’s a great place to get your Tex-Mex fix – and kick things off before a night of dancing and drinking in the neighbourhood. There’s a great range of light bites among which the beef and Baja-style tacos, hard or soft, stand out. While you wait for your order, munch on the free nachos, don a sombrero and shake some maracas.
Where: 1/23 Sukhumvit Soi 11
Tel: +66 2 651 2215
Nearest station: Nana BTS
Fat Gut’z Saloon
Dedicated to serving up no-nonsense fish and seafood to the scruffy pirates, cowboys and rockers of Bangkok, Fat Gut’z Saloon is so unashamedly grimy it’s chic.
Saunter through the swing doors to the place where huge portions of golden battered fish and chunky chips are served piled up high in a barrel, and sticky glasses of rum and whisky are all but slid to you along the bar. It’s tiny and the good kind of dingy – with iron hooks and mismatched lanterns hanging from the ceiling and sweaty, hairy, sexy live bands rocking out most nights. The only thing missing is a spittoon.
Where: Grass, Thong Lo Soi 12
Tel: +66 2 714 9832
Nearest station: Thong Lo BTS
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Witness culinary wizardry conjured up before your very eyes. Bangkok’s food culture has been on the rise – literally – from the treats that sizzle on the street, up to the soaring rooftop restaurants.
Nothing is more heightened than the food at L’Atelier, courtesy of Joël Robuchon, the world’s most decorated Michelin star chef with 25 stars to his name. Here the spotlight is on the chef as you luxuriate in sultry lighting, sitting at the counter bordering the open kitchen and watch your cuisine being carefully crafted with finely honed techniques. Expect exquisite service and high-end bites of fancy ingredients with sexy French names, all primped and preened to perfection.
Where: 5th Floor, MahaNakhon CUBE, 96 Narathiwas Road
Tel: +66 2 001 0698
Nearest station: Chong Nonsi BTS
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