The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Isao is always a worthy mention in a list of the city’s most beloved sushi restaurants. Chef Pu (founding partner), an alumni of Chicago’s ever popular Green Tea sushi bar, bravely injects bold twists on traditional maki and sashimi. This results in flavorful signatures such as the sushi sandwich, which features thin alternating layers of sushi rice, salmon, tuna, and nori, topped with lots of crispy tempura crumbles to add texture, and finished with Isao’s signature sauce to add an umami punch to your palate. Fully packed on a daily basis, it is always wise to reserve a spot. Otherwise, expect a 15 to 30 minute wait for a table.

This is probably the most authentic Nepalese food you’ll find in Bangkok. Start off your culinary adventure with the chicken momos before delving into more flavorful fare such as the fragrant chicken curry with roti. Don’t forget to order a lassi (yogurt smoothie) to cool you down after the full-bodied meal. They also offer tour services in Nepal and around the Himalayas, and sell Nepalese clothing and home accessories.

Chef Thitid Tassanakajohn does it again with another venture following Le Du and Baan. With the help of American chef Chandler Schultz, Thitid creates simple yet fabulous plates inspired by the sidewalk fare of Bangkok. Baa Ga Din is where you find everyday comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Try the dry-aged beef tartare with sweet cucumber gel, spicy mustard and salty tamarind sauce. Pair it with the grilled corn salad, a zesty dish that combines corn and mango with kaffir lime emulsion. A full-range bar offers herb-inspired drinks such as Wake Up in Bangkok, a gin-based cocktail with passion fruit, raspberry, ginger powder and absinthe.

Some of you may have noticed the construction that took place right behind the Emporium mall up until a few months ago. It’s actually a five-star hotel called Compass Skyview and it has just opened to the public. We would gladly recommend the hotel to our visiting friends, but we’re more excited about its steakhouse, Prime+. The restaurant has been open for a while and you may have heard of its reasonably priced Sunday lunch buffet. But you should also check out Prime+’s dinnertime delights and first-rate grilled goodies. Nestled on the seventh floor of the stylish hotel, the restaurant merges the industrial-chic interiors of a modern eatery with a posh hotel restaurant feel—faux brick walls are combined with glossy dark marble surfaces. The space is divided into two distinctive parts—an intimate area by the glass window offers a decent view of Sukhumvit at sundown while the seats by the lively open kitchen is ideal for watching Prime+’s chefs in action. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in premium beef cuts. On top of light bites like olive oil-drizzled carpaccio dishes (options include beef, B425; salmon, B375; and tuna, B395), meat-heavy mains are set to please carnivores with a selection of beef mainly from USA and Australia, from a 250-gram rib eye Angus (B1,350) to a 500-gram wagyu fillet (B4,500). We love the marbled texture and juicy flavor of the sirloin (starting from B1,350). However, the rare wagyu fillet (starting from B2,450), though seasoned perf

The garden fronting Thai restaurant Kram welcomes a beach-themed cocktail bar, which is possibly the closest in Sukhumvit you can get to a tropical island experience. The brainchild of the people behind Blaq Lyte dance club in Thonglor and bar-slash-art gallery Future Factory in Ari, Coastal takes on a beachy atmosphere with rustic bamboo-shack interiors festooned with trendy umbrella and colorful inflatable tubes. Adding to the laidback feel are mats for lounging on the grass and low khan tok-style tables. Sweet and fruity cocktails are the bar’s main focus, as in the Smashing Basil, a Mojito-lookalike that is a light, gin-based concoction with a hint of Thai basil (B340), and the fiery yet refreshing Sweet Juan, which combines chili-infused tequila with pineapple juice, lime and cilantro (B340). For something a bit more grown-up, go for the Cottonmouth, a sipping drink that mixes gold and dark rum with slight hints of citrus (B380).

A trading post is where people gather and meet to exchange goods as well as ideas—and that’s the concept behind this new café on the ground floor of 137 Pillars Suites. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in a welcoming high-ceilinged chamber set off by natural light and light-colored furniture. An adjoining terrace and white garden pavilion expose you to surrounding greenery and offer great spots to unwind.  International comfort food, from healthy salads to quesadillas to brunch dishes, makes up the menu. Dishes we like include the Blackened Tuna Tataki (B340), a raw tuna mixed with black and white sesame salad dish with grains and fresh herbs; the soufflé-like Farmer’s Omelette (B290) made with organic eggs, homemade Boerewors sausage, goat cheese, tomatoes and sliced potatoes.  The desserts are equally appetizing. Try their signature Sweet Potato Cake (B105), a soft, layered treat that’s not too sweet or the Triple Chocolate Texture (B255), which pairs a decadent hot fudge brownie with white chocolate cream and Belgian chocolate ice cream. To satisfy your thirst, the café has a wide selection of coffee, tea, smoothies and milkshakes, as well as wines and local beers such as Chalawan Pale Ale and Chatri IPA. 

Softree’s softcream treat is now only available in one flavor – milk. The shop compensates by offering an extensive list of toppings. The stars of the show are easily the liquid honey, sweet coco, and Wow!Honey Chips (imagine organic honeycomb sticks on top of your ice cream). For coffee lovers, the affogato is well recommended.

The spacious, high-ceilinged space once occupied by hip gastropub All Six To Twelve has been taken over by Gismo, a new casual eatery that takes a similar Western-centric stance.  All Six To Twelve’s industrial interiors have been stripped away to make way for a whitewashed space decorated with plastic greenery, patterned black wallpaper and vintage-style ornaments. The bar facing the entrance features a zinc wall and blue stained wood. The overall effect is one of charming rusticity.  Chef Pratchaya Kroekarchachai, whose portfolio includes experiences at Dusit Thani’s 22 Kitchen and Bar whips up western-style grub that has been adjusted to appease the Thai palate. Expect all-day brunch dishes like avocado open sandwich with tuna in spicy mayonnaise (B320), and hearty mains like linguine pasta with tiger prawns, tomato, garlic, parmesan and langoustine sauce (B450) and grilled scallops served with squash, barley risotto, baked parmesan and caramel sauce (B480).  The drinks list carries colorful and refreshing cocktails like watermelon juice with bourbon and dashes of basil and lime (B290), as well as coffee (from B110) and chocolate drinks topped with cornflakes (B150).

Everyone loves Sanries and its bold and sophisticated coffee selection. The latest outpost of this Singapore-born chain features Japanese-themed decor (light wood and minimalist details) and an array of delicious comfort fare. Do check it out. 

Restaurant creators The Mall Group may have outdone themselves with Flamenco, a new venue that unexpectedly combines over-the-top Baroque splendor with bold brash Latino party vibes. Distinguishing itself from other shopping mall eateries in The Emquatier, the entrance to Flamenco is marked by potted greenery and a mish mash of tribal accessories. The main chamber is bathed in red light, and is liberally decorated with an eclectic mix of Baroque and Middle Eastern furniture that includes French rococo-style chairs, crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and velvet curtains. Amidst all the opulence, the whole setting feels like a luxurious mansion of a South American drug lord—at least how we think one would look. A cocktail bar leads to a small al fresco area and a stage where live bands or a DJ kick off the night with heady Latin-inspired beats. There’s also a handsomely decorated cigar for those inclined to sip their drinks with a Habano. The drink menu includes a long list of spirits and a smattering of creative cocktails. Star in My Eye (B380) is a photogenic blue drink that mixes rum and blue curacao syrup with lime, egg white and vanilla, while Autora Nuevo (B380) is a heavily garnished tiki drink that blends rum, gin and Cointreau with a fruity mix of strawberry purée, mango and orange juice. The bar also serves five different margaritas. We tried the Margarita del Reposado (B380), which uses El Jimardor Reposado tequila as a base, and adds Cointreau and agave syrup, making

This bar in Phrom Phong is all about music and everything in between. Drumsticks adorn the walls, instruments are set here and there, and you can enjoy live DJ and percussion performances every night.  Come here for cool vibes and music-inspired drinks by head barman Pisit "Jeng" Yooyencharoen.

Sugar Ray was a mainstay in Ekkamai’s nightlife scene for a reason—its creative cocktails and rustic-meets-minimalist speakeasy vibe drew both eclectic hipsters and cocktail connoisseurs to the second floor of Baan Ekkamai. The bar, however, has just gone through a complete makeover, and it includes a new address on Sukhumvit Soi 24. Tucked within new restaurant complex Octo Seafood Bar (we won’t spoil the fun by telling you where the entrance is, but we will say that you have to hunt down a chap that looks as if he’s dressed for Comic Con in the medieval times), the new Sugar Ray is now a sleeker and more dapper version of its former self. Dressed in fine black marble and leather, the dimly lit space now features ample bar seating, which was conspicuously absent in its former digs. In true Sugar Ray fashion, the guys behind the bar are still up for conversation, mostly on cocktails or the bar’s selection of fine whiskey. Head mixologist Vipop Jinaphan and his team have come up with a short list of signature drinks that cater to all kinds of flavor-profile preferences. Un Poco Loco (B420) is a fruity and sour drink that packs a punch with a mix of tequila that's sous-vide with saffron, Amaro, mango, yogurt, lime, salt and bitter. East Coast Boulevard (B420) is a twist on the good old Boulevardier, infusing Bengalese spiced tea into Campari and the smooth blending of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Punt e Mes, and chocolate and grapefruit bitters. Local flavor shines in Born and

A collaborative project among seven friends, Mutual Bar is a casual and cozy space where you can wind down while surrounded by comfy seating, good cocktails and lively music. The drinks list focuses on seven signature cocktails, each one inspired by the characters of the owners, plus one DIY cocktail created with the help of the folks from Asia Today bar in Charoenkrung. The refreshing Allen’s Apple (B340), inspired by one of the owner’s life in New York and his love for Woody Allen, mixes bourbon, orgeat syrup, red wine reduction, apple and lime juice. The coffee-infused Vivid Midnight (B340), “a breakfast in a glass” created from one of the partner’s love of all thing black, beer, and breakfast, sees a mixture of brandy, Thai-style espresso coffee, stout beer, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice; while the spirits-forward Hendrix’s Garden (B340), a drink by a musician owner, reflects his admiration for the legendary Jimmy Hendrix, and is a mix of whisky, tequila, amaro, pandansyrup, and burnt rosemary. The bar also introduces a special drink each month. If you go now, you can try the Freddie Mercu Tea (B340), an Earl Grey- and gininfused drink with butterscotch syrup and egg white, and served in a cute tea set. Classic cocktails and wine are also available. The bar doesn’t serve food but they do provide complementary unlimited snacks with your drinks. In the future, Mutual Bar plans to host events and talks. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.

Vistro has filled in a gap that seemed to be missing in the city’s herbivore scene, offering the most creative takes on typical vegan fare. The vegan dishes here are so flavorful that a carnivore may even consider going full vegan after a meal. The two-story establishment is airy, plant-filled and sizeable. The first floor is perfect for grabbing small healthy bites and drinks to go, while the second floor is where all the creative dishes are served. Don’t miss the Vistro Dumplings, a moreish snack served with Taiwanese-style chili oil and gyoza sauce, and the Habibi Wrap, which stuffs marinated “chicken,” iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and bell pepper in a soft wheat tortilla. End your meal with a gooey brownie topped with a scoop of vegan ice cream. Their house-made kombucha and wellness lattes are also a must.

If you’re tired of overpriced mall food, this food cart parked near the entrance of luxury mall Emporium offers the perfect solution. There is only one thing on the menu: Hainanese-style chicken rice that got all the components right. The fragrant rice is packed with garlicky flavors, while the boiled chicken is juicy and tender. A fried option is also on the offer and the chicken is served crispy and not too greasy. For parties of two or more, a slightly peppery-sweet soup with whole chicken bone is served. Here’s the tricky part—trying to nab a seat is like a game of musical chairs. The minute you spot an empty chair, seize it as fast as you can. Otherwise, the remaining alternative is to take your place in the notoriously long queue for take-away orders—or eat while standing.

Named after the mellow hue the sky took on when its owner first arrived at the location, Vanilla Sky is nestled on the 35th floor of Compass SkyView (aka that tower sitting right behind the Emporium mall), offering stunning views of Sukhumvit from every angle. The music is pretty chill, and perfectly complement the bar’s selection of refreshing cocktails. For a more exciting experience, ask for the flammable cocktail named Lamborghini (Sambuca, Kahlúa, Blue Curaçao, Bailey’s, B850) or head downstairs to Vanilla Club.

Bangkok’s pastry game is becoming more and more competitive, with a horde of  emerging dough wizards putting their own twist on familiar—and not so familiar—treats. Nine Pastry is one of the newer shops to test our bread obsession and, oh boy, do we approve! Located on Soi Sukhumvit 24, the shop is led by Middle Eastern chef Nir Netzer, who is going hard on the simple concept of sourdough bread, as well as purveying a wide array of Mediterranean-inspired goodies. Chef Nir claims he spent two years painstakingly  experimenting with recipes to come up with the best baked offerings. One of these experiments led to his take on the Jerusalem bagel (B80). The prolific pastry maker explains that this Israeli version of the beloved bread doesn’t go through a boiling process, which is how bagels are traditionally made, but goes straight into the oven for baking. The result is a tasty treat that’s crisp on the outside and soft and chewy, and subtly sweet, on the inside. The bread is liberally coated with sesame seeds, which adds more texture.  Nine Pastry also makes challah, aka Jewish brioche (B70, small; B100, big). Unlike brioche, however, this braided bread isn’t enriched with milk. Regardless, the texture remains soft and pillowy. (It’s a good alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant.) Also worth checking out are the vegan tahini cookies (B350/10pcs), the cinnamon and chocolate babka cake (B350) and Chef Nir’s sourdough bread (starts from B200). You can also get other lusc

Octo Seafood Bar has made its name to Sukhumvit’s dining scene as a one-stop seafood destination with eye-striking giant octopus clinging majestically at the very store front. Helping to fulfill the ocean theme of the shipshaped restaurant is a cocktail bar serving cocktails with references to the underwater world. Perching on the second floor of the seafoodcentric complex, Dr. Fetch is embedded with narratives alluding to a laboratory hidden underwater operating by a fictional scientist. That explains the reasons why all the bartenders are dressed up in white laboratory gown. In contrast to the bright restaurant setting, the inside of Dr. Fetch is dimly-lit and succumbed to the heavy beats from live band performing nightly. If you look for a more private corner, take a seat in a connect room quirkily surrounded by wooden rabbits and animal skeletons. To comply with the bustling seafood restaurant downstairs, Dr. Fetch cocktails are conjured up with strong influence from the sea — dominantly via the name of the cocktails, garnishes and the shape of the glasses, not in the drink as we had expected. There’s the Pirate Spice Rum (B400), the concoction photogenically served in a siphon machine with the combination of pea flower-infused rum, toasted coconut and Maraschino liqueur brewed with lemongrass, ginger and butter, before being served hot in a Chinese-style tea cup. (The item is big enough to feed 3-4 people). Ocean Bouquet (B400) is nicely-flavored with accent of spicy and

Odtomato, at first glance, seems like just another eatery churning out casual East-meets-West fusion fare in a clean, minimalist setting. But this sleek Sukhumvit restaurant takes it up a notch by offering hearty modern Australian dishes made with top-quality ingredients.  Owed by Gavin Vongkusolkit (who’s also behind Kuppadeli café and Glowfish co-working space), Odtomato is dominated by masculine elements such as dark wood and teal-colored furniture. A cocktail bar at the front welcomes guests to the restaurant and serves tipples created by Australian bar master Nick Braun. The menu reveals creative Mod-Oz creations such as a refreshing green gazpacho made with cucumber, green grapes and avocado (B350), and a baked cauliflower and broccoli salad served with a drizzling of Dijon mustard (B275). Heavier plates include Beef Wellington (B1,550) made with premium beef from a farm in Hokkaido. Don’t miss the indulgent sticky date pudding (B225), created following a secret recipe from Gavin’s family. Keeping up with its name (pretty much a combination of “Od”, Gavin’s nickname and “tomato”), the eatery serves plump and fresh tomatoes as a complimentary overture prior to the meal. Odtomato has a great selection of wine, but you can also opt for for one of the cocktails such as the frothy and floral Blossom (vodka, raspberry and elderflower, B355), or the headier Cobbler (B385), which mixes three kinds of sherry (Fino, Palo Cortado and Ximénes) with rum and house-made pineapple juic

R.E. 234 will take you back to the time of King Rama V when Western culture first arrived in Thailand, hence a menu chock full of fusion recipes. Indulge in tiger prawns with pomodoro sauce, stuffed pork chop with pesto cheese or the massaman kai. Don’t forget to try the organic floral tea before you leave. For jazz fans, live jazz music plays on Fridays and Saturdays.