Best Restaurants?

[makavelli]

Hi everyone,

My parents r visiting Bangkok with myself and my wife this Summer. I would like to know some really top notch restaurants to go to. We r staying in the Landmark.

Me and my wife tried Vertigo last year so I think that will be a place to go to.

Any other ideas?

Thanks again

[Pushit]

Hi everyone,

My parents r visiting Bangkok with myself and my wife this Summer. I would like to know some really top notch restaurants to go to. We r staying in the Landmark.

Me and my wife tried Vertigo last year so I think that will be a place to go to.

Any other ideas?

Thanks again

Obviously Lebua would would be up your street.

[kiakaha]

Hi everyone,

My parents r visiting Bangkok with myself and my wife this Summer. I would like to know some really top notch restaurants to go to. We r staying in the Landmark.

Me and my wife tried Vertigo last year so I think that will be a place to go to.

Any other ideas?

Thanks again

what do you mean by top notch ? price, food quality, setting/scene, michelin stars

what cuisines interest you ?

[makavelli]

Any cuisine interests me.

Restaurant has to have a wonderful setting, fantastic food, price does'nt bother me.

Thanks

[Havy]

Any cuisine interests me.

Restaurant has to have a wonderful setting, fantastic food, price does'nt bother me.

Thanks

What types of food do your parents like? When in Thailand you should have them try Thai cuisine.

[makavelli]

Yes they would try Thai cuisine but not from one of the vendors on the street.

They r in Bangkok for 5 nights and each night I want to take them to a beautiful, highly rated restaurant (Does'nt matter which cuisine)

Thanks

Edited April 9, 2008 by makavelli

[hotgeekus]

1) Cyan - Metropolitan

2) Bann Kaniita - Sathorn road

3) Harveys - Tonglor

4) Either NY Steakhouse or the one in Hilton

5) Angelini - Shangri-la

(in no particular order), but drinks in either vertigo (banyan tree) after Cyan or 360 (hilton) after steakhouse.

[[email protected]]

My wife and I plus children lived in BKK for 6 years and often visit 3 months in summer now that I am retired in U.S.A. Our very favorite restaurant to visit it La Opera. It is not huge but has excellent atmosphere if you like Italian. My favorite is fecchini alfrado and my wife always has her favorite kind of fish. It is more expensive than it used to be. We went there so often that all the staff knew us but a couple of years ago they seemed to change all of them so they are different now...but still excellent. They may have opera music playing in background but not so loud that you can have a good table conversation. White tablecloth/red napkin/table candle type cozy settings. We particularly liked to be seated in the round glass type room...like a sunroom but trees and growth keep out the sun above. Very nice there even when it is raining heavy. A taxi can take you there in perhaps 15 minutes from the Landmark...as I recall it is on Soi 39 off of Sukhumvit road but my memory may not be coorect on that. If you are interested send me an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] and I will find their business card to give exact location.

Best regards,

Terry

[dantilley]

1) Cyan - Metropolitan

2) Bann Kaniita - Sathorn road

3) Harveys - Tonglor

4) Either NY Steakhouse or the one in Hilton

5) Angelini - Shangri-la

(in no particular order), but drinks in either vertigo (banyan tree) after Cyan or 360 (hilton) after steakhouse.

Agree with these, and Baan Kanitha is one of the best high-end Thai restaurants around so I'd recommend it for sure.

For some other very good Thai restaurants:

1) Naj on Soi Convent, Sathorn

2) La Na Thai at the Face complex on Sukhumvit Soi 38, Thong Lo BTS

3) Lemongrass on Sukhumvit Soi 24 (Phrom Pong BTS), a bit cheaper than these others but very good and in an attractive setting

Some non-Thai options:

1) Le Normandie at The Oriental, French restaurant, in a class of its own but very expensive if you go for dinner.

2) Indus - Indian, Sukhumvit Soi 26

3) Hazara - Also at the aforementioned Face complex, great Indian food, Sukhumvit Soi 38.

4) Le Beaulieu - Highly regarded French restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 19

[jayhech]

Blue Elephant Restaurant on South Sathorn Rd. Fancy Thai restaurant with branches in major cities of the world. This is surely topnotch.

http://www.blueelephant.com/bangkok/index.html

[ashacat]

I have never been to either the Blue Elephant or Lemongrass myself but I have heard bad reports about both of them from a number of sources...

If cost is of no concern and a beautiful setting is your bag then you can't go too far wrong with State Tower (as recommended by a few people above). I also agree with Dantilley with "Indus" and "The Face", both are very nice.

[glaitong]

Take them on a river trip with a Thai meal served during the cruise. Yok Yor and River Side have some good programs. The buffet is not what you want, but you can order ala carte.

Yok Yor

Riverside

[dantilley]

Riverside

Went on one of their cruises last week - was very good.

[stickman]

I like Zanotti a lot on Soi Sala Daeng, one of the best Italian restaurants in Bangkok.

A lot of foreigners have a perception that restaurants in hotels are not that good. This might be true outside of Thailand but in Bangkok some of the best restaurants are actually in hotels - so don't be out off by the idea of hotel dining.

[loytoy]

Food does not come much better than at the Landmark Hotel

[kiakaha]

A few off the top of my head.....

Thai - Sala Rim Naam , Barn Khun Mae , Celadon , Blue Elephant, Barn Kanitha(Sathon), The Khao Man Gai Dom street vendor stand opposite Molly Malones

Italian - L'Opera , Sorrento, Scoozi, Duilios, Giannis, Via Vai for Pizza

Creole/Cajun - Bourbon St

French - Le Bouchon , Le Banyan, Auberge Dab

American - Hard Rock Cafe

Mediterranean - Vertigo, Sirocco

Pub Grub - Black Swan, Molly Malones, The Barbican, The Bulls Head

loads more too....i've run out of steam

[makavelli]

We will be staying in the Landmark. Are there any nice restaurants in this area?

Thanks

[harleyclarkey]

I see that Bann Kanitha and Lemon Grass figures in a few choices. I have to say I was really disappointed with Kanitha. I have eaten in the 2 of them and found them both not up to scratch. I ate in the one off Sukhumvit only last week and the food was mediocre. The speciality of crab and minced pork cups wre cold and contained 75% sweet corn. The main dishes, although asked for Thai style, were flavourless and mild.

Lemon grass? I have eaten there 3 times (I always go back to a restaurant that has a reputation just in case I arrived on a bad night), and can't say I will go back.

I like the Landmark Buffet, the Oriental lunch buffet is superb, the Marriott buffet is very good and good value, as is the Intercontinental. Guess I am a bit of a buffet head!??

I have stayed in the Shangri-La and the food there is very good, as is the Oriental restaurant. The Banyan is worth it for the novelty value alone. The Red Pepper in the Rembrandt towers is good. However, I am still looking for that "great" nosh house!

[harleyclarkey]

ps...check out the Bufet in the hotel you are staying in. It is good and guess what?? 4 eat for the price of 2....3,000 baht. I know this is not that important when you entertain but what the heck.......it is 2 free places!

[sugarhead]

Lord Jim's at The Oriental

Angelini at Shangri-La

Indus on Suk Soi 26

Cyan at Metropolitan

Prime at Hilton

Cabbages & Condoms on Suk Soi 12

Vertigo at Banyan Tree

D'Sens at Dusit

[thecatman]

If you fancy trying a bit of everything, and want a fantastic view, then I'd strongly recommend the Crystal grill restaurant on the 82nd floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. It's a grilled and seafood buffet restaurant. I think it's about 650bt a head which includes free admission to the observation deck and the sky walk.

[steveromagnino]

Bahn Khun Kanitta is my standard for taking foreigners out, but I never see actual Thai people eating there except to take foreigners; as far as Thai food goes, real Thai food, places like Blue Elephant and Kanitta are bland; bland tasteless and toned down for foreign tastes. But great atmosphere, and I would consider either.

Baiyoke is not really my idea of a top place either; state tower all the way, multiple choices there. Sirocco outside is a fair bit nicer than Vertigo in many respects.

From Landmark, the former Rib Room at the top of the hotel used to be one of the best steaks in town, I assume still pretty good, great view for sure, and used to have Christina Aguila's dad playing piano.

Short walk to the JW Marriot, which is widely considered to be one of the best steaks in town; personally I prefer Fireplace Grill at the Holiday Inn/Intercon, but either is great.

For Italian, many great suggestions; L'Opera, Calderazzo in Langsuan, Gianni for southern Italian in Soi Tonson, etc.

For French there really is only Normandie.

For a bit of a mix, Bed Supper Club is a touristy thing to do but not bad food actually and weird ambiance, Suk Soi 11.

At least one night dining on the river is a great plan; the riverside hotels all serve right by the river including Oriental, the grand old dame herself; bunch of sea food restuarants in Rama 3 area, but sorry cannot recall the names of them, maybe some one can help, around the revived condo projects driving north but before Montien Riverside area...anyone?

I like Tawan Daeng Rama 3; mixture of food plus entertainment; their Thai food is infinitely more enjoyable than Blue Elephant etc plus they have a nice show - could be a bit 'middle class' for some.

Cyan at The Met is a sit and get fed a TON of dishes, and I don't exactly have much love for western food, but holy moly that was some nice stuff. Apparently eating like this elsewhere in the world would cost a frigging fortune, wasn't that much AFAIR.

Plenty of good Japanese places and some Korean in Sukhumvit area, really should start remembering names of places.

[pampal]

At least one night dining on the river is a great plan; the riverside hotels all serve right by the river including Oriental, the grand old dame herself; bunch of sea food restuarants in Rama 3 area, but sorry cannot recall the names of them, maybe some one can help, around the revived condo projects driving north but before Montien Riverside area...anyone?

I like Tawan Daeng Rama 3; mixture of food plus entertainment; their Thai food is infinitely more enjoyable than Blue Elephant etc plus they have a nice show - could be a bit 'middle class' for some.

Try Rama III at the end of soi 14, I cannot remember the name, but have been there countless times, riverside, good food and prices.

I also like the Tawan Daeng on Rama III, good overall.

[thecatman]

We will be staying in the Landmark. Are there any nice restaurants in this area?

Thanks

I'm personally not a fan of 'Hotel' restaurants (unless it's for a buffet pig out) so my suggestions are -

Cabbages and Condoms on Soi 12.

Kinnaree on Soi 8.

Both are within walking distance of The Landmark with 'Kinnaree' being my pick of the two. Verrrrrrrrry Nice.

Edited April 28, 2008 by thecatman

[polecat]

Some very good suggestions here. Especially Harvey's and Angelini's. I'd have to agree with the posters who don't rate Baan Khanita, Lemongrass or Blue Elephant. And I'd personally avoid Cabbages and Condoms, though not because of the food.

Khanita's was also my standard for taking foreign visitors (their soft shell crab curry used to be awesome, and their yam sam-o is still good), but the last few times have been so disappointing we've ditched it. Pity. The quality of meat used in very poor, especially when the price is taken into account.

The Blue Elephant is very pretty, but just a huge gimick. Tamarind and foie gras is an exciting idea, but symbolic of their approach - looks flash, tastes ok, but is really only showboating with dubious integrity.

Lemongrass on Suk 24 was awful. Simply awful. Lovely looking venue, with those wooden tables and taverna atmosphere, but the food is really bland, served in very small portions and hideously overpriced.

My last trip to Cabbages and Condoms was a 2 hour battle to avoid flying cockroaches! Uurgh. The food was tasty and reasonable, but I doubt we'll be going again.

My current fave restaurant is Philippe on soi 39(?). A gorgeous little French joint with real charm and seriously delicious food. A little pricey (average 600+ a main) but worth it if you can afford it.

There's also a great little place on Thong Lo, just past J avenue. It's called An An Lao and they do some wonderful Peking duck (the style where you just eat the skin) and Southern Thai dishes (Betng chicken is interesting). It's cheap and very basic, but if you find yourself that way, try it out.

I also go along with Indus. And maybe you could try Red, just off Thong Lo. I still haven't been there myself, but it's next on the list.

[zorro1]

We will be staying in the Landmark. Are there any nice restaurants in this area?

Thanks

Don't be put off by the name but The beer garden in soi 7 is a very popular restaurant particularly if price is no concern for you. The wine list is a tad limited to house red and white but Its got a great ambiance and you will see many people waiting for a seat after 1pm so do arrive early. Your parents will be amazed I guarantee it

[Prakanong]

My wife and I plus children lived in BKK for 6 years and often visit 3 months in summer now that I am retired in U.S.A. Our very favorite restaurant to visit it La Opera. It is not huge but has excellent atmosphere if you like Italian. My favorite is fecchini alfrado and my wife always has her favorite kind of fish. It is more expensive than it used to be. We went there so often that all the staff knew us but a couple of years ago they seemed to change all of them so they are different now...but still excellent. They may have opera music playing in background but not so loud that you can have a good table conversation. White tablecloth/red napkin/table candle type cozy settings. We particularly liked to be seated in the round glass type room...like a sunroom but trees and growth keep out the sun above. Very nice there even when it is raining heavy. A taxi can take you there in perhaps 15 minutes from the Landmark...as I recall it is on Soi 39 off of Sukhumvit road but my memory may not be coorect on that. If you are interested send me an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] and I will find their business card to give exact location.

Best regards,

Terry

I hope I am wrong but I think the new younger owner of L'Opera was killed on his bike on Suk Soi 4 about a month ago - I am sure it was posted somewhere here but I hope I am wrong.

The older crazy Italian guy sold it - my ex used to work there.

Edited April 28, 2008 by Prakanong

[jfchandler]

Ya, the TGF and I did Crystal Grill a few weeks ago, mainly because she wanted to take some photos from the top of the tower. I had never been there before, as I'm not prone toward touristy places...

But, I was surprised in two respects:

1) For the price of the buffet, as mentioned below, they really do have a very large and good selection of good food, particularly considering it's a buffet, and at a much better price than most larger hotels. If you think of the tower interior as one big circle, with tables at window-side around the outside, then the whole inner circle is counters displaying all their food offerings...and that covers a lot of space. American, Italian, seafood, meat, sushi, western and Thai deserts, cook to order pasta, stir frys... etc etc. Everything was reasonably fresh, well presented and pretty good in taste.

2) But, as often is the case with tourist destinations, the interior restaurant ambiance was pretty much non-existent. Serving staff pretty much just to bring drinks and clear the tables. Basically cafeteria style square tables with standard chairs, all lined up along the windows. And at night, because it's dark outside but very well lit inside, you basically can't see much by looking outside the windows...because of the glass reflection. You can, however, go to the other floor to look out from the exterior deck. That, however, is marred too by the entire circle being enclosed in a thick metal mesh fence (for safety and security, I suppose), which pretty well obscures trying to take good outward photos.

So... bottom line.... I wouldn't travel all the way there just for the food, because there are other better and nicer buffet options in other closer parts of town. If I had a guest in town, and they weren't particularly fussy but want a low-cost sightseeing option, I'd consider it. But if you really want to see the town from on high, Vertigo and Sirroco at the places to go for great, unobstructed views. Just be prepared to shell out the baht. Two drinks at Vertigo are about the same as one buffet dinner at Baiyoke....

If you fancy trying a bit of everything, and want a fantastic view, then I'd strongly recommend the Crystal grill restaurant on the 82nd floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. It's a grilled and seafood buffet restaurant. I think it's about 650bt a head which includes free admission to the observation deck and the sky walk.

[jfchandler]

I agree... a river cruise dinner is a very good choice for one night...

Dairy Queen Restaurant (no, not the fast food/ice cream place from the U.S.), located riverside in Thonburi, also does a cruise where you simply order from their menu and then the food is served onboard during a two hour or so cruise....

In general, I'd say the river cruise dinners are not up to the standard of the higher end regular restuarants listened in this thread... either in ambience or food quality. But the setting and the scenery along the river are a must for visitors... It's also cool and a respite from the heat, though don't get caught in one of the nightly rain and thunderstorms we've been having this week.

Riverside

Went on one of their cruises last week - was very good.

[jfchandler]

Yes, your parents with be AMAZED by the Beer Garden... just as Zorro1 said...

Maybe he's joking, or maybe just feeling frisky... But the Beer Garden is Soi 7 is principally known as one of the main freelancer bargirl pickup places around town. And, while it's easy to get a beer there, it's hardly some place I'd be itching to take my parents...unless of course... they are bar mongers in search of a lady for the night or the evening. I know it's been changing a bit lately to become a more mainstream venue, but still, it is what it is... Not a place for the folks...

If you're staying at the Landmark, which is near my home... their restaurants are very good, including the buffet in the Orchid Cafe... For an easy lunch, the Bangkok Baking Co. just down the street at the Marriott is very good for sandwiches and salads and deserts. The other Marriott restaurants are good also.

For Thai food nearby, in a better environment, a very good place is Rosabeang restaurant on Suk Soi 11 just across from the Ambassador Hotel. They have indoor air con dining, as well as a lovely outside patio area with live jazz or other music at night. The menu is HUGE, with just about every possible Thai dish you can imagine available.. Nice deserts and drinks. Reasonably priced and good service. For a beer garden experience, that is a much better choice than Soi 7.

The Blue Elephant on Sathorn Road near Silom is a mixed bag. It's one of the more popular, higher end Thai restaurants in town. And, the interior house setting, the ambiance and the service are consistently great. It's a lovely place to go. But, because of its market, the food is a bit too refined (tame and bland) for my tastes, though very nicely prepared. If your folks are Americans not accustomed to serious Thai food, then they'd probably enjoy it very much. But if they, or you, are looking for really authentic Thai food that will set you palate ablaze, then Blue Elephant's not the place.

We will be staying in the Landmark. Are there any nice restaurants in this area?

Thanks

Don't be put off by the name but The beer garden in soi 7 is a very popular restaurant particularly if price is no concern for you. The wine list is a tad limited to house red and white but Its got a great ambiance and you will see many people waiting for a seat after 1pm so do arrive early. Your parents will be amazed I guarantee it