The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Enjoy the Japanese delicacy of grilled eel (unagi) grilled over charcoal and brushed with a sweet sauce at the first outlet of this chain that started in the Japanese port city of Nagoya almost a century ago and now has restaurants across East Asia. Try ippon hitsumabushi (B940), eel fillets grilled to order on a bed of Japanese rice with a sticky sauce.

After featuring as a filming location in One for the Road (2021), the bar retains a film set vibe. From neon signs and red lighting to a mini fish tank and a vintage phone booth, every detail is preserved to reflect the aesthetic vision of directors Wong Kar Wai and Nattawut Poonpiriya. The cocktail menu is also inspired by the film’s characters, with signature drinks including Alice’s dance, Noona’s tears, after the rain and WKW (Wong Kar Wai). Whether you're looking for a dimly lit, classic setting to unwind or you're a true cinephile seeking a moviecore experience, this bar is the perfect place to escape into a cinematic world.  Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-004-2429. Open daily from 7pm-2am. 

Scone lovers will love it here! Baker Bricks is a beloved café in Phrom Phong where various types of scones are highly popular. The plain one is only B55, while something different like cocoa chocolate chip scones (B60) and pearl sugar scones (B60) can't be missed.

Noted Korean chef Baik Jong Won opens the Bangkok’s outpost of Bornga, famed Korean eatery, that aims to bring the taste of his home to Thailand. The popular items includes seafood soup with tofu, stir-fried pork with chili sauce and soy sauce-marinated pork belly.  

These days, everyone is pretty much into the wellness craze. Left and right, people are flocking to health centers and health food restaurants to engage in a new fitness program or to get their fill of low-calorie, high-nutrition fare. But sometimes, trying to be healthy can be frighteningly pricey, and just discourages us from jumping into the wellness wagon. Although, there is one place where wellness is affordable and, more importantly, drinkable!  naatea, located at United Business Centre II in Phrom Phong, proclaims itself as an expert in full-leaf tea. The brand is dedicated to providing a daily dose of wellness to anyone seeking a simple and convenient way to cleanse and detox both their body and mind. The tea served here is made using the cold-brewing process. This technique, according to founder Pratchaya “Sun” Sananvatananont, is rarely used in making tea, but it does offer a full range of benefits for nutrition and taste. He explains that, because it doesn’t go through heat, cold brew tea retains its antioxidant and vitamin C content. Moreover, the bitterness people come to expect from most teas is rid of. The result is a more enjoyable and a more body-beneficial drink. naatee has six types of cold brew tea—genmaicha, jasmine, sencha, oolong, Earl Grey and barley. You can opt for a Cold Brew Pure (B65/16oz and B85/22+oz) or a flavored Cold Brew Blends (B85/oz and B85/22+oz). Fruit lovers can try the Cold Brew Fruits (B105/16oz and B125/22+oz), a drink that...

Comfort food galore at the second branch of Kenny’s BBK at Sukhumvit Soi 31. Try bucatini carbonara (B350) or Kenny’s special pizza (B390) with mystery ingredients. Beef lovers check out the 300g hanger steak grilled on charcoal with chimichurri (B590). And watch English Premier League matches at weekends. 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea. 090-995-2040. Daily 10am-3am

Shinsen Fish Market is perhaps the most exciting eatery to open in Sukhumvit this month. The fancy seafood-focused restaurant is located next to Ozono on Sukhumvit Soi 39 and is built around the concept of Addiction Aquatic Development, a modern-looking wholesale and retail fish market in Taipei that also supplies most of the seafood served at Shinsen. The space is stylishly decked out in glossy black and features ten different zones. Only two zones, Market and Café, are open for now.  For those who aren’t familiar with how things go at the Taipei fish market (we aren’t either), here is how it works: You enter through the Market zone where you can handpick fresh or live produce (everything from Hokkaido crabs to Wagyu beef) from ice-topped counters or tanks. You then pay for your loot at the cashier. You can also shop for cheese, wines, saké, fruits and pastries at the Market. Carry everything to the cooking station, choose how you want them cooked, pay a small cooking fee (starting from B50) and then wait to be served at the Cafe zone. You can also choose dishes and drinks from the à la carte menu, which includes grilled seafood and meats as well as glistening slices of raw fish prepared at the sushi bar located inside the Market. However, those who choose to sit at the said sushi bar won’t be eligible for the pick-and-cook option. Sounds confusing? It is. We visited the place on a Sunday evening, a few days after the soft-opening period, and discovered that the place is...

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.

The space recently vacated by Thai fusion eatery Baa Ga Din has been taken over by Le Cochon Blanc, Sukhumvit’s new “pig” on the block. Instead of vibrant hues and quirky Thai pop culture motifs, the restaurant gives way to the darkly cool interiors curated by co-partner Frederic Meyer (the man behind the cutting-edge designs of Issaya Siamese Club and Pizza Massilia). Black paint, chandeliers and wall-mounted taxidermy are evocative of a Greyhound restaurant—but a tad bit more luxurious. Flamingo-patterned wallpaper provides a vivid contrast to the dramatically dark décor. The entrance is dominated by a gigantic open-flame grill helmed by Ba Gaa Din’s former chef Chandler Schultz who delves into his American roots and cooks up perfectly-grilled meats like smoked barbecued pork ribs (B580 for half/B870 for full) and dry-aged Angus strip loin (B1,000/350 grams). House-made barbecue sauce, infused with pineapple, green chili and spicy Isan-style dipping sauce, is reminiscent of the flavors of Baa Ga Din. Also on the menu are smoked salmon from Scotland served with lemon cream and small blinis (B490), meaty crab cakes served with smoked remoulade sauce (B490) and a salad of duck ham with Belgian endive, fennel and mandarin, and drizzled with brown butter vinaigrette. Legendary sausage master Emmanuel Chavassieux from France produces sausage exclusively for Le Cochon Blanc. Chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul from the Issaya Group churns out superb desserts like a signature...

The name Pierre Hermé is synonymous to macarons. Here, the scrumptious treat is available in flavors such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, green apple celery and truffle. Other sweet items are also available including the cake infiniment citron (lemon zest cake) and chocolate bars.

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...

What is it?: A fusion vegan bistro, serving plant-based versions of familiar favourite comfort foods from around the globe.  Why we love it: Vistro was good when it opened in 2019, and it is even better now. The menu knows no boundaries so expect to see dishes from every continent, re-interpreted to plant-based perfection. It says something about the restaurant that the kitchen is almost as extensive as the seating area, which remains informal and inviting for a meal at any time of day. The non-alcoholic drinks menu ranges through kombucha, cold-pressed juices, lattes, smoothies and coconut milk-based shakes. Food-wise, try chili bao bao in soft buns with sweetly glazed meat substitute filling, or vegan crab croquettes that are super creamy in a fried bread crumb case with spicy mayonnaise. For noodle lovers, damn good dan dan combines substitute meatballs with mushrooms, red pepper and dark green bak choy, adding vibrant colours to a mildly spicy soup. In total there is a wide selection of noodles, bowls, wraps, tacos, salads, yum cha items, and cakes that include their famous chocolatey raw Snickers bar with plenty of vegan goodness inside. Time Out tip: Sunday brunch at Vistro is a great way to eat with friends sharing a selection of plates while discussing the various issues of the week. But do not be shy about coming alone, as there is counter top seating to pull up a stool to and scroll, read, or gaze down onto the street below.

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.

Sometimes, a good drink and the right music can transform an ordinary moment into something special. For those looking to unwind with a favourite beverage while enjoying the sounds of music, a vinyl bar run by a Japanese enthusiast of vinyl culture offers the ideal setting. The bar’s aim is to provide a true Listening Bar experience, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing rhythms of jazzy vinyl grooves. A key feature of the bar is its dedication to sound quality with the use of vintage audio equipment. The wooden decor enhances acoustics, absorbing sound and reducing echoes to create a cosy, intimate setting. The music, played through classic equipment once used in cinemas, adds to the bar’s nostalgic charm. You can unwind and savour organic ingredients in your drinks. 4th Floor, Cannabis Culture Club, 635, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 095-978-9196  

An old wooden door welcomes you into a classic setting in which wooden tones and brown décor are complemented by warm gold accents. Vintage photos adorn the walls, adding to the nostalgic charm. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms with the glow of red lighting creating a more intimate experience. The cocktail menu offers both classic and signature creations, each inspired by the owners’ personalities and passions. Hendrix’s Garden reflects one owner’s love for music, blending pandan syrup and smoked rosemary for an aromatic twist. Biomimicry brings a refreshing edge with pickled lime, wasabi and celery topped with tonic and finished with an oba leaf garnish. For a playful touch, the S10 Shake takes inspiration from the iconic milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction (1994), serving up a nostalgic yet inventive sip.  5/F, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 02-550-6820. Open daily from 6pm-midnight. 

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.

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.

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...