The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Sukhumvit drinking den Dim Dim has collaborated with Singapore-born coffee shop A Stimulant by Sarnies to open a coffee shop within its premises during the day. Owned by Australian entrepreneur, Ben Lee, and Malaysian barista, Eric Chan, A Stimulant by Sarnies started off as a shop churning out hearty burgers in Singapore’s Telok Ayer neighborhood. Its owners saw a business opportunity in Bangkok and later on opened a small roaster-slash-coffee house in the back alley of Sukhumvit Soi 39, offering brews from carefully selected beans and providing a number of cafés around Bangkok with in-house roasts. As in the first Bangkok outlet, A Stimulant by Sarnies’ pop-up at Dim Dim offers single origin brews as well as original Sarnies’ blends such as Picks & Shovels, which mixes beans from Laos, Brazil and the Ban Mai Pattana Farm in Chiang Rai. Giving off a well-rounded flavor with slight chocolatey hints in the end, the blend mixes well with most espresso variations—it’s what they use for their orange mocha (B140), a refreshing pick-me-up that may (or may not) be a playful reference to the drink preferred by the ill-fated models in the first Zoolander movie. The Dim Dim branch, however, carries its own signatures—they serve a cold brew (B100) that’s infused with goji berry and a hint of cinnamon to add complexity to the naturally sweet drink. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the freshly baked brownies (B140), which follows a recipe put together by Ben’s great-grandmother....

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...

It’s been a couple years since Man Fu Yuan, a respected Cantonese restaurant at the InterContinental Singapore, expanded to Thailand, opening a restaurant at the posh Rajapruek Golf Club in northern Bangkok. Business was so good that it’s opened a sister eatery at Emquartier’s Helix Quartier. Set to be a more casual, all-day-dining venue, Man Fu Yuan is simply dressed in classy ivory hues with elegant yet comfortable sofas and a smattering of Chinese pottery. Expect to savor signature dishes such as smoked duck (B600 for a half-serving), crispy roasted pork (B265) and king-sized river prawns with ee fu noodles (B490) at more affordable prices. The kitchen also turns out mouth-watering dim sum selections such as prawn dumplings (B135), chee chong fun with scallops (B145) , chili crab buns (B135) and salted egg-yolk custard buns (B100). Complement your meal with a choice of Chinese tea blends, which include Man Fu Yuan 5 Elements, Royal Red Robe, aged pu’er and Imperial Double Blossom Chinese tea.   

Designed as an authentic sake bar and izakaya, Hanakaruta feels like it was teleported straight from Japan. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in Japanese culture. The highlight of the space is a striking floor-to-ceiling liquor cabinet showcasing a bewilderingly diverse selection of Japanese spirits and sake. Their signature is take sake served in a 500ml bamboo flask, which further enhances the fragrance. Careful though, it packs a punch and you’ll be limited to just three flasks per visit! The menu here ranges from small bites to more substantial dishes and includes authentic sushi rolls and tempura. Sukhumvit Soi 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-662-7339. Open daily from 6pm-2am. 

Owned by Australian entrepreneur, Ben Lee, and Malaysian barista, Eric Chan, A Stimulant by Sarnies started off as a shop churning out hearty burgers in Singapore’s Telok Ayer neighborhood. Its owners saw a business opportunity in Bangkok and later on opened a small roaster-slash-coffee house in the back alley of Sukhumvit Soi 39, offering brews from carefully selected beans and providing a number of cafés around Bangkok with in-house roasts. This first Bangkok outlet offers single origin brews as well as original Sarnies’ blends such as Picks & Shovels, which mixes beans from Laos, Brazil and the Ban Mai Pattana Farm in Chiang Rai. Giving off a well-rounded flavor with slight chocolatey hints in the end, the blend mixes well with most espresso variations—it’s what they use for their orange mocha (B140), a refreshing pick-me-up that may (or may not) be a playful reference to the drink preferred by the ill-fated models in the first Zoolander movie. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the freshly baked brownies (B140), which follows a recipe put together by Ben’s great-grandmother. It’s called A F*cking Good Brownie, and aptly so—the treat has a fudgy consistency that’s broken up by indulgent chocolate chunks.

Nuttawan “Yui” Supapong discovered that there is more to honey than the locally grown amber-colored sweetener she would take as a child after trying different kinds of honey on a study trip in the north. Inspired by her knowledge on the sugary food product, she decided to open a specialty cafe offering food and drinks made from honey she sourced herself from around the world. Tucked in Soi Sukhumvit 24, Honeyful boasts warm and welcoming interiors featuring wood furniture and flooring, and white beehive-shaped tiles. Green plants liven up the place, while big windows bring in natural light. At Honeyful, Yui wants to emphasize that honey, aside from being delicious, also carries tons of health benefits. “I want people to be able to incorporate honey in their everyday life,” she says. “Taking honey every morning helps strengthen your immune system. When the weather is bad, especially, the best thing you can do is to be healthy. Take it every day as part of your routine. Substitute table sugar with honey. It’s natural and is made of monosaccharides or single-molecule sugars, which the body can process more easily.”  Honey is incorporated in every drink and dish at Honeyful. The selection of honeys are changed every so often and, this season, the cafe offers collection of “monofloral honeys” in a menu called Honeyful Remedies. These honeys are produced by bees that mostly collect nectar from one floral species, thus giving the honey a distinct flavor. Yui says that each honey...

What is it?: An established and highly respected seafood purveyor in Bangkok, often credited as the original location to popularise the high-quality, casual lobster roll in this city. Why we love it: Their lobster roll (B750) recipe balances classic American and European flavour with light luxury. The house brioche roll is loaded with lobster chunks, seasoned with the iconic Old Bay spice, and lifted by notes of fresh tarragon and a drizzle of subtle truffle oil. It’s hearty, aromatic and the bed of julienned crisp lettuce helps cut through the richness beautifully. Time Out tip: located inside EmQuartier, this is a perfect downtown spot to drop in mid-shop. Don’t skip the impressive selection of imported oysters served with a housemade mignonette. Address: Gourmet Market, EmQuartier. 10am-10pm

Fans of comfort food with the sensibilities of the West will be impressed with Leon, the eatery by Cocotte that aims to use both local and imported quality ingredients like a dry-aged beef to create a big array of delicious dishes.

O’Shea’s (formerly known as Herrity's) is more than just an authentic Irish pub, as it also offers a barber service from Tew's Barber Shop and a boutique hotel.

Chocoholics can get their fill of amazing chocolate-based dishes at this chic bistro. Its chefs participated in Bocuse d’Or Thailand (basically an Olympics for cooking), and excel in French-Nordic dishes with a touch of chocolate and cacao. Breakfast highlights include Shrimp Cocktail Tartine (B290) and Seared Andaman Barramundi (B390).

Mutual Bar opened in 2020 and hasn't looked back since. These days it's the reliable name on Sukhumvit Soi 24, the spot you text your mates to meet at. A group of friends dreams it up, all from different walks of life with their own quirks and obsessions, bound together by one thing – they love a good gathering and a proper chat. The space mirrors that spirit, built to hold both their differences and their common ground. It's welcoming enough that even non-drinkers wander in happily, whether to catch the music, crack open a book or simply see a friend. No pressure to order a drink here.Soi Sukhumvit 24. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am. Call 02 550 6820

La Fontana has opened in Galeri 24 on Sukhumvit Soi 24, bringing seafood-led Italian-Mediterranean cooking and a new cocktail bar to the neighbourhood. A Mamma Mia!-themed party marked its arrival, but the kitchen keeps its focus on traditional coastal recipes, old-world Mediterranean wines and Italian spirits. The menu includes fresh gnocchi Bolognese with traditional Bolognese sauce and cavatelli alle vongole, a pasta from the chef’s hometown served with fresh clams and pesto. Spanish octopus is cooked sous-vide, char-grilled and plated with Sicilian capers, black olives and mashed potato. Behind the bar, eight signature cocktails have been designed to complement the seafood-focused menu, making La Fontana as suited to daytime dining as evening drinks. Open daily, 11am-11pm. La Fontana, Galeri 24, Sukhumvit Soi 24

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  

The name refers less to actual poisoning than to a cocktail menu divided by strength into ‘poisons’ and ‘antidotes’. Once a three-nights-a-week Ekkamai speakeasy, Sugar Ray has since gone daily and moved into a sleek black-marble space inside Octo Seafood Bar on Sukhumvit 24. Track down the costumed doorman to find the entrance. Head mixologist Vipop ‘Tor’ Jinaphan works Thai flavours into classic cocktail forms, with pandan, Bengal spiced tea and ginseng-infused gin among the ingredients. Octo Seafood Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Daily 7pm-2am.

Hone Bangkok exudes zen calm from the moment you enter. Warm, soft light falls on a long counter facing the grill station and staff discreetly glide through the space tending to your every need. It’s an izakaya in spirit but not the cramped, noisy kind. The room leans minimalist Japanese – pale timber, clean lines and thoughtful textures throughout.  Food follows the same mood. Start with the exquisite chilled capellini with hotate and ama ebi. It’s clean and bright in both appearance and flavour with ponzu lifting the sweetness of the scallop and shrimp without drowning it. Saikyo miso black cod is buttery and comforting – a flakey fish with a soft sugary edge that stays just on the right side of rich. Pâté and caviar toast is a pleasing table opener, playfully presented on caramelised crisp bread and dusted with salt and microscopic petals. Yakitori is where the kitchen really shines. Tsukune chicken meatball comes glossy with teriyaki and shoyu egg yolk – tender with a light hint of smoke. Reba liver teriyaki is confident and simple, proof that careful grilling beats fancy tricks. Between rounds, the seasonal vegetables – zucchini, pumpkin, lotus root and baby corn – pick up a sweet char and reset the palate. If you’re still hungry, go for the premium cut gokujo beef tongue with Japanese leek which brings depth and much satisfaction. The unagi cream cheese roll sounds curious but works on the plate – eel, omelette and avocado balanced by crunchy puffed rice. Coconut...

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.

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.

When you think of a department store like Emporium, you might expect a cookie-cutter cafe or just another polished retail space but this new corner is anything but typical. They’ve transformed the old parking lot into a creative hub where craft, design and community come together. Think of it as a little village of ideas: there’s Sauce Coffee, serving up aromatic brews made with beans from Gem Forest Coffee. Right next to it is Colorama, a cheerful eatery that turns every plate into a rainbow of vegetables, proving that healthy can be both colourful and crave-worthy. You’ll also find a curated selection of tableware, with certain handcrafted pieces made exclusively for this space. And perhaps the most unexpected twist –  the parking ramp has been reimagined as an open art zone, lined with creative installations and cosy corners where you can sit back, relax and take it all in. Address: 3/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 022-691-240. Open Daily 10am-8pm 

What is it? A tiny roadside gelateria around Sukhumvit Soi 30, known for handcrafted scoops and waffle cones baked on site. Why we love it: The flavours make this little roadside stop worthwhile. Hazelnut chocolate puts the nut first without piling on the sugar, while banoffee turns the familiar pudding into something cold and dangerously easy to finish. A two-flavour cup costs B100, with a crisp waffle bowl another B30, and the frequently changing line-up gives regulars a reason to return. Time Out tip: With flavours changing regularly, ask for a taste before you settle on your pairing. Sukhumvit Road, around Soi 30. Temporarily closed at time of writing; check @bumblebeegelato for reopening details before visiting or call 081 832 9911

Later that night, I wondered – was I being dramatic for wanting to go back again tomorrow? But when the memory of the Pork Kim-cheese Toastie resurfaces, I know I’m not. Homemade kimchi, melty cheese, and thick-cut sourdough (baked in-house by Sarnies) come together in a perfect storm of flavour. It's crunchy, tangy, savoury – dreamy, even.  This space is what happens when two rule-breakers decide to rewrite the clean-eating script. Pimp My Salad and Sarnies. One built its name on bowls that are vibrant, nutrient-dense and full of personality; the other is known for turning the everyday cafe experience into something bold and unapologetically flavorful. The space itself is bathed in natural light all day long. Ideal for catch-ups over brunch or those spontaneous candid IG stories. But back to the food: Nutty Acai Bowl is the real post-toast finisher. Sure, acai is known as a superfood, but this bowl is also super tasty. Topped with a chunky raw brownie that’s 100% plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free. Zero guilt, zero sugar spikes – just whole, thoughtful ingredients. And if you're not in the mood for toast or smoothie bowls, don’t skip Hula-Hula Tuna. Chilli miso ponzu gives it this bold, spicy depth right from the first bite. It’s layered but not overwhelming – savoury, tangy, a little sweet. Their house-made kimchi adds a nice kick. It's a masterclass in clean eating with intent: every element feels considered, from texture to taste to how it makes you feel...