The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

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.

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.   

If you love rich, creamy chicken-based ramen, Nanase Ramen is a must-visit. As Thailand’s only dedicated tori paitan ramen shop, it has been perfecting its signature chicken broth since 2015 and now boasts multiple branches across Bangkok. The magic lies in a slow-simmered stock made from chicken bones cooked for 10 hours until the broth reaches a thick, collagen-rich consistency packed with deep umami flavours. Each bowl is loaded with juicy, hand-shaped tsukune (chicken meatballs), minced chicken for extra depth, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk. The broth is luxuriously thick, offering a hearty yet well-balanced experience. And for a nostalgic touch, the ramen cart out front blends tradition with a bit of street food charm. 1095 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. Tel. 095-547-0324. Open daily 11am-3am

Unatoto Thailand is not just another Japanese eatery – it’s the first international branch of a beloved chain with 20 locations across Japan. Staying true to its roots, Unatoto delivers the same authentic flavours and dining experience as its Japanese counterparts. What truly sets Unatoto apart is its signature grilling technique, which uses a special charcoal stove to infuse the eel with a rich, smokey aroma while achieving a perfectly tender texture. To ensure authenticity, both the eel and seasonings are imported directly from Japan. Diners can savour a variety of cuts and preparation styles, each capturing the essence of a traditional Japanese eel feast. 591, 11-12 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. 088-575-8788. Open daily 10am-9pm.

What is it?: A Japanese/Californian fusion restaurant with a cocktail bar and DJ deck that gets livelier by the hour as the evening progresses. Why we love it?: No artificial meats are used and the sauces are all imagined in house in this third floor shophouse walk-up, as they constantly dabble with the perfect way to enhance the mostly Californian sushi-oriented menu plates, each as colourfully presented as the decor. This is some of the finest vegan comfort food in the city and the laid back vibe totally matches partners, Oranan and Erics’, views on life in general, and that is to have fun and to take care of those around you. WTF sushi rolls will knock your socks off as the mango chili dressing needs the wasabi side to cool it down. The quinoa-based burger offering comes in the softest of buns, house ketchup and mayonnaise, plus skinny fries as good as they get. There is a limited selection of six well-chosen wines and a bar team that mixes all of the cocktail favourites. Live music is offered on some evenings, so check out their social pages for information.  Time Out tip: Oranan also runs Hidden Closet, one of the best female sex toy and fetish-oriented businesses in town with a shop tucked away behind the restaurant.. She and her team are always happy to show you around and let you sample the goods, if that’s your thing. 

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.

Cocotte welcomes you all to its brasserie outpost at the EmQuartier where you can create your own cuisine from its wide-ranging products.

Spread the word! Propaganda Bar is all about having a good time with great company and  pocket-friendly refreshments. This new hangout spot on Soi Sukhumvit 33 was put up by Tom Athey, who also runs well-regarded public relations company Spark Communications. As Athey explains, Propaganda Bar is one of those endeavors born out of a pandemic crisis. “The company owns the building, but the tenant [a Japanese restaurant] couldn’t handle the rent, so I was thinking of what to do with it,” he says. Though the PR man admits that his experience in F&B is practically non-existent, he still saw a great opportunity to explore uncharted territory and open up a bar.  Athey, who used to be a journalist in the UK, intended for Propaganda to be a place where other journalists and people in media can come and chat with like-minded individuals over cocktails or a cold beer, and listen to relaxing music—a casual and welcoming place that stands out in a city filled with swanky establishments serving overpriced drinks. As is, Propaganda’s drinks list boasts a line-up of pocket-friendly cocktails inspired by its name. Six signature drinks (priced at B275 each) are inspired by well-known figures and events in world history. You have The Churchill, a whiskey-based drink with zesty hits from lime and pineapple zest; The 1984, which combines gin and pomegranate juice; and the vodka-focused Red Revolution. Other drinks to try include Loose Lips Sink Ships, Reporter’s Revenge, and The Cuban Missile....

Kurofune is trending now, and food nerds in the know are already flocking to this Sukhumvit 31 spot. The menu leans traditional, but with a few wildcards, like fuwafuwa butter, spun and melted onto the eel tableside. It’s a gimmick that works well. The butter doesn’t overwhelm; it softens the edges of the tare sauce and brings out the fatty sweetness of the eel. Try the Unaju set with chawanmushi and soup; the eel is crispy on the outside, still tender inside. And if you’re going all in, the Tokujo set (B1,200) gives you a full body and a half of unagi. Big portions, big flavour, and enough variety to keep things interesting. 24, 1/F, Sukhumvit 31 Klongtan-nua, Watthana, Bangkok. 061-134-7789. Open daily 11am-3pm, 5.30-9pm.

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  

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.

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.

Tibetan food is heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures, resulting in dishes like momo (dumplings stuffed with meat, veggies and Indian cheese paneer). Some of Bangkok’s tastiest momos can be had at Tibet Kitchen, where they’re served steamed, pan-fried or deep-fried. The menu also includes fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), all of which are not too far from Chinese food, making them less of a risk for captious eaters.

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 

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...

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...

Just like other hotel rooftop bars, Aire Bar at Hyatt Place offers expansive views over Bangkok. The difference is, the drinks here don’t empty out your pocket. Offering the perfect lookout to Benjasiri Park against a backdrop of skyscrapers, the bar caters to punters on a budget—sparkling wine starts from B199 while cocktails created by mixologist Nick Braun sets you back around B260.

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. 

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...