The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

From Little Red Door Paris and The Monte Cristo Hotel, globetrotting bartender Thomas Abd Ali is now shaking (and stirring) things up as Birdies’ new Beverage Manager. Alongside wine wizard Kimi Kiviranna and kitchen queen Chef Jennifer Evans, he’s serving the city a brand-new reason to raise a glass. His debut cocktail program is where Asia flirts with Europe and the results are anything but shy. Sip on green note (pandan, coconut, fig leaf in a lush aromatic mix), get a buzz from the stingless bee’s knees (sweetened with rare honey from Yala’s stingless bees) or keep it cool with appuntamento, a zero-proof amaro that channels Italian aperitivo vibes without the booze. This new chapter officially launched on September 11 and the cocktails are now ready for you to sip and savour. Consider it your invitation to drink across continents without leaving the capital.  Birdies Bangkok. Open Thursday-Sunday 11am-11.30pm, Monday 5-11.30pm, Wednesday 11 am-11.30pm. Tuesday closed

What is it?: In an old house near the base of Sukhumvit Soi 33, North’s dinner tasting menu might be eye-wateringly expensive, but their lunch is thankfully reasonably priced, and absolutely worth a visit to experience their refined and subtle approach to Northern cuisine.  Why we love it: Industrialisation brings growth and prosperity, but it also brings a standardisation. In many ways, that’s a good thing (we’d rather not die of trichinosis), but local delights that for whatever reason aren’t scalable tend to get sidelined. The team at North is part of the new wave of Thai chefs who deeply investigate the history and geography of Thai foodways. North’s cuisine showcases the many migratory waves that came through Lanna, with Yunnan-influenced khao soi that has a camphor quality owing to the heavy use of black cardamom, and Burmese-influenced “pea pillows” that will show you a whole new side of split peas.  Time Out tip: There’s nothing more Northern than a khan toke, a collection of little local dishes on a tray that symbolises classic Lanna hospitality. North’s khan toke set for two is a great crash course on the flavours of the region, elevated with wagyu hang le curry and heirloom rice.

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. 

What is it?: Chef Francesco Lenzi’s Italian eatery in Soi Phrom Si brings the tastes of Tuscany to Bangkok. Why we love it: The art of charcoal wood-fired grilling is much in evidence here with Chef Stefano Merlo leading the charge. Having honed his skills at three-star Michelin restaurant Le Calendre, Merlo knows how to cook with fire and flair. For a meaty delight, try grilled Tasmanian grass-fed lamb chop (B1,280) – tender, medium-rare lamb paired with a creamy carrot puree. Alternatively, if you’re really hungry, a hearty serving of roast beef (B3,800) will do the trick. Made with top-tier Black Angus beef from Australia, this 500g sirloin is grilled to perfection, robed in a rich red wine sauce, and topped with a Parmesan samayon – a silky sauce made with egg yolks, sugar and wine.  Time Out tip: For dessert, the restaurant keeps it classic with Italian favourites such as bomboloncini ripieni (B230), which is deep-fried doughnuts stuffed with creamy Italian goodness and drizzled with berry sauce.

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

Unatoto is part of a chain of restaurants (mostly located in Tokyo and Osaka) that has built its fame on serving budget-friendly yet tasty unagi-centric meals. The Bangkok branch is recognized by its big, graphic and colorful signage, as well as the crazy queues snaking out of its doors during peak hours. Meal prices go as low as B180 for unadon, a bowl of rice topped with a small portion of unagi. Bigger portions are still affordable— the Bikkuriju, a rice dish served with an entire eel, will only set you back B700.

What is it: A bakery-cafe that’s earned quite the following in Bangkok for its precision-crafted sourdough loaves, buttery croissants and serious sandwich game. With its flagship on Sukhumvit Soi 31 and additional branches in Suan Phlu and Ruam Rudee, Holey brings the bakery-craft to your lunch plate. Why we love it: Bread is the hero here – house sourdough and baguettes get the star treatment, enabling sandwich fillings to shine. Think smoked salmon and fried egg on crisp artisanal bread or a hearty panini pressed with premium ham, cheese and house-fermented pickles. These are the kinds of sandwiches where the bread whispers ‘I’ve been nurtured for 48 hours’ and the filling adds the flourish. Time Out tip: Go mid-morning when the loaves are still warm. Order toasted panini with a cold brew or oat latte – a simple pleasure done exactly right. Holey Artisan Bakery. Sandwiches from B290. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-7pm.

If you’re into both art and drinking, PIN31 is ideal for you. Stylized as a bar in an art gallery, this brand-new drinkery projects images of world-renowned landmarks on stark white walls while live music plays in the background. Drinks-wise, PIN31 has unconventional cocktails with even more unconventional ingredients like grilled squid. It, surprisingly, works!

Bangkok's fine dining restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine in the classic Thai-style house.

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,...

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.

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 

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.

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.

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...

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...

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. 

The bar door opens onto a Parisian dream, a cafe-bar that feels plucked straight from a European film. Inside, elegance whispers from every corner, subtle lighting and dark wood turning the space into something intimate yet cinematic. The venue splits into two moods: a dining area at the front, soft with daylight, perfect for brunch or dinner, coffee or mocktails served with effortless style. At the back, the Club zone hums differently, a DJ weaving chill beats while live jazz sneaks in on certain nights, turning the room into a slow, playful dance of sound and shadow. Every corner is made for lingering, for stories shared over cocktails that taste as intriguing as the space itself, moments that somehow feel cinematic even before the first sip. Address: 3/F, Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, an IHG Hotel, 3 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Open Tue-Sun, 6pm-1am. Closed Mon.

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.

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