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....

If you ever run out of ideas on what to cook for your next meal, pop into Jones the Grocer and go crazy over an extensive range of Australian products including cheese, truffles, bread and pastries. There’s also a high chance you’d end up wanting to eat at their restaurant instead. Order signature dishes like the Salt & Pepper Calamari or the Jones Black Angus striploin – 200g of Australian meaty goodness. 

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

It’s been two years and two (actually, two and a half) branches since Kyoto-born coffeehouse %Arabica launched in Bangkok, spurring photo-snapping crowds and long queues in every spot it has opened at.  As a follow-up to its flagship store at ICONSIAM and second branch at centralwOrld (plus a tiny kiosk in Siam Paragon), % Arabica has snatched a vacant spot on the mezzanine floor of EmQuartier. This third outlet maintains the brand’s signature minimalist-white aesthetics, still designed by no.10 of Nomurakougeisha, who’s responsible for setting up most of %Arabica's stores around the world. This EmQuartier branch is sunlit and spacious, with more organized seating that separates the dine-in/drink-in guests from those just coming for a grab-and-go (significantly more peaceful if you want some alone time with your cuppa). One more thing that makes %Arabica’s third Thailand branch different from its sister stores is the presence of a vintage Probat roaster, a German machine that can roast beans in big batches, thus establishing the EmQuartier shop as the brand’s central roastery in Thailand. Among the beans that are roasted here are Kona % beans grown at the brand’s own farm in Hawaii. A favorite among connoisseurs, these coffee beans offer a smooth but robust flavor profile with hints of lemon and chocolate. Ice cream lovers will also find haven at this new store, which will soon debut two new flavors of the brand’s signature soft-serve—soft cream and affogato.

The unique taste of this Tokyo import was created by Tomoharu Shono, who introduced ramen under the concept of “farm to bowl”. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers while specialty items are flown in from Japan. What’s in each bowl? Fresh, handmade noodles, sous vide or fire-roasted meats and a hot milky broth.

This is probably the most authentic Nepalese food you’ll find in Bangkok. Start off your culinary adventure with the chicken momos before delving into more flavorful fare such as the fragrant chicken curry with roti. Don’t forget to order a lassi (yogurt smoothie) to cool you down after the full-bodied meal. They also offer tour services in Nepal and around the Himalayas, and sell Nepalese clothing and home accessories.

Organic ingredients and local produce anchor Sustaina’s philosophy. Red meat is not served here, just seafood and veggies. Try the smoked tuna with brown cheese sauce with a cup of organic Sri Lankan tea, or the okonomiyaki, Japanese-style pizza topped with potato, rice, veggies and seafood.

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...

Indulge in comforting and slurp-worthy sukiyaki with premium meats at this serene Japanese restaurant.

It seems like the city’s love for the donut hasn’t faded away. The previous year didn’t see anything particularly exciting with regards to this sugary treat (apart from the launch of a new Drop by Dough branch), so we’re hoping that this new shop on Soi Sukhumvit 31 will rekindle excitement for the donut. Over 100 creations await the donut lover at Hippo Dough. Classic flavors (B65), like sugar-glazed, chocolate, hazelnut cream, or pistachio are available, which you can dress up with toppings like corn coconut or strawberry custard. But there’s no need to play it safe. Some of the offerings have a creative far-out twist, like a candied doll, an oversized cookie, or a syringe on top. Deluxe Donuts (B120) is a selection of classic donuts with fruity garnishings, while the Signature Donuts (B150) recreate well-known desserts like mango sticky rice into the round, mouthwatering pastry. These donuts are best paired with a milkshake, which also comes in classic (B150) or deluxe (B240) options. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, coconut, strawberry, and rainbow.

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  

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.

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. 

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...

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 

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...

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.