The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

More an udon place than a ramen restaurant, Komugi is perfect for those who prefer their noodles thicker and chewier. The menu includes everything from a hot serve like Siroi Curry Udon (B300), which comes with an airy espuma sauce, to a cold serve like Ume Oroshi Udon (B280), which has refreshing sour notes from dried Japanese plum.

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.

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.

An Emquartier branch of one of Sukhumvit's most favorite all-day-dining bistros serves up a number of international drool-worthy goodies amidst socializing vibes. 

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....

Begin your meal with the heirloom tomato salad, drizzled with balsamic dressing and topped with bruschetta and mozzarella cheese. From there, move on to the main course – explore the Carabineros Gambas, the baked rigatoni (a hearty pasta dish with pork sausage, mushroom and tomato sauce) or the grilled Iberico pork Secreto (medium rare pork imported from Spain). Light tipplers can try the Passion of Steel (watermelon, vanilla vodka and Italian spirits). But those in search of something stronger can go for the sexy Good Pear Hunting with Poire Williams and Cointreau.

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.

Nova Tea Room  This London-inspired tea room offers delightful mains food and delectable desserts in a contemporary environment. There’s something for everyone, from classic duck and waffles to truffle risotto with foie gras to the signature rose ice cream.

The garden fronting Thai restaurant Kram welcomes a beach-themed cocktail bar, which is possibly the closest in Sukhumvit you can get to a tropical island experience. The brainchild of the people behind Blaq Lyte dance club in Thonglor and bar-slash-art gallery Future Factory in Ari, Coastal takes on a beachy atmosphere with rustic bamboo-shack interiors festooned with trendy umbrella and colorful inflatable tubes. Adding to the laidback feel are mats for lounging on the grass and low khan tok-style tables. Sweet and fruity cocktails are the bar’s main focus, as in the Smashing Basil, a Mojito-lookalike that is a light, gin-based concoction with a hint of Thai basil (B340), and the fiery yet refreshing Sweet Juan, which combines chili-infused tequila with pineapple juice, lime and cilantro (B340). For something a bit more grown-up, go for the Cottonmouth, a sipping drink that mixes gold and dark rum with slight hints of citrus (B380).

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.   

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. 

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 

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.

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  

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...