The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Nimitr at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences offers a composed, herb-forward take on Thai dining from its perch on the 27th floor. The menu leans into regional flavours without overstatement, moving between refined small bites, bright relishes and well-judged curries that highlight the kitchen’s ingredient-led approach. Dishes like miang kham king scallops and grilled Thai wagyu speak to the restaurant’s balance of tradition and modern technique, while selections from the nam prik and soup sections bring depth and a sense of place. With its skyline backdrop and warm, understated room, Nimitr feels suited to both leisurely dinners and evenings built around shared plates and flavour-driven cooking. Reserve via 02 079 7000. Nimitr Thai Restaurant, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, 5pm-11pm.

Adhoc Bangkok puts a modern Thai, farm-to-fork lens on fine dining, guided by chef Pop Pitchakorn Ramabut’s seasonal approach to regional flavours and direct-from-farmer sourcing. The nine-course tasting menu is built around clean, punchy Thai profiles and precise technique, moving from banana prawn with coconut milk, pineapple, ginger and Hua Hin caviar to clam with Thai basil, garlic and chilli paste, then W. Tawee Farm pork served with quail egg, house-made chilli sauce and a bun. Seafood keeps the momentum going with giant trevally dressed in smoked dry fish, longan, local seaweed and som-sa granita, followed by blue crab in golek and bamboo shoot coconut curry with cashews and cha-om oil. Heartier courses include Cherry Valley dry-aged duck with fresh rice noodles and nam tok sauce, plus a ‘samrub’ sequence that runs from crispy shrimp rice crust and coconut soup with shiitake and tapioca dumplings to Thai wagyu with green curry and young coconut. Dessert lands on Thai comfort: egg custard with palm sugar ice cream, pumpkin, sweet potato and thongmuan. Optional pairings include kombucha, Thai craft beer and wine. Nine-course tasting menu from B3,900. AdHoc Bangkok, Soi Phrom Si 1, Khlong Tan Nuea. Monday-Thursday 5pm-10.30pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-10.30pm

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....

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.

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. 

Cheesecake lovers shouldn’t miss their chance to visit Uncle Tetsu. Signature items look to zuccotto, a semi-frozen Italian dessert that is available in three flavors: Angel Hats (cheese), Cupid Hats (strawberry), and devil hats (Chocolate). The other crowning items are rusk – crispy cheese biscuits that are available in original, strawberry or chocolate flavors – and a soft and smooth cheesecake that can be served either warm or cold. There’s usually a massive queue, particularly on the weekends, but it’s worth the wait.

This world-class dessert house, which originated in France, has just open its third branch in Bangkok at the Emquartier. Imported ingredients are used into making decadent millefeuille, chewy macarons and creamy eclairs. The signature tea blends range from black to rose blends. Try their savory meals if you can manage to tear yourself away from their sweets.

This place knows what it’s doing, offering one of the more consistent smash burgers in the city – and building a real identity around its ingredients. From dry-aged, high-welfare beef from Sloane’s – a London-based butcher known for ethically raised quality meat – to buttery house-baked potato buns, every element plays a role. The house pickles and jalapenos cut through the richness, and even the sauces are made in-house rather than squeezed from an industrial pump. Whether you go for a classic or one of their rotating monthly specials, there’s a kind of casual confidence here that’s hard to fake and easy to crave.593 1 Sukhumvit 33 Alley, Klongtan Nuea, Watthana. 097-979-7836. Open daily 11am-2am.  

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

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

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 

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...

Get a taste of Nagoya at Chita Yukata Tei, a secret ramen hub on Soi Sukhumvit 24. Homemade ramen noodles are produced every day and served with rich soups made with tamari (Japanese soy sauce) and miso.

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.

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...

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...

This Lebanese restaurant has been a go-to place for Middle Eastern cuisine in Bangkok for over 10 years. Nadimos has two branches: Soi Sukhumvit 24 and Holiday Inn Silom Delivery via foodpanda, GrabFood, LINE MAN or 0 2266 9081.