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.

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.

Premium ingredients guarantee authentic Italian flavors at this well-loved pizza purveyor. Peppina imports tomatoes and oregano from Sicily, and uses buffalo mozzarella (basically, cheese made from water buffalo’s milk). Freshness is always guaranteed! Delivery: GrabFood or call Peppina outlets direct at 0 2100 9922 (CentralWorld), 0 2160 5677 (Central Embassy) and 0 2361 1095 (Central Bang Na)

Now this one’s for purists. Yondaime Kikukawa is the place where the chef still personally grills every eel over imported binchotan charcoal, and you can taste this precision in every bite. What makes this spot truly special is that the eel is imported but kept fresh in a pond right behind the restaurant before being prepared. The skin is blistered just right, with no trace of sogginess. You get to choose between eel with or without sauce. The experience is crisp, fatty fish with a clean, smoky depth. This place also does something most others don’t, eel liver. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a revelation, slightly chewy, no fishiness, glazed in a sweet reduction. The unagi here is also noticeably large; it’s fresh, not frozen, and you can tell. The HELIX SKY DINING, The EmQuartier, 5A03, 6/F, 693 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 092-563-6222. Open daily 10am-10pm.

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

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....

This Fukuoka-born ramen house has been serving traditional Hakata ramen (ramen with tonkotsu or creamy pork bone broth) since 1953. At Uma Uma, the soup is simmered for 18 hours and is the base for signature offerings like Uma Uma Ramen.

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....

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.   

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.

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

The name refers less to actual poisoning than to a cocktail menu divided by strength into ‘poisons’ and ‘antidotes’. Once a three-nights-a-week Ekkamai speakeasy, Sugar Ray has since gone daily and moved into a sleek black-marble space inside Octo Seafood Bar on Sukhumvit 24. Track down the costumed doorman to find the entrance. Head mixologist Vipop ‘Tor’ Jinaphan works Thai flavours into classic cocktail forms, with pandan, Bengal spiced tea and ginseng-infused gin among the ingredients. Octo Seafood Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Daily 7pm-2am.

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.

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...

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.

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  

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...

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.

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.

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