The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

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.

Some of you may have noticed the construction that took place right behind the Emporium mall up until a few months ago. It’s actually a five-star hotel called Compass Skyview and it has just opened to the public. We would gladly recommend the hotel to our visiting friends, but we’re more excited about its steakhouse, Prime+. The restaurant has been open for a while and you may have heard of its reasonably priced Sunday lunch buffet. But you should also check out Prime+’s dinnertime delights and first-rate grilled goodies. Nestled on the seventh floor of the stylish hotel, the restaurant merges the industrial-chic interiors of a modern eatery with a posh hotel restaurant feel—faux brick walls are combined with glossy dark marble surfaces. The space is divided into two distinctive parts—an intimate area by the glass window offers a decent view of Sukhumvit at sundown while the seats by the lively open kitchen is ideal for watching Prime+’s chefs in action. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in premium beef cuts. On top of light bites like olive oil-drizzled carpaccio dishes (options include beef, B425; salmon, B375; and tuna, B395), meat-heavy mains are set to please carnivores with a selection of beef mainly from USA and Australia, from a 250-gram rib eye Angus (B1,350) to a 500-gram wagyu fillet (B4,500). We love the marbled texture and juicy flavor of the sirloin (starting from B1,350). However, the rare wagyu fillet (starting from B2,450), though seasoned...

Numerous cooking lessons with respected Thai food master Srisamorn Kongpun inspired Kannida “Gift” Thantisunthorn to bring century-old, royal-court-style recipes to new life at this modern Thai restaurant. At-Ta-Rote means “heartfelt wording” in poetic Thai, while rote by itself means “flavor.” The space was dressed up by same teambehind coffee house Casa Lapin’s interiors, so do expect a combination of wood, metal and brick, and glass walls that bring in plenty of natural light. Old school kitchenware deals in a homey, vintage feel. Entice your palates with ancient recipes taken from Srisamorn’s cooking tomes. The miang kham (B185) wraps Thai condiments in lotus and betel nut leaves and comes with a sweet roasted coconut sauce. A simple fried rice dish like nam prik long ruea (B220) highlights the delightful contrast between salty shrimp paste and caramelized pork, while a stir-fried snakehead fish dish (B210) is livened up by homemade chili paste. The dessert menu is filled with traditional Thai treats injected with a few twists like caramelized dried bael served with ice cream that’s been smoked with an aromatic candle (B155).

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.

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....

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).

A trading post is where people gather and meet to exchange goods as well as ideas—and that’s the concept behind this new café on the ground floor of 137 Pillars Suites. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in a welcoming high-ceilinged chamber set off by natural light and light-colored furniture. An adjoining terrace and white garden pavilion expose you to surrounding greenery and offer great spots to unwind.  International comfort food, from healthy salads to quesadillas to brunch dishes, makes up the menu. Dishes we like include the Blackened Tuna Tataki (B340), a raw tuna mixed with black and white sesame salad dish with grains and fresh herbs; the soufflé-like Farmer’s Omelette (B290) made with organic eggs, homemade Boerewors sausage, goat cheese, tomatoes and sliced potatoes.  The desserts are equally appetizing. Try their signature Sweet Potato Cake (B105), a soft, layered treat that’s not too sweet or the Triple Chocolate Texture (B255), which pairs a decadent hot fudge brownie with white chocolate cream and Belgian chocolate ice cream. To satisfy your thirst, the café has a wide selection of coffee, tea, smoothies and milkshakes, as well as wines and local beers such as Chalawan Pale Ale and Chatri IPA. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

La Fontana has opened in Galeri 24 on Sukhumvit Soi 24, bringing seafood-led Italian-Mediterranean cooking and a new cocktail bar to the neighbourhood. A Mamma Mia!-themed party marked its arrival, but the kitchen keeps its focus on traditional coastal recipes, old-world Mediterranean wines and Italian spirits. The menu includes fresh gnocchi Bolognese with traditional Bolognese sauce and cavatelli alle vongole, a pasta from the chef’s hometown served with fresh clams and pesto. Spanish octopus is cooked sous-vide, char-grilled and plated with Sicilian capers, black olives and mashed potato. Behind the bar, eight signature cocktails have been designed to complement the seafood-focused menu, making La Fontana as suited to daytime dining as evening drinks. Open daily, 11am-11pm. La Fontana, Galeri 24, Sukhumvit Soi 24

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  

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...

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.

Octo Seafood Bar has made its name to Sukhumvit’s dining scene as a one-stop seafood destination with eye-striking giant octopus clinging majestically at the very store front. Helping to fulfill the ocean theme of the shipshaped restaurant is a cocktail bar serving cocktails with references to the underwater world. Perching on the second floor of the seafoodcentric complex, Dr. Fetch is embedded with narratives alluding to a laboratory hidden underwater operating by a fictional scientist. That explains the reasons why all the bartenders are dressed up in white laboratory gown. In contrast to the bright restaurant setting, the inside of Dr. Fetch is dimly-lit and succumbed to the heavy beats from live band performing nightly. If you look for a more private corner, take a seat in a connect room quirkily surrounded by wooden rabbits and animal skeletons. To comply with the bustling seafood restaurant downstairs, Dr. Fetch cocktails are conjured up with strong influence from the sea — dominantly via the name of the cocktails, garnishes and the shape of the glasses, not in the drink as we had expected. There’s the Pirate Spice Rum (B400), the concoction photogenically served in a siphon machine with the combination of pea flower-infused rum, toasted coconut and Maraschino liqueur brewed with lemongrass, ginger and butter, before being served hot in a Chinese-style tea cup. (The item is big enough to feed 3-4 people). Ocean Bouquet (B400) is nicely-flavored with accent of spicy...

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.