The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

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...

 For those who’re into a quieter, more intimate experience, Alonetogether Bar in Sukhumvit is a retreat for jazz lovers and audiophiles. With live jazz performances lighting up the main bar five nights a week and a second floor dedicated to vinyl records, this place stands out for its laid-back vibe and dedication to the art of sound. The cocktails are classic, and the setting is sophisticated yet approachable. If you're in the mood for casual drinks or celebrating a special occasion, Alonetogether creates a vibe where the music steals the show. 29 Sukhumvit 31 (Soi Sawasdee), Klongton Nue, Wattana. 082-569-8583. Open daily 7pm-1am.

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...

Bring your appetite to Jae Bank Jae Bank’s Emsphere dining room takes Gen-Z village maximalism for a spin: a golden horse overhead, lucky charms, corrugated tin and film posters spoofing chef Wichanu ‘Bank’ Premphak. Its cheeky tagline is ‘Where the somtum is more violent than your ex’. Start with koi goong koi jai, bouncy fresh prawns tossed in a punchy dressing, then follow with fiery tom saep. DJs and live bands turn up on some nights. Jae Bank 5/F, EmWonder, Emsphere, Sukhumvit. Open daily 5.30pm–2am. Tel. 081 110 0569

What is it? A Cantonese restaurant chain with multiple branches, including a beautiful, tree-lined spot on Sukhumvit with plenty of private rooms. Why we love it:Despite being a chain, the quality holds up surprisingly well. Everything is made fresh daily, including the dumplings and noodles. The har gow here is textbook perfect, and steamed buns hit that balance between fluffy and rich. The vibe leans more to family celebration than casual lunch, but that’s part of the charm. Time Out tip:Ask for the daily dim sum specials – they rotate in some seasonal stuff that’s not on the printed menu. 104 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 065-246-9641. Open daily 10am-10pm.

What is it? A tiny roadside gelateria around Sukhumvit Soi 30, known for handcrafted scoops and waffle cones baked on site. Why we love it: The flavours make this little roadside stop worthwhile. Hazelnut chocolate puts the nut first without piling on the sugar, while banoffee turns the familiar pudding into something cold and dangerously easy to finish. A two-flavour cup costs B100, with a crisp waffle bowl another B30, and the frequently changing line-up gives regulars a reason to return. Time Out tip: With flavours changing regularly, ask for a taste before you settle on your pairing. Sukhumvit Road, around Soi 30. Temporarily closed at time of writing; check @bumblebeegelato for reopening details before visiting or call 081 832 9911

What is it?: This is the flagship branch of the seven-restaurant chain of Veganerie restaurants founded by a family of animal protectionists who wanted to spread the message that no animals are for eating. Facing Benjakiti park on Sukhumvit Soi 22, there is a plethora of signage that projects a well-meaning, but perhaps uphill struggle to change the world. Whereas most vegan restaurants take it for granted that their diners have bought into cruelty free dining, Veganerie assumes that its guests may not yet have made their minds up. Why we love it: There is a consistency to how favourite meat-based comfort dishes have been converted into plant-based alternatives. Just as in an American diner the plates come stacked. Whether it’s a creamy breakfast bowl, pancakes and a selection of fruits, sauces and creams, or a burger with a bun and french fries you will not be short-changed. The cake counter has freshly baked goodies with gluten free options, the juices and shakes are filling and the coffee cups are larger sized.This is about big vegan dining opening at 9.30 am through to 10pm every day. The restaurant signage has an earnest appeal and it feels right to snap a pic under your favourite vegan slogan. Time Out’s is ‘More than just vegan’, which is a mind-bender that had our table trying to figure it out. Time Out tip: Sneak out of the nearby shopping centres to get away from mall dining into something that rings of an earnest request to eat less meat. If you are vegan you...

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.

What is it? The progressive Indian restaurant run by Gaggan Anand himself. Renowned for its playful, imaginative dishes crafted with creativity, this restaurant offers a dining experience that feels like a captivating theatrical performance. Why we love it Chef Gaggan’s loud personality is matched only by his extraordinary 22-course tasting menu, which showcases the boundless creativity of Indian cuisine. Constantly evolving with seasonal ingredients, the menu might feature elevated interpretations of classics like tom yum kung (spicy and sour prawn soup) or innovative yoghurt explosion, a nod to his Hindi heritage. Beyond the remarkable dishes, the restaurant itself offers a theatrical dining experience. With the kitchen placed at the center, guests are seated in an “L” shape, transforming the act of cooking into a captivating performance. Time Out Tips This place offers only fourteen seats per day and the street is saying that you really need to book in advance. Situated on Asok Road, carefully plan your trip as they require you to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Heads up: unfortunately, they can’t accommodate vegans or those with chili allergies. Got other dietary needs? No problem! Just give them a shout at least 48 hours in advance, and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of. 

This eatery is one of the many branches of Saep Classic, the country’s famous somtum chain. We particularly love this outlet for its cleanliness and easygoing vibe. Plus, a somtum break in between bouts of shopping is a real treat. Those unfamiliar with fermented fish sauce will be glad to know that the somtum here is seasoned to appeal to their uneducated palates. Try the mildly sweet somtum sua pu pla ra (papaya salad with fermented fish sauce, salted cured crab and rice noodle) to start. Pair it with their crispy-skin grilled chicken for a truly amazing meal.

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.

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 

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.

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  

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

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.

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.

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.

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.