The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

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.

Unagi Sanya is one of those under-the-radar places that’s been around longer than the hype cycle. Fifteen years, to be exact. They only use large, fresh-cut eel, not the pre-marinated stuff, and the difference is obvious the moment your bowl hits the table. The eel is steamed before grilling, which helps reduce oiliness and makes the bones soft enough that you don’t even notice them. The sauce has been simmered and refined for over 15 years, thick and not overly sweet. They also serve solid sashimi, which is a rare bonus for an eel spot. It’s the kind of place you’ll quietly recommend to friends. 1, 12 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 089-005-1199. Open daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm. Closed Monday.  

As its name suggests, things get a bit funky here with food made into drink and vice versa. The space is designed with a modern aesthetic and is a cosy spot from which to take in city views. Menu highlights include hamachi crudo tart made with yuzu-pickled melon and pickled cucumber with chilli oil. Green curry cocktails take inspiration from the classic dish, blending spice-cured gin with coconut fat-wash, pineapple juice, cucumber, toasted chilli and honey garlic brine, all topped with a crispy Thai Riceberry cracker. The Caesar Salad cocktail is also spectacular, capturing the essence of the famous salad in a single sip. It even offers a subtle hint of cheese.  Sukhumvit Soi 37, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 063-845-1844. Open daily from 5pm-midnight.

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.  

What is it?: An established and highly respected seafood purveyor in Bangkok, often credited as the original location to popularise the high-quality, casual lobster roll in this city. Why we love it: Their lobster roll (B750) recipe balances classic American and European flavour with light luxury. The house brioche roll is loaded with lobster chunks, seasoned with the iconic Old Bay spice, and lifted by notes of fresh tarragon and a drizzle of subtle truffle oil. It’s hearty, aromatic and the bed of julienned crisp lettuce helps cut through the richness beautifully. Time Out tip: located inside EmQuartier, this is a perfect downtown spot to drop in mid-shop. Don’t skip the impressive selection of imported oysters served with a housemade mignonette. Address: Gourmet Market, EmQuartier. 10am-10pm

Comfort food galore at the second branch of Kenny’s BBK at Sukhumvit Soi 31. Try bucatini carbonara (B350) or Kenny’s special pizza (B390) with mystery ingredients. Beef lovers check out the 300g hanger steak grilled on charcoal with chimichurri (B590). And watch English Premier League matches at weekends. 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea. 090-995-2040. Daily 10am-3am

What is it: Larder BKK is an artisanal bakery-charcuterie-deli where bread, house-cured meats and sandwiches meet minimalist Polish-inspired design. It’s a bright, two-storey space that’s equal parts cafe, bakery-lab and deli-counter – perfect for sandwich lovers who care about crust as much as filling.  Why we love it: Everything here feels personal – from the slow-fermented rye and focaccia to the fillings that hit that perfect savoury note. Tuna 3000 with hard-boiled egg and tartar sauce is a cult favourite, while shokupan hot pastrami with sauerkraut and mustard channels classic deli nostalgia. Other standouts include croque khun poo ying (a playful Thai-take on croque madame) and Polish sandwich 3.0 with smoked ham and egg.  Time Out tip: Roast beef on sourdough with dijon, egg and smoked paprika is a lunchtime essential – rich, peppery perfection.  Larder BKK. Sandwiches from B190. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-5pm.

Chocoholics can get their fill of amazing chocolate-based dishes at this chic bistro. Its chefs participated in Bocuse d’Or Thailand (basically an Olympics for cooking), and excel in French-Nordic dishes with a touch of chocolate and cacao. Breakfast highlights include Shrimp Cocktail Tartine (B290) and Seared Andaman Barramundi (B390).

Designed as an authentic sake bar and izakaya, Hanakaruta feels like it was teleported straight from Japan. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in Japanese culture. The highlight of the space is a striking floor-to-ceiling liquor cabinet showcasing a bewilderingly diverse selection of Japanese spirits and sake. Their signature is take sake served in a 500ml bamboo flask, which further enhances the fragrance. Careful though, it packs a punch and you’ll be limited to just three flasks per visit! The menu here ranges from small bites to more substantial dishes and includes authentic sushi rolls and tempura. Sukhumvit Soi 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-662-7339. Open daily from 6pm-2am. 

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.

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.

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...

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...

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  

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. 

What is it?: A fusion vegan bistro, serving plant-based versions of familiar favourite comfort foods from around the globe.  Why we love it: Vistro was good when it opened in 2019, and it is even better now. The menu knows no boundaries so expect to see dishes from every continent, re-interpreted to plant-based perfection. It says something about the restaurant that the kitchen is almost as extensive as the seating area, which remains informal and inviting for a meal at any time of day. The non-alcoholic drinks menu ranges through kombucha, cold-pressed juices, lattes, smoothies and coconut milk-based shakes. Food-wise, try chili bao bao in soft buns with sweetly glazed meat substitute filling, or vegan crab croquettes that are super creamy in a fried bread crumb case with spicy mayonnaise. For noodle lovers, damn good dan dan combines substitute meatballs with mushrooms, red pepper and dark green bak choy, adding vibrant colours to a mildly spicy soup. In total there is a wide selection of noodles, bowls, wraps, tacos, salads, yum cha items, and cakes that include their famous chocolatey raw Snickers bar with plenty of vegan goodness inside. Time Out tip: Sunday brunch at Vistro is a great way to eat with friends sharing a selection of plates while discussing the various issues of the week. But do not be shy about coming alone, as there is counter top seating to pull up a stool to and scroll, read, or gaze down onto the street below.

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...