The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Cocotte welcomes you all to its brasserie outpost at the EmQuartier where you can create your own cuisine from its wide-ranging products.

Thai director Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya is on a roll. The Bad Genius director is set to drop his upcoming Wong Kar Wai-produced flick One for the Road sometime this year, and earlier it was announced that he was enlisted to direct an all-English horror movie for the Hollywood studio behind Crazy Rich Asians. But apart from his film projects, Baz has also dedicated some time to nurture a different venture: a film-inspired complex in Phrom Phong called FICS (Film Inspired Coffee Shop). A collaboration between Baz and a few friends who share the same intense passion for films, the Soi Sukhumvit 31 venue was created as a sanctuary-slash-community space for film buffs in the heart of the city. Taking up three floors, FICS operates as a café, a concept store and a gallery. Upon entering, you’ll immediately spot the Sculpture x Fics photoautomat, a feature inspired by French romantic comedy Amélie (2001). Take a few fun snaps before slinking on to the second floor, which houses a conceptual café and store called Director's Cup. Wander another level up to browse through an impressive archive of rare movie posters at Poster District. Adding to the fun are creatively mixed beverages named after popular films. Call Me By Your Name (B135) is a tall fizzy mojito-like cocktail with refreshing hints of peach. (Fans of the movie will understand the reference.) Amélie (B135) is a coffee and fruit blend inspired by the award-winning film of the same name, in which the main star adores the tast

Travel blogger OATS x Somewhere’s passion project Drop by Dough has outgrown its original idea as a shop dedicated to the beloved donut, and has been fully developed into an all-day dining restaurant that serves eats beyond sugary holed desserts and café drinks. The third and latest Drop by Dough outpost takes up 130 square meters of space on the first floor of Emquartier, and it serves savory dishes created in collaboration with Chef Wittawat “Max” Jermsurawong. Described as Modern Scandinavian comfort food, the roster includes appetite-driving dishes like potato fries with truffle-infused mayo dipping sauce (B190) and roasted pork belly penne with tomato sauce (B420). The donuts have also taken on a savory twist. There’s a breakfast-inspired donut sandwich stuffed with scrambled eggs and Parma ham (B240) and a chunky burger-like version with juicy beef stuffing (B290). Drop by Dough at Emquartier also plans to include a section for lifestyle products, like its donut-scented candles launched back in June.

It’s been two years and two (actually, two and a half) branches since Kyoto-born coffeehouse %Arabica launched in Bangkok, spurring photo-snapping crowds and long queues in every spot it has opened at.  As a follow-up to its flagship store at ICONSIAM and second branch at centralwOrld (plus a tiny kiosk in Siam Paragon), % Arabica has snatched a vacant spot on the mezzanine floor of EmQuartier. This third outlet maintains the brand’s signature minimalist-white aesthetics, still designed by no.10 of Nomurakougeisha, who’s responsible for setting up most of %Arabica's stores around the world. This EmQuartier branch is sunlit and spacious, with more organized seating that separates the dine-in/drink-in guests from those just coming for a grab-and-go (significantly more peaceful if you want some alone time with your cuppa). One more thing that makes %Arabica’s third Thailand branch different from its sister stores is the presence of a vintage Probat roaster, a German machine that can roast beans in big batches, thus establishing the EmQuartier shop as the brand’s central roastery in Thailand. Among the beans that are roasted here are Kona % beans grown at the brand’s own farm in Hawaii. A favorite among connoisseurs, these coffee beans offer a smooth but robust flavor profile with hints of lemon and chocolate. Ice cream lovers will also find haven at this new store, which will soon debut two new flavors of the brand’s signature soft-serve—soft cream and affogato.

You’ll be surprised to find that khao pad comes in many iterations at this eatery. Chef Pattarawit “Park” Junthai, who is also behind Chim Ramen, has come up with a roster of unforgettable rice-based dishes like fried rice with salted beef jerky, with crab meat or with beef tongue. Delivery: LINE (@frieddining)

Unatoto is part of a chain of restaurants (mostly located in Tokyo and Osaka) that has built its fame on serving budget-friendly yet tasty unagi-centric meals. The Bangkok branch is recognized by its big, graphic and colorful signage, as well as the crazy queues snaking out of its doors during peak hours. Meal prices go as low as B180 for unadon, a bowl of rice topped with a small portion of unagi. Bigger portions are still affordable— the Bikkuriju, a rice dish served with an entire eel, will only set you back B700.

There’s a raw food solution to any craving at Rasayana. Pasta? Check, in the form of chewy and satisfying zucchini noodles topped with a fresh and spicy marinara sauce. Pizza? Oh yes. The mushroom pizza has a flaxseed and mushroom base and is topped with sauce and vegetables. But one of the tastiest entrees is the nut loaf made with almonds, fresh vegetables, herbs and spice. While the savories are satisfying enough, the ambrosial after-meal treats should not be ignored. Try the lemon tart, a treat hinging on macadamia, lime, and coconut or the banoffee pie with nuts, dates, banana and cacao. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Spirits importer and distributor Bacchus is no stranger to the city’s Japanese restaurants and izakayas. The company has been acting as purveyor, importer and distributor of premium Japanese spirits for years and has introduced Bangkok to some of the best palate-pleasing, head-numbing whisky and sake the island country can provide. Now, Bacchus has made it easier for Sukhumvit tipplers to access their bottles with the launch of a stylish watering hole that, curiously enough, is backed by a French-sounding name. Tucked in Sukhumvit 39 (an area regularly packed with Japanese expats) Salon du Japonisant, at first glance, looks a tad like those earth-toned townhouses that dot upscale residential neighborhoods in Tokyo. Step in and you’ll find yourself in an achingly cool drinking room that will please Japanophiles. The walls are decked with colorful sake labels, setting a playful vibe for a comfy room that blasts slick-as-hell hip hop tunes. Your journey into Japanese spirits begins with the exploration of a wide range of whiskey selections from distilleries like Suntory, Mars Shinshu and Chichibu. Our go-to choice was the Hakushu single malt whiskey served highball in a stylish Kimura glass. You can also find rare selections like Suntory Whiskey Century 2001, Suntory Whiskey “Imperial” and Suntory Crest 12 Years. For those who prefer sake, Salon stocks up on a variation of rice wines such as Born Junmai Daiginjo “Gold”, which has a complex flavor but is not too difficult to drin

The space recently vacated by Thai fusion eatery Baa Ga Din has been taken over by Le Cochon Blanc, Sukhumvit’s new “pig” on the block. Instead of vibrant hues and quirky Thai pop culture motifs, the restaurant gives way to the darkly cool interiors curated by co-partner Frederic Meyer (the man behind the cutting-edge designs of Issaya Siamese Club and Pizza Massilia). Black paint, chandeliers and wall-mounted taxidermy are evocative of a Greyhound restaurant—but a tad bit more luxurious. Flamingo-patterned wallpaper provides a vivid contrast to the dramatically dark décor. The entrance is dominated by a gigantic open-flame grill helmed by Ba Gaa Din’s former chef Chandler Schultz who delves into his American roots and cooks up perfectly-grilled meats like smoked barbecued pork ribs (B580 for half/B870 for full) and dry-aged Angus strip loin (B1,000/350 grams). House-made barbecue sauce, infused with pineapple, green chili and spicy Isan-style dipping sauce, is reminiscent of the flavors of Baa Ga Din. Also on the menu are smoked salmon from Scotland served with lemon cream and small blinis (B490), meaty crab cakes served with smoked remoulade sauce (B490) and a salad of duck ham with Belgian endive, fennel and mandarin, and drizzled with brown butter vinaigrette. Legendary sausage master Emmanuel Chavassieux from France produces sausage exclusively for Le Cochon Blanc. Chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul from the Issaya Group churns out superb desserts like a signature straw

The Freakshake, a milkshake of skyscraper proportions, has come to Bangkok, courtesy of newly opened Australian café Patissez. This intense, creamy concoction features thick slush, chunky cake bits, an overload of whipped cream and candy-colored toppings. Originally created by Pâtissez in 2015, this sinful and monstrous treat has spawned copies worldwide. Now, after expanding to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, Pâtissez has set foot in Bangkok with the aim of reclaiming credit for its trademark product. Tucked on the ground floor of new lifestyle and residential complex Parc39, Patissez features rustic wooden furniture, indoor plants and a giant floor-to-ceiling glass window that allows plenty of natural light to filter in. The Freakshake (B230) is offered in five different flavors. Chocolate fiends will fall in love with the Pretzella, a Nutella-flavored milkshake topped with lots of whipped cream and pretzels. Only available in Bangkok is a Thai milk tea-inspired version that comes with ganache of white chocolate and a hint of coconut.  The café also serves all-day brunch dishes such as pork belly burger (pork pieces roasted with maple syrup, crispy taro and spicy mango salad, B380) and barbecued pork ribs served with crispy taro and mashed potatoes (B420). Plans are in motion to carry the Freakshake concept over to made-to-order birthday cakes. 

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.

Vistro has filled in a gap that seemed to be missing in the city’s herbivore scene, offering the most creative takes on typical vegan fare. The vegan dishes here are so flavorful that a carnivore may even consider going full vegan after a meal. The two-story establishment is airy, plant-filled and sizeable. The first floor is perfect for grabbing small healthy bites and drinks to go, while the second floor is where all the creative dishes are served. Don’t miss the Vistro Dumplings, a moreish snack served with Taiwanese-style chili oil and gyoza sauce, and the Habibi Wrap, which stuffs marinated “chicken,” iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and bell pepper in a soft wheat tortilla. End your meal with a gooey brownie topped with a scoop of vegan ice cream. Their house-made kombucha and wellness lattes are also a must.

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.

A collaborative project among seven friends, Mutual Bar is a casual and cozy space where you can wind down while surrounded by comfy seating, good cocktails and lively music. The drinks list focuses on seven signature cocktails, each one inspired by the characters of the owners, plus one DIY cocktail created with the help of the folks from Asia Today bar in Charoenkrung. The refreshing Allen’s Apple (B340), inspired by one of the owner’s life in New York and his love for Woody Allen, mixes bourbon, orgeat syrup, red wine reduction, apple and lime juice. The coffee-infused Vivid Midnight (B340), “a breakfast in a glass” created from one of the partner’s love of all thing black, beer, and breakfast, sees a mixture of brandy, Thai-style espresso coffee, stout beer, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice; while the spirits-forward Hendrix’s Garden (B340), a drink by a musician owner, reflects his admiration for the legendary Jimmy Hendrix, and is a mix of whisky, tequila, amaro, pandansyrup, and burnt rosemary. The bar also introduces a special drink each month. If you go now, you can try the Freddie Mercu Tea (B340), an Earl Grey- and gininfused drink with butterscotch syrup and egg white, and served in a cute tea set. Classic cocktails and wine are also available. The bar doesn’t serve food but they do provide complementary unlimited snacks with your drinks. In the future, Mutual Bar plans to host events and talks. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.

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 and

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.

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.

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 and

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.

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 juic