The couple behind this new fine-dining contender in Yen Akart definitely knows what they’re doing. Christian Martena gave us Sensi, one of Bangkok’s most lauded Italian restaurants a few years ago. He’s also the executive chef at paradise resort Six Senses Koh Samui. Recently, the veteran chef, together with his wife and business partner Clara del Corso-Martena, has opened a new restaurant that serves reinterpreted Italian fare amidst some of modern and stylish interiors
Clara takes up the massive space vacated by the Bauhaus-style Villa Yenakart exhibition hall. Its white walls feature awe-inspiring art pieces by local abstract artist Somboon Hormtientong, while the surrounding garden teems with sculptures by the late French sculptor VAL—best appreciated at night when they’re illuminated by lighting designed by Matteo Massevry. A private chef’s table section boasts a sleek wooden table and leather chairs tattooed with drawings of sea creatures. Each element combines to make Clara one of the most beautiful restaurants in Bangkok.
Once again, Chef Christian blends modern vision with meticulous techniques and balanced flavors to create sumptuous Italian fare. A seven or nine-course menu is available. We opted for the latter, which kicked off with an amuse bouche that included a delicate scampi tartare and creamy parmesan panna cotta. This was followed by a dish that explores four ways to treat tomato; the panzanella salad with tomato jelly and tomato kombucha were the most memorable.
A very flavorful risotto came next, cooked with nettle leaves and caramelized red onions, and topped with bottarga (salted fish roe), followed by a decadent ravioli filled with foie gras and sweet peach bits. The main dish is a tender porchetta, which came with earthy daikon puree and black garlic mousse.
Clara also has a wine pairing option for each meal and we suggest you take up on the offer. The tomato course was certainly more enjoyable in between sips of the refreshing and slightly dry Ribolla Gialla Primosic 2018, while the flavors of porchetta were heightened by a glass of Masseria Li Veli , an elegant red made with rare Susumaniello grapes from Puglia in Italy.
Clara has only been in business for a few months but we’re already looking forward to many great things yet to come.