Andrew Fowler

Possibly no other cuisine invites as much argument as Italian – traditions are jealously guarded, ingredients are vaunted and legally protected, and heated debates about what constitutes authentic Italian food rage across Instagram and Reddit. Indeed, the endless quest for authenticity at points seems to verge on parody – a nationwide contest to see who did the best job of listening to what their Mama told them… So we tugged at our collars a bit when throwing our opinions into the mix. No matter which 10 restaurants we list out, we are going to invite ire, whether over a round of negronis at a tableful of Italians or in an online forum. This is especially true given how many top-tier Italian restaurants Bangkok has. We feel that these 10 represent Italian food in its diversity across both time and space. Here we have restaurants that hew closely to regional traditions and rely on the wisdom of the farmers and fishermen of those regions, as well as restaurants that freely play with technique and form, look forward into the future, and aim to expand the vocabulary of Italian cuisine. We make our case below – after that, hop on the Vespa, try for yourself, and join us for a good argument.

Attempting to put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Bangkok is an unenviable task. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to be leaving out not just good restaurants, but mind-bendingly good restaurants. Indeed, the process of assembling the following list involved not only signal-boosting some of our favourite culinary craftspeople, but also a painful triage of a host of excellent venues. That’s just how dense with excellence this city is when it comes to quality dining.  What makes eating out here so brilliant is the sheer diversity – both cultural and economic – of the Big Mango’s food scene and our top 50 aims to reflect that. Were we to focus purely on the set-menu avant-garde and quiet-luxury omakase counters, it would be a disservice to a readership that doesn’t just want food to look at, photograph and read about, but wants to eat. Therefore, we include some of the city’s most dazzling palaces of haute cuisine alongside humble streetside vendors. We’re serious eaters more than withering critics, and Bangkok is a city full of serious eats. Hence, we want to share our favourites and leave it to you, the reader, to be the withering critic. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

In January, we published our annual ranking of the world’s best cities. To create the list, we quizzed city-dwellers on everything from happiness and nightlife to walkability – and while all these factors are important in making a city great, let’s face it: a city is nothing without its food. From street eats to fine dining, family-run taverns to cutting-edge kitchens, eating and drinking is the backbone of local culture in our cities and the reason many of us choose to travel.  So, in order to figure out the great culinary metropolises of today, we surveyed thousands of people around the world about food in their city. We asked locals to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and attributes from ‘family-friendly’ to ‘experimental’.  Each city was ranked according to quality and affordability ratings, alongside a score from a panel of Time Out food experts – editors, food critics and Time Out Market chefs – who were asked to share their insights into the most exciting cities for food right now. To create the final ranking, we included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects culinary cities globally. We then asked our global network of food writers to tell us exactly what makes their city such an exciting place to eat right now. The result? A very tasty list indeed. In each of these 20 cities, you’ll find the best of the old-school and the new. There are long-standing street food stalls and

Bangkok’s dining scene never ceases to impress with new restaurants constantly adding fresh energy to the city’s vibrant food landscape. While elegant fine dining establishments often steal the spotlight with their refined menus and impeccable presentation, casual eateries play an equally important role in shaping the city’s culinary identity. From bustling street-side stalls to trendy bistros, these spots capture the capital’s lively spirit through bold flavours, creative concepts and inviting atmospheres. If you’re planning a romantic evening for two, a laid-back family dinner or even a solo food adventure, there’s no shortage of exciting options. The city’s diverse culinary landscape continues to expand, offering everything from Cantonese and French delicacies to comforting Burmese dishes. Whether you’re drawn to modern fusion cuisine or timeless classics, there’s always something new to discover.

Jhol burst onto Bangkok's culinary scene in 2020 with a mission – to upend your preconceptions of Indian food. Good luck finding butter chicken on the menu – that would be a little like asking for a California roll from Chef Jiro. While the Mughal Empire-via-Whitechapel takeout standard reigns internationally, Karnataka-born Chef Hari Nayak and his team focus on the coastal regions, from the salt marshes of Kutch in the west to the steamy mangroves of the Sundarbans in the east. It’s a region of incredible ethnic and religious diversity, with less-known dishes made from seafood and even pork and beef, complete with tongue-twisting Tamil and Malayalam names and unique spice profiles, just waiting to be discovered. Flavours at Jhol are traditional, but presentation is as smart and contemporary as can be (something tells me it’s tough finding pomegranate granita in rural Maharashtra), matched by the warm, wood-accented interior of their space in Asok. However, as gauche as it might be to say, one thing we adore about Jhol is the price point. You can have dinner for two here without breaking the bank, with most of the dishes landing comfortably in the B500-ish range. To wit, some of our favourites have been the inji puli baby back ribs – slathered in a Keralan tamarind chutney, like an Indian reimagining of Carolina barbecue – the “BFC” (that’s Berhampur fried chicken, a tangy version from the Odisha town of the same name), and the dinosaur portion of Malabar lamb shank. And like

What is it?: A relative newcomer, only a few years old, but one which has become a fixture in the foodie haven of Sathorn Sois 10 and 12, with a focus on the litany of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Why we love it: It is easy to roll our eyes when we hear things described as “Tuscan.” It has become a lazy byword for a romanticized Mediterranean lifestyle living in countless moms’ minds, which is a shame, because Tuscany has a unique culture and history that comes from its historic position as the crossroads of Italy. Giglio Trattoria Fiorentina very much focuses on that unique culture, with representative dishes of the region. The pici with sausage and porcini ragu are beautifully chewy, the ribollita proves how much you can do with just bread and veggies, and as is to be expected from any good Tuscan, the steak game is on point. Time Out tip: Despite the carnivorous reputation of Tuscan food, many of the region’s best dishes are decidedly plant-based. Order the ribollita, the panzanella, and the kale and farro salad, and the vegans at the table will be eating well.

What is it?: A friendly haven for pizzas and pastas in a comfy old house just off Sathorn, with a decidedly Northern Italian bent to the menu and a crowd of groups of young Italian guys in tight black t-shirts as well as big Italian families telling their bambini to calm down. Why we love it: You may well have seen the pictures of the big red bench at the entrance all over your social media feed for years, and for good reason. Il Bolognese is very much a tradition-driven Italian spot that plays the standards and plays them well, particularly with regard to the regional dishes of Emilia-Romagna (where Bologna is, shocker). Their pizzas are some of the best in town, and if you are with a group, they are very much a must-try, but we are particularly smitten by some of the regional dishes, like passatelli, a classic soup in which parmigiano cheese is worked into the dough of delicate little dumplings that float on the surface Branzino is a simple and excellent piece of Mediterranean seabass and the caramelle croccanti are an indulgent pile of pasta, blue cheese, truffle, and speck that will challenge even the heftiest diner. Time Out tip: When you are paralytically full at the end of the meal (as you should be), the grappa list should sort you right out. We are particularly taken with the barrique-aged options.

What is it?: A warm, well-appointed space at the Grand Hyatt Erawan which highlights fascinating regional Italian dishes, particularly those from the oft-forgotten island of Sardinia. Why we love it: Salvia means ‘sage,’ and you could swear you smell a bit when you come in. The comforting aroma of smoking meats permeates the venue, and with the warm, intimate space full of beautifully preserved salume and wine bottles – thoughtfully partitioned with fabric dividers to increase the snugness – you can almost feel like you are sat down on a perfect Italian autumn day. Expect plenty of dishes from Chef Gabriele Olivieri that make heavy use of carasau, the iconic Sardinian flatbread, including a lasagna that will make you rethink this ultimate classic comfort food. And that wood smoke aroma should be your guide too – we are quite smitten with the grapevine-smoked steaks. Time Out tip: Salvia’s by-the-glass wine menu impresses, criss-crossing Italy. We are particularly smitten with the Sardinian wines, their best-known white being Vermentino, their best-known red being Cannonau. Forgive yourself if you don’t know either – then go order a glass of each.

What is it?: In Thong Lo’s chic Terrace 49, La Bottega is as stylish as many of the restaurants here are homey, a glass and wood haven serving food that spans Italy with a Venetian bent. Why we love it: It is hard not to be smitten with the space – while Bangkok has no shortage of ‘designer’ restaurants, a few too many feel like they gild the lily. Thankfully that is not the case at La Bottega. Here, the mood is contemporary and elegant, but at the same time welcoming and familiar, with plenty of greenery. Chef Marco Avesani’s dishes match the setting, contemporary, flavourful, and beautifully fresh. The cicchetti make a perfect appetizer along with an Aperol spritz, just as in La Serenissima, the Mediterranean shellfish are utilised to a high standard, and the truffle risotto – something we thought we were sick of – made us realise it still has something to show us. Time Out tip: La Bottega has one of the strongest gelato games in town, and they deliver – just in case you get an inopportune pistachio craving.

What is it?: A true Silom institution, open for more than 25 years, serving creative, utterly unpretentious dishes without the faintest regard for geopolitical boundaries.  Why we love it: When we say ‘date night restaurant’, we might mean here. With dark interiors, the right blend of lively atmosphere and intimate tables, top-tier service, opening hours late into the night and elegant dishes crafted by Chef Tim Butler, Eat Me has done more for googly-eyed couples than Al Green. But even if you’re bringing the whole family, a group of the boys or just sitting alone with a glass of wine and a book, the cuisine will not disappoint. They may have made their name with protein-focused dishes like the Manila clams with naem sausage and coriander-lime broth or their A5 wagyu tataki, but their maitake mushroom with beurre blanc is one of the best vegetarian dishes we’ve ever had. And vegans fear not, their vegan menu packs the same punch, co-owner (and sister of founder Darren Hausler) Cherie Hausler having written her own plant-based cookbook. Time Out tip: Bartender Pop Direkrittkul’s Sip Some Thai cocktail menu playfully incorporates the flavour profiles of Thai dishes into cocktails (mango sticky rice for beginners, som tam pu pla ra for the adventurous)and was a major catalyst for the revival of interest in traditional Thai ingredients in cocktails.

What is it?: Refined dim sum and Chinese banquet classics in an elegant, bright and airy space at the Carlton Hotel in Sukhumvit. Why we love it: Hotel dim sum is a staple tradition for weekend lunch in Bangkok, but few do it as well as Wah Lok, with ethereally light buns and meaty steamed dumplings (the har gow being especially exquisite). It makes sense – the original Wah Lok is at the Carlton in Singapore, home to some of the most demanding Chinese diners in the world. Beyond that, expect high-quality modern Cantonese cuisine from Chef Lam Kok Weng. A dish of fried tofu with spinach will show up even the grumpiest tofu sceptic, while fried prawn with wasabi dressing reinterprets Japanese ideas in a Cantonese context, and the crispy skin on the Peking duck is pure candy. Time Out tip: If you don’t have the chance to go with a group, the weekday business lunch (starting at B900) really does feature much of the best of the menu, and given the amount of premium seafood involved, it might be one of Bangkok’s best deals.

What is it?: Fiery southern Thai food served in an environment that is as serene as the food is aggressive, with a flagship in Thong Lo and four locations around town. Why we love it: Southern Thai food is perhaps the highest hurdle for those uninitiated in the mysteries of Thai cuisine. Strongly featuring the flavour profile known as phet ron, in which the spice feels hotter than usual due to the heavy use not just of chillis but also ingredients like fresh black pepper, flavours are earthy and ferociously hot. Khua Kling Pak Sod serves up traditional family recipes from Chumphon that will challenge the senses. Start with the titular dish, a classic khua kling dry curry made with an intense paste, served alongside plenty of fresh vegetables to cool you down. And it wouldn’t be southern food without loads of fresh seafood – crab meat is bright and flavourful and huge prawns contrast beautifully with the intense curries. Time Out tip: Make sure to order mild dishes for balance – dok kajon is a favourite, in which tiny cowslip flowers meet the aroma of the wok, or try bai liang tom kati gung, a rich coconut soup that will restore balance to your universe.

What is it?: A low-key hotspot for classic and regional Mexican flavours on the upper floors of Phloen Chit’s Mahatun Plaza. Why we love it: Only 10 years ago, Mexican food was largely unknown in Bangkok. At best, there were simple casual-dining spots where you could get some decent tacos and a pitcher of margaritas (La Monita, just downstairs from Santiaga, being a prime example). However, Mexican food can be so much more, and in Thailand it’s a natural fit. The crossover in ingredients is massive – chillis, limes and cilantro, of course, and even more niche items like crickets and ant eggs – but Santiaga is one of the first restaurants to explore that potential. The upper floor of the two-story space is dedicated to a la carte options made with aplomb, but real heads go upstairs and then back downstairs to the counter area, where Chef Mauricio Rosales’ set menu provides a culinary tour of Mexico, from the Northern deserts to the Southern jungles and everywhere in between. Time Out tip: As befitting a Mexican restaurant of this calibre, the mezcal list is extensive, with diverse options that range from light to smoky, from young and grassy to aged and brandy-smooth. The pechuga, made with a turkey breast in the still, is especially delightful.

What is it?: One of Bangkok’s original grocers-slash-restaurants, El Mercado has called the quiet back lanes of Soi Phai Singto near Asok home for 10 years. Why we love it: The essence of Mediterranean cooking has always been fresh, high-quality ingredients cooked simply and El Mercado carries out this mission with aplomb. Think briny French oysters and steamed mussels, grilled Mediterranean seafood and French sausages, simple tapas and salads, a dizzying array of cheese and charcuterie, and even a handful of Moroccan classics. This is comfort food that you could find at a great little spot in Nice or Barcelona, set around a relaxed open-air courtyard. Bring a few friends and let the lazy Sunday afternoon turn into a mellow Sunday evening with a couple chilled bottles of Provencal rose or Spanish cava, and Monday morning won’t seem nearly as daunting. Swing by the grocery store on your way out to pick up some tasty treats to get you through the week. Time Out tip: While you’re waiting for your food, duck inside the grocery and enjoy the free samples of dozens of cheeses and cold cuts (we’re particularly smitten with the various salamis and the tomme cheese).

What is it?: A restaurant born in distant Ubon Ratchathani as a way to showcase local market products, which has now come to the big city to bring the uncompromising flavours of all points northeast – the Lao-script sign is a clue – to Ekkamai Why we love it: Zao is a Bangkok rarity – a restaurant that pairs genuine daring with remarkably wallet-friendly prices. Sure, you’ll see all the Isan standards on the menu, but you’ll see a no-holds-barred version made with serious craft and a commitment to regional produce – phak khayaeng rice paddy herb, ma-euk hairy eggplant, and the like. Each page of the telephone book of a menu offers something hyper-local and hyper-seasonal you’ve likely never seen – just make sure it’s available that day. The pla ra has converted many a plara hater to an aficionado, with a clean, bright funkiness that bears little in common with the low-tide reek most people are more familiar with. It’s enchanting on the somtam, and even more enchanting on top of fresh watermelon. Time Out tip: Fiery, acidic Isan food doesn’t seem like a natural fit for wine, but the cellar at Zao might convince you otherwise. There’s a heavy focus on minimal-intervention, skin-contact, and other oddball wines that can match the funk and the tartness of the cuisine.

What is it?: One of Bangkok’s most beloved brunch spots, and a fantastic neighborhood French restaurant in general, in Bangkok’s Frenchiest neighborhood Why we love it: We’re not entirely sure why Yen Akat – a street that all English-language press seems to call ‘leafy’ – has become Bangkok’s unofficial petite France, but it has for years been a major landing pad for French expats and consequently has played host to some of the city’s best French restaurants. Cagette is one of the most resilient, serving unfussy, beautifully assembled bistro food in a cosy space, all natural wood and plate-glass windows over the aforementioned leafiness. The Sunday brunch menu (Starting at B1,990), in particular, is what draws gourmands in, with fantastic cheeses, charcuterie, and desserts (the lemon tart, the lemon tart!), but also a gorgeous spread of quickly rotating dishes that are set out as fast as the kitchen can prepare them. Be sure to rush the cassoulet when it comes out.  Time Out tip: While the brunch might be better-known, fish deliveries are Friday, and Cagette celebrates with their ‘La Criée’ menu, featuring the catch of the day and classic chilled seafood. Check the board to see what’s good.

It’s official. According to Time Out’s global poll, based on surveys of locals, Bangkok has been declared the world’s second-best food city, behind only New Orleans (possibly the only place in the world with more braggadocio about their food than Thailand), edging up from sixth place last year. And that’s worth taking a closer look. Those surveyed were given a variety of adjectives to describe Bangkok’s food and it’s no shocker that their number-one descriptor was ‘delicious’. Well, yes! There’s a reason you have no trouble finding a Thai meal in any far-flung provincial city on the planet. And the second most common descriptor was ‘convenient and fast’. When one can go out onto the street and get an excellent meal in a matter of minutes or have cuisine from top-tier eateries whisked across town in a heartbeat by a death-defying motorcycle courier, we’re spoiled for choice. While the street food has been renowned for decades, the higher end was historically not as well known. For many, fine dining in the capital was thought of as overpriced, gussied up royal Thai dishes dumbed down for tourist palates or old school ‘continental cuisine’ that, while it has a certain charm, is hardly innovative. But that has changed rapidly – there’s been enough money in this town for long enough now that people don’t just want what’s fancy, they want what’s cool. You always knew that Chinatown was a great place for noodles. Guess what, now it’s home to some of Asia’s most innovative cocktail b