With the city returning to great form, a crop of recent openings in Bangkok’s dining scene begs visiting.
Bangkok has never been better. The first half of 2022 saw the Thai capital returning to great form, with all kinds of establishments opening (and reopening) to welcome both locals and foreign visitors.
During those six months, we visited plenty of good restaurants that recently made their debut. The food at these dining rooms were so scrumptious that we wanted to give them the shout-out they deserve. Check out the 10 relatively new restaurants that we deem best—so far.
Named after chef-slash-owner Willy Trullàs Moreno, this Spanish restaurant goes for lively colored decor and boldly flavored tapas such as Explosion de Salmón y Trufa (B460/four pieces) and the all-time classic seafood paella (B1,490). ¡Comamos!
We don't frequently talk about Scandinavian cuisine, but Chef Kananon “Benz” Kondee's new venture is definitely worth mentioning. The restaurant delivers a seasonal Northern European menu that changes every few months. Spring (Vår), priced at B2,955++, is the current offering, a worthy set that showcases the clean and mild flavors of Norwegian fare.
If there is a throne for Bangkok's best soba, Chef Shin Inoue's Japanese restaurant has a claim to it. The restaurant keeps things simple and modest by offering only two soba dishes: Tokusei Shio Soba (B450) and Tokusei Kombusui Tsuke Soba (B470), which are limited to only 35 bowls per day. Though booking may be tough, it is well worth the effort to taste the restaurant's soup-er famous signature bowls.
As its name suggests, this restaurant focuses on Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine. The eatery offers an eight-course tasting menu that highlights the region’s culinary culture and produce. Savor authentic northern flavors in a feel-good ambience amid unique Lanna-style decor at this new dining establishment on Soi Sukhumvit 33.
Chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano from Restaurante Alcalde in Guadalajara brings his Mexican roots to Bangkok’s highest-positioned restaurant. At Ojo, located on the 76th floor of King Power Mahanakhon building, Mexican cooking techniques are used to create dishes out of local Thai ingredients—all served in a dazzling pink and gold setting set off by breathtaking vistas of Bangkok’s skyline.
There’s nothing like indulging in khao tom kui, or the Thai sharing tradition of rice congee with small dishes, with loved ones. This new venture by the Supanniga Group brings friends and family together for delightful Thai-Chinese fare on Soi Sathorn 10. Order from a line-up of over 30 traditional and creative savory dishes that you can pair with bottomless aromatic rice congee.
For a wonderful modern Thai food experience, be sure to check out Small Dinner Club. The restaurant offers a tasting menu (B4,500++ for 16 courses) by Chef Sareen Rojanamatin, who seeks out the freshest ingredients to create new takes on Thai fare. Together with the venue’s gallery-like ambience and dark-hued decor, you’ve got a dreamy combination for a creative boost.
Located on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok, this Japanese venture by Yamazato is ideal for sushi aficionados who like their sushi and sashimi with a side of skyscraper views. The counter bar offers two tasting menu options: Kaiseki Omakase (B4,900++) and Premium Kaiseki Omakase (B6,500++), all made with high-quality local and international ingredients.
This new outpost by the Frantzén group (owner of the three-Michelin-starred Stockholm-based restaurant by Chef Björn Frantzén) provides sophisticated Nordic-slash-Asian fare through a delicately presented five-course menu. The restaurant will soon feature a Nordic-inspired bar.
