The alfresco scene in old town Bangkok has long been monopolized by The Deck and Sala Rattanakosin. Now, the new boutique hotel Riva Arun introduces a new rooftop eatery, Above Riva, to spice up the competition for prime riverside dining in the Ta Tien quarter.
You will definitely come for the view. Riva Arun boasts an unbeatable sight of Wat Arun (which is still undergoing renovation) across the river, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. The space is elegantly dressed, decorated with pristine white tablecloths, delicate wine glasses and a bar counter furnished with elements borrowed from Chinese art. Yet, the vibe remains casual and you won’t feel forced to dress up.
The food selection follows the on-going trend that highlights classic local fare injected with Western twists (and prices that rival many fine-dining establishments in the city). You have grilled lobster (B650) oozing with parmesan cheese and served with capellini pasta that’s been cooked with crab-speckled yellow curry; larb salad that’s unusually paired with pan-seared foie gras (B390); and wagyu beef served sushi-style with truffle-infused mashed potatoes and thin slices of grilled beef drizzled with kee-mao sauce (B470).
If you prefer sweet, syrupy liquid concoctions, Riva Arun is the right place for you. The selection includes drinks with names like Riva Sunset, a smoothie-like cocktail that mixes vodka, strawberry liqueur, strawberry purée and sweet syrup (B235), and Summer Sunshine, which combines white rum, jasmine tea, apple juice and ginger ale (B255).
