The best restaurants and cafes in Phloen Chit

For New York-style cuisine with a distinct Thai twist, look no further than the Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. This exceptional venue delivers a stand-out experience, fusing the best of New York's legendary dining culture with the dynamic energy and style of Bangkok. Contemporary sophistication meets a sizzling urban atmosphere. From mouth-watering grilled meats to iconic cocktails, here are four standout features that make this place truly shine The Grill: A smoke-infused culinary experienceThe Penthouse Bar + Grill is about the art of grilling. An open kitchen showcases a wide range of premium meats and they know their stuff. Chef Marco Chavez Javier brings distinctive cooking methods to the kitchen, with the Koppa Oven Parrilla Oven giving each dish a deep, smoky flavour. These techniques highlight the natural taste of the meat, resulting in a bold and refined dining experience. You'll taste the essence of New York in every bite, whether you're enjoying a perfectly seared steak or a tender rack of ribs. Cocktail Bar: Where craft cocktails meet sleek designThe Cocktail Bar boasts a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, with high ceilings and a modern design. Enjoy a classic martini, followed by an Old Fashioned or one of the signature drinks, like the smoky, burgundy "Dancing on the Graveyard". As you sip away, enjoy live music from different bands each night, adding another layer to the diverse Bangkok nightlife. Skilled bartenders and talented performers come...

If you consider yourself an avid foodie, then you’re probably familiar with the delectable fare at long-established eatery Quince. The restaurant, which first opened about a decade ago on Soi Sukhumvit 45, was one of the very first dining establishments in Bangkok to champion produce-driven international cuisine and wood-fire cooking. The restaurant moved to multi-concept space Siri House in Chidlom a few years ago and recently came under the reins of American chef Steve Doucakis (formerly at Jean-Georges and Isa Restaurant in New York, as well as Little Donkey and Bunker in Bangkok). The restaurant’s essence, however, has not changed—Quince still serves mouth-watering and aromatic dishes with a hint of char. As it marks its 10th anniversary this year (which also coincides with its inclusion on the list of Asia’s best restaurants), Quince will host a celebration that sees the launch of an updated menu. Leading the pack of highly recommended dishes are Salmon Nori Taco (B190/piece), which stuffs seaweed tortilla with fresh salmon seasoned with spicy sesame aioli; and Australian Lamb Sweetbreads (B340), a perfectly cooked appetite-invigorating dish. Though you have lighter, healthier fare such as Endive & Comte Salad (B360), Quince’s expertise really lies in big and meaty dishes like Aged Duck Breast (B760), Spiced Lamb Rump (B650) and Diamantina Wagyu Hanger Steak (B1,080). A smoky flavor is also added to Quince’s new sweet release Milk Ice Cream & Burnt Orange (B180),...

Just for a moment, picture stepping into a world where the sounds of the city fade away and you find yourself transported to the heart of a lush jungle. At COBA, Bangkok's exciting new culinary sensation, that's the experience you can expect. Surrounded by towering greenery, cascading plants and the soul of nature, diners are treated to a multi-sensory experience. The blend of jungle aesthetics with fine-dining creates an atmosphere so captivating, you'll feel like you've stepped into a tropical rainforest. The mastermind behind this jungle oasis is the acclaimed Michelin-starred chef and visionary culinary curator Olivier Limousin, with his years of expertise honed in globally renowned Michelin-starred kitchens, he has created a menu that's as imaginative as it is delicious in collaboration with COBA and executive chef Sebastien Lallane. This team has crafted a culinary journey that marries the bold, rich flavours of Latin America with the refined techniques of French cuisine. From the moment you sit down, you'll be taken on a pulsating sensory journey through bold, creative flavours. A Tapas Tower is the star of the meal and features perfectly seared tuna tataki with a citrusy dressing, delicate confit scallops paired with tangy umeboshi and rich, buttery wagyu tartare that highlights the beef's deep umami. The unexpected fusion of flavours continues with humita gyoza filled with creamy sweetness, complemented by the salty, savoury kick of Joselito Iberico ham – a...

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.

Francesco Lenzi, the culinary genius behind the upscale Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen, and the former chef of Medici at Hotel Muse, abandons fine-dining efforts at his new eatery, opting instead for more a casual space that that spotlights traditional Italian fare. Nonna Nella by Lenzi is a tribute to the chef’s Sicilian-born grandmother Sebastianella Tusa, whose nickname is, apparently, Nella (nonna means “grandmother” in Italian). The venue exudes the simple charm of a neighborhood restaurant, merging a bistro feel with a delicatessen offering. The front showcases fresh produce, including ham and cheese, most of which are produced by Lenzi’s family in Tuscany. Inside, a spacious room is divided into a wood-heavy dining area and a modern open kitchen equipped with Italianimported kitchen appliances. The menu is a testament to Lenzi’s close attention to produce; the front page lists artisanal products from his family’s farm such as bazzetta (cured pork leg, B250), truffle-infused cured pork sausage (B350) and bazzon cotto (cooked ham, B400). The menu also features items, such as fish ham, which are imported from other artisanal farms in Italy. We opted for the smoked sturgeon, which is lean and flavorsome, served with grilled zucchini and feta cheese, and drizzled with mustard dressing. Benefitting from an in-house pasta machine, Nonna Nella is able to produce fresh egg-based pasta that go into dishes like spaghettoni all'amatriciana (B400), spaghetti’s fatter brother topped with...

What is it?: Elements, at the Okura Prestige, is a refined French restaurant with subtle Japanese influences that’s sure to impress. Why we love it: Executive chef Sebastiaan Hoogewerf and chef de cuisine Gerard Villaret Horcajo create culinary magic. Think melt-in-your-mouth Hokkaido scallop tempura and world-class smoked eel with caviar. The elegant atmosphere, the quiet thrill of the open kitchen, and impeccably crafted dishes come together for an evening to remember. Plus, the flexible menu lets you tailor your experience – don’t miss add-ons like the Barbary duck or the unique binchotan charcoal cake. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavor, and the service? Exceptional.   Time Out tip: Love wine? The pairing is phenomenal! But for something different, try the house-brewed kombucha pairing – it’s refreshing and totally unique. Snag a seat near the open kitchen to watch the chefs in action – it’s like dinner and a show!

It was in 2009 that La Monita Taqueria started out, marking it as one of the first Mexican restaurants in the capital. Twelve years have passed and the restaurant is still a favorite in Bangkok’s busy eating-out scene. City dwellers continue to flock to the welcoming space for amazing Mexican fare that never fails to add more flavor to their lives. Kasama “Oh” Laopanich and Billy Bautista are the two lovebirds who gave rise to La Monita back in the ’00s. Seeing that delectable comida mexicana was underrepresented in the city pushed the duo to put up their own place at Mahatun Plaza in Ploenchit. And they haven’t moved since. The restaurant is decorated in the style of a Mexican cantina—the walls are painted in a vivid yellow and colorful bunting hang from the ceiling. The chairs and tables are simply made of wood, which enhances the casual yet fun vibe in the 75-seater space. Like most Mexican restaurants, La Monita offers staples from south of the border, from tacos, to burritos, to quesadillas. But Billy has added a hint of California to the dishes, and you can see this in the wide variety of fillings and salsas. House specialties include sauce-oozing enchiladas (from B330), nacho fries (from B330) and churros (B65). But you can also customize your own wrap and choose your own fillings. The servings are generous and meant for convivial sharing with friends and family. To celebrate its 12th year in the biz, the Mexican eatery has started rolling out new dishes every first...

The anticipation was high for the opening of the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Bangkok, and when it finally lifted up the curtain, the hotel didn’t disappoint. Its stylish interiors by acclaimed design firm Celia Chu Design, swanky amenities and seamless service are everything that would appeal to the discerning deep-pocketed travelers. The luxury hotel is also set to be the new dining destination for avid foodies and drink connoisseurs, offering a gamut of posh and unique food and bar outlets, all of which will be open by this month. The first to be launched isLakorn, an all-day dining room that celebrates theatrical art as well as delicious Western and Thai bites. Lakorn, named after the Thai word for “theatrical performance” is a subtle showcase of artistic and cultural elements—the curtains feature thousands of sharp metal thimbles with intricate carvings, similar to those worn by Thai dancers, while dividers reflect floral bas-relief details inspired by vintage music boxes. These are set against the restaurant’s elegantly sophisticated marble surfaces, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and earth-toned cushions.The menu, crafted by the chef de cuisine Jarno Robles, highlights dishes as elegant as its surrounds. There’s a burrata salad with heirloom baby carrots and croutons (B480); batter-coated snapper with chips and tartare sauce (B680); and a puffy vol au vent with chicken ragu, green peas and mushroom (B590). Thai dishes are also available if you’re hoping for more local...

What is it? It doesn’t get better than eating khao chae in a lush garden in the middle of the city, surrounded by old trees and a building with its own story. Ma Maison occupies Baan Park Nai Lert – a heritage property that has been part of Bangkok's social fabric since the early twentieth century – and the restaurant's khao chae recipe is said to be drawn from the house's own culinary traditions. Why we love it: The rice is of the ‘hom mali’ variety, polished to a pearlescent finish and soaked in water infused with jasmine blossoms. The condiments are made to a home-kitchen standard, which is to say they taste as though someone's grandmother made them, which is always great. The meal closes with a choice of cool summer desserts like mango sticky rice and marian plum in syrup. Time Out tip: The midday sitting is the one to book if you can – eating khao chae in that garden at lunch, under the canopy of old trees. Ma Maison. Baan Park Nai Lert, Soi Somkhit. 11am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm daily until May 31.

Thai restaurant with exquisite old-school interior with modern take on Thai classics.