The best restaurants and cafes in Phloen Chit

There’s a lot going on in Langsuan. A number of cool establishments have been popping up in the upscale residential neighborhoods over the last few years, from eateries serving fresh premium ingredients to greengrocers to posh condominium complexes and hotels. One of these newest additions is Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Thailand’s first Kimpton-branded hotel, located within the Sindhorn Village mixed-use mega-project. For those who are new to the brand, Kimpton is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. From its playful and sophisticated design to award-winning restaurants and bars, the luxury boutique brand is known for creating immersive guest experiences that foster genuine human connection. The luxury hotel is set to officially open its doors in October, but it’s giving Bangkokians a taste of what to expect by first opening up its lobby café CRAFT. As its name implies, CRAFT prioritizes craftsmanship in every aspect of its business, from the natural wood and rock decorative details that make up its interiors to the coffee it serves to the service it offers. Grab a seat by the coffee counter and order yourself a serious cuppa brewed from high-quality beans sourced from Thai and foreign suppliers, including Bangkok-based brand Kad Kokao, local growers in Mae Tang, and growers in Costa Rica and Vietnam. A cup of regular coffee is, amazingly, priced as low as B90. If you’re in the mood to try something more atypical, try either the...

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.

Chef Antoine Darquin and sommelier Théo Lavergne took over the space that used to be Gaggan's natural wine bar Wet and transformed it completely. Where Wet was deliberately dark and cave-like, Bisou is sleek and modern with abundant natural light during the day. Come evening though, the whole thing shifts. Warm seductive lighting takes over, spiral mirrored staircase becomes properly atmospheric, French kiss-themed film posters on the walls start making sense. The tagline is 'Keep it simple and sexy' and it is. The ground floor has a lively bar, upstairs is more refined and private, kitchen counter if you want to watch the chefs work. Earned a spot in the 2025 Michelin Guide, wine list is genuinely impressive, homemade limoncello at the end is a nice touch. European sophistication with Bangkok prices that won't make you wince (too much). Location: 68, Lumpini Sub-District, 9 Langsuan, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

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...

This restaurant brings a contemporary twist to the fine dining experience, with a strong focus on locally procured ingredients from selected farmers and producers. Award-winning chef Pongtawat "Ian" Kittichai, the founder, designs his menus around authentic Thai tastes and aromas. In addition to offering dishes inspired by the four main regions of Thailand, the restaurant hosts special events that appeal to food enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood for a fine dining course (B1,800) or prefer an a la carte option, there's something here for anyone craving true local flavours.

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),...

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...

Derived from the meaning ‘before’ and ‘ahead’, Avant reflects Chef Haikal Johari's inspiring journey of resilience following a life-altering accident. Perched on the 30th floor of the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, overlooking the prestigious Lang Suan Road, Avant offers an intimate and refined French fine dining experience, artfully infused with Asian influences. In this serene setting, the dedicated team delivers an unforgettable culinary journey, blending elegance with heartfelt subtlety. With only ten seats at the low dining counter, Avant creates a highly personalised dining experience, allowing guests to witness the chefs' artistry firsthand. For those preferring a more private setting, a dedicated dining room offers a comfortable, home-inspired atmosphere. This restaurant elevates French cuisine to extraordinary levels, thanks to Chef Haikal Johari's masterful blend of Japanese, Thai, and Singaporean influences. Standout creations, such as the 36-month aged comté with caviar and cheese ice cream, or the exquisitely crafted harenohi tomato paired with tuna, highlight his exceptional creativity and flair. The restaurant's contemporary Japanese-inspired design and its high-floor location in the Kimpton Maa-Lai enhance the overall dining experience. Embark on a seafood-focused culinary journey at Avant, with lunch (B4,200) and dinner (B5,900) menus showcasing Chef Haikal's inventive creations. 30/F Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok 78 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 082-466-4962. ...

Experience a fusion of French elegance and Japanese finesse at Elements inspired by Ciel Bleu, located at the Okura Prestige Bangkok. Set in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, this is a bonafide destination for romance. Chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with an exquisite seven-course set menu (B8,000), blending classic French savoir-faire with delicate Japanese nuances. Beyond the expertly curated dishes, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of dining on the 25th floor, with the glittering Bangkok skyline as your backdrop. 25/F Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Witthayu Rd. 02-687-9000. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-10.30pm. Closed Mon-Tue

Instead of throwing a grand bash for its first anniversary, Wittayu Road’s much-loved Glasshouse@Sindhorn celebrated by introducing a new member to the luxury dining scene. Tucked away behind a discreet façade and heavy wooden doors, Saneh Jaan revels in the most authentic elements of Thai food culture. The interior design features a reinterpretation of a Thai pavilion during the reign of King Rama V, when Western culture began to reach Thailand. The names of the private dining rooms were bestowed by national poet, Naowarat Pongpaiboon, who also composed a series of poems to decorate the restaurant’s walls. Saneh Jaan’s executives are real foodies who, for decades, have traveled around the kingdom to sample its greatest dishes. The menu reads like a credits list of time-honored classic Thai dishes. There’s nothing molecular, or faintly modern, here. Recommended dishes include the kaeng kiew waan (green curry), massaman curry and Chinese long beans from Ratchaburi stir-fried with shrimp paste, not to mention the muu palo tao jiew (stewed pork belly and eggs with fermented bean curd). Only the sophisticated lounge area shows a hint of modern Thai design. The bar is tended by Sompong “Paa Pong” Boonsri, the cocktail master behind the three-decade success of the Mandarin Oriental’s Bamboo Bar.  Saneh Jaan is currently open only for dinner, yet it plans to soon serve up lunch to the area’s wealthy executives and diplomats.