The best restaurants and cafes in Phloen Chit

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.

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...

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. ...

What is it?: A classic American barbecue joint in Lang Suan that would comfortably pass muster in any stateside city. Why we love it: One of the surest indicators of quality at a restaurant that purports to represent a nationality or ethnicity is to see how many of the customers are actually of that nationality or ethnicity and this place has no shortage of big dudes in Chiefs hoodies tearing apart racks of ribs and homesick Texan blondes ecstatic over the smoked brisket and the mac and cheese. Despite the wars over barbecue variations that rage across the Mid-South, The Smokin’ Pug is ecumenical, offering sauces from South Carolina yellow mustard to the sweet and smoky Kansas City style. The setting matches the food and clientele – exposed brick walls, a little Black Keys on the soundsystem and plenty of top-tier American craft beers and serious bourbon cocktails. It might be Bangkok, but you could be forgiven for thinking that you’d teleported to Cincinnati or Saint Louis. Time Out tip: Swing by on a Monday night for their weekly specials. A ridiculous portion of wings is a hell of a cure for the Monday blues.

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!

What is it? This restaurant on Langsuan champions modern French cuisine by chef Antoine Darquin. It brings his Parisien savoir fair to dishes served in an ambient setting. Why we love it: Showcasing the chef’s latent culinary skills and a bit of Japanese know-how, Bisou serves modern Gallic cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. Try his French toast with uni sea urchin or truffle or foie gras. For something more satisfying, beef tongue sando (B490) offers rich flavours and juicy textures offset by crispy bread. Classic sweets such as vanilla and hazelnut millefeuille ensure a sophisticated ending to a very good meal. The stylish atmosphere of this eatery only adds to the culinary experience, making it a sure thing for romantic dining.    Time Out Tips: Bisou changes its menus every month, so you need to check out the latest offerings if you have something specific in mind. Be sure to book in advance if you want a private space on the second floor.

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...

A fine Cantonese restaurant on the third floor of Plaza Athenee Bangkok, Silk Road is greeting guests with warm and welcoming, yet elegant atmosphere with Chinese Kingdom’s style dining room décor. With Chef Cheng Kam Sing, the respectable, experienced head chef of Silk Road who has been taking care of the restaurant, and curating the menu for more than 14 years, it is guaranteed that you will experience one of the finest Cantonese cuisine in town. The menu ranges from your favorite Dim Sum to the signature Peking duck (that is surely one of the best, B1,600) The duck is carefully prepared with herbs and seasonings, and its skin is turned into 20 pieces of the crispy, no fat skin. When wrap in a pancake with cucumber and the sweet chef’s recipe sauce, it is no doubt why Peking duck is one of the signature dishes here. Moreover, you can have the duck meat cooked the way you want. We try it with garlic and chili which is quite impressive as the meat is tender and delicious. Another signature dish you shouldn’t miss is Baked fillet of Garoupa in Onion Sauce (B300/ 100G.) The thick white sauce is a mixture of fishbone, vegetable, mushroom and herbs, and it is in a hotpot. The fillet will be cooked in the hot pot with the delicious Onion Sauce and eat first then followed by vegetable that is cooked in the same pot. But you can eat both at the same time too, and trust us; you’ll enjoy sipping the soup. There is also Steamed River Prawn/Radish + Vermicelli (B1,000) which is in...

This swanky family-style restaurant serves polished versions of traditional Chinese recipes. Dishes that are staple to this cuisine – Peking duck, dim sum, and stir-fries – are all excellently prepared and shine with exceptional flavors. Man Ho also specializes in the king of seafood, abalone, which is either braised with shitake mushrooms or served in oyster sauce and garnished with kalian greens.