The best restaurants and cafes in Phloen Chit

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

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),...

Autumn’s magic comes alive at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, where the hotel’s restaurants and bars beautifully capture the season’s spirit. At Arva, Chef Edoardo Traverso celebrates the Italian harvest with dishes that are both heartwarming and refined, from parmigiana d’autunno, a pumpkin terrine with roasted pumpkin seeds and amaretti crumble, to risotto ai funghi porcini with carnaroli rice and aged parmigiano, followed by seasonal desserts such as torta di castagne, poached pears in spiced red wine and indulgent millefoglie. Meanwhile, 1872 presents an autumn afternoon tea inspired by the soft light and tranquillity of Nai Lert Park itself, featuring pumpkin and mushroom amuse bouche, savoury treats such as goat’s cheese with poached pear and lobster tartlet and sweets such as vanilla parfait and tangerine roll cake, accompanied by your choice of milk tea scones. As the day winds down, the terrace at 1872 offers a front-row view of the autumn sunset, where cocktails, including 1872 martini and blossom negroni, crafted with local botanicals and century-old tea traditions, turn a simple aperitivo into a sensory celebration.  Price for three-course dishes at Arva starts at B1,800. Reserve via here, midday-2.30pm (lunch) and 5.30pm-10.30pm (dinner). Price for afternoon tea at 1872 starts at B3,900 (two guests). Reserve via here, 2pm-5pm. 1872, open daily 11am-11pm. Reserve via here. 

Osaka-born sushi legend Keizo Seki introduced a more delicate approach to the American concept of raw fish and rice rolls when he opened the first Sushi Zo in West LA. The omakase-style eatery earned a Michelin star in 2009. After opening another branch in Los Angeles and one in New York, the much-praised sushi brand is set to raise the bar in Bangkok’s fine-dining scene with the opening of its fourth establishment (and the first Asian outpost) on bustling Wireless Road. Hidden behind an indistinctive blond wood door in the Plaza Athénée Tower, Sushi Zo’s kitchen is helmed by Toshi Onishi, the former executive chef at the downtown LA branch. Unlike the more popular edomae (traditional Tokyo) style, which highlights the essential flavors of the fish, Sushi Zo focuses on different kinds of ponzu and soy sauce to dress and marinate the fish, and mix two types of vinegars in the rice. The outcome is an interplay of contrasting sweet and sour notes and a well-balanced umami flavor that does not overpower the freshness of the fish, which are flown daily from Japan. Around 22 pieces of the freshest nigiri and sashimi take turns enticing your palate throughout the two-hour course. Our visit kicked off with an impressive sashimi platter consisting of Hokkaido oysters drenched in tangy-sweet ponzu sauce, scattered pieces of cornetfish (yagara), bluefin tuna and sweet shrimp drizzled and marinated with different condiments. The akami tuna was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a...

Number one on the list of Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants for 2016, Gaggan offers one of the best and most enjoyable Indian dining experiences you could have. Chef Gaggan Anand honed his skills in molecular gastronomy at famous three Michelin-star restaurant El Bulli, and has developed what he calls “progressive Indian cuisine.” Tucked within Langsuan, the white, two-story house is a pleasant contrast to Gaggan’s innovative cooking style. The Chef Dining area (which is always reserved) sits right next to the kitchen’s, offering diners a view of how the chefs prepare each molecular dish through a glass window. Sounds good, right? They recommend the Testing Menu, a true representation of Gaggan-ness. Yogurt Explosion, bite-sized homemade yogurt balls with the texture of caviar prepares you for other dishes. The following courses are all cutting-edge and fun: Mumbaiwalla, creative ball-shaped pav bhaji (thick vegetable curry); Viagra, fresh oysters served with Indian mustard ice cream; and air-light truffle soup. Go and see what the fuss is all about.

As one of the most romantic restaurants in Bangkok, Medici Playhouse Italian Restaurant & Bar offers an immersive Italian dining experience paired with nightly live music. Set in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere within Hotel Muse Bangkok, the restaurant draws from the Medici family of Florence – the Renaissance patrons who turned their palace into a living room for Michelangelo, da Vinci and Botticelli – and channels that same idea of a room where good food, music and company belong together.  The design leans into it: intimate, candlelit and warm – classic Italian cellar energy. The cooking follows Tuscan tradition – fresh pasta, carefully chosen wines. Live music runs every evening from 7pm and, depending on the night, reads somewhere between jazz club and vintage European theatre. The menu celebrates authentic Italian cuisine, serving generous portions of signature handmade pasta, premium meats; all paired with a world-class wine list. Whether you are seeking a sophisticated dinner or a theatrical night out, Medici Playhouse Italian Restaurant & Bar is a true Langsuan gem. Medici Playhouse Italian Restaurant & Bar. Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection, 55/555 Langsuan Road, Lumphini. Open daily from 5.30pm. Live music from 7pm

What it is? Bangkok'78's seasonal khao chae is led by Executive Chef Phukvarun who uses carefully selected, locally sourced ingredients throughout and the set is available both for dine-in and as a pinto takeaway. Why we love it: The accompanying drinks collection – Scent of Summer – is the detail that sets this version apart. Three cooling, herbal drinks designed specifically to complement the khao chae: Pla Haeng Taengmo, Som Chun Granita and Mali. Each one serves a function rather than just sitting prettily alongside it; together they extend the cooling logic of the dish into the glass. At B1,150 for two dining in, it's also one of the more accessible sets on this list. Time Out tip: The pinto takeaway at B1,499 is a strong option if you want to experience it at home without sacrificing presentation. Available for both lunch and dinner, which offers more flexibility than most. Bangkok'78.68 Soi Langsuan, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330. Daily for lunch throughout March-April.

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...

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...