The best restaurants and cafes in Phloen Chit

After a busy day exploring the attractions of the city center, the refreshing flavours at KHAAN offer a great culinary pick-me-up. Chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn’s contemporary Thai fine dining tasting menu features fresh takes on traditional dishes using modern cooking techniques. On the 11-course menu (B3,850) treats such as Khao Yai duck curry with five spices and rice paddy crab elevate a dining experience based firmly on the foundations of Thai gastronomy.  14/3 Somkid Soi, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 092-441-6547. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-midnight

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

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.

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),...

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 by Marriott , Autograph Collection, 55/555 Langsuan Road, Lumphini. Open daily from 5.30pm. Live music from 7pm

What is it? Henk Savelberg brings his legendary cooking style and quality straight to his own restaurant, where every dish tells a story of his passion and expertise. Why we love it: A Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant with a spacious layout featuring a ground floor dining area and an upper-level wine lounge. As you step through the door, you’ll find shelves filled with Michelin guides from around the world at your right as it is a chef's space full of knowledge resources. Large windows offer a beautiful garden view, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere and also space for private group dining available. The six-course menu takes you on a journey through innovative, fresh ingredients like royal oscietra caviar, langoustine, hokkaido scallop, lobster and sweetbread, kagoshima wagyu A5, and more. A true feast for the senses! Timeout Tip: One of his signature dishes, a blend of summer flavours from the South of France, is the grilled wild northern sea turbot with bay leaves, featured for a true Savelberg experience. Don’t miss out on their promotion, pairing the course menu with renowned wine brands.

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.

Here's one of the best Japanese restaurants in Bangkok that deserves more recognition. Tsu Japanese Restaurant in JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok is all about serving the authenticity of the culinary culture from the Land of the Rising Sun with both traditional dishes and more contemporary offerings.

Restaurateur Kasama “Oh” Laopanich, who also co-runs popular Mexican eatery La Monita Taqueria alongside her husband Billy Bautista, launched her passion project Thai Niyom Cuisine in 2019. Here she recreates the best dishes from all over Thailand for Bangkokians, right in the heart of Ploenchit. Located in Mahatun Plaza, right beside La Monita, Thai Niyom Cuisine welcomes guests to a laid-back setting that’s perfect for a quick, unpretentious meal. Each dish is cooked with ingredients sourced from local producers in order to best serve the real taste of Thailand to urbanites. The menu consists of fundamental Thai dishes, ranging from starters you can nibble on to wok-fried numbers, curries or grilled meats that are good for sharing. Start off your meal  with Chiang Mai Combo (B390), a mouthwatering platter of northern Thai-style appetizers like Thai spicy sausage and green chilli paste. Moving on to mains, you can pair hot steamed rice with Wok-fried Seafood with Chilli (B295) or chow down on Beef Tallow Fried Rice with Grilled Wagyu Beef (B410). If noodles are your thing, then ask for Thai Niyom Cuisine’s take on boat noodles (available for both pork and beef), which comes flavored with pig’s blood (price starts at B80). The Southern-Style Fish Curry (B265) is not to be missed if, like a true Thai, you love spicy fare. The smell may not be as pleasing, but that’s how you know it’s good! Vegetarians can also get their fill of comfort fare at Thai Niyom Cuisine, which also...

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!