The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Kurofune is trending now, and food nerds in the know are already flocking to this Sukhumvit 31 spot. The menu leans traditional, but with a few wildcards, like fuwafuwa butter, spun and melted onto the eel tableside. It’s a gimmick that works well. The butter doesn’t overwhelm; it softens the edges of the tare sauce and brings out the fatty sweetness of the eel. Try the Unaju set with chawanmushi and soup; the eel is crispy on the outside, still tender inside. And if you’re going all in, the Tokujo set (B1,200) gives you a full body and a half of unagi. Big portions, big flavour, and enough variety to keep things interesting. 24, 1/F, Sukhumvit 31 Klongtan-nua, Watthana, Bangkok. 061-134-7789. Open daily 11am-3pm, 5.30-9pm.

Responsible production and conscious consumption – Homeland lives and breathes these values. Every dish is built on locally sourced ingredients, and behind every plate is a smile from somewhere in Thailand. Homeland is one of those places where the food feels like it comes with a story – and in this case, it legitimately does. Every dish here is a collaboration between Thai farmers, producers and makers. Nothing is standardized here: not the shape of the pumpkin, the shade of the eggshell, or the size of the okra. That’s the beauty of it. They don’t pressure local suppliers to meet rigid cosmetic standards. Instead, they celebrate the unpredictability of seasons and nature, and everything that comes with it. The space feels incredibly homey, almost like eating at your grandmother’s kitchen table (if your grandmother were quietly chic). There’s warmth in the walls. Thai pumpkin soup is what I’ll be ordering again next time – no question. It’s so fresh, so simple, but deeply comforting. The aftertaste is heavenly with the texture of spiced pumpkin seeds and local goat’s cheese, and a little hint of tamarind sauce that makes it land in the right spot.  Every dish here tells a story. The Thai Sansai Pasta features organic Thai vegetables like pak kood (edible fern) and okra, tossed into a comforting bowl of flavors you don’t usually find in a pasta dish. The Hummus & Eggs came with poached organic eggs, creamy hummus and sourdough from their neighbours at Larder. A reminder...

Unatoto Thailand is not just another Japanese eatery – it’s the first international branch of a beloved chain with 20 locations across Japan. Staying true to its roots, Unatoto delivers the same authentic flavours and dining experience as its Japanese counterparts. What truly sets Unatoto apart is its signature grilling technique, which uses a special charcoal stove to infuse the eel with a rich, smokey aroma while achieving a perfectly tender texture. To ensure authenticity, both the eel and seasonings are imported directly from Japan. Diners can savour a variety of cuts and preparation styles, each capturing the essence of a traditional Japanese eel feast. 591, 11-12 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. 088-575-8788. Open daily 10am-9pm.

Larder is where Bangkok’s off-duty chefs and food obsessives sneak off to when they want to eat like civilians. It’s low-key industrial with a clean aesthetic, but the food is quietly high-performance. Nothing screams for attention, but everything, from the sourdough tuna sandwich to the house-made focaccia, has that we-actually-care-about-technique energy. Tuna 3000 is a standout: sourdough topped with tartar sauce, soft-boiled egg, and tuna, served with a side of chips. Breakfast sets feel like they’ve gone through R&D. Guests can also choose from a variety of fresh pastries. If you’re a brunch purist who still wants to be surprised, come here.  31/2 Phrom Chai Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 093-009-4494. Open daily 8am-5pm.

This place knows what it’s doing, offering one of the more consistent smash burgers in the city – and building a real identity around its ingredients. From dry-aged, high-welfare beef from Sloane’s – a London-based butcher known for ethically raised quality meat – to buttery house-baked potato buns, every element plays a role. The house pickles and jalapenos cut through the richness, and even the sauces are made in-house rather than squeezed from an industrial pump. Whether you go for a classic or one of their rotating monthly specials, there’s a kind of casual confidence here that’s hard to fake and easy to crave.593 1 Sukhumvit 33 Alley, Klongtan Nuea, Watthana. 097-979-7836. Open daily 11am-2am.  

Organic ingredients and local produce anchor Sustaina’s philosophy. Red meat is not served here, just seafood and veggies. Try the smoked tuna with brown cheese sauce with a cup of organic Sri Lankan tea, or the okonomiyaki, Japanese-style pizza topped with potato, rice, veggies and seafood.

Cocotte welcomes you all to its brasserie outpost at the EmQuartier where you can create your own cuisine from its wide-ranging products.

Fujiyama Go Go serves the “real taste of Nagoya” in a hot bowl. Try Umakara Tsukemen Special (B330), a dish of chewy yellow noodles with five tasty toppings and a super rich broth on the side. Fujiyama Go Go now has four branches in Bangkok on Soi Sukhumvit 39, BTS Phra Khanong, Soi Ekkamai 2, and Thungkhru, and one in Chiang Mai.

It seems like the city’s love for the donut hasn’t faded away. The previous year didn’t see anything particularly exciting with regards to this sugary treat (apart from the launch of a new Drop by Dough branch), so we’re hoping that this new shop on Soi Sukhumvit 31 will rekindle excitement for the donut. Over 100 creations await the donut lover at Hippo Dough. Classic flavors (B65), like sugar-glazed, chocolate, hazelnut cream, or pistachio are available, which you can dress up with toppings like corn coconut or strawberry custard. But there’s no need to play it safe. Some of the offerings have a creative far-out twist, like a candied doll, an oversized cookie, or a syringe on top. Deluxe Donuts (B120) is a selection of classic donuts with fruity garnishings, while the Signature Donuts (B150) recreate well-known desserts like mango sticky rice into the round, mouthwatering pastry. These donuts are best paired with a milkshake, which also comes in classic (B150) or deluxe (B240) options. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, coconut, strawberry, and rainbow.

If you’re into both art and drinking, PIN31 is ideal for you. Stylized as a bar in an art gallery, this brand-new drinkery projects images of world-renowned landmarks on stark white walls while live music plays in the background. Drinks-wise, PIN31 has unconventional cocktails with even more unconventional ingredients like grilled squid. It, surprisingly, works!

This bar in Phrom Phong is all about music and everything in between. Drumsticks adorn the walls, instruments are set here and there, and you can enjoy live DJ and percussion performances every night.  Come here for cool vibes and music-inspired drinks by head barman Pisit "Jeng" Yooyencharoen.

If you’re tired of overpriced mall food, this food cart parked near the entrance of luxury mall Emporium offers the perfect solution. There is only one thing on the menu: Hainanese-style chicken rice that got all the components right. The fragrant rice is packed with garlicky flavors, while the boiled chicken is juicy and tender. A fried option is also on the offer and the chicken is served crispy and not too greasy. For parties of two or more, a slightly peppery-sweet soup with whole chicken bone is served. Here’s the tricky part—trying to nab a seat is like a game of musical chairs. The minute you spot an empty chair, seize it as fast as you can. Otherwise, the remaining alternative is to take your place in the notoriously long queue for take-away orders—or eat while standing.

When you think of a department store like Emporium, you might expect a cookie-cutter cafe or just another polished retail space but this new corner is anything but typical. They’ve transformed the old parking lot into a creative hub where craft, design and community come together. Think of it as a little village of ideas: there’s Sauce Coffee, serving up aromatic brews made with beans from Gem Forest Coffee. Right next to it is Colorama, a cheerful eatery that turns every plate into a rainbow of vegetables, proving that healthy can be both colourful and crave-worthy. You’ll also find a curated selection of tableware, with certain handcrafted pieces made exclusively for this space. And perhaps the most unexpected twist –  the parking ramp has been reimagined as an open art zone, lined with creative installations and cosy corners where you can sit back, relax and take it all in. Address: 3/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 022-691-240. Open Daily 10am-8pm 

Sugar Ray was a mainstay in Ekkamai’s nightlife scene for a reason—its creative cocktails and rustic-meets-minimalist speakeasy vibe drew both eclectic hipsters and cocktail connoisseurs to the second floor of Baan Ekkamai. The bar, however, has just gone through a complete makeover, and it includes a new address on Sukhumvit Soi 24. Tucked within new restaurant complex Octo Seafood Bar (we won’t spoil the fun by telling you where the entrance is, but we will say that you have to hunt down a chap that looks as if he’s dressed for Comic Con in the medieval times), the new Sugar Ray is now a sleeker and more dapper version of its former self. Dressed in fine black marble and leather, the dimly lit space now features ample bar seating, which was conspicuously absent in its former digs. In true Sugar Ray fashion, the guys behind the bar are still up for conversation, mostly on cocktails or the bar’s selection of fine whiskey. Head mixologist Vipop Jinaphan and his team have come up with a short list of signature drinks that cater to all kinds of flavor-profile preferences. Un Poco Loco (B420) is a fruity and sour drink that packs a punch with a mix of tequila that's sous-vide with saffron, Amaro, mango, yogurt, lime, salt and bitter. East Coast Boulevard (B420) is a twist on the good old Boulevardier, infusing Bengalese spiced tea into Campari and the smooth blending of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Punt e Mes, and chocolate and grapefruit bitters. Local flavor shines in Born...

Sometimes, a good drink and the right music can transform an ordinary moment into something special. For those looking to unwind with a favourite beverage while enjoying the sounds of music, a vinyl bar run by a Japanese enthusiast of vinyl culture offers the ideal setting. The bar’s aim is to provide a true Listening Bar experience, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing rhythms of jazzy vinyl grooves. A key feature of the bar is its dedication to sound quality with the use of vintage audio equipment. The wooden decor enhances acoustics, absorbing sound and reducing echoes to create a cosy, intimate setting. The music, played through classic equipment once used in cinemas, adds to the bar’s nostalgic charm. You can unwind and savour organic ingredients in your drinks. 4th Floor, Cannabis Culture Club, 635, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 095-978-9196  

An old wooden door welcomes you into a classic setting in which wooden tones and brown décor are complemented by warm gold accents. Vintage photos adorn the walls, adding to the nostalgic charm. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms with the glow of red lighting creating a more intimate experience. The cocktail menu offers both classic and signature creations, each inspired by the owners’ personalities and passions. Hendrix’s Garden reflects one owner’s love for music, blending pandan syrup and smoked rosemary for an aromatic twist. Biomimicry brings a refreshing edge with pickled lime, wasabi and celery topped with tonic and finished with an oba leaf garnish. For a playful touch, the S10 Shake takes inspiration from the iconic milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction (1994), serving up a nostalgic yet inventive sip.  5/F, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 02-550-6820. Open daily from 6pm-midnight. 

Tibetan food is heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures, resulting in dishes like momo (dumplings stuffed with meat, veggies and Indian cheese paneer). Some of Bangkok’s tastiest momos can be had at Tibet Kitchen, where they’re served steamed, pan-fried or deep-fried. The menu also includes fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), all of which are not too far from Chinese food, making them less of a risk for captious eaters.

This Lebanese restaurant has been a go-to place for Middle Eastern cuisine in Bangkok for over 10 years. Nadimos has two branches: Soi Sukhumvit 24 and Holiday Inn Silom Delivery via foodpanda, GrabFood, LINE MAN or 0 2266 9081.

Octo Seafood Bar has made its name to Sukhumvit’s dining scene as a one-stop seafood destination with eye-striking giant octopus clinging majestically at the very store front. Helping to fulfill the ocean theme of the shipshaped restaurant is a cocktail bar serving cocktails with references to the underwater world. Perching on the second floor of the seafoodcentric complex, Dr. Fetch is embedded with narratives alluding to a laboratory hidden underwater operating by a fictional scientist. That explains the reasons why all the bartenders are dressed up in white laboratory gown. In contrast to the bright restaurant setting, the inside of Dr. Fetch is dimly-lit and succumbed to the heavy beats from live band performing nightly. If you look for a more private corner, take a seat in a connect room quirkily surrounded by wooden rabbits and animal skeletons. To comply with the bustling seafood restaurant downstairs, Dr. Fetch cocktails are conjured up with strong influence from the sea — dominantly via the name of the cocktails, garnishes and the shape of the glasses, not in the drink as we had expected. There’s the Pirate Spice Rum (B400), the concoction photogenically served in a siphon machine with the combination of pea flower-infused rum, toasted coconut and Maraschino liqueur brewed with lemongrass, ginger and butter, before being served hot in a Chinese-style tea cup. (The item is big enough to feed 3-4 people). Ocean Bouquet (B400) is nicely-flavored with accent of spicy...