Despite a gamut of restaurants at 72 Courtyard, the food options at the Thonglor nightlife destination are rather inferior when compared to the other nightclubs and cocktail bars in the area. Hoping to make the venue’s food scene as vibrant and appealing as its party scene is Chef Arnie Marcella, who once headed the kitchen of Sathorn eatery Bunker. Chef Arnie now spearheads 72 Courtyard’s culinary operations as its new food and beverage director, and is on a mission to elevate the compound’s food offerings. His first project is the pocketfriendly pizzaria, Carbar.
Carbar has built a reputation on being one of the most pocket-friendly spots in Thonglor to indulge in Italian favorites. Chef Arnie has latched on to the idea, but has given the cuisine a more urban twist, one inspired by his hometown of New York. What you get are casual and fulfilling bites that are perfect for sharing among friends and family. The burrata salad (B450) is a great starter, here served with salted anchovies that impart a slight Mediterranean flavor. From here, you can move on to the pork meatballs (B280), which are tender and doused in a spicy and boldly flavored tomato sauce. A dish of prawns (B380) are woodfired to exude a delightful aroma, and comes packed with the flavors of chili and garlic.
As the name Carbar connotes (the name is a play on the word “carbohydrates”), carb-filled treats are the specialty here. Try the hand-cut pappardelle (B380) with scrumptious duck ragu and creamy parmesan, or the al dente-cooked bucatini “clam’duja” (B450), featuring spicy nduja sauce, clams and spicy sausage. The Neapolitan-style pizza (B350) is delicious as expected, with a slightly crispy crust and a chewy texture.
Dessert items are limited but worth a try. Go for the simple but impressive olive oil cake with vanilla ice cream and honey (B150).
