The best restaurants and cafes in Ekkamai

Tucked in the bustling Ekkamai stretch is this pad thai parlor which are popular among all-nighters after the clubs in the neighborhoods are closed. The highlight is the river prawn pad thai which comes out on neither too dry nor wet, served wrapped in omelet that’s filled with delicate smoky flavor and two jumbo size prawns with fresh sprout and bean curd served separately on the side (B150). For a budget option, a simple pad thai with dried shrimps is also a good choice for good old classic throwback. 

What is it?: Chef Francesco Lenzi’s Italian eatery in Soi Phrom Si brings the tastes of Tuscany to Bangkok. Why we love it: The art of charcoal wood-fired grilling is much in evidence here with Chef Stefano Merlo leading the charge. Having honed his skills at three-star Michelin restaurant Le Calendre, Merlo knows how to cook with fire and flair. For a meaty delight, try grilled Tasmanian grass-fed lamb chop (B1,280) – tender, medium-rare lamb paired with a creamy carrot puree. Alternatively, if you’re really hungry, a hearty serving of roast beef (B3,800) will do the trick. Made with top-tier Black Angus beef from Australia, this 500g sirloin is grilled to perfection, robed in a rich red wine sauce, and topped with a Parmesan samayon – a silky sauce made with egg yolks, sugar and wine.  Time Out tip: For dessert, the restaurant keeps it classic with Italian favourites such as bomboloncini ripieni (B230), which is deep-fried doughnuts stuffed with creamy Italian goodness and drizzled with berry sauce.

Sit back, relax and enjoy your tea at Peace, the oriental teahouse created by Teerachai Limpapaitoon, a tea expert who loves to educate Thais on Japanese and Chinese tea. The minimally decorated space serves Gyokuro, the king of Japanese green tea, in three different ways – cold brew, hot brew and with yuzu sauce. If you’re Chinese tea fan, try the Jinjunmei, a red tea that gives off a distinctive flavor when brewed in different temperatures. There are also cold drinks such as the Green Espresso matcha latte, served in cold bowls instead of with ice (said to ruin the flavor). Koicha Cream, their version of homemade milk ice cream is also a must. If you can’t finish the ice cream, just let it melt and drink it as matcha latte.

Dimly lit to attain the most romantic ambience possible, In The Mood for Love is inspired by the Wong Kar Wai movie of the same name. The menu consists of fusion rolls such as the C4 Signature Roll, an east-meets-west treat that combines unagi (eel) and mozzarella. Those craving a more fulfilling sushi experience can head over to the bar and ask for the special omakase set, which features the fresh imports of the day.

What started as a low-key spot above a noodle shop has now become a certified seafood institution – and a six-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner to prove it. At Here Hai, the crab fried rice is cooked over intense heat with traditional Chinese techniques, the rice comes out deeply aromatic, every grain seared with wok hei and packed with flavour. The crab is generous, fresh and straight from Surat Thani. Go for the ‘koad kan chiang’ (insane lump crab meat fried rice) if you're serious. 112/1 Ekkamai Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 063-219-9100. Open daily 10am-3pm, 4pm-5.30pm. Closed Monday

Combining an art gallery and a café, Ink & Lion is owned by a couple who both have art in their blood. Those who are passionate about arts, crafts and coffee will definitely fall in love with this place. Interesting artwork from both local and international artists are always on exhibit. Ink & Lion, who trained the latest winner of the National Thailand Brewer Cups, is now also roasting small batches of coffee. You can try their beans at the café or buy a pack for home brewing. Parking is limited, although there is more parking available at a site opposite to the café.

After spending almost two decades managing footwear companies throughout Asia, New York-born Jonathan Spearman is stepping into a completely different role behind the kitchen counter. At his new shop Pizzeria Mazzie, the pizza place that’s got everyone talking, Jonathan tosses the flavors of New York and more into amazingly delicious pies. Tucked inside shopping and dining complex Park Lane, Pizzeria Mazzie evokes the cozy and boisterous vibe of pizza shops scattered throughout NYC’s neighborhoods. There’s a touch of elegance from the heavy use of marble, while the dominant use of black and white gives the whole space a masculine chic feel. Take a seat at the white marbled bar and witness thin-crust rounds being cooked in a gigantic woodfired oven. Just like the perfect New York-style pizza, the slices churned out at Pizzeria Mazzie have a crispy crust that still retains a chewy texture. Toppings are varied and, at times, unexpected. For an authentic NYC pizza experience, go for the Pizzeria Mazzie Brooklyn Classic Cheese (B350), a simple choice that packs in the flavors of house-cooked tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, parmesan and oregano. No.3 (B450) features an adventurous approach to pizza that traditionalists may shun—a combination of cooked coppa di parma and aromatic truffle oil. The Hot Hipster (B510) is another unusual yet delicious creation, mixing spice-infused wildflower honey with spicy Calabria salami. Also worth mentioning are the pizzeria’s excellent...

This new noodle parlor specializes in soupy street-style egg noodles with barbequed pork and pork wontons. The eatery is highly popular during lunch among hungry office workers so you may want to consider popping in early to avoid waiting in line.

Used to be, the only way to enjoy Ban Beung’s famous noodles was to make a trip all the way to the small town in Chonburi (that’s easily a two-hour detour just to have your fill savory soup). Your life is now easier thanks to Mamarin, the new noodle spot in Ekkamai that has brought the district’s signature delicacy to downtown Bangkok. In the old days, Ban Beung was a well-known settlement for the Teochew Chinese, one of the migratory groups that greatly influenced Thai-Chinese cooking. Ban Beung-style noodles quickly became known for its flavorful noodles, which was prepared with dried squid, dried shrimp and pork bone. Mamarin whips up its own version following the family recipe of Ban Beung-born owner Cake Poonyamund (who’s also one of the members of the soulful band B5). You can opt for the classic version (B89), which comes with pork, fish cake, seafood bits and deep-fried wontons; the spicy tom yum version (B89); or the intensely hot yentafo (B99). Apart from the noodles, Mamarin also serves hearty dishes like spotted mackerel fried rice, and addictive desserts like butterfly pea-infused sticky rice with coconut milk and longan (B65).