The best restaurants and cafes in Ekkamai

Ekkamai gets a lively new player with Somsak, a modern Isan spot from the team behind Fatboy Izakaya and Kim Jeong Grill. The restaurant is named after Somsak, a taxi driver who won the lottery in London before returning to Bangkok to open this personality-packed eatery. The space is full of personality, with music, colour and a slightly chaotic energy that sets the tone from the start. The menu runs wide, covering som tam, laab, grilled meats and sharing plates, all dialled up with punchy seasoning. Start with fried squid tossed in laab spices, or for seafood fans, garlic tomalley river prawns and pla dib with wasabi nam jim seafood. There are also grilled cuts and playful twists across the menu. Whether you’re settling in for a proper meal or just swinging by for a lively night with friends, this place gets the energy to match. Open now. Somsak, Ekkamai Corner, Sukhumvit Rd. Sunday-Wednesday 11am-10.30pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-11.30pm

What is it? A Bib Gourmand from the MICHELIN Guide Thailand and quite possibly the place in Bangkok that takes khao chae most seriously. 2026 marks a decade of the restaurant's existence and the kitchen has expanded its condiment offering to ten items in deliberate reference to the anniversary – including signatures like the fried salted egg yolk balls and ma-uan, a stuffed horse-shaped side dish that regulars tend to order extras of. Why we love it: Two new additions join the spread for 2026: prik hang bang chang tod, a dried chilli stuffed with smoked crispy fish, and pan sip jum laeng, a dumpling, reimagined for the dish. The rice itself goes through a multi-stage process – washed, cooked, polished, steamed and then smoked with scented candles – before meeting cool jasmine water. Time Out tip: The set is priced at B1,890 for two and advance booking is required – don't attempt to walk in. Two branches are available if one is full. Khao. Ekkamai 10 (also at Wireless Rd). Daily until May 31.

Get ready to test just how wide you can open your mouth at Pinki's Deli, a newly opened sandwich spot at the Earth Ekkamai project. Giant, fully loaded sandwiches packed to the brim with fillings in every single bite. Bestseller ‘OG Melt’ brings together tuna, shiso pesto, mustard and gooey melted cheese inside your choice of sourdough – plain or spiked with jalapenos and cheese. One bite and you'll experience an explosion of juicy flavours: the bright tang of lemon, the creaminess of cheese and a gentle herbal aroma all blending together. It's a true sourdough lover's delight, an indulgent sandwich experience you'll want to try at least once. That aside, the coffee is also top notch, served fresh and hot just as you like it. Pinki’s Deli. Earth Ekkamai, Watthana. 7.15am-4pm

What is it: A compact, independent deli in Ekamai operating with the energy of a neighbourhood institution: small, opinionated about what goes on a sandwich and loyal to its regulars. OG Tuna Melt is the house classic. Why we love it: In a city where tuna melts are increasingly elaborate constructions, the OG at Pinki's holds its ground by just being really good. Tuna with shiso pesto, wholegrain mustard, cheddar, mozzarella, red onion and a hit of lemon – every element accounted for, nothing superfluous. The Ekamai setting suits it: the neighbourhood has a slower pace than Thonglor or Phrom Phong and this is that kind of sandwich. Time Out tip: Beyond its Earth Ekamai home base, Pinki also makes pop-up appearances. Right now it is at Central Embassy until April 30. Pinki's Deli. OG Tuna Melt B250. Earth Ekamai, Ekamai, Watthana. Daily 7.15am-4pm (last order 3.30pm).

Originally a viral hit in Singapore, Pralet has landed in Ekkamai and wasted no time making itself at home. The format here is unusual – square sourdough doughnuts, made using a natural starter that's been kept alive for over 14 years and bubbles up through a 72-hour fermentation process that yields dough that's genuinely light and notably not greasy. The burnt butter honey glaze is the shop’s signature: glossy, fragrant, sweet against a faintly bitter note. For the more adventurous, the catfish nam prik doughnut – crispy fish, prawn floss, kaffir lime and dried kombu – is worth the leap. If that’s a step too far, pistachio raspberry crunch rounds things out for the more gourmet-leaning crowd. Pralet BKK. Ekkamai Corner. 9am-8pm

Maynard Seekala’s humble eatery in Ekkamai is undoubtedly 2022’s most promising pizza spot. Hype is centered around its 48-hour sourdough bun, which is topped with sauces and seasonal ingredients from all over Thailand. Best of all is the restaurant’s unpretentious no-frills vibes. 

Tucked away in Ekkamai Soi 23, this unassuming spot serves a crab meat omelette that’s anything but ordinary, alongside other seafood classics. Though calling it a “hidden gem” might sound predictable, it truly earns the title. The real draw is its local favourites, like the substantial crab omelette (B700) and a tom yum seafood (B260) that delivers on that essential spicy-sour kick. If you’re passing through from Khlong Tan station, this low-key eatery could be just the spot to pause, refuel, and savour some authentic flavours. 51 Ekkamai Soi 23, Khlong Tan Nuea. 086-044-9478. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-3.30pm. Closed Sun

What is it?: This yakitori spot helmed by a seasoned Japanese chef is straight out of Tokyo. Why we love it: A cosy, dimly lit atmosphere, with individual lights highlighting each table, the restaurant boasts a sleek, minimalist Japanese design with a focus on wooden furniture. The open kitchen at the centre lets diners watch the magic unfold, especially the grilling over charcoal that gives yakitori its perfect aroma and taste. You can choose to sit at the bar, at a table for two or four people, or a private room for larger groups. When it comes to the yakitori, try the Tsukune (B120), which is seasoned minced chicken with a satisfying crunch. It is best eaten with a special Toritama sauce. Also excellent is Emon (B120), which is lightly salted tender chicken breast. Chigimo (B100), expertly grilled chicken liver topped with Toritama sauce, is wonderfully juicy.  Time Out tip: Sip it, savour it, and maybe even order a second glass of Toritama Original Bottle (B280 per glass) with your meal. It’s a specially brewed shochu that’s only available at this restaurant. 

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.

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.