The best restaurants and cafes in Ekkamai

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

The cute little cafe serves up gluten- and additive-free alternative to favorites such as dark chocolate cherry flambé tart, lemon tart meringue, salted caramel chocolate cake and mascarpone chocolate pie. Wedding and special-occasion cakes are available on request. 

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

Whether you're chasing that morning caffeine kick or looking for a cosy late-night hangout, this spot in Ekkamai ticks all the boxes. Created by the stylish minds behind local fashion label RAWIT, this hybrid cafe-wine bar is nestled inside their flagship store so yes, you can sip and shop in style. The ground floor is all about relaxed, clean vibes with a warm, minimalist aesthetic – perfect for leisurely brunches or casual laptop sessions. By day, the cafe brews excellent coffee with a choice of light or dark roast beans, alongside a full brunch menu and a solid line-up of non-coffee options for the caffeine-free crowd. Pair your drink with one of their house-made pastries for the ultimate midday pick-me-up. Come sundown, the space shifts gears into a relaxed wine bar, ideal for winding down over a glass. Don’t forget to head upstairs to browse RAWIT’s latest fashion collections while you’re at it. Address: Park Avenue Ekkamai. 092-624-2352 Open Tue–Sun. Coffee 8am–5pm, Wine 6pm–midnight. Closed Mon.

Groans were heard all around when everyone’s favorite Roots Coffee Bar at Ekkamai closed down at the end of last year. Jubilation ensued when fans realized that the coffee purveyor was relocating to The Commons, the newest feel-like-home community mall located on Thonglor Soi 17. Hoping to be that backyard hang-out where everyone comes to chill on their free time, Roots serves coffee at its very best. Their cold brew attracts coffees lovers across the neighborhood, even more now that Roots offers it fresh from the tap. Another gimmick that attracts brewed-bean fanatics is the Barista’s Choice, which includes winning drinks from a barista competition in the menu for a limited amount of time. They now have Cherry Cola and Summer Peach cold brews on the grind – both are perfect for beating the heat. The owners also own popular eatery Roast, located on the top floor of The Commons. If you have a chance to stop by, don't forget to try their famous strawberry waffles! Roast also opened two new outlets within the city: one at EmQuartier, and a grab-and-go kiosk called Daily Roast at Bhiraj Tower (the office building behind EmQuartier).

What is it?:  A vegetarian restaurant that is predominantly vegan snuggled under the Ekkamai BTS station on the even numbered side. It started life in 2020 after one of owner Khu Churnjuti’s earlier restaurants was asked to provide vegetarian food for a nearby meditation centre. Why we love it: The white in the title signifies a desire to serve clean and healthy food in a modern cafe style ambience with plenty of potted plants and greenery for contrast. Here you will find one of the best khao soi offerings in town, which is also a nod to Khun Churn’s northern Thai heritage, mixing tofu with yellow noodles in a luscious curry with pickled lettuce, topped with crispy noodles. Other excellent dishes include guay tiew khua hed, stir-fired mushrooms (with or without egg), and hed kum waan, crunchy deep-fried mushrooms topped with lime juice, red chili, sliced garlic and Chinese kale. Cold-pressed juice selections are recommended to partner the cuisine. The chefs and service team will do their best to accommodate their guests’ requests and are happy to adapt many of the dishes to suit requirements. Khun Churn’s home-made vegan ice cream is a must to cap off the meal. Time Out tip: If you are heading there for dinner you will need an early start as they close at 8pm each evening.