The best restaurants and cafes in Ekkamai

Nestled within a quiet corner of Ekkamai 21, Cuckoo & Friends might just be your new favourite cafeteria. It feels less like a coffee shop and more like stepping into a friend’s retro-styled living room – complete with warm orange lighting, nostalgic decor and a comforting sense of familiarity. The space is designed to feel like home – one corner is filled with mismatched vintage furniture, analogue knick-knacks and a playlist that leans into mellow moods. It’s a cosy spot to sip on a cup of coffee, tuck into a home-cooked dish or simply linger over slow conversations. Address: Ekkamai 21 Alley. 062-832-8249. Open Fri–Wed 8.30am–5pm. Closed Thu.

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. 

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.

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

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.

If mysticism and magic appeal to you, then you will like Featherstone, a bistro and cafe that attempts to bring out the inner gypsy in each of its customers. The first thing you’ll see, as you walk past the entryway, is a small corner shop where all kinds of handmade products and collectibles, such as handbags, scarves, stones and crystals, are displayed. To the right is an airy space decorated with teal walls, marble-topped tables, French bistro-style rattan chairs, and a massive stained glass window. The menu is less exotic, featuring a long list of Western comfort fare such as pastas, salads and colorful soda drinks.

In Ekkamai, a district that has long practised the art of looking unbothered, a new community space has slipped in without fanfare, rearranging the atmosphere in the process. It stands on a patch of ground already busy with cafes, wine rooms and shops that deal in pens as if they were jewellery. The structure itself is all clarity – confident angles, open spans – but inside the air softens. Low-lit corners appear ready for long afternoons, while furniture feels chosen rather than bought, each piece placed with intent rather than instinct. There’s a sense of lingering here, a pace that resists Bangkok’s usual sprint, where you can watch the light crawl across the floor and feel, just for a moment, that staying put counts as an activity. Address: 38 Charoen Chai Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 082-925-6365. Open daily 7.30am-6pm

Joe Napol is back in the fine-dining scene with Nawa, a warmly-lit dining room in Ekkamai that aims to transform classic Thai recipes from the central region into progressive cuisine.

Edo-style hand-rolled sushi offerings focus on ingredients that include premium seafood and wagyu beef and the chefs are happy to tell you how and why they select prime produce from various parts of Japan. Signatures such as lobster ikura (lobster with salmon eggs) and awabi (sliced abalone) will delight seafood aficionados. Those who crave fusion fare should try crispy unagi (B220) and A5 wagyu jumbo (B590) for a meal with a difference.    Ekkamai Soi 19, Khlong Tan Nuea. 065-989-5296. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2.30pm & 5pm-9pm. Closed Mon