The buzz: After taking foodie ideals to revolutionary new heights in Bangkok through its exclusive and expensive restaurant in Thonglor, The Water Library is now turning its focus to the new adjoining wine bar.
The buzz: Ideally located on the corner of Sukhumvit 57, right next to Soi Thonglor, the recently opened Marriott Hotel just introduced its multi-level rooftop bar Octave, which boasts an impressive trendy-but-mature vibe that’s accentuated by striking views from the top floor.
Smith & Rabbit is best described as a homey garden venue where they serve comfort food. Hidden down a small sub soi near Prachachuen Rd., the restaurant is packed on weekends mostly with neighborhood locals who take to the sizeable garden full of wooden furniture, swings and trees. The food is predominantly no-frills Thai with a homemade taste that matches the reasonable prices. We might stop by if we’re in the area, too, but truth be told the food isn’t the main attraction.
The Japanese izakaya Hanakaruta down on Sukhumvit Soi 39 might have been around for a while, but it’s one hell of a place to get a good drink. The bar’s mixologist is so passionate that he forces you to taste spirit after spirit before mixing you a personalized cocktail that’s served with a crafted ice ball that’s carved right before your eyes.
The original Great Hornbill Grill is in Khao Yai, where the Bhirom Bhakdi family (owners of Singha) have a vineyard, P.B. Valley. While they can’t compete with that venue’s view, there’s much to like about the Bangkok branch of the “country-style” restaurant, despite some misfires on the food side of things. It’s a lofty space with a mezzanine, two-story-tall bay windows and a screen of vines growing on the outside.
Escape to the vineyard without leaving the city, thanks to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery’s The Great Hornbill Bistro. The sister venue to the one in Khao Yai follows the same concept, right down to the Martha’s Vineyard, country cottage feel. The kitchen keeps in step with Thai and international dishes from yam ka moo (pork knuckle in spicy salad, B550) to the GHB Breakfast (B250).
The buzz: Hidden away on the basement level of the United Center Building, the two-week-old Bangkok Shokudo is a new concept restaurant replacing the former resident, Tokyo Shokudo, which used to serve Japanese lunch sets. The focus now is on lunch-friendly Thai food served up with a few twists and a Japanese aesthetic. The restaurant comes under the umbrella of the S&P brand whose boss Patra Sila-on says that they’re looking to stick close to Thai food’s original taste and form while revamping its presentation with Japanese style crockery.
Five-star hotel Four Seasons' Thai restaurant serves up local specialties in a decor befitting its name: spices overflow from burlap bags or are piled into small wooden shelves. The house specialties include crispy rice crackers with minced pork dip and fried beef with chili and fresh basil.
Sagano Ramen & Café may be a bit small, but we know that this has never stopped true ramen eaters before. The shop’s bestsellers are its Tongkotsu and Shashumen with its tasty soup and soft shashu pork with just the right amount of fat. Its Japanese-style Caesar salad is also delicious.
Sagano Ramen & Café is your classic shophouse eatery, but though it might be on the small side, the bright red sign outside makes it easy to find for ramen fans. Inside, a red accent wall continues the theme and gives the place a cozy vibe. The shop’s bestsellers are its donkatsu curry and shashumen with its tasty soup and soft shashu pork that features just the right amount of fat. The Japanese-style Caesar salad is also delicious.
Perched on the first floor of this building, in a small courtyard space, Special K features a décor of muted cream and brown tones that are made light and airy by the large windows along one wall. Special K offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at the great price of B290 per person. Whether you’re craving pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, or any other seafood, Special K has them all as well as a host of Korean appetizers. And in unlimited amounts so make sure you’re feeling hungry!
Perched on the first floor of this building, in a small courtyard space, Special K features a décor of muted cream and brown tones that are made light and airy by the large windows along one wall. Special K offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at the great price of B290 per person. Whether you’re craving pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, or any other seafood, Special K has them all as well as a host of Korean appetizers. And in unlimited amounts so make sure you’re feeling hungry!
