1. Choice

When Sunrise Tacos first opened, way back in 2007, we couldn’t believe our luck. It tasted like the best Tex-Mex we’d ever had. We raved about it. Today, you’ve got a dozen Tex-Mex and Mexican places in town--and counting. Some of them are really awesome in very different ways, from the refined Mejico to the comforting La Monita. There are also so many more cuisines overall, like the new Cuban opening, Cuba Libre, or Peruvian-Japanese options like Above Eleven and 22 Kitchen and Bar. Tempted? Book a table online at the newest Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in town, 22 Kitchen and Bar. 

2. Convenience

Trying to book a table in Bangkok has never been fun--and wasn’t even all that necessary in the good ol’ days. Now it’s becoming a must at many places. As long as you don’t call too late or too early, you might actually get someone on the phone, who will then transfer you to someone else, who will then ask for your name, social security number, mother’s maiden name and phone number--three times because of the crappy phone connection. Now there’s this app called Chope. You can book 24/7 and you get email confirmation for your booking. Visit www.chope.co to book now.

3. Class

From J’aime and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon to Savelberg, Bangkok’s certainly welcomed its share of Michelin-star-affiliated restaurants over the past 12 months. But it’s not just European fine-dining establishments raising the bar. We’ve also welcomed the likes of Ginza Sushi Ichi, a Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant, which has brought its uncompromisingly authentic omakase-style sushi to Bangkok. But it’s not like we were completely devoid of world-class restaurants: the wonderful, produce-driven Eat Me just placed #25 in the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant’s list. Book now and see what all the fuss is about.

4. Cuisine

Fusion used to be a dirty word. But now we’ve got Gaggan ruling supreme over the Asian dining scene (#10 in World’s Best Restaurants, #1 in Asia) with progressive Indian food that draws on flavors and cooking techniques from all over the world. We’d also argue Soul Food Mahanakorn was key in opening up Thai dining to good decor, strong cocktails and a hip crowd. In that vein, we’d recommend a recent opening like Charcoal Tandoor Grill and Mixology, a modern Indian restaurant with superb drinks.

5. Cocktails

In recent years, Bangkok’s nightlife scene has had a welcome injection of sophistication on the drinks front. Whether it’s imported or home-brewed craft beers or the molecular cocktail concoctions of Joseph Boroski at J. Boroski Mixology, Colin Tait at Vesper or Mirko Gardelliano at Bamboo Bar, drinking in the city has never been so good. On top of the signature cocktails, Vogue Lounge offers far more than your usual bar snacks. To book your spot among the well-heeled young crowds, click here.

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