Aesop's

Arno Thai

At Arno Thai, the hearty bowls of beef noodles start at B40—throw in some short ribs (B95) or paleron (chuck steak, B95), or plump for the 400g beef combo (B140). Pad kaprao also comes in cheap (B50 for free-range chicken), but why not live a little and order the B590 version with juicy chunks of beef tenderloin. If you’re game enough to make yours level-four “Atomic Spicy,” you can wash away the pain with a big bottle of Leo (B70).

1721/5 Chan Kao Rd. See full details here. 

The Cookhouse at Number 9

Fresh from their stints at Suhring and Mezzaluna, Amie Baholyodin and Vee Passavee have opened up their home for a new private dining experience. The Cookhouse at Number 9 sits down a quiet residential soi, where it welcomes in-the-know Bangkok gourmands for customized six-course tasting menus (B1,500/person) that the chefs create after you’ve filled in a questionnaire. Expect modern European dishes such as spiced crab tortellini with citrus mascarpone or seared Hokkaido scallop with nulnja vichysoisse amid a warm setting. Guests (up to 18 of them) sit around a large wooden farmhouse table.

9 Sukhumvit Soi 30. See full details here. 

The Fork Eatery

The Fork Eatery sees three globe-trotting friends whip up a greatest-hits menu not restricted by geography. Alongside wagyu beef pad kaprao with onsen egg (B185) and jim jaew pork (B140), you’ll find everything from egg shakshuka (B150) and Indonesian chicken laksa (B160) to Dutch mini pancakes (B115) and specials like Aussie lamington (check for availability), all plated up in a pristine white abode.

365/9 Soi Phayanak. See full details here. 

Mrs. Wu

Your hotpot comes separated into three broths that are a real step up from the usual: a hearty pork bone stock bursting with peppercorn; a rich Japanese nabe–with red wine; and an herbaceous chicken turmeric soup. Add some thinly sliced pork (B280 for a mixed pork set) and beef (B520 for a mixed beef set) to the steaming pot and you’re in business. The list of potential add-ons is lengthy—mushrooms and other veggies, varieties of tofu and shrimp—but our picks go to the juicy, tender cheese lava meatballs (B50) and fresh squid (B160). The secret weapon: soy sauce and the Mrs. Wu pickled egg make for the perfect sweet and sour duo.

3/F, The Portico Building, 31 Lang Suan Rd. See full details here. 

Quiero Mas

After picking up a reputation dishing out guacamole with tortilla chips (B275), cheese nachos (B225) and quesadillas (B235-255) from a food truck, Garcia has now settled down to offer a taste of Mexico alongside Mediterranean and Spanish flavors at this colorful indoor-outdoor spot.

Arnoma Hotel, Ratchadamnri Rd. See full details here.