These riverside restaurants are perfect for Valentine’s Day
Unless you want to find yourself in the dog house come Valentine’s Day, you should probably book soon
With breathtaking and romantic views of Chao Praya River, this rooftop restaurant offers a twist on Thai cuisine that combines locally inspired flavors with international ingredients. It’s also a decent place to knock back a few since the menu is thick with various boozy selections, from whiskey (B200-B260) and beer (B180-B320) to signature cocktails like the One More Please (B275, ), or opt for smoothies (B160) and refreshing mocktails if you have to get behind the wheel later.
Riva Arun, 392/25-26 Maharaj Rd., 02-221-1188, open daily 7:30-11:30am, 6-11:30pm.
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Located on the first floor of boutique hotel Riva Surya, the restaurant has a proper bar with an upstairs outdoor area to put you and your partner in a cool, breezy evening mood. Either lay your back on daybed at the terrace and absorb the scenic view as light from the Rama VIII bridge dapples the river below, or head straight to the open bar for a taste of signature cocktails like the Tom Yum Martini, Oopsadaisy and Riva Finale.
Riva Surya, 23 Phra Athit Rd., 02-633-5000. Open daily 6:30am-10:30pm
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Credits by: www.facebook.com/ChaoPhrayaPrincess/
Some of the most romantic dates happen on slow river cruises. If you are looking for a can’t-beat river experience, the Tristar Restaurant cruise starting at River City pier dishes up some very respectable Western and Thai cuisine to match the shimmering scenery. The two-hour round-trip shows you the best of Bangkok’s riverside with the ambiance of catchy jazz tunes from live saxophonists to help relax the mood. Got some energy? Head to the downstairs bar and dance the night away to upbeat radio hits.
River City pier, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-860-3700. Requires booking in advance
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Credits by : www.facebook.com/PrincessTerrace/
Run by the same crew that operates the Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise, this spacious venue maintains the same vibes as the team’s hallmark offering with a rotating selection of solid live bands, unrestricted river views, a competitively-priced lineup of international food and a thick book of featured cocktails and beers. Make sure to reserve a table on the alfresco terrace for the most Valentine’s-worthy atmosphere.
94 Charoennakorn Soi 21, 02-860-3700. Open daily 5pm-1am
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Credits by : www.facebook.com/rivervibe/
A modest venue on the eighth floor of the River View Guest House that most people miss—tucked away in the narrow Phanurangsri alleyway. This hideaway offers 360-degree panoramic views of Bangkok’s glistening cityscape and river below. Chow down on Thai-fusion dishes like the pla tod samun prai (B180) where crispy-fried sea bass is served with green mango salad. It can get a little windy at night, so tell your date to bring a shawl or, better yet, warm up with the bar’s signature cocktail, the River Vibe (B150).
768 soi Phanurangsri, 02-234-2078. Open daily 7.30am-11pm
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Located in the small community behind Wat Devarajkoonchon, next to Thewet Pier, the venue is a 60-year-old house that’s been made bright and bold with a few licks of paint and the addition of some wooden furniture. While the casual vibe seems to be tailor-made for foreigners, the food is pleasant and very comforting for locals, too. Try the highlight kua gling moo (stir-fried minced pork with spicy herbs, B160), which is flavorful enough to pack a punch.
68 Sri Ayutthaya Soi 21, 081-868-0744 and 02-281-091. Open daily 11:30am-11pm
This stylish restaurant has been packed since its opening and elevated to the status of one of Bangkok’s most popular riverside bistros. Indulge yourself in the Western dishes and classic Thai recipes with few twists like the crispy pork belly (B620), dipped in sweet and sour tamarind glaze and served with stir-fried morning glory. They also have wide series of signature cocktails (from B320), smoothies (from B220) and more than 18 different wines at B360/glass.
sala rattanakosin Bangkok, Maharaj Rd., 02-622-1388. Open daily 7-10:30am, 11am-4:30pm, 5:30-10pm
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
Credit by: www.facebook.com/samsarabkk/
Tucked down a little alley behind Wat Pathumkongka (it can be difficult to find parking), this place feels halfway between a gallery and a friend’s house with its smattering of colorful vintage furnishings and cat-related paintings on the wall. The food is tasty and interesting thanks to a tinge of Japanese flair from the owners’ roots. Make sure you book ahead to scoop the best riverside views. Also, do order the plar tao-hu (B140), a crispy fried tofu with shrimp in a spicy thai-flavored herbal sauce.
1612 Songwat Rd., 02-639-6853 and 086-978-9331. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 4pm-1am
The atmosphere is what makes The Deck such a delight, plus the charming view of brightly lid Wat Arun across the river. The key is to arrive before sunset and relax with an aperitif while you peruse the menu before flashlights become necessary. For mains, choose between original tasting pad thai (B265++), made with real tamarind juice, or kang kaew whan koong (B295++) with fresh river prawns braised in green curry to create a spice-infused delight.
Arun Residence, Maharaj Rd., 02-221-9158/9. Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-11pm
Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
It’s not only the riverside-view alfresco terrace with blue striped sofas and the glass-wrapped dining room furnished by Duangrit Bunnag that got us hooked, but the European cuisine is also very comforting with seafood focus like the tomato-based Fisherman’s stew (B240) and beer-battered fish and chips (B550). Their desserts are also equally tasty since they handed the reins to celebrity chef Phol Tantasathien, who rolls out his signature sweets like Cup C (a fudgy baked chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on top, B220), perfect for your Valentine’s date.
41/5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0953. Open daily 11am-11pm
Advertisement