Credit: www.facebook.com/AlDenteBkk

Al Dente

Amid brushed concrete walls and bright hanging lamps, pull up a seat at Al Dente’s open kitchen counter for a front-row view of chefs churning out fresh pasta. Italian treats include the spaghetti “Bottagara,” featuring garlic chili, parsley, rock lobster, dried gray mullet and pesto and the Bigoli “Al Ragu’ D’anitra” braised duck meat ragout. It’s not all about pasta—salads are also on offer alongside dishes like tuna tartare, crab cakes, and sweets like the classic tiramisu. 

 Thonglor Soi 17. See full details here.

Billy’s Smokehouse

You might know Billy Bautista from Osito Unique Spanish and La Monita. For his next venture, he's taking on barbecue. "It's totally American and totally different. We stay true to some traditions and mix things up when it makes a better dish," says California-raised Bautista, who's promising smoked beef brisket and short ribs cooked Texas style, coated only with salt and pepper and smoked for 20 hours using oak wood. There's also Kansas-style ribs, Mexican cornbread, smoked fish and even the occasional Japanese touch like smoked edamame. Find it in Phloen Chit's Mahatun Plaza alongside the other Bautista restaurants.  

Mahutan Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd. See full details here.

Charm

The latest venture from the forces behind Banjoo, Charm offers classic Korean barbecue—no frills, no bragging—in a contemporary-rustic hotel setting. An uncomplicated approach to Korean barbecue lets the meat shine—beautiful marbled wagyu striploin from Japan and thick wagyu tenderloin from Australia both come out succulent and juicy after a short stint on the grill. These wouldn’t be complete without the restaurant’s special housemade miso sauce and smoky Korean salt. Don’t forget to order a big slab of Korean pancake and a hot plate of japchae (Korean stir-fried noodles)—both make excellent sides. At the bar, there’s a special selection of imported Korean premium soju and Hite Korean beer. 

Sukhumvit Soi 20. See full details here.

The Front Room

After 12 years in Denmark, chef Rungthiwa Chummongkhon (formerly of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred Kokkedal Slot and Noma) has returned home with The Frontroom at the ultra-posh Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Expect earthy, experimental dishes boasting a boat-load of fermentation and modern culinary techniques and highlighting some surprising ties between Thai and Nordic cuisine. More than just plates of beautiful food, the 10-course menu gives you the chance to experience a harmonious clash of cuisines. Every plate’s flavor is enhanced by meticulous wine pairing. 

Ratchadamri Rd. See full details here.

Karmakamet Conveyance

From local aromatherapy brand to cute cafe purveyor to full-blown diner, Karmakamet's latest opening at Lhong 1919’s riverside Chinese complex comes with yet another new concept. Karmakamet Conveyance goes for fine dining: minimal whites, gold accents, tables adorned with single white orchids, and head chef Jutamas Theantae’s seven-course menu. Jutamas’ food journeys through Asia, from the Philippines-inspired pulled pork adobo in a light rice cake bun topped with roasted coconut and galangal, to the southern Thai spiced coconut crab with fried cempedak fruit. 

Chiang Mai Rd. See full details here.

La Dotta La Grassa

Thonglor’s chic pasta house, La Dotta, has spread its wings with this bigger and bolder spin-off, which boasts an expanded menu and dedicated dessert bar specializing in their signature bomboloni (Italian filled doughnuts). If you’re the traditional type, stick with the rich wagyu Bolognese tagliatelle, or go off piste with the decadent seared foie gras and wild mushroom with homemade casarecce pasta, sultanas and Parmigiano. However, head chef Luca Capitanio's food extends beyond pasta. Try the the crisp suckling pig—slow-cooked Sardinian style and served with roasted potatoes.

Sukhumvit Soi 19. See full details here.

Credit: www.facebook.com/SonnyRestaurant

Sonny’s

A new and more central incarnation of Changchui’s popular Raan Nye Sohn, Sonny’s is making a stir on Charoenkrung Road for its well-executed and affordable French cuisine. The unpretentious interiors—checkered tablecloths and net curtains—match the gimmick-free, ever-changing chalkboard menu starring dishes like beef bourguignon and creme brulee, with a heavy focus on local ingredients. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the eponymous chef, owner and member of Sleepy Eye Slim blues band busting out some tunes.

Charoenkrung Soi 47. See full details here.

Thaan

Sukhumvit Soi 31's Thaan is all about the Thai natural charcoal that it’s named after, which is made from eucalyptus trees found in the Ubon Ratchathani province. Everything here is treated to a charcoal grill session, with a primary focus on locally-sourced meats and seafood from farms in Korat, Surin, and Surat Thani. The Crying Tiger’s thinly sliced Thai wagyu is served with an addictively spicy jaew, while select imports like the Australian wagyu tomahawk paired with a decadent foie gras mac and cheese make for the main event.

Sukhumvit Soi 31. See full details here.