Bangkok Sea View

What’s it like: It all starts when you set foot on a long-tail boat (B50 for adults and B20 for kids) to be whisked away to the middle of nowhere. During the 20-minute journey to what is basically a big platform on stilts in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, you’ll pass through a mangrove forest where you see all sorts of birds and get a glimpse into the lifestyles of people living by (and on) the river. The venue itself certainly offers some scenic views.
What’s the food: The seafood here is not going to be the best you’ve ever had. The yam cha kram (sea blite spicy salad, B150) is pretty nice, though, but if you’re feeling particularly DIY, you can even bring along your rod for a spot of fishing while you enjoy beers at your table.
74/3 Moo 9, Thakam., Bangkhuntien Rd., 089-613-1340. www.bangkokseaview.com. Boat leaves every 30-45 mins. Open Tue-Sun 11am-9pm

Hajime

What’s it like: Hajime serves modern Japanese fare with a bold, futuristic gimmick—human-like robots instead of waiters. Even the menu is computer-based, so diners can order directly from the touch-screen device attached to their table. In the center of the space is a glass-covered aisle where the robots zoom back and forth serving dishes and, when the mood is right, dance.
What’s the food: Japanese a la carte classics alongside BBQ (B499) and shabu (B329) buffets. For 145 minutes, you can get your fill of meats like pork sirloin, Kurobuta and sirloin beef. As for the a la carte dishes, recommendations include the pork steak and yaki soba (stir-fried noodles). Here’s one place where you needn’t bother tipping.
3/F, Monopoly Park, 59/27 Rama 3 Rd., 02-683-1670. Open daily 11:30am-10pm

Dine in the Dark

What’s it like: This restaurant is all about depriving you of your sense of sight in order to heighten your other four senses. You’ll be dining in complete darkness and guided by visually-impaired staff.
What’s the food: You won’t know what you’re eating, but that’s half the fun. The chef rotates the menu so that even repeat customers are guaranteed fresh experiences. The three-course set menu is B850 for meat or seafood options and B750 for vegetarian. As for feel-good factor, 10% of Dine in the Dark’s profits go to helping Bangkok’s visually-impaired. Currently relocating, DID is set to reopen in a couple months. Call 080-201-5992 or visit www.DIDexperience.com for updates.

Ninja House Hero

What’s it like: It’s like stepping back into the comic Ninja Hatori. The place is decorated to be a ninja’s cave and is filled with the sound of drumrolls and ninjas shouting. There’s even samurai performances, too. Hold your excitement though, as the place is in the process of relocating to CentralWorld and is due to reopen around July.
What’s the food: Traditional Japanese and some fusion dishes. The restaurant also recommends the set menu ranging from B1,200-B2,500. Dishes include sashimi and spaghetti with seafood. Do check for the special monthly drinks. heroninja.jimdo.com

Nang Gin Kui

What’s it like: Settle in for a night of good food in a homey setting up on the 15/F of a residential building. Nang Gin Kui is a self-proclaimed “guerilla dining” operation run by a couple—Florian Gypser, an architect, and Goy Siwaporn, an avid foodie—who like to let perfect strangers share their private space, with its winning views of the Chao Phraya River. The end result is something akin to throwing a good house party, with the company of your own choosing, only without the hassles of cooking and cleaning up.
What’s the food: The open kitchen is run by Goy and her small team of silent hands who serve up everything from Thai to Italian and Japanese—basically whatever takes their fancy on any given day. The food’s good enough that we’d recommend it anyway, but did we mention the views? Reservations can be made for 8-25 people, simply organize a meeting spot somewhere by the water, with full-course dinners starting from B800 per person (negotiate for free-flow booze).
868 Soi Vanit 2, Charoenkrung Soi 20, 085-904-6996, www.facebook.com/nang.gin.kui, www.nangginkui.com