Capri (NEW)

Pizza Margarita B195 Penne all’arrabiata B185
It may be in K Village but thanks to its separate entrance and wood-heavy decor, Capri retains some of its own, trattoria-esque per- sonality. Recently-opened, it’s a welcome addition to the languishing affordable Italian scene. Prices vary, depending on how much seafood you like, but the basics, such as their pizzas and pastas, are quite inexpensive and delicious. Moreover, the house wine is merely B100 per glass, a price unparalleled by almost any other place we’ve been to.
G/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-665-6227. Open Mon-Thu 12- 2pm, 6-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm- midnight, Sun 12-10:30pm

Govinda

Pizza Margarita B195 Penne all’arrabiata B200
Even perusing the menu, you might not realize that Govinda serves an all-vegetarian, and partially lactose-free, menu—so varied are their selections. Their choice of risotto and gnocchi is unmatched by those at other places. Modest dish- es are fancified not with meat but with ingredients like porcini mush- rooms, asparagus and saffron. Just steer clear of their fake meat.
6/5 Sukhumvit 22, 02-663-4970. Open daily 11:30am-3pm, 6-11:15pm

Sambuca  (BK PICK)

Pizza Margarita B210 Penne all’arrabiata B250
Sambuca avoids being heavily fancy and expensive without turning into one of those places that does Thai twists on pasta dishes. This is a serious Italian establishment in a white house with green walls and a big glass-covered verandah. The food is traditional without being overbearing. Famous for its pizzas out of the wood-fire oven, they also score highly on mains like tenderloin, grilled sausage and seabass, as well as their rich, creamy tiramisu and timely post-meal coffee.
139/3 South Sathon Soi 7, 02-286- 8805. Open daily 11:30am- 2:30pm, 5-11pm

Bella Napoli

Pizza Margarita B220 Penne all’arrabiata B200
We’ve heard from several Italians that the pizzas at Bella Napoli remind them of home. One of the first real pizzerias on the scene, it can get a bit over- looked. But the pizzas here are great, the dough freshly tossed and the crust crispy and nicely charred on the bot- tom. They’re not a one-trick pony, though, as they also do solid, simple pasta and meat dishes like osso bucco (that doesn’t cost B900). We’re also fans of the kitsch but cozy effect of the low ceilings and the checkered table- cloths.
3/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-259-0405. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-11:30pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am- 11:30pm

Pan Pan

Pizza Margarita B160 Penne all’arrabiata B180
Many a member of the BK staff has memories of going to this cute, three- story restaurant when they were in high school and ordering the Caesar salad and the pasta carbonara. Even today, you’ll find a mix of young and older, Thai and farang. Do yourself a favor, though, and avoid the pizzas. Go straight for the pastas, which are hearty and creamy, and the seafood ones have generous servings. Their arrabiatta is plate-licking good.
6 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-9304. Open daily 11am-11pm