Amapola

The scene: A casual summer house party—lounge on lawn sofas and take advantage of the gazebo bar in front or pool area out back.
The grub: Japanese steak dishes here are filling, well made and not too greasy.
72/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-258-7077. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-midnight

The Great American Rib

The scene: Yankee backyard barbeque in the heart of Bangkok.
The grub: Cheesy nachos, juicy pork ribs, baked potatoes, tortillas and salsa. Oh, and beer.
32 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 02-258-5942. Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm

Samsensoisam

The scene: No frills riverside dining with a view of Rama 8 bridge and the river.
The grub: Traditional Thai cuisine such as tom khaa kai and beef salad.
10 Samsen Soi 3, 02-268-8362. Open daily 5pm-1am

Pickle Factory

The scene: Another house party with tables on the poolside patio. Great music, from bossanova to Britpop.
The grub: The focus is on Italian, Thai as well as other Asian-inspired cuisine—try the signature Pizza alla Vodka (B175, B315).
55 Ratchawithi Soi 2, Samsen Rd., 02-246-3036. Open daily 5pm-1am

Kin Lom Chom Saphan

The scene: Like eating in a packed outdoor cafeteria alongside backpackers and university students but with a nifty river view.
The grub: From simple fried rice to sushi and oysters.
11/6 Samsen Soi 3, 02-628-8382/3. Open daily 11am-2am

Spring/Summer

The scene: Garden party with beanbags, low tables and a huge lawn for you and your trendy friends.
The grub: Fusion Thai food, don’t forget to order some dreamy desserts from Summer to end your night.
199 Soi Promsri 2, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-392-2747. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-11pm

Next2 Café and Terrace

The scene: Buffet eatery is right ”Next2” (next to—chuckle, chuckle) the busy part of the Chao Praya.
The grub: Wide variety of international dishes. Or order a la carte if you’re too lazy to browse.
Shangri-La Hotel, Soi Wat Suan Plu, Bangrak, 02-236-7777. Open daily 6am-10:30am, 11:30am-02:30pm, 06:30-10:30pm

Café Chili

The scene: Fight for one of the coveted outdoor tables for lagoon-side dining amid fairy lights.
The grub: Real Isaan home cooking made with premium ingredients in a clean kitchen—at shopping mall prices, of course.
G/F Siam Paragon, 02-610-9877/8. Open daily 10am-11pm

Pla Dib

The scene: A place for the local dek naew to hang out in the “unfinished” space and enjoy the indie soundtrack; more of the same raw look and feel on the patio.
The grub: Sushi and other Japanese dishes with Thai and Australian twists.
Soi Aree Samphan 7, Rama 6 Rd., 02-279-8185. Open Tues-Sun 5pm-midnight

Suan Thip

The scene: As the name suggests, it’s a heavenly garden setting.
The grub: Traditional Thai food served up for the discriminating Thai palate, ranging from somtam (B200) to plaa koong (B195). Bonus points for the attentive wait staff.
17/9 Sukhaprachasan 2 Rd, Pakkred, Nonthaburi, 02-583-3748. Open daily 11am-11pm

Tamarind Café

The scene: Dine inside surrounded by walls of photographic art or take your own pictures from their serene rooftop garden area.
The grub: Creative vegetarian dishes are healthy, trendy and delicious.
27 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-7421. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight

Kakao Café

The scene: Vintage décor makes tasting chocolate out on the porch much more posh.
The grub: For the love of chocolate, order yourself some mini treats or go full-blown with choco dessert for dinner.
99/361-8 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-661-1766/7. Open daily 10am-10pm

Ici

The scene: Jungle within the concrete jungle three stories up.
The grub: European and fusion dishes; food not always up to scratch, though.
3/F Metha Wattana Bld., 27 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-690-9999. Open daily 11am-11pm

Indus

The scene: The restaurant features a well-lit temple interior motif with contemporary, homey decoration; outdoors it’s a dimly-lit Bedouin tent.
The grub: Artfully prepared light(er) Indian cuisine.
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. Open daily 11am-10:30pm

The Deck

The scene: Right on the Chao Praya with a spectacular view of Wat Arun—especially at night.
The grub: Traditional Thai cuisine and international dishes made with high quality ingredients. Try yam nuea, yam som o and roasted rack of lamb.
Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratu Nokyung, Maharat Rd., 02-221-9158. Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-11pm

Agalico

The scene: Sip on a cup of Earl Gray like real ladies and gentlemen in their Olde English garden.
The grub: Fine teas from England and Sri Lanka. Get there early for their famous scones.
G/F, 20 Boonchiradorn Bld., Sukhumvit Soi 5, 02-662-5857 ext 111. Open Fri-Sun 10am-6pm

Le Vendome

The scene: In theory you can dine alfresco by the immaculate pool, but the outdoor tables are usually for after dinner drinks and smokes.
The grub: Exquisite (albeit pricey) French cuisine.
267/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-0530. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6:30-10pm

Cy’an

The scene: Poolside dining is “just” like the Mediterranean Sea—ogle swimmers and sunbathers during the day; nights are more romantic, with cool lighting and just the sound of your heavy breathing.
The grub: The menu covers all the food groups, but the seafood is especially nice. After a dozen oysters on the half shell, try the black ink spaghetti with sautéed squid (B580).
G/F, The Metropolitan, 27 South Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333. Open Daily 6-10:30am, noon-2pm, and 6:30-10:30pm