Je Ngor

There are now 11 branches of this well-regarded seafood establishment, though the two-building original on Siphraya Road is still the best. The decor is a bit aged, but you don’t go to Je Ngor for the atmosphere. Here it’s all about fresh, well-prepared seafood that fully justifies prices that on first glance seem expensive. Don’t miss the garlic rock lobster, black pepper crab or even the simple-but-delicious crabmeat fried rice.

541/9 Charoenkrung Soi 39, 02-234-8275

10 other branches across Bangkok.

Laem Charoen Seafood (Siam Paragon)

This Eastern seafood chain has been a local favorite for over 30 years thanks to fresh fish and generous portions. It’s atmosphere is straightforwardly industrial with a pop of green that isn’t too overpowering. We recommend that you stick with the simplest stuff on the menu such as grilled cockles in spicy dipping sauce, fried rice with crabmeat and deep-fried sea bass in sweet and sour sauce.

4/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9244

8 other branches across Bangkok.

Louis Leeman

This Sino-Thai seafood specialist cooks up a feast of big-portioned ocean delicacies out of deliciously premium shellfish. Bring the whole family if you’re ever going to make it through their mountain of whole spidercrab with fried rice or pile of fresh mantis shrimp macerated in salt, garlic and chili pepper. The clean, blue and white decor references the seaside, in a charming, upscale manner.

161 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-258-2807

Other branch: Yukhol 2 Rd., 02-223-6911.

Ob Aroi

Lad Phrao Soi 94, 02-559-0628, 089-015-5656, 089-146-0129

Somboon Seafood (Central Embassy)

This hugely-successful, long- standing seafood chain dating back to 1969 has one of the most loyal followings in town and abroad—former Japanese PM Junichiro Koizumi even ate here. This new shopping mall branch makes it even easier for visitors to seek out their succulently- rich puu pad pong gari (yellow curry crab), goong ob woonsen (prawns cooked with glass noodles) and steamed whole sea bass with soy sauce. Be sure to call ahead for reservations, as the busy restaurant typically carries a 20-minute wait time otherwise.

5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5965

Other branches: Banthadthong, 02-216-4203-5; Surawong, 02-233-3104 ; Ratchada, 02-692-6850-3; Udomsuk, 02-746-6850-3; Samyan, 02-160-5100; Siam Square One, 02-115-1401-2.

Tee Pochana

Also known as T-Restaurant, this Pratunam classic has cooked up fresh and comforting Thai-Chinese seafood since 1968. Though the new generation opened a swankier venue on Sukhumvit Soi 31, the quality here remains the same. The attentive waiters can rattle off the day’s market rates without a second’s hesitation.

78/12-13 Ratchaprarop Rd., 02-247-1061, 02-247-1062

Other branches: Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-2347; Ratchapruek, 02-432-6678.