Bangkok's latest rooftop restaurant-slash-bar sits on the 26 floor of the new riverside Avani hotel. The big, well-stocked bar stands up front among outdoor tables, offering both classic and refreshing signature drinks like the Moulin Rouge (Absolut raspberry, passion fruit, touch of grenadine and topped with prosecco, B380). On the food side, the menu offers a list of playful Asian-inspired tapas like smoked duck with nampla lacquer and tea gel (B220) and lamb shoulder (B340) in the form of a lollipop. The chefs in the open kitchen also make filling dishes like grilled ahi tuna (B750) and Aussie wagyu beef tomahawk steak (B4,950 for 880g). Don’t miss creative desserts like the Xtra Virgin (B260), which featured apple in five forms.
26/F, Avani Riverside, 257 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-431-9100
Soho Hospitality (the group behind Above Eleven, Charcoal and Havana Social) fills the Italian gap in Ari with a casual pizza and pasta house. Themed after an Italian wine cellar, the wood-and-brick-heavy restaurant features hundreds of wine bottles, which are sold from B170 by the glass. Food-wise, the kitchen matches the cozy vibe with simple dishes like bruschetta with San Daniele ham and stracciatella cheese (B280), smoked burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes (B440), pasta (from B240) and Neapolitan-style pizza (from B280). Don’t miss their mascarpone e tartufo pizza (B520) which features mascarpone cheese, mozzarella cheese, truffle paste, rocket leaves and San Daniele ham.
4 Ari Samphan Soi 3, 02-278-0250
Water Library’s ever-expanding and diversifying empire branches into pizza with the launch of this Italian restaurant in Silom. Ciao Pizza cooks its thin-crust pizzas in a hybrid wood-fire oven that sits right by the front window. Chef Gerardo Calabrese’s twice-risen pizza dough comes light and crispy, with toppings like margherita (from B140), four cheese (from B250), seafood (B370) and even nutella (B200). Also not-to-be-missed is the focaccia stuffed with truffle paste and cheese (B280), while the menu also spans burrata with cold cuts (B440), strozzapreti pasta with pesto (B260) and truffle ravioli (B350).
Silom Soi 3, 094-754-7777
22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Goethe), 02-287-2402
The French fine-dining powerhouse L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is set to take on Paul with its own take on casual French lunch fare and desserts at Central Embassy. It’s a concept cribbed from Hong Kong, where for some time diners have been enjoying sandwiches and desserts endorsed by the most Michelin-lauded chef in the world at several mall locations. At Le Salon de L'Atelier, you can find both premium signatures from L’Atelier like Alaskan king crab with caviar and jelly made from shellfish innards (B2,800), as well as light fare like sandwiches (B200-350), crepes (B350), waffles (B420) and desserts (B450). Try the waffle with passion custard, caramelized bananas and coconut (B420). Tea and coffee are available at B200 and B180.
G/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd.,
After parting ways with Rocket, Central Embassy's flagship fashion store Siwilai has filled the sizeable coffee-shop void with its own Siwilai Cafe. The kichen is helmed by New Zealand chef Blair Mathieson (previously of Quince) who maintains the focus on brunch and cafe bites. Avid foodies who attended this month's Courageous Bangkok event might have got a sneak peek of the menu in the form of the light and flavorful cured salmon served with beetroot, green apple, dill creme fraiche, rice cracker and edible flowers (available here at B350). Other highlight dishes include shakshuka (baked eggs with tomato sauce, garlic, feta cheese and roast peppers, B300) and club sandwich with grilled chicken, cheddar cheese and Sriracha mayo (B320), while there are also pasta, salads and smoothie bowls. On top of coffee and smoothies, cocktails are created by the Sugar Ray team. Of course, the wonderful views of the British Embassy’s gardens remain.
5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5836
This socially conscious endeavor offers training for people with special educational needs as well as food for people with dietary restrictions. At Steps with Theera, a spin-off of Sukhumvit Soi 42's Theera, you’ll find many dishes that aren’t just vegetarian but also free of gluten, dairy products and soy. The many savory dishes include an awesome veggie burger (B190). Served in a wholewheat bun, the chef makes this egg- and soy-free dense patty with pumpkin, sweet potato and feta cheese, and dressed with honey balsamic sauce. A cute little decor detail is that each chair is made from a different types of wood, symbolizing how every person in the program is an individual.
29/8 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-6590
Not far from Chinatown's rising hipster rendezvous of Soi Nana, Wanderlust dishes out cafe cuisine courtesy of a chef with 17 years' experience of Australian coffee shop culture. Phunchita Kamonto (also of Baba Eating House in Pattaya) rolls out Melbourne cafe-inspired dishes with flavor twists. Her chia pudding (B160), for example, also features coconut milk and tropical fruits, while the skillet Dutch pancake (B180) mixes the crispy baby Dutch pancake style with America's thicker, fluffier interpretation. Also try the eight-hour-braised pulled beef burger (B240), which features a kick from cajun spices. On top of espresso (B70) and drip coffee (B100), you can also find drink creations like “The Metro” (espresso with tonic and orange juice, B120) and avocado smoothies (B140). The space itself sits in the Bangkok branch of 2W Bed and Breakfast, attracting customers with gray-dominated decor with a chic, minimal feel.
149-151 Rama 4 Rd., 089-757-7770
