The buzz: Sebastien Lalanne is the executive chef in the kitchen, and Olivier Limousin, formerly of L'Atelier Robuchon, is the brains behind the menu. Together, this new spot with last week to bring a light mix of French fare and tapas-style dining to Soi Somkid. 

 

The vibe: Honestly, it kind of gives off high-end bar vibes when you walk in the front doors—in a good way. You’re greeted by greenery from every angle in a dark, moody space with a Bohemian feel, and to one side you’ll find an epic wall carved with an Olmec head in Thai style. The red lampshades over the dining area give off sultry, intimate atmospherics, and the large windows are packed with plants to provide a jungle feel. 

 

 

The food: It’s French to be sure, but this food is coming from all over and it knows it. First off, start out with their tapas tower, a beautifully plated tree of goodies giving off a little enchanted forest to go with their eight bites. The humita gyoza with Joselito Iberico ham is a favorite. At other times, it can skew a little more humble with their oyster and lardo with tomatillo agachile and Thai basil oil or go with something really innovative like their Leche de Tigre Ceviche, served with fried lotus root to give it a little crunch. Their lamb cutlet packs an incredible amount of lamb taste into just a few small bites and a salty jus, but honestly the smaller dishes like the smoky cauliflower hummus topped with edible flowers and the elote baby corn covered in popcorn give this space a cool, fun vibe that’s not just for dinner. Top the evening off with their mango creme brulee with coconut tapioca and a splash of rich passion fruit sorbet.

 

 

The drinks: Boasting an expensive wine list, bottles of bubbly start at B2,200, whites at B2,000, and reds at B2,100. We said it looks like a bar, and the bartender agrees, Coba is slinging signature cocktails that go hard. While they don’t yet have a cocktail list, BK was able to have a cucumber and dill cocktail at this space you can smell before you see. 

 

Why we’d come back: It’s a chatty vibe with bites that impress and don’t make you think too hard. The location is one foodies know, so this one will be a spot to keep on your list.