The buzz: The latest of the ever-expanding Water Library empire is a contemporary gastro bar offering a sizeable menu filled with classic Western dishes backed up by some of the best cocktails in town. 

The décor: The interior is pretty striking with an ambience that takes its inspiration from a 19th-century steam-powered factory, including an impressive steam punk chandelier, an archway of lights, plus lots of glass piping and black steel. There's even a real fire behind the bar.

The food: The international comfort dishes span snacks to full courses and desserts—all served up by Swiss Chef Urs Lustenberger, who you'll sometimes spot in Water Library Thonglor’s kitchen. You’ll be familiar with dishes like steak and fries (wagyu flank steak with salsa verde, B790) or refreshing duck salad with onsen duck egg and soy and citrus dressing (B270) while some dishes like baby cos salad (B290) come with a few Thai touches like kai kem (salted egg) and poo nim (soft-shell crab). Simpler options include the tuna ciabatta (marinated tuna, lime, fennel seed, aioli and daikon, B320) or beef burger(B380). We also like the affordable lunch set menu—B390 for 2 courses and B450 for 3 courses.

The drinks: It's at night that things really heat up with live bands and that fire. You should jump at any chance to taste a cocktail by top mixologist Mirko Gardelliano and his talented team, with almost ten bartenders behind the counter ready and willing to whip up drinks using the homemade infused liquors. Try signature options like L.I.I.T. Nitrogen (vodka, gin, rum, coca cola, lime juice and nitrogen, B480) or the Blue Blazer 1881 (ice ball, bourbon whiskey, Absinth, Grand Marnier liquor, B380).

The crowds: Currently a few foodies and the town's beautiful people.

 

 

 

The buzz: Run by the same team behind Signor Sassi, the concept here is much more energetic, casual and fun. Inspired by the types of small Italian dishes served in Northern Italy, Chef Filippo Pagani is running the kitchen while Marco Berti, restaurant manager, is front of house.

The décor: There's a similar vibe to the Cicchetti in London—lively yet casual. The splashes of vivid yellow and beautiful marble work are the main appeal of the place, especially during the day when the light streams in through the wall-to-ceiling windows. The sizeable and energetic open kitchen is crammed with staff busy pan-frying, catching  lobsters or making pizza and pasta. There’s a small terrace looking onto Rama 1 Rd. if you care for a cigarette.

The food: Resolutely Italian from a la carte options that are great for sharing to a six course set menu at B1,590. The menu is partly seasonal but you can also expect their classic pizza and homemade pasta dishes. The suppliers are the same as at Signor Sassi so that means tomato and lemon imported from Siciliy or prosciutto from famous San Daniele. Pizzas, like pizza fritta (B150)—thin, fluffy and stuffed with ham and cheese, are made to order, while pasta includes tagliatelle bolognese (B160) and spaghetti lobster (B590). We’ve also spotted a lot of customers visiting just for the decadent-sounding lobster burgers (B490).

The drinks: They concentrate on Italian wines with a good  choice by the glass ranging from B130-B645 that come with a brief profile and tasting notes. Regular beers include Asahi (B90) and Morena (B190).

The crowds: Couples enjoying dinner, hi-sos and celebrities checking in on their Instagram.

 

 

 

 

The buzz: Run by the same team as Cafe de Tu, this elegant and spacious restaurant has a striking position on the second floor overlooking the BTS and an equally striking American hunting lodge styledecor, while the food focuses on classic Western dishes, backed up by a creative drink list. 

The decor: The theme is very outdoorsy, and very log cabin from the stuffed animals placed at the front door and behind the bar, including a rather impressive grizzly bear, to the etchings of hunters. There's also lots of wood on show, particularly the large rustic dining tables and heavy log bench seats. The wooden chandeliers add a slightly medieval touch to proceedings.

The food: As you'd expect , it's mostly hearty Western dishes with a few fusion options to please the local crowd. Dishes include rocket salad with calamari (B220), spaghetti tomyam gung (B240) or if you're really feeling peckish try the whole roasted chicken stuffed with rosemary, celery, wine marinated leek (B820), or the steak for two (B1,600)—450 grams of grilled and baked rib eye.  The lunch set starts from B240 with choices including spam fried rice or spaghetti carbonara served with salad or fries. Alas, despite the name there's no marshmallow and cracker inspired desserts.

The drinks: They get a hand from Vice Versa Cocktail to create drinks like the 4th of July (bourbon, candy, Chartreuse liquor, ginger ale and Peychauds bitter, B350) that comes with sparklers for that firework effect, or the super sweet Moroccan Dessert (B260) served in a candy jar with a taste of brown sugar and orange-infused liquor. They are big on imported booze, with whiskey starting at B240 per glass or B2,300 a bottle and craft beer from B260 a bottle. They also promise a choice of craft draught beers soon.

The crowds:  Those who love a stylish setting, this place is truly Instagram gold. 

 

 

 

 

The buzz: Run by the Miyabi Group, behind the Japanese yakiniku (grilled meat) buffet restaurant chain, this fusion restaurant’s kitchen is led by Japanese chef Takeshi Hegami who offer various dishes from 8 well-known 8 regions of Japan from Kyushu to Hokkaido.

The decor: The design emphasizes simplicity with a dominant monochrome tone, thanks to white partitions and black marble table. Grey chair cushions imitate tatami seating while partitioned levels and artfully changing LED lights on the ceiling hint at the changing seasons.

The food: They promise a variety of imported fresh ingredients from Japan including rarer treats such as basashi (horse meat). If you don’t know where to begin, try the assorted starter (B280) which comes with nine appetizers including sour tako (octopus), avocado salad, grilled fish, boiled egg (any of them might be changed) before you take on the Wabisabi sushi (five layers of mashed pumpkin, rice, avocado, minced salmon and akami, B350). They offer a lunch set (11am-3pm) which starts at B120.

The drinks: Japanese  plays a huge role in the drinks menu. Not only do they offer a standard sake list but they also have sparkling versions, wines and a good choice of beers. Most of their cocktails are based on Captain Morgan rum and Bacardi. Try the Kodakara Strawberry sake (B260 per glass and B2,400 a bottle) which you can drink alone or mixed with soda and ice. Draught beers include Sapporo (B200 per glass).

The crowd: Office workers coming for the affordable set lunch.