From Nobu to Invitation Only, everything you need to know about the new venues at Empire Tower
No place in Bangkok is bringing more heat this year than EA Rooftop. These are the can’t-miss spots.
Everyone knows that the EA Rooftop at Empire Tower is bringing big names to the Bangkok F&B scene. From the 55th to the 58th floor, this spot is making a one-stop-shop style venue for downtown locals and tourists like a panoramic view from the sky high fine dining to hot date bars. Other spots, like Sartonia with Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo, are set to open in the later this year. Here are the new venues that have opened so far.
Recently opened, the world renowned Nobu is the latest fine dining space to open at The Empire and the highest Nobu in the world. With Hollywood written all over it, Robert De Niro first formed Nobu with Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper in 1994. Today, Nobu boasts more than 56 restaurants and 36 hotels worldwide. The views are unbeatable, and Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese/Peruvian influences have garnered international plaudits for decades. Choose a la carte from the menu, but the big get this year is the 30th anniversary celebration omakase (B3200).
From Thailand’s unstoppable Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn comes Le Du Kaan, the fine dining little sister to the inimitable Le Du. If you’ve always wanted to try Le Du but can’t be bothered with the tasting menu, this space gives you an a la carte version of some of the Michelin-starred treats from one of Bangkok’s biggest names in dining. Pop into the Main Dining area on 56th floor to sample the menu, and get a table by the window if you can—which should be hard as this spot is built around the view. But, if you’re more there for the vibe and the scenery than the food, the accompanying Sky Bar is the spot for a drink outside.
Hong Kong’s superstar Michelin-star chef, Vicky Cheng, has just launched K by Vicky Cheng. It’s not just big news for Bangkok, this is the chef’s very first venture overseas. A hot new space for Chinese fare with contemporary flair, this venue will be putting Chinese cuisine and Thai produce together for “The Harvest of Kilin” menu, stylized after the Kilin of Chinese myth. Frequenters of Hong Kong will know Vicky from his VEA mixing Chinese and French flavors, and N°5 Wing and #20 at are both World’s 50 Best alums.
Bright white is the signature color of % Arabica—a proper minimalist coffee shop. This will be the 8th branch of the Kyoto-born cafe in Bangkok, known for its use of high-quality beans from three continents: Ethiopia, Panama, Guatemala and Hawaii. The venue features impressive state-of-the-art roasting machines, including custom-built Slayer espresso machines from Seattle. Their new space, just like everything else at The Empire, comes with a killer view.
This one opened about six months ago, part of The Empire resto revamp vanguard. Qraft, known for its Peace Oriental Teahouses and croissant shop in Ari, is on the 55th floor of The Empire with their first all-day dining spot. Their offerings include the bakery and parfait, oriental brunch, and izakaya menu for the evenings. As they’re known for their teas, you have a tea pairing for every dish. Featuring a spacious but minimalistic interior, dark wood furnishings frame the main focus: the panoramic views.
Chef Injin Kim of Banjoo Korean BBQ, known for its quality beef, is indulging in another passion with Korean cookbooks at Onggi, blending age-old Korean cooking with Thai ingredients. et on the 55th floor of The Empire Tower with wrap-around views of Sathorn, the blinking city lights add to the tranquil, private appeal of this space at night: dim lights, a warm glow, and a calming soundtrack that lets you focus on the food. Named for the Korean for the earthenware used to store fermented foods, Onggi is not just an homage to technique; it showcases serving styles, including hanjeongsik—a full course display dotted with colorful and complex dishes.
For a little spot of nightlife, this 55th floor venue the team from Cassette Music Bar comes with (as you probably expect by now) a panoramic sunset view and cocktails from homemade ingredients. Contrary to typical small portion bar grub, Invitation Only takes their food menu seriously with piri piri chicken skewers to lamb chop chimichurri to fuel you through the night.
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