From inexpensive cafes to luxurious restaurants, here are the best places to eat in Bangkok.
For travelers who can't imagine exploring a country without a gastronomic immersion in its culinary traditions, Thailand's capital is the perfect fit. Bangkok boasts around 50 thousand establishments of various levels and classes, catering to every budget, from quick and hearty snacks for $10 to luxurious evenings with delectable dinners that can cost several hundred dollars. While it's impossible to list all the iconic culinary spots, let's highlight some of the most famous ones.
Bangkok Food Tour: Travel Tips
Many places in Bangkok stay open late, and there are night buses (with some routes operating 24 hours a day) for getting home after a gastronomic adventure. However, solo travelers are advised to avoid tuk-tuks at night.
Downtown is known for its array of reputable restaurants.
Tanon Fa Atit features trendy, modern establishments, ideal for lively groups of young people.
Kao San and parts of Silom are well-suited for family travelers.
Culinary franchises (such as Black Canyon and Starbucks) tend to have relatively higher prices. If you're looking for an economical lunch, it's more practical to seek out strictly Thai establishments.
Keep in mind that in luxury restaurants, a 10% service charge is typically added to the cost of your meal, and an additional 7% will be paid as a special tax.
Bangkok's Luxury Restaurants
Most of the capital's luxury restaurants are concentrated in the Downtown district, on Sukhumvit and Silom streets. Dining here is expensive, but the experience of indulging in the exquisite interior is truly worth it.
Vogue Lounge
This glamorous establishment in the heart of Downtown boasts a modern aesthetic characterized by glass and metal. The interior is tastefully designed in black and white. The reputation of Bangkok's business restaurant scene is masterfully upheld by a chef with Michelin-starred restaurant experience.
Chef's Specialty: Oysters served with red and black caviar.
Address: 96, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Rd.
Website:voguelounge.com Average Check per Person: $65 USD.
J'Aime
Another fine French cuisine establishment crafted by chefs with Michelin experience. Bangkok's elite frequently patronize this venue.
Chef's Specialty: Frog leg soup and sea bass served with truffle oil.
Address: 105/1, Ngam Duphli Soi.
Website:jaime-bangkok.com Average Check per Person: $70 USD.
Water Library Chamchuri
This restaurant is renowned for its authentic cuisine. It's known for its unique combinations of over 10 types of sauces, fruits, and meat and seafood dishes. The establishment's standout feature is its exceptional selection of alcoholic beverages, with the creator being an official importer of wines.
Chef's Specialty: Foie gras with balsamic vinegar, served on a bed of mango.
Address: Chamchuri Sq.
Website:waterlibrary.com Average Check per Person: $50 USD.
Smith
Tables at this Bangkok restaurant are always fully booked, making it nearly impossible to secure a spot without a reservation. Smith doesn't offer conventional dishes; instead, many items on the menu are unique signature creations.
Chef's Specialty: Mussels in cream sauce and steak smothered in kiwi sauce.
Address: 1/8, 49, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:facebook.com/SmithBKK49 Average Check per Person: $50 USD.
Issaya Siamese Club
Located in an ancient Thai villa, this club also doubles as a restaurant. It serves dishes prepared following strictly traditional national recipes.
Chef's Specialty: Desserts made with jasmine flowers.
Address: 4, Sri Aksorn Soi, Chua Ploeng Rd.
Website:issaya.com Average Check per Person: $45 USD.
Aston Dining Room & Bar
Aston Dining Room & Bar is a cozy and intimate venue that can accommodate no more than 30 guests. Externally, the restaurant resembles a loft, with its overgrown vines and ivy adorning the exterior. The chef and owner of the restaurant personally cooks alone at a special counter, allowing customers to witness the culinary magic firsthand.
Chef's Specialty: Discovery Menu - a combination of several appetizers, a main course, and a dessert.
Address: 31, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:astonbkk.com Average Check per Person: $60 USD.
Rooftop Restaurants in Bangkok
In Bangkok, you'll find many restaurants located on the rooftops of skyscrapers, and some of the most famous ones are at the Bayok Sky Hotel.
Bayok Sky Restaurants
While some tourists may not find the food at the hotel's restaurants to be the most exquisite, the cuisine here is secondary.
Most visitors flock to one of Bayok's 7 restaurants primarily for the breathtaking view. The view of the capital is particularly stunning at sunset, as the lights of Bangkok gradually illuminate the city (starting at 5:00 PM).
Finding an available table without a reservation can be nearly impossible, especially during peak seasons. An electronic reservation presented at the hotel entrance grants access to the observation decks situated on the 77th and 84th floors.
The hotel's restaurants include:
CRYSTAL GRILL
Specializing in Japanese cuisine and Americanized meat dishes. The maximum dining time is 2 hours, and the admission cost is $56 USD.
Bangkok Balcony
Where you can dine in the open air without time limitations. The ticket price is $66 USD.
STELLA PALACE
A delight for enthusiasts of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The admission fee is $60 USD, inclusive of black or chrysanthemum tea.
BANGKOK SKY
Here, you can enjoy an hour and a half dining experience for $33 USD. This establishment specializes in traditional Thai cuisine.
Floating Market
Another Thai restaurant in Bangkok styled like a floating market. The dining experience is similar to BANGKOK SKY.
FRUIT BUFFET
Located on the 18th floor, this café in Bangkok caters to fruit enthusiasts. Every item on the menu features fruit ingredients. It remains open until 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee is $30 USD.
Roof Top Bar
A destination for those seeking drinks rather than a meal. The menu exclusively offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar stays open until 2:00 AM, and the price is $20 USD, which includes one of the specialty drinks.
Hotel Address: 222 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand. To reach the hotel, you can take the overland metro train (BTS) to Ratchathewi Station.
Other High-Rise Hotels
The following high-rise restaurants in Bangkok are also worth considering:
Moon Bar (Banyan Tree Bangkok): The standout feature here is a large telescope through which all visitors can admire the starry sky.
Sky Bar and Breeze (1055 Silom Road): The "tallest" dining spot on the planet, located on the 63rd floor.
The Long Table (48 Column Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 16): This venue can accommodate up to 70 people at a single table.
Red Sky (999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan): Offering jazz music, magnificent city views, and exceptional meat dishes.
Other Luxury Restaurants in Bangkok
Among the places that have received numerous positive reviews from visitors, and where the average check per person exceeds $45 USD, the best options include:
The Balcony (Silom Soi, 4): A summer bar with two terraces.
Rio Grill (Phayathai Rd, 296): Famous for Brazilian cuisine, especially grilled fish and meat. One serving is substantial enough to satisfy even three people.
Barbican (Silom Rd, 4-5): A coffee bar offering excellent Italian food, jazz music, and happy hours.
Dim Sum (Sukhumvit Soi, 39): A delightful experience for those who dream of dining like Chinese emperors. Their specialty is roast duck with apples.
NO-Hands (Rama IV Road, 19): A unique dining experience where diners literally eat out of the hands of waitresses.
A L'Etage (Sukhumvit, 39): All about French cuisine. If you're fortunate, you might even encounter a couple of local politicians.
Thai Restaurants in Bangkok
These establishments in Bangkok fall into the mid-priced category.
Thai Lao Yah
A renowned restaurant located at Hotel Cabochon, Thai Lao Yah is famous for its original colonial-era decor, capturing the essence of Thailand's past. The menu primarily features dishes typical of the northeastern region of the country.
Chef's Specialty: Chicken legs sautéed in sweet and sour sauce and ant eggs.
Address: 14/29, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:cabochonhotel.com Average Check per Person: $17 USD.
Paste
Operated by a Thai-Australian couple, Paste offers a unique blend of flavors and eras. The menu is a creative mixture of vegetables and expertly prepared seafood.
Chef's Specialty: Fried crab with avocado, chili peppers, mango, and papaya.
Address of the Establishment: Gaysorn, 999, Ploenchit Rd., Lumpini.
Website:pastebangkok.com Average Check per Person: $30 USD.
Hot Rod
Designed in a traditional Asian style featuring tigers, dragons, and ornate patterns, Hot Rod offers a menu primarily focused on sushi, rolls, and noodles.
Chef's Specialty: Spicy set.
Address of the Establishment: 63, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:hotrodtapas.com Average Check per Person: $13 USD.
Soul Food Mahanakorn
If you're a tourist with a firm desire to savor authentic Thai cuisine, a visit to Soul Food Mahanakorn is a must. The chefs here don't compromise on spice levels, so expect every dish to come with a satisfying amount of spicy curry.
Chef's Specialty: Banana flower salad, roast beef, and pork with rice.
Establishment's Address: 56/10, 55, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:soulfoodmahanakorn.com Average Check per Person: $16 USD.
Supanniga Eating Room
Supanniga Eating Room boasts a unique menu crafted by the co-founder's grandmother, featuring recipes not commonly found in modern establishments. The cafe also offers a delightful rooftop terrace.
Chef's Specialty: Chicken and potato massaman served with Thai curry.
Establishment's Address: 160/11, 55, Sukhumvit Soi.
Website:supannigaeatingroom.com Average Check per Person: $25 USD.
Somtum Der
Somtum Der offers a delightful dining experience with reasonable prices and delectable hearty cuisine. The standout feature of the menu is their exceptional salads.
Chef's Specialty: Chicken and potato massaman served with Thai curry.
Address: 5/5, Sala Daeng Rd.
Website:somtumder.com Average Check per Person: $18 USD.
Other Local Thai Food Restaurants
Le Du
At Le Du, you can savor dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. For example, try the spiced black barracuda for $11 USD.
Bankara Ramen
For an authentic ramen soup experience, Bankara Ramen is the go-to place, offering it for $9 USD.
Namsaah Bottling Trust
Despite its Barbie-house appearance with extreme pink decor, Namsaah Bottling Trust serves some of the best salmon tartare for $10 USD.
Hyde & Seek
Indulge in the signature Thai fried chicken at Hyde & Seek for $22 USD.
Simple. Natural Kitchen
This restaurant is renowned for its unwavering commitment to using GMO-free, natural ingredients. Try the $12 USD chicken appetizers here.
Budget Cafes and Fast Food in Bangkok
There are three types of affordable dining options in the capital that offer tasty and satisfying meals.
Thai Eateries in Bangkok
Throughout the city, you'll find Thai eateries, both indoor and outdoor in the form of kiosks and stalls. Here, you can enjoy dishes such as fried and stewed noodles, rice, seafood, as well as roti pancakes and bread, all served on tin trays, with an average bill of less than $8 USD.
Some of the most popular budget cafes in Bangkok's Khao San neighborhood include:
Himalayan Kitchen
May Kaidee
Tom Yang Kung
Krua Nopparat
These cafes offer a wide range of options, from vegetarian dishes with plenty of spices to traditional spicy meat specialties made with pork, beef, and chicken.
Indian and Chinese Cafes in Bangkok
Chinese and Indian cafes are predominantly found in Chinatown and Pahurat, the neighborhood where many Indians reside. You can enjoy a meal for $10 USD per person, featuring items like noodles, rice, and salads. Some of the most famous cafes include:
Chong Tee
Royal India
Western Fast Food on the Streets of Bangkok
Affordable Western-style eateries serve burgers, fries, herbal tea, coffee, and other familiar European and American fare. You'll find these street food establishments primarily on Khao San Street. Local McDonald's and KFC locations are exceptions and are situated on Sukhumvit Street and in the Siam neighborhood.
European and American Restaurants in Bangkok
Enoteca
Enoteca offers traditional Italian dishes such as tortelloni and spaghetti with truffles, tomatoes, feta, and black truffle for $15 USD.
Little Beast
Little Beast features a solid interior combining leather, concrete, and marble. The highlight of the menu is pork cooked with cheese and jam, with an average check of $50 USD.
Gianni
Gianni, an Italian restaurant on Ploenchit Street, is renowned for serving the best pasta in Bangkok, with prices averaging $40 USD.
Ma Be Wa
Ma Be Wa is a spacious and affordable place offering Italian and other Mediterranean cuisine, where you can enjoy a hearty meal for $30 USD.
Angelinas
Angelinas, an Italian restaurant, combines a sophisticated menu with a scenic river view. Many menu items are the chef's creations, with an average check of $35 USD.
Japanese Restaurants in Bangkok
Japanese restaurants in Bangkok, as in other cities in Thailand, are quite numerous. Most of them are located in the eastern part of Silom Street. The best establishments of the cuisine of the land of the rising sun are the following:
Ginza Sushi-Ichi
Ginza Sushi-Ichi wows customers with the omakase principle: the chef himself decides what dish to prepare for the guest (average check - $115 USD).
Isao
Isao is known for making sushi out of everything they can. It's worth booking a table in advance and preparing $30 USD per person, which is the average check.
Jidori-Ya Kenzou
Jidori-Ya Kenzou's aesthetic interior harmonizes with the authentic Japanese menu (average check per person is $15 USD).
Zen
The exclusively wooden interior of Zen will not leave any visitor indifferent (average check - $25 USD).
