Top 10 restaurants in Bangkok

No matter what time of day or night you find yourself searching for sustenance in Bangkok, one thing is for sure, you're never going to go hungry. This place is teeming with street stalls, up-market joints and out of the way hidey holes that you'd never have guessed existed unless you had insider knowledge. However, it's not only the quantity of venues that provide a mind-boggling foodie feast in the Thai capital but it's the scope of dishes too. Indian, Chinese, veggie and the very best pad-thai anywhere in Southeast Asia will all have you salivating at the thought and if you're interested in discovering the best of the best restaurants in Bangkok then read on and taan hai a-roi with our top 10 restaurants in Bangkok!

10. Bo.Lan Restaurant
Location: 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53 (Thong Lor, exit 1, is closest BTS).
Ambience: Often considered as Bangkok's number one Thai restaurant, Bo.Lan never fails to impress and if you're hoping to taste authentic regional fare on a fine-dining level then do yourself a favour and head here first. With an organic and locally produced philosophy Bo.Lan not only promotes the very best in sustainable sources but also helps local agricultural communities too and if you're hoping to grab a few souvenirs then check out the farm store front of house.
Food: An impressive and creative list of dishes is spread over 3 set dinner menus with lunch offering a more a la carte experience. This is not a fusion restaurant and not to be entered after having one too many Sang Soms. Prepare to indulge in at least 3 or 4 courses and leave time to enjoy an authentic and unique taste of Thailand never to be forgotten.

9. Soul Food
Location: Sukhumvit Soi, Thong Lor - about 5 minutes walk from Thong Lor BTS.
Ambience: As the name suggests, this restaurant is all about the home comforts and whether you're suffering from the night before or you just fancy trying a few local favourites, grab yourself a table and let the menu do the talking. The staff, the setting and the attention to detail are all designed to make you feel welcome and thanks to the American proprietor’s well-run and honest to goodness desire for a successful all-round eating experience, you're bound to be back for more in no time at all.
Food: Free-range and organic ingredients go into making one of the best regional menus in town and if you like the taste of street food then prepare to triple your expectations from here on out. Grills, curries, sticky appetisers, fresh fish and a signature drinks list are just some of the tempting delights to tickle your taste buds and soothe your soul.

8. Nahm
Location: Ground floor of the Metropolitan Hotel, South Sathorn Road.
Ambience: Think Michelin-starred fine-dining and you won't go far wrong. Seating is intimate with water features and private rooms providing a premium and romantic location to really impress a dinner guest. Décor is a blend of lattice screens and brick columns all touched with blues and golds to create an extremely calming dining experience with views of the Metropolitan's swimming pool if you get bored of the conversation.
Food:  A la carte and set menu options provide an extensive range of dishes with the well-balanced sweet and spicy tastes of Thailand an ever present mainstay and not to be looked over for a western alternative.

7. Blue Elephant
Location: 233 South Sathorn Rd, Kwaeng Yannawa, Khet Sathorn.
Ambience: This is an authentic and elegant introduction to Thai cooking on a grand scale and although the dress code is smart casual you may want to air on the side of smart, just to be on the safe side. The restaurant itself is housed within a 100 year old building which helps to create a nostalgic, almost colonial, ambience that's as charming as the well-considered selection of dishes to be found across a choice of menus.
Food: Classic and traditional Thai combine with contemporary style and creativity to serve up some of Bangkok's most enticing offerings which often look more like a work of art than plate of delicious grub.

6. Steve Café
Location: North of the Grand Palace, by the riverside in Thewet district.
Ambience: Despite the humble name, this is one of BK's best finds ever and if you want to be assured of a table then it's always best advice to ring in advance to avoid disappointment, especially over the weekend. Far from the crowded streets of the capital and with a wonderful view over the water, Steve Café has an unhindered and tranquil ambience with a cooling breeze off the river to help keep the humidity at bay. Staff are happy and friendly without feeling forced and the general laid back atmosphere suggests traditional fishing village as opposed to one of the world's most chaotic capital cities.
Food: This is where you come to get an authentic and traditional taste of Thailand where dishes are prepared and cooked to order using only the best local and seasonal ingredients.

5. Eat Me
Location: Soi Convent Road, a side street located in between Sathorn and Silom.
Ambience: Restaurants combined with art galleries are nothing new however, finding one in Bangkok is something of a rarity which is why Eat Me is such a sought after sanctuary. With a smart casual dress code and mix of high-end dining and comfortable seating, Eat Me provides pretty much the best of both worlds with wooden flooring and rustic-chic faded décor adding to the respectable yet relaxed ambience.
Food: A vast array of international dishes allows diners to do exactly as the restaurant's name suggests with starter salads, beef tagines and blue cheese pasta providing a round the world experience with butterscotch pudding always proving to be too tempting not to try for dessert.

4. Issaya Siamese Club
Location: Near Rama IV Road at 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Road.
Ambience: Although fairly tricky to find, Issaya Siamese Club is well-worth the effort and if you're seeking genuine Thai hospitality and food to match then welcome to perfection. Situated within a peaceful garden, dotted with beanbags, you'll discover a century old building that's got more charming character and wood beams than it's possible to know what to do with. Stepping foot over the wooden veranda you'll be presented with an interior that combines contemporary style with classic Thai touches with several intimate private dining sections if you're feeling in the mood for a romantic or important assignation.
Food: This is Thai cooking at its very best and served with flair and panache to match the delicate and intricate blends of spice, sugar and local ingredients. An excellent wine list and some well-chosen chef's recommendations are definitely worth paying attention to and if you've got room, the deserts are not to be missed on any account.

3. Red Oven at Sofitel So
Location: On the 7th floor of the Sofitel Hotel at 2 North Sathorn Rd, Bangrak.
Ambience: Boasting the best brunch buffet in Bangkok as well wine aplenty and international goodies, Red Oven is a great place for groups and an excellent all-day dining option if you're looking for sustenance in the city. Live cooking stations, cheese, & meat selections, Thai dishes and surf n turf classics, make an eating experience at Red Oven just as fun as delicious and not to be missed after a heavy night out on the BK tiles.
Food: The weekend wine brunch is the ex-pats' favourite with plenty of sashimi, pastas and fresh fruit smoothies helping you keep up your strength for yet another night in Bangkok.

2. Dine in the Dark - Newly listed

1. Seven Spoons
Location: To be found at the cross-section where Chakkrapatipong meets Lan Luang.
Ambience: The recent expansion will no doubt tell you that this out of the way restaurant is fast-becoming the talk of the town and if you're in the mood for affordable prices, friendly service and a relaxed and retro setting then try to keep this hidden gem all to yourself, if you dare. The veggie offerings always attract a more trendy crowd and if you're hankering for a spot of solid conversation without any pretentious over or undertones then prepare to get comfy as this could be a long and fruitful night.
Food: Mediterranean and vegetarian don't always spring to mind when you're thinking of a menu, especially in Bangkok, however, this really works with plentiful portions to help you leave heartily satisfied with your choice. Lots of cocktails, wines and beers more than compliment the food and if you're just popping by for lunch you'll find a range of lighter options to keep you going during the day.

Further reading: Some of the coolest bars in the world can be found high above the streets of downtown Bangkok. Discover the top 10 rooftop bars in Bangkok and make your big night out in the city one to remember.