I enjoy food, both cooking and eating it. And as a long-term resident of Bangkok, I’m glad to say that this city is quite a good eating town. The range and quality of food (especially non-Thai food) has increased tremendously over the past two decades. There are new generations of talented young chefs who are educating the dining public about good food. There is an emphasis on quality products with many artisanal producers and small farmers springing up across the kingdom.
The list here are places I like to go and I like to bring visitors to. It is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Of course, there is no accounting for taste so I hope you aren’t disappointed! Feel free to drop me a comment for suggestions and changes.
Click here to return to my recommendations for a first-time visitor to Bangkok.
Click here for my list of hotel recommendations in Bangkok.
Click here for a list of my recommendations on shopping in Bangkok.
Let’s begin with Thai food:
Hidden down a side soi in Chinatown, this restaurant is a cool and contemporary take on the traditional curry and rice restaurant. (The name literally translates to “curry bowl”.) The three chefs previously worked for David Thompson’s famed Nahm restaurant and have created a place that is designed for adventurous diners.
Location: 14 Soi Charoen Krung 35 in Talat Noi District near MRTA Hua Lamphong station.
This popular chain of Thai restaurants has become quite a hit with tourists. Despite this, they are worth a visit as the food is tasty and the menu extensive. There are many locations; Reservations recommended.
Location: In Siam Paragon, Central World Plaza, EmQuartier, ICONSiam, and other locations around Bangkok.
Southern Thai food is super flavorful, influenced by Indian and Sri Lankan culture, and can also be super spicy. However, a visit to this restaurant is highly recommended as you will get to try some Thai food that is very different than what you’ve had back at home! Additionally, Southern Thai food has become quite on-trend here in Bangkok the past few years.
Location: 98/1 Soi Thong Lor Soi 5, Sukhumvit 55 Road (Thong Lor) – a bit tricky as it is on a sub-soi that connects Soi 5 and Soi 9 and parallels Thong Lor proper. About a 10-minute walk from BTS Thong Lor station. There are also a few other locations in Bangkok but this will likely be the most convenient.
This popular place is a reliable, long-time pad thai provider. Located in a shop house in the Rattanakosin Island area of the city, the queues are long but the food is worth it. Surrounding vendors also produce a variety of good food so you can nibble around.
Website: http://thipsamai.com/
Location: 313-315 Maha Chai Road, an easy walk from MRTA Sam Yot station.
And now for some non-Thai food:
Authentic Roman style restaurant, well worth a visit. Very good food and a wine list full of tasty wines at a fair value. Reservations recommended.
Address: 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, a 10-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong station.
Excellent modern takes on Mexican food from a chef who grew up in Mexico City. Chic and cozy space and plenty of vegetarian options.
Location: 306 Thanon Santiphap, near MRTA Wat Mangkhon station in Chinatown.
Bangkok outpost of a popular restaurant in Yangon, Myanmar. The food is an interesting fusion of flavors that reflect the many cultures that have passed through this region over the centuries. Tea leaf salad is of course excellent as is the whole menu. They have a related restaurant in Chinatown (above Delia, in fact) called Namsu, that specializes in Northern Shan State and Yunnanese cuisine. Also worth a visit.
Location: 6 Soi Sangchai, Sukhumvit Soi 38, a 5-minute walk from BTS Thong Lor station.
This hip community mall space has a large common space (thus the name) with many restaurants surrounding it. You can order from any of the restaurants and sit anywhere you like. There is good food, a nice vibe and in the evenings there is live music. You can also find a branch of Roast on the top floor, an excellent choice for brunch.
Location: Thong Lor Soi 17, a 15-minute walk from BTS Thong Lor station. Note there is another location on Soi Saladaeng near BTS Silom – this location has a similar vibe to Thong Lor but a different mix of restaurants.
Emporium Food Court
High-end food court with a wide variety of good food from many popular street food vendors. Good choice if you need a break that will satisfy many different tastes and won’t break the budget.
Location: Emporium Shopping Mall, fourth floor, adjacent to BTS Phrom Phong station. There is also a good food court across the street at the EmQuartier mall on the basement floor.
christao408 
Pingback: Questions About Visiting Bangkok | christao408