One of the best areas of Bangkok for leisure and fun, Sukhumvit is known for its plethora of clubs and bars. There are many places for a good feed too; check out these restaurants for a fantastic dining experience in Sukhumvit.
Dine in the Dark
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Thai, Asian
Offering one of the more unique dining experiences in Bangkok, Dine in the Dark is located in the high-class Sheraton Grande hotel. Not only will you get to enjoy delicious food and a different experience, but your visit will also help to raise funds for local charities, provide an income for people who may not otherwise find work, and promote awareness of issues faced by blind and partially sighted people. Your meal will be served by blind waiters and waitresses … and you’ll eat in the dark! With no vision, your senses of smell and taste will be enhanced, letting you fully appreciate the rich flavours and scents. You can choose between Asian, Western, and vegetarian dishes, or be bold and opt for the surprise menu.
Cabbages and Condoms is another Sukhumvit restaurant that seeks to both help society and offer something a bit different to the norm. The restaurant seeks to raise awareness about sexual health and other social issues, provide family-planning advice, and raise funds for various community projects. The condom-themed décor is certainly a talking point! You can sit indoors or outside in the large garden. The food served is traditional Thai, but without the usual level of spiciness to accommodate foreign taste buds.
A terrific vegetarian restaurant in Sukhumvit, Govinda serves delicious home-made Italian meals, all veggie-friendly. There’s seating both inside and out, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. With tasty dishes like baked eggplant, soy “chicken” in pepper sauce, soy “shrimps”, various gnocchi, risotto, and a wide range of pizzas, soups, salads, and egg-free pastas, there’s plenty to choose from. Most dishes can be made vegan-friendly too. There are many enticing desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth, like panna cotta, tiramisu, ice cream, orange cake, and chocolate mousse.
Isao is a Japanese fusion restaurant located almost halfway between Asoke and Phrom Phong BTS stations. Their signature rolls are popular, with terrific names like Chicago Spicy Crazy, Rainbow, Jackie, and Winter. There’s a wide choice of hot and cold starters, plus sashimi, sushi, and more. The sets are particularly great for keeping hunger at bay. The interior features clean, minimalist designs and there’s also an outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed.
Gastropub, Pizzeria, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Fast Food, European, $$$
Don’t be put off by the name — No Idea actually has plenty of ideas when it comes to great dining! The casual gastro-pub uses sustainable and seasonal produce to create its simple yet satisfying dishes. In addition to a daily range of specials, guests can enjoy favourites like pizzas, steak, fresh fish, and roast chicken. With more than 500 wines from around the world, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing!
Dine at the family-run El Mercado for the freshest flavours of the Mediterranean in the bustling heart of Bangkok. There’s no set menu; the chef chooses what to cook each day based on the availability of fresh produce. Imported meats, cheeses, and other items that are difficult to find in Thailand complete the dishes. Check the boards for each day’s culinary delights. Sit on the sunny terrace or eat indoors and, when you’ve finished, pick up some imported delicacies from the delicatessen counter for a treat later on. Do note that the restaurant is closed each Sunday.
For a large group looking for somewhere to dine together, few places are better than Long Table. It features, as the name suggests, very long tables! Don’t be put off if you’re in a smaller group or a couple, though, as the modern restaurant also has plenty of booths and smaller tables. The large windows provide stunning views over the city from its 25th-floor location. Serving authentic Thai cuisine, start with treats like prawn spring rolls, mussels, or salmon salad before moving onto duck red curry, beef massaman curry, and grilled sea bass.
Located within the luxury Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Pagoda Chinese Restaurant offers a Chinese taste sensation. The Cantonese meals have many surprising and modern twists, making dining here an interesting and pleasurable experience. Why not order a selection of dishes to share? The rotating centre pieces on the tables ensure everyone can access all dishes; don’t worry about missing out! The family-friendly vibe makes it a good place to take the kids for a nice meal out. The Peking duck, crab rice, and chicken with chilli sauce are especially acclaimed, and many people cannot help but fall in love with the sweet mango pudding.
Fans of Indian cuisine will be more than happy with the offerings at Indus. The set lunch menus are great value for money. For dinner, the tasting menus are perfect if you just can’t decide what you fancy, and there are both meat and vegetarian options available. Alternatively, choose from the extensive a la carte options and relish dishes like meat and veg kebabs, Goan curry, butter chicken, biryani, mutton vindaloo, and more. The setting is enchanting, with lots of twinkling fairy lights and candles. It could be rather romantic in the right company!
Stepping into Karmakamet Diner is like entering a secret, hidden world that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets. Old cloth grain sacks sit on high suspended beams and bottles of potions line shelf after shelf. Marble tables, hanging lights, dark wood, sack-cloth cushions, dried flowers, and a bar that looks like it came right out of a herbalist’s shop help to make this a really Instagrammable dining spot. The meals are also beautifully presented. If you love taking photos of your food, don’t miss the rainbow-coloured Strawberry In The Clouds dessert.
