The Best Restaurants in Thonglor, Bangkok

This restaurant made headlines when it opened because of its zero-waste, urban farm concept. The kitchen grows 37 varieties of edible greens and aims to be entirely carbon negative by 2019 – fitting right in with Thonglor’s sustainability vibe. The all-natural, organic ambiance is set straight away as green gardens extend straight to the table edges, while diners feast on immaculately plated courses like duck with orange, dates, and lentils, or fresh pasta with winter truffle and morel mushrooms. The zero-waste philosophy extends straight to the bar as well, where vegetables from the garden give these drinks their unique, distinctive flavours. Try the Bell Pepper, a blend of whiskey, bell pepper, and pink peppercorn, or the Kale, made with gin, avocado, kale, apple and celery.

The swell of Japanese expats to the area means that Thonglor is in no short supply of incredible Japanese cuisine. Serving fresh fish dishes flown in from Tokyo’s central fish market, Uomasa stands apart for its quality and authenticity, whether you’re craving “fast food,” like ramen or exquisite sashimi.

Housed in retrofitted shipping containers that spill out into a lush garden dining space, The Missing Burro serves up traditional Yucatan cuisine right in the heart of Bangkok. The chefs promise absolute authenticity – as if delivered straight from the most popular street stalls – but with the dash of elegance Thonglor foodies have come to expect. Patrons flock for the food, but ultimately stay for the drinks. Expertly mixed tequila and mezcal cocktails easily wash down the kitchen’s pork tenderloin chuletas or mole and green tomatillo enchiladas.

It’s arguable that the best Thai food comes directly from the streets of Bangkok – however, Canvas takes traditional Thai cooking and adds lavish modernity. Featuring six- and nine-course tasting menus of “contemporary Bangkok cuisine”, Canvas offers a fresh twist to traditional Thai ingredients like catfish with tomato and tamarind, and purple yam flatbread topped with Thai wagyu and bone marrow. For a high-brow evening and a full stomach, look no further.

In a city where Spanish cuisine is often limited to Paella, Arroz brings so much more to the proverbial table. The restaurant is located in a charming mid-century home that oozes an eclectic Spanish atmosphere, assisted by the wide variety of Spain’s best meats, cheeses, and wines on display. Arroz meloso is a house specialty – a creamy, risotto-esque variation on Paella mixed with ingredients like truffle cheese and sautéed mushrooms or monkfish cheek. Mouthwatering traditional tapas like jamon iberico and croquetas are on the menu, too. But don’t fret – Arroz has incredible Paella as well; seven varieties of it, in fact.

Thonglor’s vibrant Japanese community has long supported an unofficial race to deliver the best sushi, a contest that grew increasingly flat over time. Maki on Fifth re-energised the game by offering a Chicago-style fusion, immaculately plated and unique to the kitchen. The creativity of the chef doesn’t disappoint. The Mafia Maki is a crowd-pleaser, combining salmon tempura, avocado, cucumber, “mafia mayo,” tobiko, and kiware. Or venture away from the maki rolls and try the seared scallop with truffle, or its signature Poseidon on Fire – a zesty mixture of crab, shrimp, and scallop set on fire when served.

Among the best of Bangkok’s Italian offerings, La Bottega Di Luca stands out for its consistent contingency of loyal expats after authentic cuisine. The kitchen is stocked with fresh ingredients sourced directly from Italy, and the bistro ambiance and international wine selection complete diners’ journey from the streets of Bangkok. The lush menu is suitable for all occasions as well – there are quieter, intimate tables, a partially covered outdoor terrace, and a private room for parties of up to 14 guests. The chef is known for his gracious hospitality, greeting returning guests and checking in to ensure everyone is enjoying food, like the chef’s special risotto with black truffle cheese and cured Italian bacon, or homemade pappardelle with wild boar ragout and pecorino Toscano cheese.

Specialising in Southern Thai cuisine – one of the few in Bangkok – this family-owned restaurant serves up authentic dishes hitting every spicy note on the spectrum. The Khua Kling is the house specialty, a chilli-fuelled dish of young pork ribs fried in curry paste. Or dive into Southern cooking headfirst and try the Phad Sataw, packed with iconic Thai stink beans and shrimp paste.

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