The Best Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand
From riverside fine dining to sizzling street stalls, here are my recommendations for the best restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok doesn’t just eat — it feasts. This is a city where food is woven into the rhythm of daily life, from sunrise bowls of boat noodles by the canal to midnight curries inhaled on plastic stools under fluorescent lights.
The Thai capital is a sensory overload in the best possible way — vibrant, heady, and always just a little bit chaotic — and its dining scene mirrors that energy.
Michelin-starred temples of fine dining rub shoulders with humble street carts that have been serving the same dish for generations. Here, you can find fiery southern curries, delicate central Thai cuisine, Isaan grilled meats, and Chinese-Thai comfort dishes, often within the same neighborhood.
This guide is a difficult one to write, considering the sheer size of the city and its rich, delicious food heritage.
In this guide, I’ve tried to choose my favorite restaurants from all over Bangkok (but also from the areas you’re most likely to find yourself in), as well as spots that represent the wonderfully diverse cuisine of Thailand — from elegant tasting menus to the kind of local eateries you’ll dream about long after you’ve left.
I’ve divided this guide into two main sections: first, the sit-down restaurants — the modern, air-conditioned havens where you can settle in with a cocktail and enjoy the city’s more polished side — and second, the street food stalls and casual spots serving the kind of local grub that defines everyday Bangkok life.
Don’t forget that if you’re planning a longer visit, my 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary will help you make the most of it. So, let’s dive in — these are the best restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.
Short on Time? Here are my top picks for Bangkok
Where to Stay: Capella Bangkok, Four Seasons Bangkok, The Siam, The Mustang Blu, Kimpton Maa-Lai
Where to Eat: 80/20 Eighty Twenty, Saneh Jaan, Le Du, Mam Tom Yum Kung
Things to Do: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market, Jim Thompson House, and a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River.
23 Best Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand
1. Sam Lor
Located just south of the Talat Noi neighborhood, Sam Lor is an excellent spot to end the day after exploring Bangkok’s historic riverside lanes. Run by chefs Napol “Joe” Jantraget and Saki Hoshino, it’s a stylish, neo-Thai bistro that reimagines local street food with a playful, modern twist.
The menu leans into bold, drink-friendly flavors — think Spicy Tomato Salad ( ripe tomatoes, rice with peanuts, dried shrimp, and fish sauce), Goong Chae Nampla (Thai-style prawn ceviche), and smoked pork ribs with tamarind jaew sauce.
The space is relaxed and buzzy, with concrete interiors, warm lighting, and just enough edge to feel distinctly Bangkok. It’s the perfect dinner stop when you’ve wandered Talat Noi’s narrow streets and want a meal that’s both cool and deeply Thai.
2. Charmgang
Not far from here, you’ll also find Charmgang, a buzzy, dimly lit spot that draws a young, stylish crowd for cocktails and creative Thai fare – one of the best restaurants in Bangkok, I managed to sample on my last trip.
The restaurant glows in warm, ruddy light — part bar, part dining room — and the food walks that fine line between modern technique and pure Thai soul.
Dishes showcase local ingredients in unexpected ways, like the Koji-aged Beef Skewer with Fermented Fish Chili and Tomato Relish, where tangy fruit and crispy shallots cut beautifully through the richness, or the Burnt Coconut ice cream, a textural dream with sweet, creamy, and crisp all in one bite.
It’s contemporary Thai dining done right — playful, original, and still unmistakably rooted in place.
3. 80/20 Eighty Twenty
Not far from the Talat Noi stretch, you’ll also want to carve out an evening for 80/20 (Eighty Twenty). This one-Michelin-starred restaurant sits on Charoen Krung Road in Bang Rak and is helmed by the chef couple Napol “Joe” Jantraget and pastry chef Saki Hoshino.
The name 80/20 originally referred to the idea of 80 % local ingredients and 20 % chef’s inspiration — though in recent years they’ve pushed increasingly toward using nearly 100 % home-grown produce.
The dining experience is built around a dynamic, seasonal tasting menu that reinterprets Thai (and regional) flavors using creative techniques like fermentation, pickling, and surprising pairings.
On a recent visit, highlights included a gaeng som with unusual textures and bold sour notes, a pan-seared reef cod in vibrant broth, and a vivid dessert of black sesame ice cream and tropical fruit that stayed with me.
The setting leans industrial-chic, with exposed concrete, an open kitchen counter feel, and just enough warmth to keep things inviting.
If you’re after a fine-dining Thai experience that still feels rooted and adventurous, 80/20 is a must on the Bangkok map.
4. 100 Mahaseth
Just a short walk from the riverside, 100 Mahaseth is a standout in Bangkok’s evolving Thai dining scene — part Isaan soul, part fearless nose-to-tail cooking.
The restaurant is run by Chef Chalee Kader (alongside his team) and takes seriously the philosophy that “nothing should go to waste.” It’s not for the faint-hearted — the menu leans heavily into offal, lesser-used cuts, and bold regional inspirations — but the results are often revelatory.
When I dined there, I sampled the charcoal-roasted bone marrow topped with toasted perilla seeds, lime, and scallions — rich, earthy, with just enough brightness to cut through the fat.
I also tried their “Northerner’s hot dog”, a playful riff on sai ua sausage tucked into a brioche-style bun, and fried tripe (crispy, salted, garlicky), which felt like the kind of snack you’d share over drinks back in Isaan.
More approachable dishes lurk too — grilled pork shoulder jerky, ox tongue, and beef entrails in a spicy, peppery broth offer gentler entry points.
The space itself is warm and rustic — exposed brick, soft light, and just enough rough edges to feel like you’re somewhere in between a hip bar and a serious kitchen. If you’re up for adventurous eating and want to experience a more daring, deeply Thai side of Bangkok, 100 Mahaseth is absolutely worth carving into your Bangkok itinerary.
5. Err Urban Rustic Thai
Just around the corner from Charoen Krung, Err Urban Rustic Thai is a laid-back yet creative spot bringing together street food flair with cocktail bar energy. Featured on Somebody Feed Phil, where Phil Rosenthal tried the house-favorite Movie Chicken (crispy chicken skin) and a passion fruit cocktail, Err captures the fun, flavorful side of Bangkok dining.
The menu reinvents Thai classics with local ingredients — smoked pork with young mango salad or crispy rice balls with salted mackerel — all punchy, textural, and perfectly shareable. It’s casual, cool, and exactly the kind of place you’ll want to linger over one more drink.
6. Saneh Jaan
Located on Witthayu Road, Saneh Jaan is a Michelin-starred restaurant that reimagines Korat-style Thai recipes with refined precision. The setting is elegant, but understated with warm lighting, polished wood, and quietly attentive service.
The menu highlights heritage dishes like massaman curry with slow-cooked Kamphaeng Saen beef, crispy rice vermicelli with river prawn, and delicate flower-shaped fish dumplings.
Every plate balances nostalgia with technique, offering a window into Thailand’s culinary traditions through a fine-dining lens. It’s polished Thai heritage dining at one of the best restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.
7. Plu
I can’t take credit for finding Plu — I ended up here by happy accident, tagging along with a group of new friends during a work trip in Thailand — but what a find it was.
Hidden on Yen Akat Road, Plu blends refined Thai flavors with just a touch of Chinese influence, all in a lush, elegant setting that feels more like a private home than a restaurant.
The menu is wide-ranging but thoughtful: dishes like crispy duck with lychee, stir-fried crab meat with yellow chili, and pomelo salad with grilled river prawns strike that rare balance between freshness, richness, and finesse.
The crowd was a mix of locals and in-the-know expats, and everything from the service to the pacing felt effortlessly polished. Plu might not be the loudest name on Bangkok’s dining scene, but it’s easily one of the most sophisticated.
8. Côte by Mauro Colagreco
The name Mauro Colagreco won’t surprise any traveling foodie — Colagreco, of Mirazur fame, brings his French Riviera flair to Bangkok inside the stunning Capella Bangkok, where I stayed for a few nights on my most recent visit.
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, Côte blends Mediterranean elegance with subtle Thai influences in a serene, polished setting. The tasting menu is refined yet unfussy — a perfect reflection of both Colagreco’s philosophy and Capella’s understated luxury.
9. Le Du
Le Du (from the Thai word for “season”) is located on Silom Soi 7 in Bang Rak, and it’s helmed by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, a locally raised talent with international training.
The restaurant leans on tasting menus (4- or 6-course) that shift with the seasons, putting Thailand’s best produce front and center but with thoughtful technique. One signature to look out for is their Khao Chae / River Prawn (Khao Kluk Kapi twist) — beautifully balancing floral, savory, and sour notes.
Dining here feels polished without being stiff. The service is warm, the plates are precise, and there’s a sense that every dish is telling a story — of land, season, and heritage.
10. Thai Niyom
Thai Niyom is all about Thai home cooking — the kind you’d be lucky to experience in someone’s kitchen rather than a restaurant.
Helmed by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn of Le Du fame, it’s his more casual, nostalgic venture, focusing on traditional recipes done with meticulous care. Expect dishes that lean hearty and comforting: stir-fried crab meat with curry powder, grilled river prawns with chili-lime dipping sauce, and southern-style yellow curry that packs serious depth.
The space itself is relaxed and quietly elegant — more neighborhood dinner party than fine dining — and the flavors stay true to their roots while still feeling elevated.
11. Baannok BKK
Baannok Bangkok is a charming Langsuan-area gem specializing in Korat-style Thai cuisine (from Nakhon Ratchasima) that tones down the region’s usual sweetness for broader appeal. The signature Pad Mhee Korat (stir-fried noodles with giant river prawn and duck egg) and the sweet-and-sour Korat sausage salad are among the must-tries.
For something more soothing, their Kaeng Liang Kam Thale So (spicy vegetable soup with seafood) brings herbal depth in a dish I really loved. Set upstairs in the VIVRE building on Lang Suan Road, the space feels warm and nostalgic — like dining in a well-kept provincial home transplanted into the city.
12. Nahm
Nahm is one of Bangkok’s best modern restaurants — a name that for many food lovers already carries weight.
Situated in the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok (on Sathon), Nahm is helmed by Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, who carries forward its legacy with a fresh, deeply rooted perspective.
The food here is bold without being flashy — flavors are balanced, layered, and often rooted in heritage recipes, but presented with elegance.
The Heritage tasting menu is the way to go if you want to ride the full arc of what Nahm does best: canapés, shared mains, soups, relishes, and desserts — all built around Thai ingredients like shrimp paste, lemongrass, garlic, and chillies but with surprising touches.
13. Baan Nual
Tucked inside an old shophouse in Bangkok’s historic center, Baan Nual is an intimate, reservation-only spot with just a few tables and a home-style feel. The menu focuses on elevated Thai comfort food — bold, authentic, and cooked with precision.
Highlights I had included the Moo Pad Kapi (stir-fried pork neck with shrimp paste), Yum Dukkajorn (a cowslip creeper salad with minced pork, shrimp, and coconut cream), and the stir-fried pork liver with garlic and pepper.
Even simple dishes like fried rice with pork crackling or cabbage with egg shine — proof that Baan Nual turns humble ingredients into something memorable.
14. Thien Duong
For a short break from Thai food, Thien Duong is Bangkok’s quietly compelling Vietnamese destination. Once housed in the Dusit Thani hotel itself, it now carries on the legacy in its renovated enclave, retaining its reputation for clean, balanced Vietnamese cooking.
The space is warm and tasteful — mustard-toned walls, rose-pink granite touches, antique artworks, and a mix of indoor/outdoor flow. On the menu, you’ll find classics done thoughtfully: bánh xèo (Vietnamese crepe), cha ca (Hanoi’s turmeric-fried fish), and grilled lamb rack with mint-tamarind sauce, which I highly recommend.
The menu draws from all regions of Vietnam, so expect both familiar favorites and lesser-known gems.
15. The Never Ending Summer
Located just steps from the river and only about a 5–10 minute walk from ICONSIAM, The Never Ending Summer occupies a stylishly repurposed warehouse behind The Jam Factory. The space leans industrial-chic — exposed brick, tall ceilings, an open kitchen peeking in — but it maintains a warm, lush feel.
The menu is unabashedly Thai, with plenty of familiar flavors and some creative spins. Favorites include beef massaman curry, stir-fried morning glory, and a crisp Thai omelette topped with crab meat. The portions are generous, the presentations thoughtful, and the pacing is perfect for a midday break.
The Best Street Food in Bangkok
16. Por. Pochaya
Por. Pochaya is located on Wisut Kasat Road in the Ban Phan Thom area of Phra Nakhon. It’s a family-run spot now in its third generation, and ideal for weekday lunch runs (don’t expect evenings or weekends; it’s closed then).
The cuisine here leans traditional Thai-Chinese with a few faithful hits that keep people coming back. Two signature dishes: the crab omelette (light, generous with crab, perfect balance) and stir-fried beef with cumin leaves (aromatic, slightly spicy, very satisfying).
Other favorites include pork liver stir-fried with garlic and shrimp with vermicelli.
17. Mam Tom Yum Kung
Tucked around the corner from the backpacker chaos of Khao San Road, Mam Tom Yum Kung is the kind of no-frills street stall that reminds you why Bangkok’s food scene is unbeatable.
There’s really only one dish you need to order here — the prawn tom yum. Made with a generous pour of coconut milk, it’s spicy, creamy, and just the right kind of rich — the kind of soup that makes you sweat a little and smile a lot.
The prawns are huge and plump, the broth is perfectly balanced between tangy and fiery, and the whole experience feels like Bangkok in a bowl. Forget the fancy spots for an afternoon — this is where you’ll taste the real deal.
18. Pad Thai Narok Taek
Over in Khlong San, Pad Thai Narok Taek (literally “Pad Thai Hell Breaks Loose”) is a street-food legend. What sets it apart is the showmanship and intensity: the chef throws noodles into an inferno-hot wok, giving the dish a smoky “wok hei” character that many say you won’t find elsewhere.
Their version is simple but bold — fresh shrimp (or your choice of protein), crisp bean sprouts, chives, peanuts, and tamarind sauce — balanced so it’s not overly sweet but intensely flavored. It really is one of, if not the best, pad thai in Bangkok.
It’s a bit off the tourist track (you’ll likely need a short taxi ride from BTS or the river), but that’s part of the fun.
19. Lucky Seafood
Lucky Seafood is a bit out of the way — located in Bang Phrom, Taling Chan — but absolutely worth the trip for one of the best restaurants in Bangkok. This is one of my favorite finds from my last trip and serves fresh, unapologetic Thai-style seafood, with house-made curry and chilli pastes playing starring roles.
Standouts include the stir-fried crab with bird’s-eye chilli and the non-spicy squid cooked with curry powder. The spot is modest — no frills, local energy — but if your mission is flavor over flash, Lucky Seafood delivers.
20. Ten Suns
Ten Suns (ไร้เทียมทาน 十光) is a beloved old-town noodle stand that punches way above its weight. Located on Wisut Kasat Road in Phra Nakhon, this family-run spot is a winner every time I come here, which is pretty much every time I’m in the city.
The specialty here is braised beef noodle soup — pick from cuts like tongue, cheek, shoulder, or shank (or go mixed) — simmered in a fragrant, mellow broth seasoned with Chinese spices and balanced with a backbone of beef richness. Meatballs are also a solid add-on.
The shop itself is simple (open windows, fans, no frills), but the soul in the bowl more than repays the walk.
21. Jeh O
Located at 113 Soi Charat Mueang in the Rong Muang / Pathum Wan area, Jeh O is a casual eatery famed for one dish above all: the Mama Tom Yum noodles — a spicy, slightly creamy tom yum broth loaded with seafood, pork balls, crispy pork, raw egg yolks, and ramen-style noodles.
The place draws serious lines — wait times of an hour or more are common. They use a queue-number system, so arrive early to get your spot. Beyond the noodle pot, other hits include crispy pork belly, fried tofu with garlic, and salmon sashimi in Thai-style dressing.
22. Ann Tha Din Daeng
Ann Tha Din Daeng is one of those classic Bangkok seafood spots that proves you don’t need white tablecloths for incredible food.
This long-running, family-style restaurant serves bold, flavor-packed dishes that keep locals coming back — stir-fried prawns with salt and pepper, clams with sweet chili and basil, and a fluffy crab omelette that’s worth the trip alone.
Everything tastes fresh, fiery, and unmistakably Thai. It’s a bit of a local secret across the river from the main tourist drag, but if you’re serious about seafood, this is exactly where you want to be.
23. Khun Daeng’s Vietnamese Noodle
Khun Daeng’s Vietnamese Noodle is one of those low-key Bangkok spots that locals love and travelers stumble upon by luck, I know I did on my last trip.
It serves a Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup, kuay jap yuan, that’s all about balance and comfort — chewy rice noodles in a peppery, aromatic broth packed with pork, sausage, and plenty of umami.
The flavors are bold yet soothing, and it’s the kind of bowl that hits perfectly after a morning exploring the old town or when you just need a quiet, satisfying meal away from the chaos of Khao San.
Ready to experience the best Bangkok restaurants? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.
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