Top Ten Places to Eat

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The Oriental Bangkok has a reputation for stately elegance and Sala Rim Nam, the hotel's fine dining restaurant, lives up to the expectations. Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River directly across from the hotel, Sala Rim Nam boasts fine interior design showing Thai silk and etched glass. Starting at 7 p.m. a professional dance troupe puts on their nightly show. The menu is set in the evening and lunch offers a wonderful buffet. The hotel has a free ferry for diners to cross the river to the restaurant.

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To experience a cuisine and style of a different kind, walk into Cy'an-the 110 seater restaurant at the Metropolitan. Dig your teeth into delicious and delectable items, which draw influence from Mediterranean and Moorish cuisines. The décor is elegant and chic, with tables on the veranda, overlooking the pool. Ready to hit Bangkok's fast emerging dining spot?

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One would expect that a luxury property such as the Shangri-La Hotel should have a restaurant to match its level of style and quality, and in Angelini no one will be disappointed. The Italian restaurant is a three-story stunner with an interior meant to recall Venice. In addition to a nice assortment of seafood, meats, risottos and pastas there is a build-your-own pizza option. Do not miss the antipasti, especially the crab cakes with aioli and avocado salsa. The chef is Italian and every three months his menu changes. Order up a grappa or choose from a variety of Tuscan vintages.

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Zanotti's fine dining Italian menu gets much of its credibility from the fresh ingredients and superb wines flown in direct from Italy. Served in an intimate setting, meals go a long way in convincing diners they are no longer in Bangkok, but Tuscany or Piedmont. Awards for Zanotti's rank it highly not just in Bangkok but in all of Asia. This is the real deal and the service is tops. Smart casual dress is expected.

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Dine in a traditional Thai house with a remarkable menu of gourmet Thai dishes. Baan Khanita has a long list of awards and the reputation among Thai and foreigners alike is quite good. Popular dishes include crab with yellow curry, red curry pork and fish cakes, but don't skip dessert with homemade ice cream. Make a reservation for the Thai pavilion for an open-air dining experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a recommended spot for tom yung goong, and the heat of the phad krapow mu sap is not toned down for the farang palate.

Description:

This corner restaurant is a good economical choice, popular with a mix of foreigners and locals. The expansive, but strictly Thai menu shows English names and photos and so makes Suda a good place to explore the cuisine a bit. The quality of the recipes isn't earthshattering but it isn't bad either and the restaurant has a loyal fan base. Bright orange plastic chairs spill out onto the walk and tables fill up quickly at night. Beer is served as is whiskey, but only the Thai version. The assorted bottles stored around the joint are actually left there by customers who come back regularly to keep working on them. Suda's convenient location just off Sukhumvit Road under the Asoke SkyTrain station doesn't hurt either.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you enjoy duck, don't miss the red curry variety - gaeng phed ped yang.

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The Celadon is often considered one of the best restaurants in Bangkok and Travel and Leisure magazine is one of several to agree. Located within the elegant Sukhothai, it offers diners authentic Thai food in a stylish setting. Glassed in Thai salas and open-air terraces are set amidst lotus ponds creating a dining experience unmatched in Bangkok.

Our Local Expert Says:

The bar opens an hour and half before the restaurant which makes it a good place to catch the sunset before dinner.

Description:

They don't call this Vertigo for nothing. The views from the 61ist floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel are indeed dizzying. Arguably one of the most romantic spots in Bangkok, Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar provides upscale food and drink in a smart casual environment. Grilled seafood and champagne with a 360-degree view of the City of Angels makes this place a must. Enjoy occasional jazz music as well. This is an open-air restaurant and opening hours are weather dependent.

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Part of the exclusive Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, Jesters Restaurant and Lounge is one of the city's most happening night spots. A charming riverfront view is the setting for a meal of Pacific Rim origins. You can choose to sit downstairs or savour the Bangkok skyline from the upper level with a live band lifting your spirits. Note that children below 12 years are not allowed in the dining room.

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It might seem weird to opt for an American-based franchise, but even in Bangkok Trader Vic's has become an institution of sorts serving up South Pacific in both cuisine and atmosphere but with a view of the Chao Phraya River right outside the window. The menu ventures into other areas with American steaks and Jamaican pork, and the classic signature drink, the Mai Tai.