Menu

PAUSE Eats: Top Restaurant Picks – Bangkok

Must-try Restaurants in Bangkok!

PHOTO CREDIT: The main dining room at Nusara– Courtesy of Nusara/Jinnawat Borihankijanan

Food is a huge part of Thai culture, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Bangkok, a city where eating is very much part of the experience. From its famous street food to some of Asia’s most renowned fine dining restaurants, there’s plenty to build a Bangkok itinerary around. Whether you’re looking to try one of the world’s most talked-about restaurants, something a little more experimental or a laid-back spot to enjoy local Thai cuisine, these three dinner spots are definitely worth the visit.

Nusara, Phra Nakhon

CUISINE: Contemporary Thai    PRICE: ฿฿฿฿

Located directly opposite Wat Pho, Nusara is one of Bangkok’s most celebrated restaurants, and for good reason. From chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, the restaurant was created in honour of his grandmother, drawing inspiration from family recipes, traditional Thai cooking and ingredients from across the country. The experience takes guests through different areas of the restaurant, from welcome bites and an introduction to the kitchen to beautiful rooftop views of Wat Pho, before moving into the intimate main dining room overlooking the temple. Throughout the tasting menu, ingredients are presented and the stories behind each course are shared, giving guests a deeper understanding of the chef’s inspiration and the regions and traditions behind the dishes. With a Michelin star, a 2024 Art of Hospitality Award and a No. 5 ranking on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, Nusara has a long list of accolades, and it’s easy to see why.

PAUSE RATES: 5/5 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Incredible! I don’t want to spoil it, but the entire experience is one that will stay with me forever. I can’t wait to visit again.

” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

Food: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑     Service: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑      Ambience: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

MENUSReservations!
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy @nusarabkk
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of @khaan.bkk

Khaan, Chidlom

CUISINE: Modern Thai    PRICE: ฿฿฿

For a more experimental take on Thai cooking, Khaan is one to know. Led by chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn, the restaurant draws inspiration from Thailand’s street food culture and traditional recipes, reworking familiar flavours using modern techniques and unexpected combinations. The 11-course tasting menu is full of surprises, with dishes that engage more than the taste buds, including a particularly interesting take on durian served with tapioca sago and salted coconut. There’s a strong focus on local ingredients and sustainability too, with produce sourced from different regions of Thailand. Set inside an intimate dining room with warm red interiors, Khaan offers a playful and inventive approach to Thai fine dining that’s quite different from the more traditional tasting-menu experience.

PAUSE RATES: 5/5 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Such a unique dining experience and one of the most creative takes on Thai cuisine that I’ve ever come across. Brilliant!” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

Experience: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑     Service: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑       Ambience: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

MENUSReservations!

Khao San Sek, Samphanthawong

CUISINE: Thai    PRICE: ฿฿
Located inside a restored shophouse on Song Wat Road, Khao San Sek offers a more casual approach to Thai dining. From chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, the restaurant is built around five ingredients at the heart of Thai cooking: fish sauce, palm sugar, chilli, rice and coconut. The menu combines dishes inspired by different regions of Thailand, with the option to order individual plates in different sizes or choose a set menu. There’s also a changing daily rice dish. With its cosy interiors and relaxed atmosphere, Khao San Sek is a great choice for sharing plates with friends, and the dessert menu is worth saving room fo.

“A cosy dining space with even cosier Thai dishes. The kind of local restaurant that could easily become a regular go-to.” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

Food: ⭑⭑⭑⭑      Service: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑      Ambience: ⭑⭑⭑⭑

MENUReservations!
PHOTO CREDIT: @khaosansek.bkk
PHOTO CREDIT: @yooniquehousebkk

Yoonique House, Sathorn

CUISINE: Korean-Inspired Café & Brunch    PRICE: ฿฿

Bangkok has a thriving coffee shop and brunch culture, and Yoonique House is a lovely example of why it’s worth exploring. Tucked away on a quiet street in Sathorn, this Korean-inspired café combines beautiful interiors with a laid-back atmosphere. The menu goes beyond great coffee, with Korean-inspired dishes, brunch favourites, matcha and speciality drinks. It’s also laptop-friendly, with complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a great spot to catch up on some work or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon. A real hidden gem worth checking out when you’re in Bangkok.

“I’m so happy I stumbled across this hidden gem! The most gorgeous café, with the nicest vibe and even better food and coffee. I love this place!” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

Food: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑      Service: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑      Ambience: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Check Out!
PHOTO CREDIT: BKK.EAT – The dining room at Khaan

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.