The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Travel blogger OATS x Somewhere’s passion project Drop by Dough has outgrown its original idea as a shop dedicated to the beloved donut, and has been fully developed into an all-day dining restaurant that serves eats beyond sugary holed desserts and café drinks. The third and latest Drop by Dough outpost takes up 130 square meters of space on the first floor of Emquartier, and it serves savory dishes created in collaboration with Chef Wittawat “Max” Jermsurawong. Described as Modern Scandinavian comfort food, the roster includes appetite-driving dishes like potato fries with truffle-infused mayo dipping sauce (B190) and roasted pork belly penne with tomato sauce (B420). The donuts have also taken on a savory twist. There’s a breakfast-inspired donut sandwich stuffed with scrambled eggs and Parma ham (B240) and a chunky burger-like version with juicy beef stuffing (B290). Drop by Dough at Emquartier also plans to include a section for lifestyle products, like its donut-scented candles launched back in June.

Unagi Sanya is one of those under-the-radar places that’s been around longer than the hype cycle. Fifteen years, to be exact. They only use large, fresh-cut eel, not the pre-marinated stuff, and the difference is obvious the moment your bowl hits the table. The eel is steamed before grilling, which helps reduce oiliness and makes the bones soft enough that you don’t even notice them. The sauce has been simmered and refined for over 15 years, thick and not overly sweet. They also serve solid sashimi, which is a rare bonus for an eel spot. It’s the kind of place you’ll quietly recommend to friends. 1, 12 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 089-005-1199. Open daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm. Closed Monday.  

What it is: A sleek breakfast spot and coffee roastery on the ground floor of EmQuartier's Helix building. With its moody, sophisticated decor and a prime location overlooking the central garden and waterfall, D'ARK EmQuartier is a reliable, upscale retreat from the Phrom Phong hustle. Why we love it: D'ARK takes its morning coffee very seriously. Whether you opt for a classic flat white or a meticulously prepared single-origin pour-over, the quality is undeniable. But it's much more than just a place for a great brew. The breakfast menu is packed with well-executed comfort food, from classic smoked salmon eggs benedict to creative toasts like truffle mayo chicken sourdough. It's a master of the morning meal, providing a polished and delicious start to any day. Time Out tip: Snag a table on the outdoor terrace if you can. It’s one of the best spots in the city for people-watching over a morning coffee, and it's pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join, too. 

What is it: Larder BKK is an artisanal bakery-charcuterie-deli where bread, house-cured meats and sandwiches meet minimalist Polish-inspired design. It’s a bright, two-storey space that’s equal parts cafe, bakery-lab and deli-counter – perfect for sandwich lovers who care about crust as much as filling.  Why we love it: Everything here feels personal – from the slow-fermented rye and focaccia to the fillings that hit that perfect savoury note. Tuna 3000 with hard-boiled egg and tartar sauce is a cult favourite, while shokupan hot pastrami with sauerkraut and mustard channels classic deli nostalgia. Other standouts include croque khun poo ying (a playful Thai-take on croque madame) and Polish sandwich 3.0 with smoked ham and egg.  Time Out tip: Roast beef on sourdough with dijon, egg and smoked paprika is a lunchtime essential – rich, peppery perfection.  Larder BKK. Sandwiches from B190. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-5pm.

What is it?: A Japanese/Californian fusion restaurant with a cocktail bar and DJ deck that gets livelier by the hour as the evening progresses. Why we love it?: No artificial meats are used and the sauces are all imagined in house in this third floor shophouse walk-up, as they constantly dabble with the perfect way to enhance the mostly Californian sushi-oriented menu plates, each as colourfully presented as the decor. This is some of the finest vegan comfort food in the city and the laid back vibe totally matches partners, Oranan and Erics’, views on life in general, and that is to have fun and to take care of those around you. WTF sushi rolls will knock your socks off as the mango chili dressing needs the wasabi side to cool it down. The quinoa-based burger offering comes in the softest of buns, house ketchup and mayonnaise, plus skinny fries as good as they get. There is a limited selection of six well-chosen wines and a bar team that mixes all of the cocktail favourites. Live music is offered on some evenings, so check out their social pages for information.  Time Out tip: Oranan also runs Hidden Closet, one of the best female sex toy and fetish-oriented businesses in town with a shop tucked away behind the restaurant.. She and her team are always happy to show you around and let you sample the goods, if that’s your thing. 

What is it: A bakery-cafe that’s earned quite the following in Bangkok for its precision-crafted sourdough loaves, buttery croissants and serious sandwich game. With its flagship on Sukhumvit Soi 31 and additional branches in Suan Phlu and Ruam Rudee, Holey brings the bakery-craft to your lunch plate. Why we love it: Bread is the hero here – house sourdough and baguettes get the star treatment, enabling sandwich fillings to shine. Think smoked salmon and fried egg on crisp artisanal bread or a hearty panini pressed with premium ham, cheese and house-fermented pickles. These are the kinds of sandwiches where the bread whispers ‘I’ve been nurtured for 48 hours’ and the filling adds the flourish. Time Out tip: Go mid-morning when the loaves are still warm. Order toasted panini with a cold brew or oat latte – a simple pleasure done exactly right. Holey Artisan Bakery. Sandwiches from B290. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-7pm.

Hidden on the 2nd floor of The Green Connect Building on Sukhumvit soi 31, this bar doubles as a space where artists can showcase their pieces for free. Cocktail workshops are also hosted on special nights – visitors get educated on Thai liquor-based drinks infused with local ingredients such as Bua Bok Splitz, Honey Spice, Pineapple Beer and Whiskey Tea.

This is one of the many Korean barbecue places in the city, but what make GoGi SeKi special are their friendly prices and noteworthy promotions that extend to those who want to enjoy grilled meals under their own roof. Delivery: LINE (gogiseki1975), Facebook, or call 08 3073 4756

What is it?: Cocotte has long been a Sukhumvit 39 darling, blending the rustic charm of a French farmstead with the sleek energy of a modern bistro. Approaching a decade of dominance, Chef Nicola and General Manager Alex are in the process of levelling up the space with a sophisticated refresh of both the menu and the interiors. The concept remains firmly rooted in the ‘farm-to-table’ ethos, sourcing exceptional beef from Rangers Valley in Australia – spanning everything from Black Angus tenderloin to a truly formidable Wagyu oyster blade. Why we love it: There is a palpable buzz at Cocotte that few other steakhouses can replicate. It feels alive, social and unpretentious – despite the world-class quality of its produce. The wine programme is one of the most thoughtfully curated in the city, designed to complement the heavy hitters coming off the rotisserie and the grill. As they celebrate their 10th year, the upgrades have only sharpened their edge, making the dining room feel more intimate while keeping the focus on the bold flavours that made them famous. Time Out tip: The Tomahawk ribeye is the undisputed showstopper here. It is a massive, bone-in statement piece that arrives with the kind of crusty, charred exterior and meltingly tender centre that garners immediate silence at the table. Pair it with a bottle from their elevated cellar for a quintessential Cocotte evening. Cocotte Farm Roast. Sukhumvit Soi 39, Watthana. 11am-11pm weekdays, 12am-11pm on weekends

Nuttawan “Yui” Supapong discovered that there is more to honey than the locally grown amber-colored sweetener she would take as a child after trying different kinds of honey on a study trip in the north. Inspired by her knowledge on the sugary food product, she decided to open a specialty cafe offering food and drinks made from honey she sourced herself from around the world. Tucked in Soi Sukhumvit 24, Honeyful boasts warm and welcoming interiors featuring wood furniture and flooring, and white beehive-shaped tiles. Green plants liven up the place, while big windows bring in natural light. At Honeyful, Yui wants to emphasize that honey, aside from being delicious, also carries tons of health benefits. “I want people to be able to incorporate honey in their everyday life,” she says. “Taking honey every morning helps strengthen your immune system. When the weather is bad, especially, the best thing you can do is to be healthy. Take it every day as part of your routine. Substitute table sugar with honey. It’s natural and is made of monosaccharides or single-molecule sugars, which the body can process more easily.”  Honey is incorporated in every drink and dish at Honeyful. The selection of honeys are changed every so often and, this season, the cafe offers collection of “monofloral honeys” in a menu called Honeyful Remedies. These honeys are produced by bees that mostly collect nectar from one floral species, thus giving the honey a distinct flavor. Yui says that each honey...

Mutual Bar opened in 2020 and hasn't looked back since. These days it's the reliable name on Sukhumvit Soi 24, the spot you text your mates to meet at. A group of friends dreams it up, all from different walks of life with their own quirks and obsessions, bound together by one thing – they love a good gathering and a proper chat. The space mirrors that spirit, built to hold both their differences and their common ground. It's welcoming enough that even non-drinkers wander in happily, whether to catch the music, crack open a book or simply see a friend. No pressure to order a drink here.Soi Sukhumvit 24. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am. Call 02 550 6820

La Fontana has opened in Galeri 24 on Sukhumvit Soi 24, bringing seafood-led Italian-Mediterranean cooking and a new cocktail bar to the neighbourhood. A Mamma Mia!-themed party marked its arrival, but the kitchen keeps its focus on traditional coastal recipes, old-world Mediterranean wines and Italian spirits. The menu includes fresh gnocchi Bolognese with traditional Bolognese sauce and cavatelli alle vongole, a pasta from the chef’s hometown served with fresh clams and pesto. Spanish octopus is cooked sous-vide, char-grilled and plated with Sicilian capers, black olives and mashed potato. Behind the bar, eight signature cocktails have been designed to complement the seafood-focused menu, making La Fontana as suited to daytime dining as evening drinks. Open daily, 11am-11pm. La Fontana, Galeri 24, Sukhumvit Soi 24

If you’re tired of overpriced mall food, this food cart parked near the entrance of luxury mall Emporium offers the perfect solution. There is only one thing on the menu: Hainanese-style chicken rice that got all the components right. The fragrant rice is packed with garlicky flavors, while the boiled chicken is juicy and tender. A fried option is also on the offer and the chicken is served crispy and not too greasy. For parties of two or more, a slightly peppery-sweet soup with whole chicken bone is served. Here’s the tricky part—trying to nab a seat is like a game of musical chairs. The minute you spot an empty chair, seize it as fast as you can. Otherwise, the remaining alternative is to take your place in the notoriously long queue for take-away orders—or eat while standing.

Hone Bangkok exudes zen calm from the moment you enter. Warm, soft light falls on a long counter facing the grill station and staff discreetly glide through the space tending to your every need. It’s an izakaya in spirit but not the cramped, noisy kind. The room leans minimalist Japanese – pale timber, clean lines and thoughtful textures throughout.  Food follows the same mood. Start with the exquisite chilled capellini with hotate and ama ebi. It’s clean and bright in both appearance and flavour with ponzu lifting the sweetness of the scallop and shrimp without drowning it. Saikyo miso black cod is buttery and comforting – a flakey fish with a soft sugary edge that stays just on the right side of rich. Pâté and caviar toast is a pleasing table opener, playfully presented on caramelised crisp bread and dusted with salt and microscopic petals. Yakitori is where the kitchen really shines. Tsukune chicken meatball comes glossy with teriyaki and shoyu egg yolk – tender with a light hint of smoke. Reba liver teriyaki is confident and simple, proof that careful grilling beats fancy tricks. Between rounds, the seasonal vegetables – zucchini, pumpkin, lotus root and baby corn – pick up a sweet char and reset the palate. If you’re still hungry, go for the premium cut gokujo beef tongue with Japanese leek which brings depth and much satisfaction. The unagi cream cheese roll sounds curious but works on the plate – eel, omelette and avocado balanced by crunchy puffed rice. Coconut...

The name refers less to actual poisoning than to a cocktail menu divided by strength into ‘poisons’ and ‘antidotes’. Once a three-nights-a-week Ekkamai speakeasy, Sugar Ray has since gone daily and moved into a sleek black-marble space inside Octo Seafood Bar on Sukhumvit 24. Track down the costumed doorman to find the entrance. Head mixologist Vipop ‘Tor’ Jinaphan works Thai flavours into classic cocktail forms, with pandan, Bengal spiced tea and ginseng-infused gin among the ingredients. Octo Seafood Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Daily 7pm-2am.

Later that night, I wondered – was I being dramatic for wanting to go back again tomorrow? But when the memory of the Pork Kim-cheese Toastie resurfaces, I know I’m not. Homemade kimchi, melty cheese, and thick-cut sourdough (baked in-house by Sarnies) come together in a perfect storm of flavour. It's crunchy, tangy, savoury – dreamy, even.  This space is what happens when two rule-breakers decide to rewrite the clean-eating script. Pimp My Salad and Sarnies. One built its name on bowls that are vibrant, nutrient-dense and full of personality; the other is known for turning the everyday cafe experience into something bold and unapologetically flavorful. The space itself is bathed in natural light all day long. Ideal for catch-ups over brunch or those spontaneous candid IG stories. But back to the food: Nutty Acai Bowl is the real post-toast finisher. Sure, acai is known as a superfood, but this bowl is also super tasty. Topped with a chunky raw brownie that’s 100% plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free. Zero guilt, zero sugar spikes – just whole, thoughtful ingredients. And if you're not in the mood for toast or smoothie bowls, don’t skip Hula-Hula Tuna. Chilli miso ponzu gives it this bold, spicy depth right from the first bite. It’s layered but not overwhelming – savoury, tangy, a little sweet. Their house-made kimchi adds a nice kick. It's a masterclass in clean eating with intent: every element feels considered, from texture to taste to how it makes you feel...

When you think of a department store like Emporium, you might expect a cookie-cutter cafe or just another polished retail space but this new corner is anything but typical. They’ve transformed the old parking lot into a creative hub where craft, design and community come together. Think of it as a little village of ideas: there’s Sauce Coffee, serving up aromatic brews made with beans from Gem Forest Coffee. Right next to it is Colorama, a cheerful eatery that turns every plate into a rainbow of vegetables, proving that healthy can be both colourful and crave-worthy. You’ll also find a curated selection of tableware, with certain handcrafted pieces made exclusively for this space. And perhaps the most unexpected twist –  the parking ramp has been reimagined as an open art zone, lined with creative installations and cosy corners where you can sit back, relax and take it all in. Address: 3/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 022-691-240. Open Daily 10am-8pm 

This bar in Phrom Phong is all about music and everything in between. Drumsticks adorn the walls, instruments are set here and there, and you can enjoy live DJ and percussion performances every night.  Come here for cool vibes and music-inspired drinks by head barman Pisit "Jeng" Yooyencharoen.

The bar door opens onto a Parisian dream, a cafe-bar that feels plucked straight from a European film. Inside, elegance whispers from every corner, subtle lighting and dark wood turning the space into something intimate yet cinematic. The venue splits into two moods: a dining area at the front, soft with daylight, perfect for brunch or dinner, coffee or mocktails served with effortless style. At the back, the Club zone hums differently, a DJ weaving chill beats while live jazz sneaks in on certain nights, turning the room into a slow, playful dance of sound and shadow. Every corner is made for lingering, for stories shared over cocktails that taste as intriguing as the space itself, moments that somehow feel cinematic even before the first sip. Address: 3/F, Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, an IHG Hotel, 3 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Open Tue-Sun, 6pm-1am. Closed Mon.

Sometimes, a good drink and the right music can transform an ordinary moment into something special. For those looking to unwind with a favourite beverage while enjoying the sounds of music, a vinyl bar run by a Japanese enthusiast of vinyl culture offers the ideal setting. The bar’s aim is to provide a true Listening Bar experience, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing rhythms of jazzy vinyl grooves. A key feature of the bar is its dedication to sound quality with the use of vintage audio equipment. The wooden decor enhances acoustics, absorbing sound and reducing echoes to create a cosy, intimate setting. The music, played through classic equipment once used in cinemas, adds to the bar’s nostalgic charm. You can unwind and savour organic ingredients in your drinks. 4th Floor, Cannabis Culture Club, 635, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 095-978-9196