Must visit restaurants, bars, and hotels.
By Ashima Sethi
IGNIV has spread its wings and landed at The St. Regis Bangkok. IGNIV, which means ‘nest’ in Romansh is the brainchild of Chef Andreas Caminada, who is behind acclaimed three Michelin-starred restaurant, Schloss Schauenstein and two other IGNIV restaurants in the Swiss Alps (both of which have been awarded two Michelin stars). This new location will be the first addition to the IGNIV family outside of Chef Andreas’ home country of Switzerland and will follow a sharing-style fine dining concept that has been crafted to suit Thailand’s culture. Each menu will be seasonal and light, and the team will be led by talented Head Chef David Hartwig, who has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens.
Nestled inside Langsuan’s Velaa Sindhorn Village, Vaso is a modern Spanish tapas bar that’s taking Bangkok by storm. Inspired by the curvature of buildings in the Mediterranean, the dining room is dominated by an oval-shaped bar that allows guests to watch all the action taking place in the kitchen. Leading the kitchen is Chef Álvaro Ramos, who drew inspiration from his travels to curate a menu of classic tapas with a modern twist, like the Las croquetas (THB 260), Spanish croquettes with Iberian ham; La ostra (THB 160), oysters with burrata, peas, and lime sauce; and El vaso trufado (THB 390), truffle toast paired with a refreshing glass of sangria. Beyond small plates the restaurant offers seafood dishes, variations of paella, and meat served from a custom Basque grill, all of which is best enjoyed with a bottle of their premium wines.
Caper is Chef Dan Bark’s newest dining concept. Situated in the same building as his fine dining establishment Cadence, Caper is a casual restaurant with an upbeat ambience. Open for brunch and dinner, the food is served à la carte and can be described as modern American comfort cuisine. Not sure what we mean? Menu items encompass the Egg benedict waffle (THB 370) with crispy bacon and tomato salad; Jalapeño cheddar biscuit (THB 220) with whipped honey butter and pickled jalapeños; and Foie-rerro bites (THB 340), a unique dish of foie gras parfait and citrus jelly. Just as fun as the food, the punchy cocktails take inspiration from classic American concoctions as well as drinks that trace back to the prohibition era.
One of Thonglor’s newest openings, TRE Bar & Bistro’s ethos is centred around the number three. Nestled within a three storey building, the restaurant is also a bar and a rooftop destination specialising in three unique cuisines, Japanese, Peruvian, and Italian. Inside, the restaurant’s interiors are nothing short of glamorous, boasting dining areas with velvet furnishings and striking chandeliers. Apart from expertly-crafted signature cocktails, on the menu are several bold fusion specialties crafted using premium ingredients such as the Golden bowl, (THB 1,200) an indulgent dish of Australian wagyu beef atop Japanese-inspired rice served with truffle salt and velvety sea urchin, and the Taraba tortilla (THB 380), where steamed king crab is paired with avocado and rocket.
The team behind Mozza and Victoria are introducing diners to their premium selection of meat at Leon by Cocotte in EmQuartier. From top-tier cuts of steak to juicy rotisserie chicken, the tempting choices go on, and on. Served in a rustic dining room complete with red-brick walls and blue leather sofas, recommended dishes include the Leon’s foie gras burger (THB 690), made with your choice of pork or beef, and topped with foie gras cream, onion compote, pan-seared foie gras, and balsamic caramel; Leon’s signature steak (THB 890), where black angus tenderloin is served with thick cheese fondue and a shallot gravy sauce; and the Leon’s bone marrow (THB 390), where grilled bone marrow is cooked with tomato relish and beef cheeks and then topped with crispy shallots and a tangy nam jim jaew sauce.
Soho Pizza have opened their sixth branch in Thonglor. Their first dine-in, stand-alone restaurant, the chain has transformed a 30-seat space into a modern, Instagram-worthy diner that’s reminiscent of New York’s many charming pizzerias, complete with fun murals including a two-storey graffiti of the Statue of Liberty holding a slice of pepperoni. Customers can expect their usual offerings, 18-inch pizzas available in 10 flavours by slice or pie, as well as a variety of snacks and salads. A newly-introduced value set called The New Yorker allows diners to pick one slice of any pizza, a snack or salad, and a soft drink for only THB 219. Open until 4am, the pizzeria is a great option for lunch, dinner, or a much needed late night nibble.
Situated on Naknivas Road in Lat Phrao, Nivas Café and Bistro dishes up delicious regional cuisine. The two brains behind the operation, Chef Taninthorn ‘Noom’ Chantarawan of Michelin-starred Chim by Siam Wisdom and young talent Pitchakorn ‘Pop’ Ramabut, have crafted a menu of unique Thai dishes available at budget friendly prices, such as the Wagyu pad krapao (THB 250), a dish of marbled beef, egg yolk, and spicy fried rice; Pad Thai chai ya (THB 180), in which coconut milk and shrimp paste are added to the classic Pad Thai sauce for a different flavour profile; and Nam prik plaa raa (THB 220), a pungent pickled fish chilli paste. Pair your meal with one of their distinct cocktails that use an array of local herbs and spices for that added kick.
When one thinks about the word ‘wasteland,’ it connotes a bleak, uninhabited wilderness. However, at cocktail bar wasteland Bangkok, pioneers from the country’s F&B scene (including the teams behind Bo.lan, Err and Liberation) want to create a narrative in which a ‘wasteland’ is simply a space humans have given nature to heal by taking our waste and finding new solutions for it. Touted as a ‘community sipping space,’ patrons are invited to enjoy innovative cocktails made with ingredients left over from the kitchen, so they can learn how to be mindful of the environment in our food systems. Currently, libations include choices like Doi 53 (THB 350), crafted using gin, strawberry wine, Thai vetiver roots, and plum; and Recalling past lives (THB 350) that incorporates various rice spirits, niam leaves, chamomile, and dog fennel, with the menu expected to expand in the near future.
Situated on the prestigious Chao Phraya Estate, Capella Bangkok is one of the city’s most exciting luxury openings. The picturesque urban resort houses 101 guestrooms, suites, and villas, each with private balconies and uninterrupted views of Bangkok’s most famous river. In addition to spectacular accommodations, F&B landmarks include the Riviera-inspired Côte by Mauro Colagreco, whose three Michelin-starred restaurant in France, Mirazur, received first place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards in 2019, as well as Phra Nakhon, a restaurant serving heritage-inspired Thai recipes, and Stella for bespoke patisserie and cocktails. For experiences beyond drinking and dining, guests can consult with a Capella Culturist to curate a perfect, personalised riverside getaway.
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PATONG BEACH RESORT
Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach Resort has opened on one of the country’s most famous beaches. The sprawling 600 key property houses guestrooms ranging from spacious pool access rooms with private terraces, to suites with views of the Andaman, and two-bedroom family suites with separate kid’s friendly playrooms. Vibrant and modern, in addition to well appointed facilities encompassing swimming pools, a fitness centre, and Kids’ Club, the hotel features a wide-variety of F&B outlets including Sears & Co. for casual bites and grilled delights al fresco; Chao Leh Kitchen for all day dining and Phuket-inspired cuisine; the Lobby Bar for coffee and light bites; the swim-up Pool Bar for refreshing cocktails; and The Deck Beach Club Patong, the perfect place to unwind over local beers and tunes from resident DJs. For events, the hotel is equipped with 1,200sqm of flexible function space including two ballrooms and breezy garden settings.
An idyllic new beachfront resort, Banyan Tree Krabi’s 72 luxurious suites and villas boast their own private pools, offering guests total privacy in a dreamy, tropical rainforest setting. In addition to spacious guestrooms and the five-star Banyan Tree Spa, the resort is also a destination for dining thanks to its unique outlets. The first, The Naga Kitchen serves global cuisine all day. At Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, guests can savour award-winning recipes from Southeast Asia. Situated directly on Tub Kaek beach with sunset views, Kredkaew Bar specialises in inventive cocktails and flavourful Mediterranean cuisine. However, for a truly spectacular experience, the resort’s Bird’s Nest, also known as their private dining, allows guests to dine while perched among the trees.
Discover an urban sanctuary on the fringes of the Chao Phraya at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Located in the city’s creative district, surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés, the hotel is undoubtedly a hub of style. Opening its doors in November, the hotel has 299 luxurious accommodations covering Deluxe Rooms, Premier River-View Rooms with sweeping panoramas, and Studio River-View Terrace Suites with ample indoor and outdoor spaces to relax in. To pass the days, take a dip in the riverfront infinity pool, enjoy their bespoke wellness experiences, or browse at the dedicated Art Space. Apart from impressive amenities, guests can savour authentic Cantonese cuisine at Yu Ting Yuan, indulge in seasonally-inspired Italian dishes at Riva Del Fiume Ristorante; tuck into expertly-prepared French cuisine at the riverfront Brasserie Palmier; and let the music transport you at the BKK Social Club, where guests will find bespoke cocktails, craft spirits, and premium cigars.
Following Sansiri’s acquisition of a majority stake in The Standard International, the hospitality giants have launched The Peri Hotel brand. Described as a hotel chain with a vision of ‘simplicity and humility,’ this month marks the opening of the first two Peri Hotels, which have been converted from their existing projects, ESCAPE Hua Hin and ESCAPE Khao Yai. At the former, The Peri Hotel Hua Hin, the resort’s design takes inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Old Man and the Sea, with accommodations, drinking, and dining centred on nautical motifs. The Peri Hotel Khao Yai embraces forest landscapes with its design influenced by the film Out of Africa (1985). Not only are accommodations rustic chic, and the famed Khao Yai National Park a stunning backdrop, but the hotels’ restaurants offer al fresco dining to give guests the experience of being on a campground.
