Feeling shipwrecked with no idea where to find fresh, perfectly prepared seafood?
By Ashima Sethi
When you first approach Octo Seafood Bar, you immediately think of the word big. And if you live in central Sukhumvit, you have probably seen the establishment’s giant octopus statue, fondly known as ‘Octo’, which stands in the centre of its glass enclosed dining room. However, it only takes one walk past Octo’s towering tentacles that you truly understand just how expansive this seafood hub really is.
The 2,000sqm two-floor restaurant is painted in vibrant hues of seafoam, light brown and navy exuding a relaxed ambience. The industrial-chic décor, combining iron, dark wood and large window fixtures, transports diners to a grand cruise liner. This design is also reflected in the 360-degree Iron Bar on the first floor, as well as the various food stations offering ceviche, sushi and a salumeria for cheese and cold cuts.
A testament to the restaurant’s commitment to fresh quality produce, seafood fanatics will definitely enjoy picking their own ingredients from open-top tanks filled with imported lobsters, white and black seabass, groupers, giant river prawns, as well as varieties of crab, such as the Alaskan king, all priced according to weight.
Food and Drink
The menu is split into various sections to ensure that every discerning diner will find precisely what they are craving. We began by sampling the restaurant’s platter of six Oysters (B680), which arrived in half-shells accompanied by three distinct condiments — a zesty mignonette, spicy Thai-style seafood sauce and smoky hot sauce. Each bite reflected the restaurant’s ethos of freshness, guaranteed to appeal to all fans of the delicacy. Next was Galician octopus (B580), a Spanish-inspired creation of thinly sliced, braised octopus tentacles, served with diced potatoes, avocado and shallots. The tender seafood’s natural tang was elevated by the subtle smoky flavour of the paprika.
Meanwhile, lovers of Thai cuisine will relish the Deep fried Grouper with fresh chili sauce (B990). With a juicy inside and super-crispy outside, the enjoyable dish is enhanced by a peppery dressing. Similarly, Charcoal grilled prawns with secret Kodang Talay signature sauce (B560) makes a lasting impression with fresh, succulent meat that easily falls off its shell, and stands out in contrast to the spicy, garlicky condiment. For a unique twist on a classic, Stir fried squid with salted egg (B270) is a good choice, as this calamari-inspired variety offers an extra kick thanks to its rich coating. Although seafood is at the heart of this establishment, patrons can also indulge in a variety of Western mains and meats, including a comprehensive list of pastas and Sicilian-style pizzas, such as the mouth-watering Margherita (B650) or Parma ham (B750).
No pescatarian diet is complete without something potent. Luckily for us, Octo Seafood Bar prides itself as being a social drinking house. Apart from Iron Bar, which serves up a variety of ciders, craft and draft beers, such as the Hoegaarden Witbier (B290 for a pint), the restaurant also boasts a comprehensive wine list and a fully-stocked cellar.
Upstairs is Dr.Fetch offering Instagram-worthy, ocean-inspired cocktails in a sultry setting. For something fruity, order Ocean Bouquet (B400), a refreshing concoction that cleverly combines a fragrant French coastal liqueur with pineapple juice, lime, cloves and turmeric. Another unique creation is Misty Shores (B400), a slightly savoury cocktail consisting of creamy coconut cream, herbs and hints of sea grape. A firm favourite is What Under Earth?! (B400) a hard-hitting mixture of tequila, roselle and sea salt served in a giant clam. Lastly, for some added fun, make sure to visit the establishment’s hidden speakeasy Sugar Ray. All you have to do is find the secret door!
OCTO SEAFOOD BAR
88/2 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand
Open daily from 5pm to 1am
Tel: 090 456 9098
Facebook: @octoseafoodbar
www.octoseafoodbar.com
