Decorated in a colorful retro style, this 60 year old traditional Thai house is the setting for one of Bangkok's hidden gems, and is an excellent spot for a romantic sunset dinner. It is tough to find and a bit far out, but well worth the effort, as Steve's Cafe and Cuisine serves up good Thai food in a great setting, right out on the Chao Phraya River in a spot well away from the crowds. The menu is Thai, and in fact "Steve" the owner is a Thai too. While the dishes are toned down for tourist palates, they are still tasty, and you can try some harder to find southern dishes like kua kling (spicy minced pork with herbs) or the fragrant gaeng luang sai bua gung (lotus stem soup with shrimp), as one of the owners is a southerner. It's a relaxed place in a quiet setting, and one of Bangkok's more enjoyable riverside spots. The fabulous views of the Rama VIII Bridge at sunset and the lovely traditional old Thai home that the restaurant is housed in also enhance the experience.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For a romantic setting from a hidden spot looking out at the river, Steve Cafe is lovely.
Dave's expert tip: It is hard to find Steve's. Take the river ferry to the Thewet pier and make sure to copy the walking directions from the restaurant's website.
Think romantic and spicy. Expensive and fashionable, Rang Mahal is the Indian place to take a date to impress. Located in the chic Rembrandt Hotel with great views from the 26th floor over Bangkok, you'll feel like you are dining in the time of the Raj here, surrounded by divans, cushions and oozing ambience. But it is not just the decor that sets Rang Mahal apart. The food is extremely rich, with a sauce laden Northern Indian menu the focus. Standouts include the Kashmiri Rogan Josh, a heavenly goat curry, and the Makhanwalla chicken, which is thick with the flavor of ghee (clarified butter). The garlic naan right out of the tandoori oven is also a common favorite. Yes, you will be paying for the food and experience here, but the atmosphere, location, and sumptuous meals are well worth the splurge and make reservations, as you won't be alone.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For Bangkok's most pampering Indian splurge, the romantic Rang Mahal is one of a kind.
Dave's expert tip: A good way to really enjoy all that is on offer at Rang Mahal is to come on weekends for the buffet brunch, where 1250 baht will allow you to sample all the dishes and eat like a Maharajah!
If you can foot the bill, the staggering views at Vertigo make for one fine romantic evening. The seafood grill here, led by roasted snow fish served with capers and butternut squash as well as the Appetizer Plate featuring seared bay scallops, seared foie gras, tuna tartar, and lobster spring rolls make the journey worthwhile, but the top reason to come to Vertigo is to dine with the best view in Bangkok. The restaurant is perched on the rooftop of the Banyan Tree Hotel on the 61st Floor, and the views are unmarred and open air. Besides seafood, Vertigo also does high end meat dishes, such as Wagyu beef and roasted rack of lamb. If you arrive early, you can have a drink at the neighboring Moon Bar. Be prepared to blow the bank here, it isn't cheap, but for a magnificent splurge, one of Bangkok's true highs!
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For the ultimate romantic treat, dining above the clouds at Vertigo can't be beat.
Dave's expert tip: reservations are absolutely essential here, and there is a dress code. No open shoes or shorts for men. There are 4 course set menus available for 3500 baht without drinks
The House on Sathorn is a Bangkok landmark, a 126 year old charming colonial building that has been amongst other things, an elegant hotel and then the Russian Embassy. It was originally owned by Lord Sathorn, whom the neighborhood is named after, and who built the Sathorn Canal. These days it is one of the most atmospheric bars and restaurants in Bangkok, and a great choice for a romantic evening. While the initial restaurant that was here some years ago is gone, in its place is Paii, which means "to paddle" in Thai, and is named both for the legacy of founding Lord Sathorn, who worked with water, as well as for the fact that Paii serves a high end seafood menu comprised of fantastic lobster, prawns, crab, and fish. Try an Experience or Discovery menu, which are set menus with a bunch of appetizers and either three or four main dishes to allow you to sample the best of the kitchen.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For an intimate and romantic night in a gorgeous colonial home, the House on Sathorn is classic.
Dave's expert tip: There is an afternoon tea serving which also includes food and alcohol. The best way to get here is via the skytrain to the Chong Nonsi Station and then follow the signs in to the W Hotel, which the restaurant sits right adjacent to.
Mezzaluna is Bangkok's most swank restaurant, and dining up here 65 floors above the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline is one of the top experiences one can have while in town, especially as the restaurant has been awarded two stars by the Bangkok Michelin guide, and features the palate-boggling cooking of chef Ryuki Kawasaki, who has manned Michelin kitchens in France, the U.S., and his native Japan, and was named Chef of the Year by the Escoffier Society while working at Twist by Pierre Gagnaire in Las Vegas.
Taking over the helm at Mezzaluna in 2015, Kawasaki has combined his superlative French cooking techniques with some of the most exclusively sourced ingredients to be found in Asia. Take the Niigata Murakami Wagyu beef for example, which Kawasaki brings exclusively to Thailand from Japan. The beef comes from a small breed of carefully selected, high-quality calves from Niigata Prefecture, which are raised on rice straw, hay, and premium compound feed, giving the beef a silky texture and absolute melt in the mouth taste. It is served here at Mezzaluna with black truffles and grilled over binchotan charcoal, and is the signature dish headlining an incredible seven-course tasting menu
Everything about the dining experience at Mezzaluna is done to utmost perfection. A bevy of staff hover around your table, never failing to notice whether you need more bread or water, constantly bringing palate refreshers before dishes, and giving detailed explanations of all the captivating creations. An expert sommelier comes out to explain each wine pairing served with the food, not only giving the origins of each bottle, but complimenting its highlights and flavor profiles, and the cellar here is one of the finest in all Bangkok, with several of the wines served being exclusive to Mezzaluna.
The menu at Mezzaluna is seasonal, changing every three months, although dishes like the Wagyu beef are always featured. Chef Kawasaki says, "My passion is to create experiences that inspire and leave lasting memories for the people I share them with, and our culinary journey at Mezzaluna consists of various textures, flavors, artisinal seasonal products, and cooking techniques."
This is an entire dining experience at its finest, from chef to server to table to ambience. At this point, the sky (and possibly even a coveted third star) is the limit for Mezzaluna and its all star chef.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For the best city lights view in town and to impress a date, Mezzaluna charms.
Dave's expert tip: Reservations are essential here, and it is worth coming early for a sunset drink at the Distil Bar, located just below the Mezzaluna.
For that rare special romantic evening, a dinner at suave Le Normandie is at the top of the Bangkok dining scene. This classy French restaurant on the top floor of The Oriental Hotel is a Bangkok institution and had been awarded two stars by the Bangkok Michelin Guide. Fois gras and roasted Sisteron rack of lamb are just some of the menu highlights prepared by the visiting French master chefs in residence here, all taken in amidst elegance with views of the Chao Phraya River to boot. While dinner here is an absolute bank breaker, the set lunch provides a way for paupers to dine like princes and indulge in Bangkok's most sophisticated restaurant. A three course set menu goes for the steal of 1050 baht and introduces you to some world class cuisine.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For a romantic splurge, fancy French on the river at Le Normandie is one of a kind.
Dave's expert tip: Reservations well in advance at Le Normandie are essential. If you aren't staying at the Oriental, the best way to get here is to take the Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin station and then hop aboard the Mandarin Oriental's free boat service along the Chao Phraya from the ferry pier.
You don't always need a river view to have a romantic night out, as sometimes just the food itself is amorous enough, like at Le Du. Chef "Ton" Thitid Tassanakajohn heads up this Thai influenced relaxed fine dining experience, putting his skills honed at New York's Eleven Madison Park to work as he does contemporary takes on Thai classics. The restaurant name is a take on the Thai word " ru du" meaning seasons, and indeed the tasting menus here get a heavy dose of seasonal produce and ingredients, all sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and more. The presentations are exquisite, and as Chef Ton is a professional sommelier as well, needless to say the wine pairings from around the globe are world class. Le Du has received endless awards, ranging from a Michelin star from the Bangkok Michelin Guide to being ranked 4th on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for 2021. Four and Six course tasting menus are offered here, with exotic dishes like squid and ink, pork blood pudding, and even the most humble variety of Thai bananas getting the most creative and delectable treatment. Tasting menus run from 3,000-3,600 baht and are a highlight for any foodie visit to Bangkok.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For romantic foodies, Le Du is the perfect choice.
Dave's expert tip: To get here, take the BTS skytrain to Chong Nonsi, head out Exit 4, and make the short walk up to Silom Soi 7. Reservations are a smart idea.
If you are looking for the perfect mix of authentic cuisine, creative drinks, and the absolute perfect romantic riverside chill out location, Supanniga X Roots has it all. If you've perused the 10Best side for Thai eating options, you've undoubtedly come across owner Thanareuk Laoraowirodge's other Supanniga branches, eateries that have been on just about every Bangkok food critic's list for the past several years. Laoraowirodge opened Supanniga in order to pay homage to his late grandmother's home recipes, which feature many dishes that come from Trat, on Thailand's eastern seaboard, not easily found in most Bangkok establishments.
This branch is set right opposite Wat Arun, incredibly romantic come sunset and evening, and really is the perfect riverside date spot. The menu is downright authentic, with popular favorites like moo chamuang, a succulent long-stewed pork curry, flavored with garcinia leaves, or poo ja, ground crabmeat and pork that has been seasoned with pungent Chantaburi pepper and steamed inside a crab shell, heading a list of unique and flavor-filled bites. What sets this Supanniga apart from others besides the view is it's teaming up with noted local cafe gurus Roots Coffee and creating an extensive Thai desserts menu to go with the coffee. You can eat the popular street food-favorite coconut rice cakes or deep blue butterfly pea custard served with steamed bread, and accompany the sweets with a cappuccino, or perhaps something more adventuresome such as the Hanuman Cold Brew, where cold brew gets infused with dehydrated jackfruit and an oolong and chrysanthemum tea blend, a Roots creation that is totally unique and found only at this location.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For sumptuous traditional cuisine in Bangkok's romantic river spot, Supanniga X Roots offers plenty of amour.
Dave's expert tip: The easiest way to get here is to take the Chao Phraya River ferry to the Tha Tien pier and walk back down Maharaj Road, turning right down the lane where the Riva Arun Hotel is located.
Nimitr means "special dream" in Thai, and with the dazzling creations coming out of the nouvelle gastronomy kitchen here, foodies visiting Bangkok will indeed be on Cloud 9. Set up on the 27th floor of the elegant 137 Pillars Bangkok hotel, the restaurant overlooks the Bangkok skyline and offers an incredibly romantic experience come dusk, bathed in hues of blue and gold lighting that match the neon panorama outside. You can opt for a tasting menu here, featuring specialties like stir-fried grouper and abalone, pan-seared foie gras, and Hong Kong barbecued pork, order Japanese or Australian Wagyu beef from the a la carte menu, and there is even an extensive tapas menu if you just want to nibble and drink. Nimitr also features an extensive collection of premium Old and New World wines Nimitr excels on every level, from venue to presentation, and most importantly, in its delectable food. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion, an important date, or just to sample some of the creative cuisine that is putting Bangkok at the forefront of the Asian food map.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For a romantic and elegant night looking at the Bangkok skyline, Nimitr stands out.
Dave's expert tip: The nearest skytrain station is Phrom Phong, and you can come to the restaurant in 137 Pillars unique London cab, which runs as a shuttle every half hour between the EmQuartier and the hotel. Check with 137 Pillars as to the schedule.
Three-star Michelin chef Vincent Thierry (he led Caprice in Hong Kong to three stars) who hails from France's Loire Valley heads the team here at Bangkok Michelin's latest starred attraction. Set up on the 61st floor of the Lebua State Tower (now the only hotel in Bangkok to boast two Michelin-starred restaurants, the other being Mezzaluna), the showpiece here is a domed open kitchen set in the middle of the room, where 46 lucky diners each evening get to enjoy elegant modern French cuisine, all the while interacting with the chef as he bases dishes on diners' palates. Thierry sources fine quality ingredients from both France and Thailand, whether it be chocolate from Chiang Mai or fine langoustine lobsters from the Atlantic. There is no gimmickry here, just well prepared quality dishes, and as Chef Vincent states, "it is a fine dining theater with a fully open kitchen." The views are to die for, as is the cuisine, and it's both romantic and incredibly intimate.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For one romantic evening way above the Chao Phraya, Michelin-starred Chef's Table is above the crowds!
Dave's expert tip: Reservations are essential here, and it is worth coming early for a sunset drink at the Sky or Distil bars, located up on the roof. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and walk up Charoenkrung Rd 5 minutes to the corner of Silom, where you'll find the Lebua.