The Chao Phraya river offers a unique location to dine — the chill wind in the air, Final Countdown playing from one of the Princess Cruises, and the great food that can be found at the restaurants here. These riverside restaurants in Bangkok do it correctly.
It’s dubbed the “River of Kings” for a reason: the Chao Phraya is historically one of the reasons why Bangkok is flourishing today, bringing in trade and culture, as well as becoming a beautiful backdrop for locals and visitors. From local street food to luxurious hotel venues, there are so many options to consider. Riverside dining does not have to cost an arm and a leg, but it can if you want it to. Here are riverside restaurants in Bangkok that you should put on your bucket list.
[Hero and featured image credit: Four Seasons Bangkok]
Riverside restaurants in Bangkok for the best dining ambience by the water
The River Club
The River Club is exactly that: a beach club, but by the river. Tropical drinks, great food, chill breeze running through your hair — all the best qualities we travel for, all here in the city. Here, it’s a day-to-night experience with Mexican-Isaan fusion dining, with the food programme led by Chef Pepe Jiménez formerly of Jim Thompson. Highlights include the Taco de Lengua, pairing beef tongue with jaew sauce, Isan pate, liver pate served with jellified sweet fish sauce and makwaen fruit, as well as the Grilled Fish a la Talla, fish grilled whole and served with tortilla and various sauces.
More info: The River Club
Opening times: Wed-Sun, 11am-midnight
Location: 694 80 Charoenkrung Yan Nawa, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google review rating: 4.7/5
Horsamut
Whenever possible, Horsamut sources their ingredients from sustainable farms, and fresh catches from smaller fishing boats. After all, seafood dishes depend a lot on the ingredients’ freshness, and the tastes vary from one area to another. Horsamut serves up coastal Thai cuisine that brings in the good ingredients from different parts of the country, paired well with a waterfront view and DJs on the regular. Highlights include their charcoal-grilled Ayutthaya river prawn, and stir-fried crab from Trat province with black peppercorn sauce.
More info: Horsamut
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-11pm
Location: 8 Tha Kham Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Chai, MRT
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Supanniga Eating Room, Tha Tien Branch
Supanniga Eating Room features Thai classics from all over the country using grandmother’s recipes from Trat and Khon Kaen, and while they have many locations across town, the one in Tha Tien is the only one to catch the breeze from the river. With the direct view of Wat Arun and great hospitality, it surely has become one of the best riverside restaurants in Bangkok. Highlights to try include their fluffy take on the Thai omelette, made with prawns, colossal crab meat, and shrimp paste from Koh Chang, as well as the “Yum Nue Lai,” Thai-style salad with marbled beef shank.
More info: Supanniga Eating Room
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-10pm
Location: 2 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Chai, MRT
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Rongros
Translated to “house of flavours,” Rongros was born from the owner’s grandfather going into the kitchen to recreate the dishes he liked. After much work and a lot of tweaks, each dish may be a simple homemade Thai staple, but feels elevated in many ways once tasted. Being a waterfront restaurant also offers a cool view of people getting on and off boats, as well as Wat Arun from a distance. Spoiled for choice? The watermelon sprinkled with crispy snakehead fish makes for a refreshing starter, the stir-fried water lily stems with prawn are perfect to share, and the krapow rib-eye is a great take on a classic.
More info: Rongros
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-3pm; 5-9pm
Location: 392/16 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Chai, MRT
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
The Crystal Grill House
Located in Asiatique the Riverfront, The Crystal Grill House offers beautiful views of the cruises passing by. This riverside venue makes for the prime location to enjoy your favourite proteins grilled to perfection, from cuts of beef to premium seafood. They also have an impressive cocktail and wine menu to pair the dishes with. We recommend coming a bit early to see the sun set, and booking in advance to make sure you get the seats right next to the river. Highlights from the menu include the King Crab Linguine, Double Cut Lamb Chops, and their 14-Day Aged Dry Bone.
More info: The Crystal Grill House
Opening times: Open daily, 4.30pm-midnight
Location: Asiatique 76 Soi Charoen Krung 72, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google review: 4.4/5
Phra Nakhon Bangkok
Thai food is all about balancing between sweet, sour, and salty, along with the spice kick where it is needed. Chef Kannika Jitsangworn of Phra Nakhon Bangkok prides her cooking on getting those flavours just right. From lunch to supper, sit and watch the river as you enjoy Thai recipes handed down for generations, with highlights including their Tom Yum Kung made with jasmine rice stock, Wok-Fried Crab Curry, Duck Breast in Red Curry, and any of their stir-fried vegetables. It’s one of those riverside restaurants in Bangkok that people aren’t afraid to go back to.
More info: Phra Nakhon Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 12-3pm; 6-10pm
Location: Capella Bangkok, 300/2 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google review: 4.5/5
Chao Phraya Terrace
The newest addition to the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is their riverside Thai fine dining venue, Chao Phraya Terrace, where Chef Jessada ‘Pod’ Khruapunt celebrates what it means to cook Thai cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients sourced with sustainability in mind. There are a lot of Thai dishes that will catch your eye, but definitely make room for their charcoal-grilled delicacies, made with coconut wood charcoal from southern Thailand, and lychee wood charcoal from northern Thailand. The signature Fire Skewers are a must-try at this venue.
More info: Chao Phraya Terrace
Opening times: Open daily, 12-10.30pm
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 300/1 Charoen Krung road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google review: 5/5
Ciao Terrazza
If you’re craving something Italian, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Ciao Terrazza combines the joy of Italian sharing portions, homey dishes, and the chill breeze from the water right beside the tables. They do a very succulent tagliolini — hand-pulled, 40-yolk — with a Boston lobster and bisque on top. The whole grilled Mediterranean seabass is perfect to share, and their veal Milanese coated with herb bread crumble has never disappointed any diner. Better yet, their artisanal pizzas are served hot from the oven — now that’s amore.
More info: Ciao Terrazza
Opening times: Open daily, 5-11pm
Location: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Trader Vic’s Bangkok
Nothing feels more refreshing than tropical cuisine by the water, and there’s no need to leave Bangkok for that combo. Trader Vic’s bring in all the flavours of the West Coast, Asia, Polynesia, and Hawaii to the table. Dig into fresh seafood on ice, chow down on Hawaiian pork chops, sample great teppanyaki, and a lot more. They also hold Tiki Brunches every Sunday, complete with tropical-themed beats and live drummers. For the full experience, we recommend treating yourself to some Mai Tais.
More info: Trader Vic’s Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 6-11pm (Sunday brunch from 12-3pm)
Location: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, 2571-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samrae, Thon Buri, Bangkok
Nearest station: Talat Phlu, BTS
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Siam Yacht Club
Siam Yacht Club has something for everyone. Watch the action unfold at the open kitchen inside, enjoy Aperitivo hours at the al fresco bar, watch the busy river on the waterfront seats, or stay till late and vibe to the live band coming in on the regular. It’s always a great time to visit, sit back, and sample some western dishes with Asian influences. Highlights from the menu include the lobster consomme with smoked charcoal aioli, wagyu beef cheek served with wasabi mashed potatoes, and poached lobster tail with brown butter dashi broth and lobster hollandaise.
More info: Siam Yacht Club
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-1am
Location: Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, 2 Charoen Krung, Siphya, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Hua Lamphong, MRT
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Thiptara
Thiptara brings you the full experience: walking in, you’ll be greeted by banyan trees, traditional Thai-style houses, and a lot of greenery, as a sort of Thai oasis you never thought you needed. As you enjoy the ambiance by the river, flip through their menu filled to the brim with Thai dishes from all over the country. If you’re spoiled for choice, they offer a set menu to let you try a bit of everything they have to offer. Highlights include crispy snow fish with sweet and sour sauce, soft shell crab in choo chee curry, and the panaeng curry with Australian black Angus beef.
More info: Thiptara
Opening times: Open daily, 6-10.30pm
Location: The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Jack’s Bar
Located behind the Shangri-La Hotel is the famous Jack’s Bar, a favourite amongst expats and just those looking to lay back and feel the problems of the week wash away with the river right in front. It’s a small place with no need for air con, just good vibes only. We recommend something easy, such as stir-fried dishes, fried rice, and even tom yum if you’re feeling fun, but definitely come a bit early to make sure you get the best seats in the house — the ones overlooking the river.
More info: Jack’s Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-11.30pm
Location: 62/1 Wat Suan Phlu Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Google Review rating: 4.3/5
Frequently Asked Questions
We would say that any riverside restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner in Bangkok, although we recommend classic Thai restaurants for the most cultural ambiance.
Riverside restaurants in Bangkok that serve Thai food normally offer fresh seafood. We recommend starting with Phra Nakhon Bangkok, Chao Phraya Terrace, and Suphanniga Eating Room.
Sunset hours (5-6pm) are some of the best times to visit riverside restaurants in Bangkok, for the golden light hitting the waters is a sight to behold. We recommend making reservations prior to get the best seats in the venue.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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