It has never been so overwhelming to recommend new Bangkok restaurants to visiting friends. As we look back on the year 2024, find our mini reviews for all the best new openings in the city within this story. Peruvian-Japanese, fashion-forward Indian, or “the ultimate chicken experience,” there’s a likely table reservation here for anyone who likes to eat.
As we spend many days a week being wined and dined, trying new menus, and meeting the most curious chefs, our annual recap of the best new restaurant openings always feels like a warm throwback of sorts. It’s been a fun year for food, after all.
We launched our Best Bites campaign this year, asking fellow Bangkok foodies about their must-try spots and best bites to recommend. New restaurants came up often, but so did mainstays (Appia, Fat Boy Izakaya, Sri Trat, we’re looking at you). We realised that Bangkokians — attracted to shiny new places as they may be — are still creatures of habit. We like our som tum from that one aunty at the end of the soi, and we always go back to the neighbourhood noodle shop after a busy work day.
Restaurants that have been open for years gained even more global recognition in 2024, with Sorn making history last month as the first-ever Thai restaurant to gain 3 Michelin stars, and the first-ever in Thailand to claim this prestigious accolade. Other lists and rankings named many of our Bangkok beloved restaurants within their top 50, top 20, or top-whatsoever, and spurred a series of international producers to film documentaries and series all about our local food culture.
Yes, it felt like a lot was happening in the field of food, and we hadn’t even gotten to the new openings yet.
Cutting through the noise of where Dua Lipa might eat and why Jai Fai might retire, restauranteurs had no easy task of opening a new restaurant in Bangkok this year. A few trends we spotted include the advent of big-name chefs lending their big names to new restaurants in the city, boozy, bistro-like eateries serving as trendy weekend hangouts, and lesser mainstream cuisines and styles finding their footing in our local food space.
This year, our list of new restaurant openings actually sees a fair balance between casual and fine dining, and an emergence of places that fall somewhere in between (“fun dining,” for some). As listings and attention spans go, we had to limit our list of entries to a select few, in order to accommodate for variety and genuine recommendation. We also put these restaurants in alphabetical order, so as to not stir the pot of fragile foodies always ready to pounce.
Personal palates aside, we salute every brave player in the food industry, as they continue to push Bangkok’s food scene to the next level. Be it with a new concept, a new menu, or an old idea revisited, we have plenty of people to thank for bringing so much goodness to our plates this year.
For a lengthier list and more detailed reviews, check out our monthly new restaurants column.
[Hero Image Credit: Rangoon Tea House; Featured Image Credit: Kwann]
Bangkok’s best new restaurant openings of 2024 (plus our thoughts)
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana
Style: An elegant enoteca by the park, here comes the hottest Italian table reservation in town.
What we thought: Can you really ever have ‘too much’ white truffle?
The most highly anticipated restaurant inside the new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana has landed in Silom after much buzz about town. Chef Andrea Susto, under the guidance of the renowned Chef Umberto Bombana, presents a classic Italian menu, paired with a selection of elegant wines. The Homemade Tagliolini with Alba White Truffle by the ‘King of White Truffles’ is a highlight, yet other noteworthy dishes also include the Langoustine Tartar and the M9 Short Rib and Beef Tenderloin.
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana, M Floor, Dusit Thani Bangkok, 98 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangkok, +66 2 200 9000. Open Wed-Sun from 12-2.30pm and 6-10pm.
COBA
Style: Latin American flavours meet tropical jungle luxe on sexy Soi Somkid.
What we thought: Our evening began with caviar and a vodka shot, before any food was served. Enough said.
With the opening of Aman Nai Lert early next year, Central Chidlom revamped, Siri House still standing, and Acqua just next door, COBA is in good company on Soi Somkid. The brainchild of the charming and extremely talented Olivier Limousin, COBA has opened as a fun dining experience, centred on Latin American flavours prepared using French techniques. As you dig into your Leche de Tigre ceviche, you’ll also notice an array of performers in fantastic costumes. It’s a little distracting from the food, but then again, COBA is a fabulous distraction from the real world.
COBA, 16 Soi Somkid, Lumpini, Bangkok. Open Tues-Sun 5.30pm-late.
COPINE
Style: Cosy and casual, with undeniable European flair.
What we thought: We didn’t know we needed another French bistro in Sathorn, but now we do.
Don’t let its residential location fool you: COPINE gets pretty packed, especially on the weekends. Helmed by Chef Jay-Sainisa Sangsingkaew (whom you know from Restaurant Stage, also re-opening just next door), COPINE is located in a quiet soi in Sathorn, serving all-day French and western favourites. The brunch crowd loves it for the classic breakfast staples (Full English, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, galore), while the date night crowd loves it for the romantic French evening menu (Steak au Poivre, Moules Frites, Wagyu Tartare, and more). Fittingly, the name translates to “girlfriend” from French.
COPINE, 58 Soi Sathorn 9, Yan Nawa, Sathorn, Bangkok +66 083-623-4444, Open daily from 8am-11pm.
Gaggan at Louis Vuitton
Style: Fashion meets fine dining, and it’s all exquisite (even when you’re told to lick your own plate).
What we thought: An unexpected collab done well.
The first Louis Vuitton restaurant in the world opened in Bangkok earlier this year, and its superstar chef is no other than the notorious (and notoriously award-winning) Chef Gaggan Anand. Located inside the new LV The Place Bangkok, the restaurant offers diners a creative reinterpretation of some of Gaggan’s famously progressive Indian dishes, in a setting that is as playful as it is Instagrammable.
Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, LV The Place Bangkok, 2/F 496 Gaysorn Amarin, Phloen Chit Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 61 413 6295. Open Thurs-Mon 12-3pm and 6-11pm.
Jharokha
Style: Bustling Bangkok city energy meets the regal aura of a Rajasthani polo club.
What we thought: Gorgeous interiors, and a great city-centre option for elevated Indian dining.
From the team that brought us Indus, Jharokha by Indus opened earlier this year as the former’s more casual sibling. Nonetheless, style is not lacking at Jharokha, as the Rajasthani polo club-inspired restaurant aims to shed a spotlight on Indian fire pit cooking. Located inside the Erawan Bangkok building, the menu features familiar favourites alongside more adventurous options, with highlights including the goat brain (yes) and crispy potato, duck kebabs, stuffed morel mushrooms, and the tiger prawn marinated in green chili paste and prepared in the Kopa firepit.
Jharokha by Indus, 494 Lumphini, 2/F Erawan Bangkok, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 82 997 3399. Open daily 11.30am-10.30pm.
K by Vicky Cheng
Style: Vicky Cheng signatures meet mythical Cantonese chic, high up in the sky.
What we thought: This could easily be one of our favourite new Chinese restaurants in Bangkok.
Beloved Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng opened his first restaurant outside of Bangkok late this year, and it sits within the EA Rooftop at The Empire in Sathorn. Inspired by a Chinese mythical creature, the venue sees Cantonese and Chiu Chow dishes presented in a relaxed yet elegant setting. Highlights include Pickled Duck Tongue, Black Sugar Vinegar Iberico Pork, and K’s Signature Crab with Chinese Black Olive and Garlic.
K by Vicky Cheng, 56/F, EA Rooftop at The Empire, 1 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Bangkok, +66 2 407 1654. Open daily, 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10.30pm.
Kuma No Yakitori
Style: Intimate omakase, without any stiffness, thanks to Chef Takagi’s charms.
What we thought: Who knew you could do so much (16 courses) with chicken?
Kuma No Yakitori is known as Japan’s number one “omakase yakitori,” specialising in high-end yakitori, and currently centred on various cuts of chicken. After you enter a passcode to the secret entrance in Phrom Phong, Chef Nari Takagi takes diners through a course menu dubbed “the ultimate chicken experience.” Whilst the skewers are definitely the highlight, the seasonal menu brings in other elements of Japanese cooking too, be it variations on egg custard, or the beloved premium egg yolk, uni, and ikura rice bowl.
Kuma No Yakitori, 1/F Rain Hill, 777 Sukhumvit 47 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok, +66 2 258 6173. Open daily 5-7.30pm and 8-10.30pm.
Kwann
Style: Smoky and sophisticated for fiery-good-fun dinners.
What we thought: Feels primal, looks progressive, tastes authentic.
Helmed by chefs Napol ‘Joe’ Jantraget and Jirapat Sept, Kwann claims that “where there’s smoke, there’s flavour.” The duo definitely delivers on this statement, as Kwann opened as a Thai restaurant centred on live fire and charcoal cooking. From the open kitchen, diners can watch the team in action as they prepare seemingly simple dishes that ring familiar with homey Thai flavours. While the menu may change seasonally, some highlights include the Crab Beignets, Satay on Grilled Brioche, Thai Wagyu Nam Ngiew, and the Grilled Beef Skewer.
Kwann, 73/7-8, Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Open daily, 6-11pm.
Le Du Kaan
Style: Elegant Thai dining with a fantastic outdoor terrace, and very fair pricing.
What we thought: Chef Ton truly is invincible.
Opening at EA Rooftop at The Empire, the chef of Asia’s best restaurant 2023 strikes again. This time, Le du Kaan presents a menu of Thai favourites, made from locally-sourced ingredients. Highlights include the Aom Gai (fermented fish soup with chicken mousse ravioli), Krapow Nuer (Holy Basil fried rice with braised Thai Tajima wagyu), and Chef Ton’s signature river prawn. The largest restaurant within EA Rooftop, Le Du Kaan’s outdoor space makes for a great evening al fresco during the cooler months, and a fine photo opp come sunset hour.
Le Du Kaan, 56/F, EA Rooftop at The Empire, 1 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Bangkok, +66 2 407 1654. Open daily for dinner 5-10.30pm, and rooftop bar 5pm-1am.
Nobu Bangkok
Style: Sky-high Peruvian-Japanese with a glamorous Hollywood touch.
What we thought: If only we had 600 friends, so we could throw the best private party here.
The largest and highest Nobu restaurant in the world opened in the heart of Sathorn this year, located atop The Empire in the CBD district. With sprawling views of Bangkok from any angle imaginable, the restaurant is designed by the Rockwell Group, and is inspired by the city’s natural and urban landscapes. On the menu you’ll find Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes, like the Nobu tacos and yellowtail jalapeño, as well as the very famous black cod miso (Robert De Niro’s favourite).
Nobu Bangkok, 57-58/F, Empire Tower, 1 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, Bangkok, +66 2 407 1654. Open daily 5.30pm-1am.
Rangoon Tea House
Style: Design-savvy tea house with modern charms.
What we thought: Finally some more Burmese culinary representation in Bangkok city.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Rangoon Tea House opened its first branch outside of Myanmar, bringing Bangkokians a taste of the beloved Burmese restaurant to Sukhumvit. The menu serves as a comfortable intro to Burmese cuisine, with a few modern twists to keep things exciting. Highlights include the famous tea leaf salad, Shan noodles, and biryani, as well as the more modern dishes with burrata, truffle dumplings, or crispy pig ears. The newly-opened bar, The Reading Room, is worth checking out, too.
Rangoon Tea House, 6 Soi Sangchai, Phra Kanong, Bangkok. Open daily, 10am-10.30pm.
Sababa
Style: A hip Thonglor hangout with an equally colourful menu.
What we thought: Feels like dinner time at your coolest friend’s house party.
Not just a catchy name, Sababa opened inside an old villa in Thonglor, refurbished into an artsy space that is helmed by a gang of F&B friends and cool cats. Their influence is strong, as Sababa is frequented by neighbourhood trendsetters and keen foodies alike. The menu sees a fusion of Mediterranean flavours with Japanese touches, and diners are invited to order a selection of smaller plates to share — a major food trend in Bangkok this year. The kitchen is run by Chef Maxim Baile, former F&B director of The Food School, and wines are selected by Morgan Daniel, of Villa Frantzen, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Sababa Mediterranean Izakaya, 53 Sukhumvit, Torsak Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. Open daily, 5-11pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Tapori
Style: Artsy villa meets a massive menu, packed with Indian curiosities.
What we thought: We thought we knew Indian food fairly well. This was a reality check.
When Tapori opened on quiet Soi Sukhumvit 47, they promised there would be no butter chicken on the menu. Going “beyond clichéd Indian cuisine,” Tapori is an Indian restaurant that truly brings something new to Bangkok’s Indian food scene. Hindi slang for ‘wanderer,’ the menu invites you to wander the regions of India, showcasing lesser-known dishes and hidden gems personally selected by chef-patron Rohit Sharma. Highlights include the fun Sindhi Dal Pakwan (“a Sindhi brunch masterpiece”), the intriguing Tawa-Masala Kaleji Ice Cream (made with chicken liver!), and the very surprising-secret-ingredient Benami Kheer dessert.
Tapori, 22/2 Sukhumvit Soi 47, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5.30-10.30pm.
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Written by
Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director for Lifestyle Asia and Prestige Thailand. She leads a data-driven content strategy for both titles, finding the balance between scathing SEO metrics and sucks-you-right-in story-telling. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a sucker for a good savoury cocktail. Passionate about Bangkok’s ever-growing bar scene, she also sits on the committee for various bar and spirit awards in the region.
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