Lifestyle
30 of the Best Date Night Spots in Bangkok
With one of the fastest growing dining scenes in the world, Bangkok is the perfect city to woo or be wooed. With swanky lounges, entertaining bars, interesting tasting menus and delicious dinners, you'll be sure to find somewhere that interests you. Read on for the 30 best places for a date night in Bangkok.
1. Game Over
One of my favorite bars in Bangkok, Game Over is the kind of place you could spend hours in (I have, in fact). With pool tables, interesting card games and competitive video games, Game Over is a great place to get to know someone new. Plus, they also serve some wicked bar food and must-try milkshakes.
2. La Dotta
With fresh pasta that’s made daily, La Dotta stole the hearts of spaghetti-loving Bangkokians the moment it opened. Their menu isn’t the largest, but that’s because the dishes they do serve are made with great ingredients and are loaded with flavor. My go-to order is the pappardelle, but honestly there’s nothing on the menu that will disappoint.
3. Supanniga Eating Room
A must-visit if you want to try authentic Eastern Thai food in Bangkok, Supanniga serves a variety of dishes you won't be able to find elsewhere. With fresh fruit cocktails, family-inspired dishes and decadent desserts, it's the perfect place to spend an evening with someone you care about.
4. Tropic City
Another great bar, Tropic City has some of the best bartenders in town and an adorable Hawaiian theme to match. While a bit off the beaten track, it’s more than worth the trek to Charoenkrung to have cocktails in this tropical haven. With dozens of interesting drinks and an equally amazing playlist, you’re going to want to stay at Tropic City all night long.
5. Jua
Hidden in the same small road as Tropic City, Jua specializes in Japanese inspired dishes and elevated izakaya-style skewers. Try their poke for an authentic taste of Hawaii (their chef lived there for several years) or their giant prawns with durian butter for something out of the box. Interested in sake? This spot has some of the best selections in Bangkok.
6. 80/20
A stone's throw from Tropic City and Jua, 80/20 is one of the hottest restaurants in Bangkok right now. While the dishes are Thai in flavor the presentation is distinctly high-end and almost looks too pretty to eat. Make sure to try their cocktails which are also Thai-inspired and simply amazing, but be careful, they might be a bit spicy.
They're currently closed for renovations, but expect them to reopen by the end of 2018!
7. Haoma
Newly opened, this restaurant not only has a killer space and menu, but it also has a great message and concept. With aspirations to become totally self-sustainable and zero waste in the future, Haoma grows most of its own produce with many of their unique herbs located in the restaurant's tourable garden. Their nightly tasting menu highlights the freshness of their ingredients and is an entertaining dining experience.
8. The FooJohn Building
Home to a jazz bar and two different restaurants (one is French the other serves American BBQ), the FooJohn building is one of the hippest hangouts in Charoenkrung. Come by on the weekends to hear the amazing musicians jam out. Make sure to sink your teeth into the tasty food and cocktails.
9. Canvas
With a tasting menu inspired by both common and obscure Thai ingredients, Canvas offers up gorgeous dish after gorgeous dish. Headed by Chef Riley Mahan, their menu has a European influence with incredible technique that still manages to be respectful of the Thai ingredients.
10. The Photo Booth Bar
Hidden inside of a photo booth (hence the name), this little speakeasy is run by an incredibly talented team of mixologists who’ve created some incredibly interesting cocktails. You'll want to learn how to find it though, first.
11. Osito Unique Spanish
With a more casual vibe in the day where they serve sandwiches and the like, Osito turns into a swanky tapas spot once the sun goes down. You can’t go wrong with their cheese and charcuterie board, which features everything from Spanish chorizo to Thai brie.
12. Thara Thong
If you or your partner have ever wondered about traditional Thai food, then this restaurant is a must-visit. With gorgeous riverfront views and equally elegant dishes, Thara Thong is an authentic Thai experience that you’re sure to remember. Enjoy evening dance performances which showcase different dancing styles from all the regions of Thailand.
13. Cuisine de Garden
Originating in Chiang Mai, Cuisine de Garden is a popular date night spot in part because of how beautiful the restaurant is, but mostly how creative its tasting menu is. Each dish in the tasting menu has a clear theme and story, creating a magical dining experience inspired by nature.
14. Tables Grill
Tucked inside of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, Tables Grill is brimming with class from top to bottom. With a tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu there are plenty of options for those who love French-inspired food with a modern twist, making it the perfect pick for a date night in Bangkok.
15. Broken Eggs
Serving up a variety of tapas inspired by countries all over the world, Broken Eggs is perfect for dates or nights out with friends. If there’s one dish you have to order it’s the burrata with basil oil, which to this day is still the best dish with burrata I’ve ever had (and trust me, I’ve had a lot). Stop by on weekends if you want to try their paella.
16. Pakalolo
Another tropical bar, Pakalolo (Hawaiian slang for marijuana) is known for its tiki cocktails, but you shouldn’t miss out on their food either. Some of their dishes like their spicy beef salad are distinctly Thai, while others have an island flair like their salmon poke bowl.
17. Pizza Massilia
With some of the best pizza in town, Pizza Massilia is a great choice if you have a hankering for Italian food. With both gluten-free pasta and pizza at their Ruam Rudee location you won't need to worry about any finicky allergies.
18. Fillets
With an amazing Thai-influenced omakase menu, Fillets is perfect for couples who like sushi as much as they like each other. Not in the mood for raw fish? They have an a la carte menu with giant tomahawk steaks as well.
19. Mallard
With a focus on farm-to-table cooking, this rustic Mediterranean restaurant has a menu that is perfect for sharing. Order their seafood platter which includes shrimp, mussels, clams, and more! Don't forget about the various grilled meats either.
20. Le Cochon Blanc
If you thought barbecue couldn't be sexy then you'd be wrong. With a live fire pit in the heart of their restaurant, the grilled dishes are guaranteed to be amazing. Don't miss out on the romaine salad with pork belly or the Bordier butter mashed potatoes.
21. Maya
Located atop the Holiday Inn, Maya has amazing rooftop views and equally amazing Indian food. Vegetarian-friendly, Maya is a great choice whether you want to sink your teeth into a leg of lamb or have curried cauliflower.
22. The District Grill
If you happen to be dating a hardcore carnivore (or are one yourself), this is the place to go. With great cocktails and amazing cuts of meat, District Grill at the Marriott serves up some of the heartiest steaks in Bangkok. One of their most popular dishes is the smoked chuck roll which is so tender you don’t even need a knife to cut it. I personally recommend getting their melted camembert, it is to die for.
23. Kika
A hip tapas bar, Kika is a great place to get to know someone else's food preferences with their many shared plates and cocktails. I'm a huge fan of the perfectly cooked iberico lamb neck, but if you're looking to eat a bit healthier check out the delicious cauliflower "steak".
24. Gaa
Run by Chef Garima Arora, formerly of Gaggan and trained at Noma, this restaurant serves an innovative tasting menu that focuses on marrying Thai and Indian flavors and techniques. Serving up a tasting menu (2400THB+) that is as delicious as it is interesting, this classy spot will make a hell of an impression.
25. Aesop's
Recently opened, Aesop's is bringing authentic Mediterranean food to the heart of Bangkok. Order their full deli tray if you want to try a variety of authentic Greek mezze dishes like taramasalata, hummus or tzatziki. Stay after dinner to watch things take a crazy (but fun) turn with Greek line dancing, ouzo shots and plate-smashing.
26. Teriyaki Bar Kelly's
While there isn’t much going on in terms of ambiance, this is still one of my favorite spots to get my drink on in Bangkok. A popular spot with locals on the weekends, you’re going to want to reserve a table ahead of time to be on the safe side. Order their yakitori (my favorite are the bacon wrapped mushrooms) which are grilled right in front of you and surprisingly affordable.
27. Blue Parrot
One of the few bars with poolside access (that isn't crazy expensive), Blue Parrot is perfect for a fun date night or an afternoon hangout session. With classic European cocktails and tropical beverages it's sure to feel like summer year-round. Tired of the island vibes? Head next door to Revolucion Cocktail for a night filled with DJs, dancing and drinks.
28. The Bar Upstairs
Another new opening, The Bar Upstairs is perfect for a classier date night in Bangkok. Don't miss out on their "picnic basket", an interesting take on a cheese and charcuterie board that comes with fresh baguettes and adorable presentation. They also host the occasional wine tasting if that's something you or your partner would be interested in.
29. Saawaan
With a Thai tasting menu that made headlines when it opened, Saawaan is not only a great choice if you want an idea of Thai dishes you might not be familiar with, but if you also want an excellent experience. If you love tea make sure to try their pairing menu which highlights tea you might not be familiar with.
30. La Bottega
Another great Italian spot, La Bottega's dishes have a keen attention to detail and some of the finest ingredients in town. Make sure to try their freshly made pastas or their innovative takes on classic Italian desserts.