Where should you go for a special occasion in Bangkok? From celebrating that promotion at work to dumping your toxic ex-boyfriend, here are some of the best restaurants in Bangkok for those big days.
Whilst any meal can be a special meal and some of our own best memories were had a street food noodle stall, there are times when a special occasion calls for “someplace nice” to suit. You want to wear a pair of heels or maybe a dress shirt, you want to be pampered with a wine pairing, and you want the evening to be filled with good conversation, ambience, and memory.
No matter the budget, here, we checked in with our foodie community to suss out some of the best restaurants in Bangkok for a special occasion. Whilst we categorised each place by type of occasion, feel free to mix and match according to your vibe or your tribe, and celebrate in your own style. From romantic dinner music to exciting tasting menus, be prepared to pop those bottles and be merry.
[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Zuma]
Bangkok restaurants for a special occasion
CLARA
One of the most romantic restaurants in Bangkok, CLARA is beloved for birthday celebrations in a sophisticated fine dining setting. Celebrating modern Italian cuisine through a journey to Italy (be it with the 5 regions or the 7 regions tasting menu, or a la carte), the restaurant that is housed within an artsy villa in Yen Akat is ideal for intimate and special occasions. Private and meaningful.
Smokin Pug
If you’re looking to celebrate some big news with a bigger group of friends, Smokin Pug on Langsuan is a great place to start. The laid back American smokehouse offers various BBQ items that are suited to those occasions where you want to get your hands messy maybe, and stay long into the night. You can do this here in the company of beef brisket, baby pork ribs, smoked lamb sandwiches, corn bread, tacos, and so much more.
Aesop’s Bangkok
It’s highly likely you’ve spotted friends or family celebrating a fun night out at Aesop’s before. Knowing for its lively ambience and party atmosphere, it’s a great spot to get together for a special occasion in Bangkok the Greek way. Ideal for birthdays, hen parties, Christmas parties, and more, dig in to the greek salads, traditional dips, grilled meats, and baklava, before taking part in the dancing and plate smashing as the night goes on. Oppa!
Yu Ting Yuan
For a fancy family luncheon to celebrate a fancy familial occasion, Yu Ting Yuan is always a good call. Located within the Four Seasons Bangkok along the river, savour authentic Cantonese dishes in a dramatic and sophisticated ambience. The Michelin-starred restaurant serves up everything from Peking duck to dim sum in the show kitchen, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush gardens and ponds just outside. True to form, large round tables are available, so a beautiful family bonding experience can take place.
Le Normandie
Possibly the most beloved fine dining restaurant in Bangkok for a super special occasion is Le Normandie by Alain Roux. Established in 1958, Le Normandie has long been known for serving up only the best French fine dining fare. Now with Alain Roux as its Chef Patron, the Michelin-starred restaurant within the Mandarin Oriental serves up classic flavours rooted in heritage and mastery, perfectly accompanying the setting overlooking the Chao Phraya river. There is unlikely to be a more romantic place to propose in the whole of Bangkok.
Zuma Night Brunch
If your special occasion is not about getting married, but rather about getting some mingling, head to what is possibly the coolest Japanese dining experience about town. Zuma has long established itself as a fun and fine contemporary Japanese restaurant, with many outposts around the globe. In Bangkok, it boasts an open kitchen, sushi bar, and robata grill, serving up different dishes that are designed to be shared. For a really fun special occasion with the boys or the girls, check out the Zuma Night Brunch on the weekends to see and be seen amongst the most fabulous in town.
Sala Rattanakosin
If you’re seeking out a special and quiet place to share some sweet news, Sala Rattanakosin offers a charming spot to suit. Located in the hipster-ish Tha Thien area, the boutique hotel overlooks the temple of dawn (Wat Arun) for one of the most scenic meals (or stays) in the city. Enjoy some evening cocktails on the terrace, and watch the temple light up in the evening as the day comes to a slow and sleepy close in this more relaxed part of town.
El Mercado
El Mercado is a real staple for Bangkok foodies, and even though it is pretty casual, it is still always a good time, even for a special occasion. If you finally got that promotion you’ve been dying for, the chef’s market located in a charming old house in Sukhumvit is a great place to round up your friends or colleagues, and celebrate with imported wines and cold cuts, as well as other deeply satisfying Mediterranean dishes. A fool-proof option for a dinner out.
IGNIV
Maybe you got accepted to that MBA programme you always wanted, or maybe you’re just going on a Eurotrip to really find yourself. Inspired by the flavours of Europe and the artful cooking techniques of Chef Andreas Caminada, IGNIV Bangkok opened as the fourth IGNIV restaurant in the world, located within The St. Regis Bangkok. Incorporating the brand’s signature ‘nest’ atmosphere with the energy of Bangkok, the indoor, bar, and outdoor areas make for a special fine dining experience with a light-hearted twist. Dishes are served sharing-style so it is especially recommended for small groups, too.
Tea Lounge, Capella Bangkok
Capella by the river serves one of the best afternoon tea sets in Bangkok, made famous by the tea trolleys that stroll by the tables in its intimate riverside setting. Enjoy a selection of savouries, scones, teas, and pastries, and be sure to take your pick of the sweet treats from the dessert trolley. The beautiful crockery and the peaceful environment are perfect for a special pampering.
Mia
Maybe you want to tell your partner, your girlfriends, or your parents that you’re pregnant. Maybe you want to tell them you’re engaged. Or maybe you just want to get together with someone after a long time and bond until the lights go off. Combining beautiful interiors with an exquisite seasonal tasting menu, Mia restaurant manages to balance a sense of refined special occasion with playful touches. Whichever of the gorgeously designed dining rooms you opt for, it’s a welcoming space for meaningful conversations and memorable moments. For vegans, there’s a really, really good tasting menu option, too. Just saying.
984 Wolf
Remember that Friends episode where they just want to go “someplace nice”? Modern European restaurant 984 Wolf perfectly fulfils this criteria by being a restaurant that serves interesting modern European and woodfire dishes in a warm evening ambience, without feeling too pretentious. Whether you go for lobster pasta, white asparagus, or beef tartar, the options are plenty, with a highly ‘grammable moon and moon shine to enjoy your time under, too. Fuss-free, and just “someplace nice” under the stars (and the moon).
The post 12 Bangkok restaurants to bookmark for a special occasion appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.
