Bangkok restaurant or unique experience for anniversary
Nov 20th, 2013, 11:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Bangkok restaurant or unique experience for anniversary
We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary in Bangkok on our last night (of 4) in January and I'm thinking about a special restaurant or unique place for the evening.
Thinking about:
Bolan
Nahm
Issaya Siamese Club?
Dinner-cruise?
Thought process for choosing restaurant:
We are planning to go to Gaggan (with fellow Fodorites), so a more contemporary or trendy restaurant isn't necessary, although I won't count it out, either. I live in NY, so a high end restaurant in Bangkok is a relative bargain.
We like good food but are generally informal in style, including choice of restaurants. A warm and inviting ambience and good service is important. I lean toward one of the better Thai restaurants, although would consider French (we are partial to that culture and food). Right now, I'm thinking of Bolan or Nahm for dinner, but would welcome other recommendations.
Mixed feelings:
My concerns about either of these 2 seem to be that there are many who really like these restaurants, but some reviews are decidedly negative. I go back and forth between these 2 restaurants, and my sense is that Bolan is more trend-setting & innovative, while Nahm is somewhat more traditional. Is that accurate or not? Complaints I've read: a LOT of people talk about very hot, though tasty, food at Bolan. Nahm gets many great reviews, but some find the food or service lacking. Since we are going to Gaggan the night before, I is Nahm is a better balance for our culinary experience?
I've considered Sala Rim Naam, but it sounds a little too formal for my taste. Another that sounds interesting is the Issaya Siamese Club, although both Bolan and Nahm seem to get better reviews.
Another option would be a dinner cruise. I like the idea of a night cruise on the river, though don't want to eat a poor meal just to go on a boat ride. I can do that much more cheaply with a ferry. I don't really think we'll do this, but it is an option, and some people seem to love it.
Any other recommendations for restaurants or special/unique experiences? It doesn't have to be fancy if it has a special "flavor".
Many thanks for all your great input so far! The trip is coming together nicely and not so far away anymore!
Thinking about:
Bolan
Nahm
Issaya Siamese Club?
Dinner-cruise?
Thought process for choosing restaurant:
We are planning to go to Gaggan (with fellow Fodorites), so a more contemporary or trendy restaurant isn't necessary, although I won't count it out, either. I live in NY, so a high end restaurant in Bangkok is a relative bargain.
We like good food but are generally informal in style, including choice of restaurants. A warm and inviting ambience and good service is important. I lean toward one of the better Thai restaurants, although would consider French (we are partial to that culture and food). Right now, I'm thinking of Bolan or Nahm for dinner, but would welcome other recommendations.
Mixed feelings:
My concerns about either of these 2 seem to be that there are many who really like these restaurants, but some reviews are decidedly negative. I go back and forth between these 2 restaurants, and my sense is that Bolan is more trend-setting & innovative, while Nahm is somewhat more traditional. Is that accurate or not? Complaints I've read: a LOT of people talk about very hot, though tasty, food at Bolan. Nahm gets many great reviews, but some find the food or service lacking. Since we are going to Gaggan the night before, I is Nahm is a better balance for our culinary experience?
I've considered Sala Rim Naam, but it sounds a little too formal for my taste. Another that sounds interesting is the Issaya Siamese Club, although both Bolan and Nahm seem to get better reviews.
Another option would be a dinner cruise. I like the idea of a night cruise on the river, though don't want to eat a poor meal just to go on a boat ride. I can do that much more cheaply with a ferry. I don't really think we'll do this, but it is an option, and some people seem to love it.
Any other recommendations for restaurants or special/unique experiences? It doesn't have to be fancy if it has a special "flavor".
Many thanks for all your great input so far! The trip is coming together nicely and not so far away anymore!
Nov 20th, 2013, 11:53 AM
#2
I can personally recommend Supatra River House, a bit off the beaten path across the river from the Royal Palace. Seating is on a terrace overlooking the river and the view is wonderful, seeing the city rather than being in it.
The closest express boat stop is Siriraj/Wang Lang, then a left turn and a walk along a pedestrian market street to the restaurant. I stayed nearby once and loved the neighborhood so much I thought about renting an apartment and staying a while. In any case I think you'll love the restaurant:
http://www.supatrariverhouse.net/
The closest express boat stop is Siriraj/Wang Lang, then a left turn and a walk along a pedestrian market street to the restaurant. I stayed nearby once and loved the neighborhood so much I thought about renting an apartment and staying a while. In any case I think you'll love the restaurant:
http://www.supatrariverhouse.net/
Nov 20th, 2013, 01:07 PM
#5
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We like Lana Thai at Face. It's a lovely place in a traditional Thai teak building wit great atmosphere. The food is very good. www.facebars.com click on Bangkok.
Let me suggest a pre-dinner massage there at their little spa - the treatment rooms are little teak buildings fitted with modern plumbing.
Let me suggest a pre-dinner massage there at their little spa - the treatment rooms are little teak buildings fitted with modern plumbing.
Nov 20th, 2013, 02:25 PM
#7
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When you mentioned "unique" experience, my first thought was of Bed Supper Club. It is really a unique experience!! But when I see you list of ideas, maybe Bed doesn't really fit. Also, I know that Bed is going to be closing (torn down??) and something new will replace it. I just don't know the time frame for its demise.
Another idea is to dine at a rooftop restaurant so you can see the awesome views of Bangkok. I like Red Sky at the top of the Centara Grande Hotel located at Central World mall.
Another idea is to dine at a rooftop restaurant so you can see the awesome views of Bangkok. I like Red Sky at the top of the Centara Grande Hotel located at Central World mall.
Nov 20th, 2013, 04:44 PM
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Issyan is a unique place as it is in a old THai house. Food was very good. If you go ,get specific directions in Thai as it is a bit hard for Taxis to find. We loved it.
You can't go wrong. With Supatra or LanaThia at Face either. Sala Rim is a lovely setting, and the food was good, but I would not rave about.
For French try LE Beaulieu at the Athenee office tower, near the hotel Athenee on Wireless rd. Had a very good and impressive lunch there last week.
Eat Me is on our list this time. Haven't been yet but check it out also. Let us know what you decide and how it was . There are a lot of foodies here on this forum.
You can't go wrong. With Supatra or LanaThia at Face either. Sala Rim is a lovely setting, and the food was good, but I would not rave about.
For French try LE Beaulieu at the Athenee office tower, near the hotel Athenee on Wireless rd. Had a very good and impressive lunch there last week.
Eat Me is on our list this time. Haven't been yet but check it out also. Let us know what you decide and how it was . There are a lot of foodies here on this forum.
Nov 20th, 2013, 05:15 PM
#9
Original Poster
Many thanks, everyone, for all the great ideas! I only wish I had the time to follow up on all of them, but sadly, with only 4 nights, not now. But maybe in the future....
I like many of the suggestions that you've made and now think it less likely that we go to the biggies BoLan or Nahm, as the other suggestions are all appealing and seem perhaps more relaxing.
Great suggestions, and thank you!
I like many of the suggestions that you've made and now think it less likely that we go to the biggies BoLan or Nahm, as the other suggestions are all appealing and seem perhaps more relaxing.
Great suggestions, and thank you!
Nov 20th, 2013, 06:42 PM
#10
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we really like biscotti at four seasons... we like the casual elegance and the wide range of tasty food.
for an anniversary a few years ago we took the monorah song boat from the anantara hotel (them a marriott) up the river overnight to ayuttha (sp) and a limo back.. good food, private, unique... plus lux.
what about the main restaurant at the siam hotel at riverside??
for an anniversary a few years ago we took the monorah song boat from the anantara hotel (them a marriott) up the river overnight to ayuttha (sp) and a limo back.. good food, private, unique... plus lux.
what about the main restaurant at the siam hotel at riverside??
Nov 21st, 2013, 02:43 AM
#13
Original Poster
So many options! Bob, thanks for the suggestions! And you will be happy to know that I will follow your crystal clear advice and NOT GO ON A DINNER CRUISE! Just thought I'd ask (no harm in that, right?).
The song boat from Anantara sounds wonderful, though not enough time, I'm afraid. I'll check out all the other options when I have some more time.
Paule
The song boat from Anantara sounds wonderful, though not enough time, I'm afraid. I'll check out all the other options when I have some more time.
Paule
Nov 22nd, 2013, 02:45 PM
#18
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Warm morning greetings Paule (from Seoul) and congratulations on what should be a most joyous time in beloved Bangkok.
Realize I am rather late to this restaurant thread, but do wish to give the ongoing (and rather recent) praise to a little riverside hideaway called Chon Thai, located within the truly memorable and serene The Siam property. This past Saturday evening, special as ever. Our weekend Loi Krathong lodging was the Peninsula (special as ever); transport to and from the restaurant was via The Siam's delightful private boat service (via Saphan Taksin Pier). Fine friends, cuisine and lodging at that retreat.
[Will also use this post to praise the Peninsula and an exhibit we were honoured to view at the hotel: ~ "Life on the Chao Phraya River" ... (Ties in with her 15th anniversary celebration. How time flies; seems just like yesterday I was savouring early days of staying on the 'wrong side' of the river.) If memory serves correct, the exhibit runs though ~ 19 Dec., '13. Perhaps for some of you current Bangkok holiday makers...]
Wherever you dine, enjoy; very happy for you. And, as always, honoured to offer Singapore lodging, dining, airline reccos. Warm Saturday wishes from Seoul,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Realize I am rather late to this restaurant thread, but do wish to give the ongoing (and rather recent) praise to a little riverside hideaway called Chon Thai, located within the truly memorable and serene The Siam property. This past Saturday evening, special as ever. Our weekend Loi Krathong lodging was the Peninsula (special as ever); transport to and from the restaurant was via The Siam's delightful private boat service (via Saphan Taksin Pier). Fine friends, cuisine and lodging at that retreat.
[Will also use this post to praise the Peninsula and an exhibit we were honoured to view at the hotel: ~ "Life on the Chao Phraya River" ... (Ties in with her 15th anniversary celebration. How time flies; seems just like yesterday I was savouring early days of staying on the 'wrong side' of the river.) If memory serves correct, the exhibit runs though ~ 19 Dec., '13. Perhaps for some of you current Bangkok holiday makers...]
Wherever you dine, enjoy; very happy for you. And, as always, honoured to offer Singapore lodging, dining, airline reccos. Warm Saturday wishes from Seoul,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Nov 22nd, 2013, 03:38 PM
#20
Original Poster
Narrowing down to the following (I think):
Supatra River house
Issaya Siamese Club
Chon Thai/ Siam Hotel
Any opinions of overall experience, food, ambience for these 3? They all feel comparable, but I don't really know what they're like, and wonder if there's a strong feeling for one over the others.
Many thanks for all your great suggestions!
Paule
Supatra River house
Issaya Siamese Club
Chon Thai/ Siam Hotel
Any opinions of overall experience, food, ambience for these 3? They all feel comparable, but I don't really know what they're like, and wonder if there's a strong feeling for one over the others.
Many thanks for all your great suggestions!
Paule
