Traveling to BKK this fall. Was wondering what normal dinner time is? Want to make sure it is not like Europe where if you show up before 8:30 you are an outcast. How necessary are dinner reservations and how far in advance?Even if it is not necessary to make reservations is it a sign of repect as in many parts of the world. Planning to go to lots different levels of establishments. For example which of these places do you need reservations for? Tongue Thai, Harmonique, Celadon, Face, Maha Naga, Baan Khanitha, Baan Klang Nam, Le Dalat Indochine. Thanks for all the help.

We like to eat early so I can relate to your post. Tongue Thai you can show up any time. Maybe Harmonique also. Face and some of the more upscale places open at 6:30 - 7 - or at the latest 7:30. You can check their websites - most of those restaurants have them and also e-mail or call or have the concierge call. The whole European late dinner thing drives me nuts - I guess I'm just an "ugly American" but its nice to eat earlier so you can pack, sleep and get ready for the next morning, especially if you have to catch a flight or just want to hook up with your driver for an early morning tour.

You should reserve for Face...just in case... although I didn't back in December 2005 and it was no problem. You should also try the Bed Supper Club...great food and dinner show...but reserve...and also Biscotti Italian...probably the best Italian in Bangkok. It's in the Four Seasons hotel. There's a skytrain station(Rajadamri Station) directly across the street...easy to get there. I would reserve for that one if you decide to go. I almost always show up before 8:30PM for dinner...no problem. Happy Travels!

No need for reservations at Tongue Thai or Harmonique.

I'd make reservations for Face, Celadon, MahaNaga, Baan Khanitha and Le Dalat Indochine. Sorry, I don't know about Baan Klang Nam.

I wouldn't worry about eating too early. If the place is open, they will be glad to serve you and will be very gracious about it.

Reservations are usually only necessary on the weekends. 8PM is about the average dinner time.

Now that I've seen some of the other responses, I realize your concern is about reservations. If you are going to show up early, especially on weekdays, you won't need them. I make reservations anyway just to ensure that the restaurant will indeed be open when I want to show up.

i make a res even when not necessary for the finer restaurants, quality wise....this assures you of one of the best tables i find...the simple restaurants like tongue thai, gallery cafe, harmonique, etc i do not make res...

biscotti, baan khanitha, and other popular rest. require a res....even lemongrass is difficult without a res on certain nites....

as brad points out weekends are a must for res at many places...