Features 9 minutes 16 December 2021

What MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Say About Best Restaurants In Thailand Of 2022

These are the best restaurants in Thailand.

The MICHELIN Guide Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang-Nga 2022 restaurant selection has now been released. Let's see what our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have to say about the best restaurants in Thailand.

A List of the Best Restaurants in Thailand for 2022

Two MICHELIN Star Restaurants – What Our Inspectors Say

Chef's Table | Two MICHELIN Star | Bangkok 
Start with champagne in the Pink Bar before taking your seat in this visually stunning pleasure dome soaring above the city. It’s all about the kitchen in the centre of the room – and the Molteni stove. The chef is from the Loire Valley and while his outlook is firmly global, his style is modern French. Flavours are balanced and well-judged and ingredients are superb. If you want intimacy and city views ask for table 5; to see the chefs, tables 2 or 3.

Le Normandie | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
Since 1958, Le Normandie has earned a reputation as a premier destination for sophisticated French cuisine. Certain elements – like floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chao Phraya River and elaborate flower arrangements filled with local flora– impress. Superb ingredients, refined techniques, and well executed combinations of flavours and textures ensure its reputation is deserved. Service is impeccable.

Mezzaluna | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
Mezzaluna offers sky-high and breathtaking views from 65th floor. Toast to the high life at Sky Bar before settling in for a gastronomic journey. The accomplished chef and his team deliver European delights with Japanese precision in a seven-course set menu, along with some surprises. The flavours are balanced and sophisticated. A wine list of
substantial proportions and prices accompanies.


Sorn's play on Thai desserts. (© Sorn)
Sorn's play on Thai desserts. (© Sorn)

R-Haan | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
Inspired by an old Thai poem “Nai Nam Mi Pla Nai Na Mi Khao” (In the river, there are fish; In the rice field, there is rice), R-Haan aims to reflect the way in which food has influenced Thai people and culture. Relax in the lounge with a cocktail before entering the main dining room, or book the private room for up to 20 guests. Food is authentically Thai, offering both regional and royal cuisine, using ingredients from all over the country.

Sorn | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
As two southern kids, Khun Ice and Chef Yod always dreamt of opening their own restaurant with a focus on long lost recipes and the art of local cuisine. In a reconstructed old house, Sorn is thematically inspired by the tropical forests of southern Thailand, while ingredients are sustainably sourced from a trusted network of farmers and fishermen. Cooking is refined and sophisticated and dishes mostly slow-cooked, with even the soup double-boiled for 6 hours.

Sühring | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
At Sühring, twin chefs Matthias and Thomas have created a modern German tasting menu inspired by family recipes, childhood memories and travel experiences. From first bite to last, dishes are beautifully presented and feature seasonal ingredients expertly prepared, often with traditional German techniques like fermenting, pickling and curing. The restaurant is in a leafy restored 1970s villa; for an exceptional experience, book seats at the counter in the kitchen.

Chef David Thompson's Aksorn on the top floor of Central: The Original Store in Bangkok. (© Aksorn)
Chef David Thompson's Aksorn on the top floor of Central: The Original Store in Bangkok. (© Aksorn)

One MICHELIN Star - What Our Inspectors Say

80/20 | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
When 80/20 opened, the name marked the ratio of local to imported ingredients used. Inspired by his journeys across Thailand, the chef skillfully uses local ingredients exclusively (some transformed in the in-house fermentation lab) to create two innovative seasonal tasting menus that wed contemporary cooking techniques with authentic Thai flavours. Both feature the delightful Stormy Sea (squid, mangosteen, chilli). Start with signature cocktails.

Aksorn | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Taking Thai cookbooks from the 1940s to the 1970s as inspiration, David Thompson expertly recreates the culinary lives of one chef at a time through flavoursome dishes, here on the top floor of Central: The Original Store. Highlights include coconut cupcakes with salted pork, and fermented bean curd relish with minced pork and prawns. Sit in the cosy dining room to see the open kitchen or on the outdoor terrace to take in city and street views.

Blue by Alain Ducasse | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
The moment it launched in 2019, Blue by Alain Ducasse became a prime destination for gastronomy lovers from Bangkok and beyond. The restaurant brings the renowned chef’s contemporary French fine dining to Icon Siam in an elegant room with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River. Under its executive chef, Blue offers diners a chance to savour world-class dishes using top quality ingredients. Advanced reservations are essential.

Cadence by Dan Bark | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Chef Dan’s progressive American cuisine combines Western and Asian cuisine in a tasting menu that showcases beautifully plated, inspired flavour and aroma combos from start to finish. One highlight is the grilled Maitake mushrooms with soy butter served with roasted green chillis, clear onion soup and fresh finger limes. Another is the complex, layered crème brûlée. Complementing the food are the cocktail and mocktail pairings and Cadence’s modern décor.

Canvas | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Food meets art at this fine dining restaurant from Chef Riley Sanders. The talented Texan sources first-rate ingredients from across Thailand and transforms them with modern cooking techniques, creating a seasonal 18-course menu that resembles a gallery show. Each dish is depicted in the menu so you can compare yours to the inspiration. Wine and tea pairing are also available. Counter seats offer views of the chefs at work; upstairs tables offer more privacy.


Chef Davide Garavaglia brings the cooking philosophy of chef Mauro Colagreco from the Mediterranean to the Chao Phraya river. (© Côte by Mauro Colagreco)
Chef Davide Garavaglia brings the cooking philosophy of chef Mauro Colagreco from the Mediterranean to the Chao Phraya river. (© Côte by Mauro Colagreco)

Chim by Siam Wisdom | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Chef Thaninthorn’s passionate take on traditional Thai cuisine balances domestic with international and classic with contemporary in à la carte dishes and set menus made with first-rate ingredients from around Thailand. The "Thai food in 4 Regions” set, presents a dazzling array of flavours. The setting, a vintage wooden house decorated with abundant greenery, invites you to relax and savour your meal. Booking is a must.

Côte by Mauro Colagreco | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
From Mauro Colagreco, the first non-French chef to earn Three Michelin Stars in France, Côte brings contemporary Riviera-inspired cuisine to Capella Bangkok on the Chao Phraya. The elegant dining room’s earth tones lead the eye to panoramic river views and the beautifully presented food. Every dish is cooked according to the chef’s standards. To lunch’s set menus and à la carte dishes, dinner adds Carte Blanche, an Omakase experience where every course is a surprise.

Elements | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
With impressive city views from its terrace, this restaurant on the 25th floor of the hotel is an ideal spot for a date. Inside, the décor is chic and it’s all centred around an open kitchen with oversized industrial light fittings and walls made with charcoal – one of the ‘elements’. The modern cuisine creatively fuses the best of French and Japanese dishes, and the set menus offer a varied selection.

Gaa | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New - Relocated
Outside traditional, inside contemporary, Gaa’s location mirrors Chef Garima Arora’s exquisite cooking: old-school at heart, transformed with modern techniques and presentation. The tasting menu presents nouveau Indian dishes based on street food with a delightful balance of flavours, textures and aromas. The chef cooks and serves many dishes herself. Book the chef’s table to see the action. Non-alcohol pairings are available and reservations are required.

A traditional Thai house turned into a new home of Gaa. (© Gaa)
A traditional Thai house turned into a new home of Gaa. (© Gaa)

Ginza Sushi Ichi | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Centrally located in the Erawan mall, this sushi restaurant belongs to a group that started in Tokyo and now has branches in Jakarta and Singapore. To maintain the quality, produce is delivered straight from markets in Tokyo every 24 hours. There are two dining rooms with counter seating, so every customer gets a bird's-eye view of the chefs in action. Of the four set menus, the Botan and Omakase are the most popular. Service is charming.

IGNIV | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Igniv means “nest” in Romansh, the mother tongue of chef-founder Andreas Caminada, evoking a space where guests can connect with each other through modern European cuisine. Located in The St. Regis Bangkok, the elegant restaurant playfully embodies the nesting theme. The head chef and the pastry chef have worked alongside the celebrated founder for many years. Their excellent tasting menu inspires sharing; add the chicken nuggets for the full experience.

J'aime by Jean-Michel Lorain | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Enter this hotel restaurant and your world gets a little topsy-turvy, with a grand piano hanging from the ceiling and upside down chandeliers. But one bite of the creative French cuisine and all will be right again. Choose the five, seven, or nine-course tasting menu to get the full experience. The restaurant and menu were conceived by renowned chef Jean-Michel Lorain – his daughter adds charm and one of his protégés runs the kitchen.

Jay Fai | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Jay Fai has long been a street food icon, and for good reason — the begoggled chef’s signature crispy golden-brown crab omelets are simply unparalleled. But if you’re looking for another reason to love the local legend, try her also excellent stir-fried noodles with seafood and gravy.

Khao | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Serving meticulously crafted Thai cuisine in a beautiful dining room inspired by traditional rice barns, Khao, whose name means rice in ‘Thai’, is all about the details. Everything is prepared from fresh, premium ingredients, including the excellent crab roe chilli paste served with mackerel, eggs, and veggies. For dessert, the tapioca pearls stuffed with strawberries (think Daifuku) is a must-try. For a real culinary journey, book the Chef’s Table menu.


The sharing concept by IGNIV´s founding chef Andreas Caminada. (© IGNIV)
The sharing concept by IGNIV´s founding chef Andreas Caminada. (© IGNIV)

Le Du | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Using his experience from working at NYC’s Eleven Madison Park, chef “Ton” Thitid creatively re-interprets Thai cuisine, with a rotating seasonal menu – Le Du comes from a Thai word meaning ‘season’. In summer, highlights include their signature Khao Chae, as well as Khao Khluk Kapi; the organic rice, cooked with salty aromatic shrimp paste and pork jam, is served with perfectly done river prawns. A relaxed ambience makes this a welcome retreat for diners.

Methavalai Sorndaeng | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
While live ’80s Thai music, classic décor and views of Democracy Monument are what give this restaurant its unique style, the food is what has kept loyal customers coming back for over 60 years. Presentation may look plain, but dishes deliver blasts of flavours and refined complexity. Highlights are crispy rice noodles in sweet and sour sauce, spicy lemongrass salad, and crab meat and acacia red curry. Small parties should book the private room.

Nahm | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Every dish displays Chef Pim’s creativity and attention to detail, with her passion for authentic Thai flavours shining through in both the set menus and à la carte dishes. For the full experience, order the Heritage set menu. It boasts a stream of delicious dishes from savoury canapés to flavourful mains and a luscious dessert; standouts include Yam Pak Yang Tawai (leaves and fruit salad with Tawai dressing) and Nuea Pad Piroth (stir-fried Wagyu beef).

Paste | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
The food here is as impressive and intricate as the spiral silk cocoon sculpture that fills the airy dining room. Drawing inspiration from royal Thai cuisine, the kitchen also employs century-old techniques and plenty of local ingredients. The roasted duck with nutmeg and coriander and the char-grilled pork, fennel seed, and smoked tomato relish are recommended and can be found on the tasting menus and à la carte. Excellent service further enhances the experience.

PRU | One MICHELIN Star | MICHELIN Green Star | Phuket
PRU stands for ‘plant, raise, understand’ and it is this ethos that underpins every aspect of this sophisticated, intimate and romantic restaurant, a stone’s throw from the sea. Its menu is built around dishes with ingredients sourced from ecosystems across Thailand like Phang-Nga, Nakhon Phanom and even its own 96-hectare organic farm. Dishes are seasonal, delicate and beautifully presented. The Phuket lobster and the Wagyu beef and baby corn are marvellous.


PRU's menu is built around dishes with ingredients sourced from ecosystems across Thailand, including from their own farm Pru Jampa. (© PRU)
PRU's menu is built around dishes with ingredients sourced from ecosystems across Thailand, including from their own farm Pru Jampa. (© PRU)

Saawaan | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
"Saawaan’ means ‘Heaven’ in Thai, which is exactly where Chef Aom wants to take you through her authentic Thai cuisine. Available only in a set 10-course menu, dishes are full of creativity and well executed, providing a truly special journey through Thai flavours, culture and art. The seasonal ingredients are locally sourced, such as organic rice paddy crab from Sing Buri, or squid from a small fishermen’s village in Krabi.

Saneh Jaan | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
The story of Thai cuisine continues at this restaurant as it finds new ways to reinvent traditional fare without losing its roots. The menu boasts both carefully prepared classics and rare vintage recipes, including some that once impressed the royal family. The sweet and sour crispy rice noodles with river prawns are outstanding, as is the ‘Traditional Golden Desserts’ plate, which features seven Thai desserts, including the restaurant's namesake: Saneh Jaan.

Savelberg | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New - Relocated
Named after the experienced Dutch chef-owner, Savelberg serves modern French dishes prepared with care. Ingredients are internationally sourced, like meat from Tasmania and fish from Holland, and the result is mouth-watering combinations of flavours and textures. The sophisticated menu is matched by the interior, which is sleek and luxurious with monogrammed leather armchairs and a polished black marble floor. The professional service comes with a degree of formality.

Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Inspired by its sister restaurant, Copenhagen's Kiin Kiin, Sra Bua is one of Bangkok’s original purveyors of modern, innovative Thai cuisine. À la carte and fixed menus are available; the 8-course ‘Signature Journey’ showcases the kitchen’s full range. On it, every dish – from street food starter to dessert – is creative and original, yet respectful of traditional Thai flavours. For the complete experience, pair it with alcohol or, for teetotallers, juice.

Yu Ting Yuan becomes Thailand's first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a MICHELIN Star. (© Yu Ting Yuan)
Yu Ting Yuan becomes Thailand's first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a MICHELIN Star. (© Yu Ting Yuan)

Suan Thip | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Beyond the bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets, stepping into Suan Thip feels like entering another world. Its lush garden of trees and small ponds is peaceful and pretty, while a Thai-style pavilion is the perfect setting for weddings and celebrations. Inside, the relaxed vibe continues with views to the riverside, while the refined cuisine is inspired by royal recipes. Many of the staff have been here for decades; even the chef is second generation.

Sushi Masato | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
After honing his craft in Tokyo and building his reputation in New York City, Masato Shimizu opened his eponymous omakase sushi bar in Bangkok. Housed on a quiet lane, Sushi Masato is hard to find and only identified by a small sign in Japanese. Once inside, the intimate space and elegant interior create a tranquil feeling. The team of inspired chefs use ingredients sourced from Japan and share their passion for food with customers at the intimate chef’s table. Advanced reservations are mandatory.

Yu Ting Yuan | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
This lavish venue fuses classical Chinese with contemporary designs. Expansive windows look out on to a reflective pool which comes to life at night with the illumination of contemporary artworks. The Chinese chef has worked with his team for several years and has honed a refined cooking style that emphasises nuance of flavour and strikes the right balance of oil. The Peking duck is a highlight while the dim sum, barbecue and live seafood are all impressive.


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