Features 10 minutes 26 November 2022

What MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Say About Best Restaurants In Thailand Of 2023

These are the best restaurants in Thailand.

The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 has just been released!

The latest edition covers Bangkok and surrounding cities, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani as the four representative cities of Thailand’s Northeast or "Isan".

Throughout the year, the MICHELIN Inspectors has seen many local chefs focus more on their culinary roots. New Thai fine-dining restaurants with variety of cuisine have also bloomed, such as Northern Thai, Southern Thai, Isan, authentic Thai, modern Thai, and etc; has been opened around the country. And they are excited to see a new development of Thailand food industry.

Not only local chefs with their new restaurants, but also many new openings by world-famous chefs, together with new hotels that will soon open their door. The culinary scene in Thailand has never looked more exciting. Let's take a look at what our MICHELIN Inspectors have to say about the best restaurants in Thailand.

A List of the Best Restaurants in Thailand for 2023


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. It’s all about the kitchen in the centre – and the Molteni stove. Originally from the Loire Valley, Chef Vincent Thierry has delighted diners for over 35 years, serving classic French dishes using contemporary methods with a global outlook. His flavours are balanced and well-judged. If you want intimacy and city views ask for table 5. To watch the chefs: tables 2 or 3.

Le Normandie by Alain Roux | Two MICHELIN Stars | Bangkok
Le Normandie has been the premier destination for sophisticated French cuisine for 60 years. With French-English chef Alain Roux now overseeing operations, the restaurant is reborn. His refined techniques and sublime combinations of flavours ensure excellence is maintained. Order the pan-fried Canadian Lobster Medallion and ginger-flavoured Vegetables Julienne with white port sauce, for example. Views of the imperial Chao Phraya River and the elaborate flower arrangements impress.

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.

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
In a restored 2-storey mansion, Sorn’s menu and gardens are inspired by the tropical forests of the south. The team impressively interprets southern Thai, mixing forgotten recipes with modern practices and local culinary wisdom, and sourcing sustainable ingredients from a network of farmers and fishers. The sophisticated 22-course menu is mostly slow-cooked, starting with small bites and progressing to shared mains. Follow their social media for reservation tips.

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.



Alain Roux's recipe told by head chef Phil Hickman and the German twin brothers' flair on a plate. (© Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya / MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Sühring)
Alain Roux's recipe told by head chef Phil Hickman and the German twin brothers' flair on a plate. (© Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya / MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Sühring)

One MICHELIN Star - What Our Inspectors Say

80/20 | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Representing the ratio of exquisite local ingredients to the chef’s inspiration, 80/20’s dynamic seasonal tasting menu offers innovative delights, from the first bite to the last. The concept also applies to the design, featuring mostly Thai materials in an industrial loft style. The chef uses modern techniques and an in-house fermentation lab to produce traditional Thai dishes, ideal for sharing. The delightful signature, Stormy Sea (squid, mangosteen, chilli), is a must.

Aksorn | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
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.

Baan Tepa | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam used to worked at some renowned kitchens that focus on farm-to-table philosophy. Here, she brings the farm-to-table idea to her beautifully presented contemporary Thai tasting menu, made with seasonal ingredients sourced from sustainably minded producers and her own backyard. To realise her vision, she converted her grandma’s classic two-storey house into an urban food space that elegantly complements the fine cuisine.

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
After the success of his restaurant Upstairs, Korean-American Chef Dan Bark opened Cadence to offer fine progressive American cuisine in an elegant dining room. Building on his experience in some of Chicago’s Michelin-starred restaurants, he combines the flavours of Western and Asian cuisine to achieve a sophisticated complexity of textures and aromas. His expertise is complemented by an impressive curation of wines and well-crafted cocktails.

Canvas | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Food meets art at Chef Riley Sanders’ plush establishment. Every dish of the 22-course journey is depicted as a painting in the menu, like an art gallery brochure. The talented Texan sources seasonal ingredients from all over Thailand and transforms them with a modern interpretation. Bounty is the kaleidoscopic showpiece and plant-based dish. Counter seats offer views of the chefs, while tables upstairs offer more privacy. Wine or tea pairings are available.


The lavish dining of Baan Tepa. (© Baan Tepa)
The lavish dining of Baan Tepa. (© Baan Tepa)

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 
Côte brings contemporary Riviera-inspired cuisine to the Chao Phraya River. The dining room’s earth tones augment the panoramic river views and beautifully presented food. The team revels in surprising guests with each course, without revealing the seafood set menu first. The head chef worked with Mauro Colagreco for six years so has excellent knowledge of the cuisine. The gin trolley and plentiful wine selection are impressive features.

Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
The impressive city views make this an ideal spot for a date and its décor is chic, with an open kitchen, oversized industrial light fittings and charcoal walls. They’ve worked closely with Ciel Bleu, Amsterdam on their identity of French fine dining infused with Japanese influences; and three tasting experiences – Ku-Ki (4 courses), Chikyu (6) and Mizu (8). The Kamichiku Satsuma Wagyu is a menu highlight, with succulent marbled Japanese beef that’s perfectly grilled.

Gaa | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
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 serves many dishes herself. Book the chef’s table to see the action. Non-alcohol pairings are available and reservations are required.

The house-turned-restaurant of Haoma in the centre of Bangkok. (© Haoma)
The house-turned-restaurant of Haoma in the centre of Bangkok. (© Haoma)

Haoma | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Chef Deepanker Khosla says of his Haoma team, "We grow what we cook, we cook what we love.” And what is that? Sustainable, seasonal, local ingredients sourced from farmers, breeders, fisherfolk and the restaurant’s own garden. They’re turned into delicious, beautifully plated Indian dishes, in à la carte and seasonal tasting menus (including a vegetarian one). It all happens in a Nordic-style dining room where even the decor includes unused plant parts.

IGNIV | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok 
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
As you enter this restaurant, your world becomes a little topsy-turvy, with a grand piano suspended from the ceiling and upside-down chandeliers. But take one bite of the creative French cuisine and all will be right again. Do you fancy a creative culinary tour? Opt for the J'aime Journey set menu to be inspired by renowned chef Jean-Michel Lorain. His protégés run the kitchen and the menu features many local ingredients including a selection of Thai cheeses.

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 welcoming dining room of Maison Dunand is designed with a touch of Alpine chalets in France. (© Maison Dunand)
The welcoming dining room of Maison Dunand is designed with a touch of Alpine chalets in France. (© Maison Dunand)

Le Du | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
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.

Maison Dunand | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Following his successful time as Head Chef of Le Normandie, Arnaud Dunand Sauthier’s next venture was opening his own place. Here he welcomes you into a home designed like the Alpine chalets of the Savoie region in France, where he grew up. The French contemporary tasting menu is inspired by his alpine origins, childhood trips to Brittany and his glittering international culinary journey. Expect too an excellent wine cellar with many great French vintages.

Methavalai Sorndaeng | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
One of the city’s original Thai fine dining restaurants, they’ve maintained a loyal customer base for 60+ years, using the same timeless recipes and cooking techniques. The refined dishes are complex, delivering blasts of flavour. Highlights are crispy rice noodles in sweet and sour sauce, spicy lemongrass salad, and crab meat and acacia red curry. The curry pastes are made from scratch and fishcakes from featherback fish. 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.

Potong | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | New
Traditional and novel converge at this Thai-Chinese fine dining restaurant from chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij. Set in a historical Sino-Portuguese building that used to be Pam's family’s Chinese pharmacy, Potong blends rustic and modern decor from ground floor bar to rooftop chill space. Her progressive 20-course set menu is infused with storytelling and hits its peak with aged duck breast. To make it even better, ask the sommelier for a wine pairing.


Potong's historical Sino-Portuguese building is situated in the heart of chaotic Chinatown in Bangkok. (© dofskyground, gastrofilm/ Potong)
Potong's historical Sino-Portuguese building is situated in the heart of chaotic Chinatown in Bangkok. (© dofskyground, gastrofilm/ Potong)

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.

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
Food and mood pair well at Dutch chef-owner Henk Savelberg’s eponymous restaurant, now in a contemporary house in Chong Nonsi. The sparkling dining room features an open kitchen, a refined wine cellar and garden views, with private group dining available. The à la carte and fixed menus boast sophisticated modern French fare made from fine international ingredients. Rounding out the experience is the professional service. Booking is essential.

Signature | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok | Promoted
Veteran Chef Thierry Drapeau expands on his ‘cuisine of the soil’ philosophy he first explored in his native Loire Valley. The art-deco dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows and velvet curtains that open to reveal his stage – an open kitchen. Here, he achieves classic French flavours using imported herbs and edible flowers that evoke their terroir. The Flower Bouquet set menus rotate with the seasons, are great value and matched by excellent service.

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 fixed menus come with the option of 4,6, and 8 course. 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.

Chef Thierry Drapeau's "floral cuisine" features classic French flavours using imported herbs and edible flowers. (© Sahil Rattan, Manoo Manookulkit/ Signature)
Chef Thierry Drapeau's "floral cuisine" features classic French flavours using imported herbs and edible flowers. (© Sahil Rattan, Manoo Manookulkit/ Signature)

Suan Thip | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
The lush riverside gardens, pavilion and ponds feel a world away from the bustle of Bangkok’s streets. Suan Thip serves refined royal Thai cuisine in an idyllic setting for weddings. The delectable stir-fried crispy catfish with curry, dry curry paste and kaffir lime chiffonade strikes the perfect balance of textures, spices and a citrus aroma. The betal leaf wraps offer another pleasurable gift of flavours with pink lotus petals and a superb Miang Kum sauce.

Sushi Masato | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
Having honed his craft in Tokyo, and built his reputation in New York, Chef Masato Shimizu was one of the first to bring omakase, counter dining to Bangkok, in 2015. All the dishes are made of the finest, seasonal ingredients imported from Japanese fish markets, such as Toyosu market. The same seasonal menu is offered across two floors, but advanced reservations are necessary for the definitive experience, served by Masato himself.

Yu Ting Yuan | One MICHELIN Star | Bangkok
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.


Features

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading