From Yaowarat to Songwat, everyone knows about the dining treats on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya, but what about the west side of the river? After all, the view is better from that side — and ever since ICONSIAM hit the scene that side of the river has been popping. From Michelin-star spots to heritage hotels more than a century and a half old, you’re missing out if you don’t head over the river now and again. 

Blue by Alain Ducasse

If there’s one spot you absolutely must try on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, it’s Blue by Alain Ducasse. By far and away the best fare and the only Michelin star in Charoen Nakhon, Blue by Alain Ducasse comes from the eponymous master chef and brings in talent from around the world led by executive chef Wilfrid Hocquet. After a visit to the Blue Lounge to get started, diners walk into a magical dining experience; the breathtaking design from the famed world-renowned Jouin Manku Agency sets the tone for an elegant, sumptuous evening of French cuisine. Pop in at the sprawling ICONSIAM for a one-of-a-kind five-course lunch (B2,950)  featuring the likes of bluefin senaka tuna and mozzarella cream with fennel and wagyu beef piquillos with oxtail and holy basil. But the absolute can’t-miss experience is the eight-course Menu Voyage, featuring a French feast like no other. This space has been a boon for fine diners in the area, garnering a Michelin star in 2019 just one year after opening. Every Friday from 5-7pm, the venue plays host to live music that really sets a romantic tone by the riverside. 

ICONLUXE, ICONSIAM, Room Unit L101, 1/F, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-005-9412. Open daily 11am-10pm. 

Mei Jiang 

When it comes to hi-so, it’s hard to get more ultra-luxe than the Peninsula Bangkok, but of all the dining options there, it’s the Cantonese cuisine at Mei Jiang that should really grab your attention. Mei Jiang, headed by executive chef Tang Ying Ip, is an old school place for classic Chinese dining for fans of Cantonese food. After reopening last year, Mei Jiang launched a whole new menu in March of this year, featuring the likes of Sichuan-style quinoa snow fish fillet with turnip and and golden fish dumplings in pickled vegetable sauce. Large bay windows look out upon a manicured lawn running towards the Chao Praya, and it’s a sight you won’t forget, but remember to try the nine-course Mei Jiang Exclusive, only available to four seats every night. If you’re there for lunch, obviously, get the dim sum. 

G/F, The Peninsula, 333 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-020-2888. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm. 

Spice and Barley 

This space is Chinese to the core, a dim sum restaurant at the Anantara Riverside for pan-Asian fare curated by Singaporean celebrity chef Sam Leong. Along with their extensive selection of Belgian beers, this spot follows the culinary history of spicy Sichuan. It’s not just high-end and elegant; this is a venue where you can pile the dim sum up in front of you until you can’t even see the table. The lobster dumpling in black wrapper is a crowd favorite. Though the dim sum is the star, don’t forget to try out the classic juicy crispy pork belly and the crunchy skin on the Peking duck.

3/F, Anantara Riverside Hotel, 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-476-0022 ext. 1416. Open 11:30am-3pm and 5-9pm Mon-Fri; 11:30am-9:30pm Sat-Sun. 

Seen 

Wait, you think, this is a party spot, not a high-end restaurant. Well, why not both? The first thing you have to talk about when it comes to Seen at Avani+ Riverside is the view. It’s not the highest on the 26th floor, but it’s certainly the most fun. Our advice is to pop in for brunch and have a boozy time before you switch on the food from Portuguese-Brazilian menu by celebrity chef Olivier da Costa. At lunch, start off with their quinoa and cheese croquettes before moving onto something heartier like the seared red snapper. For dinner, you won’t find any tasting menus here, but don’t forget to try the Chef Specialties of black Angus beef cheek and the Japanese “Mystery Box”. What’s great about this space for cocktails and food is that it’s fun to wander around and take a few photos with the cool design, and they’re never short of chic, wild events. 

26/F, Avani Riverside, Rd., 02-431-9120. Open daily 11am-late. 

Baan Phraya

Now, hang on. Isn’t Mandarin Oriental on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya? Yes, it is, and it has been there for nearly 150 years—frequented by the likes of George Orwell, Somerset Maugham, and Robert De Niro when he was shooting “The Deer Hunter” (1978). But on the other side of the river, the heritage hotel has a seasonal riverside dining experience. The good news is that the season is about to open again on July 18, and we’re all excited to see the new menu. A world away from the glitz and glam of its sister dining spots across the Chao Phraya, this elegant space is an understated but chic historic home surrounded by leafy greenery next to the spa, the food here comes from Chef Pom Phatchara and is known for a dedication to traditional Thai cooking. We don’t know what the new nine-course dinner will entail when the space reopens for the season, but last year’s offerings focused on summer Thai flavors. 

597 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Khlong Ton Sai, 02-659-9000. Opens July 18, hours to be announced. 

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