The buzz: Tucked inside the hip bike café Aran Bicicletta, this homey restaurant and bar boasts a welcoming ambience that thankfully goes for a softer, warmer vibe than the usual industrial-looking venues. The kitchen churns out a brief selection of global favorites, while the cocktail list is carefully crafted by a group of friends. 

The décor: Thankfully eschewing the industrial vibe we’ve seen done to death in Bangkok of late, you’ll find yourself dining in a small and casual space featuring soft lighting and decked out in white and wood tones, with an illuminated bar sat over in one corner. Be warned, though, if you do dine in the air-con room (where the bar is), your hair might get a bit smoky due to the small kitchen tucked behind the bar. Otherwise, head outside to share the communal tables where they seem to have been inspired by magazine of the moment Kinfolk, what with all the wood, white bricks and preponderance of plants. If you love the look and feel of this space but can’t handle the current crowds, stay tuned for a new restaurant and bar, run by the designer behind Barka, which promises a similar concept and will be sat right next to Salt on Soi Ari.

The food: The two-page clipboard menu covers standards such as pasta, steak and salad. The dishes tend to put a focus on good quality meat so try the lamb shank slow braised with rosemary, nutmeg and white beans and comes served with pickled bell pepper and shallot (B550), which packs some seriously rich flavors. Other popular mainstays include the chicken tikka masala (B220) and smoked duck breast salad with grapes, almond and citrus vinaigrette (B300). Take a peek at the blackboard for specials like angel hair pasta with soft shell crab, seafood, garlic and chili (B380).

The drinks: Drinks also play a big role here. Have a chat with the two friendly bartenders who will shake you up a stiff cocktail that could be made with Jolly Bear and plum-infused gin or bael-infused Jameson whisky. The signatures include Man Thing (honey-infused whisky, orange, lemon, Peychaud’s bitter, B280) and Tea Dance (earl grey-infused gin, lemon, honey, ginger ale and organic rose, B300). Otherwise, sip a bottle of Beerlaos dark (B130) or St. Bernadus (B250). There’s roughly ten types of whisky by the glass ranging from B190-B350.

The crowd: Young hipsters, stylish middle-age groups and some serious drinkers coming to try the cocktails.