The buzz: Run by the company behind Bangkok Air Catering, Brasserie 9 serves up traditional French cuisine with a few contemporary twists. The place recently welcomed new Chef Raphael Kinimo who previously worked for Artur Restaurant and worked in the kitchens of many famous chefs, like Michelin-star supremos Joel Robuchon and Marc Veyrat.

The décor: Decorated with a mix of prominent timber beams, hanging lamps and a feature wall displaying an old-fashioned world map, this imitation warehouse has got one of the best spots in Asiatique—right by the river. Naturally, the al fresco area out front is the place to be so you can kick back and feel the breeze.

The food: Expect classic French dishes, with appetizers like foie gras terrine served with brioche (B580) and oysters (B480 for 3). Mains include pan fried frog legs in garlic butter and fresh herbs (B380), salmon and spinach on puff pastry (B480) or Charolais entrecote with vegetables (B980). There’s also a bar menu which offers a long list of small dishes like homemade country terrine with Cumberland sauce (B250). Otherwise, the set menus offer 3-7 courses (with or without wine pairing) from B1,350-3,900.

The drinks: Drop by any day from 5-7pm for their happy hour, which includes a buy-one-get-one-free on wine by the glass and beers such as Stella Artois, Hoegaarden (both B250) and Chang (B280), through Jan 13, 2013. Classic cocktails are B250 and wine by the glass starts from B170.

The crowds: Shopped-out couples looking for a romantic spot (this seems to be the only one around here), and tourists stepping off the shuttle boats. Pieng-or Mongkolkumnuankhet