Upper Sathorn area Restaurants

[Guest fountainhall]

Anyone know what has happened to Le Café Siam? This popular French/Thai restaurant in an old-style Thai house at the other end of Soi Sribumphen from the Malaysia and Ibis hotels was mid-price range, but always good for a special occasion. Taking a Thai friend for dinner there last night, I was surprised to see it closed with a "House For Rent" sign outside. I assume it must have ‘died’.

 

With rain threatening, we turned around back to Sathorn Soi 1 to try Pandanus. Old Bangkok hands will know that this was part of the original – and by me, much lamented – Babylon sauna (now vastly enlarged and located further down that soi). It has been a Thai/European fusion restaurant and bar for some years, catering mostly to younger up-market Thais (one of whom my friend reckoned is a gay TV personality). On entering, the eye-candy – both waiters and customers – was, well, mouthwatering.

 

Downstairs the décor is rather like an airy conservatory, with chintz covered seating, lots of cushions spread around and split into several little areas. The service was not great, but we enjoyed the food, sharing a nice crispy deep-fried calamari dish to start, and followed by duck in a cranberry and Thai sauce for me, and what is described as "orangey chicken" for my friend. We each had a banoffee concoction for dessert, rather similar to what is served at Anna’s Café but more flavourful.

 

With a couple of drinks, the bill came to Bt. 2,031. Not cheap, but we reckoned good value. They also have a set lunch that is much more reasonably priced.

[Rogie]

When I used to stay at the Malaysia I was always grateful for its proximity to Babylon.

 

If you take the road that tales you to Babylon there is a small restaurant on your right hand side called The Mali. I've been there a couple of times. It is nothing special but nice enough if you are in the area and stuck for somewhere.

 

The O-Ho restaurant on the soi next to the Malaysia, more or less opposite the Ibis closed some time ago, towards the end of last year I think. That was a decent place run by the same management as the Om Yim guest house I believe.

[Guest fountainhall]

Mali is still there and seems to be doing good business. I heard it changed management about 2 years ago.

 

O Ho 'died' when it's owner, Bert, finally gave up and returned to Australia - about 18 months or so ago, I think. I used to pop in quite regularly for either breakfast or dinner. Bert had always hoped his business would pick up once the Ibis hotel opened across the road, but that promise was never fulfilled. The new owner/s retitled the restaurant The Full (sic!). Unfortunately, they increased the level of the lighting and added a TV, so I feel it has lost its cozy atmosphere. As I pass by almost daiy, I see very few diners. I also notice it is quite frequently shut - and not just on the weekly day off. Recently it was shut for 2 consecutive days (not public holidays) with no notice on the shutter door.

 

More small restaurants and guest houses are opening on that stretch of Sribumphen, right the way along to Soi Yen Akat.

[Rogie]

The new owner/s retitled the restaurant The Full (sic!)

That's a pity. The last time I was there the O-Ho had only just closed, with signs of refurbishment going on inside, so I never got to see The Full. I wonder if it is owned and run by a farang. Not that it matters to me, but a place which is so handy for visitors and ex-pats ought to try and be more customer-friendly - closing without any obvious reason doesn't make any business sense to me. One thing I would comment on is the near impossibility (I would imagine, I don't drive in Bangkok!) of parking. That soi is just so busy. Pedestrians, motor cyclists, taxis (thousands of 'em), all jostling for space!

[Guest fountainhall]

I wonder if it is owned and run by a farang.

I have no idea who runs it, but somehow I cannot see any farang choosing to name a restaurant The Full! The presence of the large TV monitor suggests to me that it is Thai run.

 

O Ho may also have seemed a strange name but Bert had a good reason for selecting it and I believe it is a Thai phrase - although what it means, I again have no idea.

[Guest fountainhall]

I noticed yesterday that the name 'The Full' has now been taken down. I'll post later if I see a new restaurant opening on that site.

[ChristianPFC]

There is also the "Moonhouse" (restaurant and guesthouse) if I remember correctly adjacend to "The Full". Last winter, on one occasion I noticed the following: "Moonhouse" was full and "The Full" was empty. LOL.

 

And not to forget Lido Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria! I like Italian food and if after some days of Thai food only I want to eat Farang food, this is the place to go for me (if I'm in the area).