By Emily in Paris, we mean Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada — the only Emily who deserves to be in Paris. She was robbed from the opportunity, but these French bistros around Bangkok are the next best thing.
As the famous French poem goes: “Les rêves des amoureux sont comme le bon vin. Ils donnent de la joie ou bien du chagrin. Affaibli par la faim, je suis malheureux. Volant en chemin tout ce que je peux. Car rien n’est gratuit dans la vie.” It roughly translates to “French food is great comfort. From omelette to coq au vin, the simple joys of the day involve mouthwatering dishes paired with a nice glass of wine.” Trust us, that’s what it translates to. Don’t Google it.
So, grab your baguettes and check out the comforts of the best casual French bistros around Bangkok.
[Hero and featured image credit: Gaston Bangkok]
French bistros in Bangkok to live out your Emily in Paris fantasy
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
Palmier by Guillaume Galliot
A bistro is all about enjoying the charm of French cuisine all while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, and where better than right next to Chao Phraya river? Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok boasts not only the atmosphere, but also how they use quality French ingredients to elevate the flavours we know and love the country for. Swing by for dinner or pop in for their famed Sunday brunch.
Must-try highlights include the roasted chicken with a yellow wine sauce, their take on the bouillabaisse with rouille sauce, and their soul-soothing pâté en croûte.
More info: Palmier by Guillaume Galliot
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 11.30am-2.30pm; 6-10.30pm
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Image credit: IODE BKK/Facebook
iODE
When it comes to innovative French cuisine, iODE is on top of the game. They’re not only bringing you the vibes, but also the sultry culinary notes of Paris that guarantee a food coma after. The open kitchen certainly gives diners a sense of connection with the chefs, too. Although they’re seafood-focused, iODE never skimp out on any protein, so order whatever your heart tells you.
We strongly recommend their signature dry-aged seabream sashimi, some Cavatelli pasta to share, and never miss the veal chop served with green peas and morels.
More info: iODE
Opening times: Open daily, 5-11pm
Location: 76/8-9 Soi Si Bamphen, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Khlong Toei, MRT
Image credit: VIVIN Grocery – Bistro & Bar Thonglor
VIVIN Grocery
VIVIN Grocery prides itself in being a source for artisanal, organic products, directly supporting Thai artisans and butchers. Dine in and have the chefs whip up something with those products, or have it to-go and make it a special dinner for the family — you’ll be supporting local food providers as you do so. Definitely don’t skip their cheeses, for Thai cheeses make amazing dishes, and boy, does VIVIN have a lot of them to browse.
Highlights to try include the very cheesy souffle, duck confit, and warm goat cheese salad.
More info: VIVIN Grocery
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-9pm (open 10am onwards from Fri-Sun)
Location: 87 Soi Akkaphat Thonglor 13, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS
Image credit: Bisou Bangkok/Facebook
Bisou Bangkok
Bisou Bangkok has been offering quintessential French flavours for as long as their doors have opened. With the chef trained in Paris and the vibes so intimate, it’s the perfect place to unwind after work or to impress your date. Be sure to pair the dishes with one of their wines, as they have an extensive list of more than 200 labels from classic to artisanal.
Start the evening with the French toast with black truffles, perhaps some hamachi ceviche with dry-aged kalamansi, and definitely their signature French pigeon foie gras.
More info: Bisou Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 5.30pm-midnight
Location: 68, Lumpini Sub-District, 9 Soi Langsuan, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS
Image credit: Gaston Bangkok
Gaston Bangkok
When it comes to serving up classic French dishes, Gaston is one of the French bistros in Bangkok that do not miss. The live music they have on the regular, as well as the exceptional hospitality, also make the restaurant best for a date night. Want to impress someone? Book a table at Gaston and let Chef Federico know what you’re in the mood for.
Be sure to order all the French classics: frog legs, escargot, steak frites, and more.
More info: Gaston Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm onwards (open for lunch on 11.30am-2.30pm on weekends)
Location: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, LL Floor, 494 Rajdamri Road Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS
Image credit: Le Bouchon Bangkok/Facebook
Le Bouchon Bangkok
Le Bouchon’s homey atmosphere and comfort French food has captured the hearts of many Bangkokians, even long before it moved to its new snazzy Yen Akart location. After all, a candle-lit dinner with traditional cuisine, in a quiet dining venue with Impressionist-era paintings adorning the walls elevate any date night. The wine list is quite small but well-selected, and the staff is attentive — you won’t be disappointed.
Our favourites include the duck confit, frog legs, and the mille feuille that warms our souls right up.
More info: Le Bouchon
Opening times: Open daily, 11.30am-2.30pm; 5.30-9.45pm
Location: 50 Soi Atthakan Prasit, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Lumphini, MRT
Image credit: Café Claire ~ Oriental Residence Bangkok/Facebook
Café Claire
Café Claire is a hidden gem located inside Oriental Residence on Wireless Road. They serve all the French classics you know and love, while boasting an intimate, Parisian setting that is perfect for a date night or an afternoon tea session. Chef Eric Weidmann is all about attention to detail, and many of his dishes display that aspect perfectly.
Highlights include the Ventre de porc de chéri, which is pork belly served with braised cabbages, figs agro-doux, and Robert sauce, as well as the Pavé de poisson de sable, which is snow fish served with seaweed beurre blanc and organic green beans. Be sure to leave room for dessert.
More info: Café Claire
Opening times: Open daily, 6am-10pm
Location: Oriental Residence Bangkok, 110 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ploen Chit, BTS
Image credit: Cagette Canteen & Deli/Facebook
Cagette Canteen & Deli
If you’re craving anything French, head over to Cagette for both the essentials and the more innovative dishes. They have amazing French ingredients, free-range eggs and poultry, and fresh seafood that goes great with their selection of wine. Make sure you don’t miss their brunch, because they have one of the best, most value-for-money brunches in town.
Burgundy escargots? Yessir. Frog legs in garlic and parsley? Sign us up, Cagette.
More info: Cagette Canteen & Deli
Opening times: Open daily, 11.30am-10.30pm
Location: 15 Yen Akat Rd, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok
Nearest station: Khlong Toei, MRT
Image credit: Cafe Tartine
Cafe Tartine
Established way back in 2009, Cafe Tartine is one of the staple French bistros in Bangkok. This French family restaurant is known for its wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and one of the best breakfast spots in Bangkok. They’re making food from scratch, and it shows.
We recommend the salmon fumé sandwich, Nordic salad, and one of their gorgeous beef burgers. Their wine and cheese combo aren’t to be looked over, too.
More info: Cafe Tartine
Opening times: Open daily, 7am-6pm
Location: Athenee Residence, 65 2 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ploen Chit, BTS
Image credit: JP French Restaurant/Facebook
JP French Restaurant
Arrive on an empty stomach, as JP French will not disappoint you. Expect French classics that are both tasty and very reasonably priced, as well as relaxing vibes that make a solid, gorgeous dinner destination. Many also visit JP French for their tasty desserts, from crème brûlée to a nice parfait, and their attentive staff happily assists with whatever you may need.
Delicious highlights include the beef wellington, boeuf en croute, and the gratin dauphinois. Order the house wine to pair, and you’re set.
More info: JP French Restaurant
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 12-2.30pm; 10.30pm (only open for dinner on Mondays)
Location: 59, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Asok, BTS
Image credit: Le Boeuf – The Steak & Fries Bistro/Facebook
Le Boeuf – The Steak & Fries Bistro
When it comes to the timeless steak and fries combo, Le Boeuf has you covered. Their meats with green sauce — recipe from Cafe de Paris in Geneva — is their signature, and a must-order. You have ample choices ranging from striploin to lamb and salmon, which makes the venue a great spot to share plates with your company. The best part is that many menu items come with unlimited fries, which come to your table in small batches to ensure they’re still hot and crisp.
The desserts menu is also filled with a wide range of French classics, so leave some room at the end of the meal for them.
More info: Le Boeuf
Opening times: Open daily, 10am-10pm
Location: Noble Reform Condo 8/2 Phahon Yothin 7, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ari, BTS
Image credit: Brasserie 9/Facebook
Brasserie 9
Brasserie 9 is an authentic, quintessential French restaurant that will transport you straight to Paris. What they do correctly, for sure, is handling their meats. Order the oysters and caviar combo for date night, seafood platter to share with friends, and maybe some pan-seared beef Rossini to treat yourself with.
Their burgers and sandwiches also make for great power lunches.
More info: Brasserie 9
Opening times: Open daily, 11.30am-midnight
Location: 27 Soi Sathon 6, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chong Nonsi, BTS
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.