The Best Fine Dining

    • Gaggan (Bangkok):All hail the four-time winner of “Asia’s Best Restaurant” by the organization World’s 50 Best (Gaggan was ranked number 5 in the world in 2018). It’s a quirky place to dine: the menu is presented as a series of emojis with each course representing the emotions of the symbol. It’s also VERY hard to get in: Chef Gaggan Anand has announced he’ll pack up and explore culinary ventures in Japan in 2020, so winning a reservation is like winning the lottery.

 

    • Acqua (Phuket): Under the watchful eye of Sardinia-born Alessandro Frau, Acqua brings to life a creative menu of seafood-based Italian dishes with European precision and cooking techniques. The wine list is the best outside of Bangkok, and top international suppliers bring in fresh-water fish, smoked burrata, and perfectly ripe tomatoes.

 

    • Breeze (Bangkok): The skyscraping seafood experience on offer at Breeze will amaze anyone who braves the giddy heights of this alfresco restaurant in State Tower. The fusion-inspired menu is guaranteed to blow you (and your wallet) away, while the views of Bangkok below are irresistible. Advance reservations are obligatory.

 

    • Le Du (Bangkok): For a deep dive into authentic (but elevated) Thai cuisine, head to this sleek, chic, contemporary restaurant helmed by Chef Thitid “Ton” Thassanakajohn. He stars on Thailand's version of Top Chef, meaning guests will feast on rare ingredients, ones one can't get outside the country (like blue swimming crabs), and it all will be cinematically plated.

 

    • Dining on the Rocks (Ko Samui): The 270-degree beach views are matched by the cuisine at this romantic restaurant. Expect organic produce, creative plating, and a lot of space between the tables. This is an especially good pick for vegans, as one of the tasting menus is just for them.

 

    • The Boathouse Wine & Grill (Kata Beach, Phuket): With a delightful terrace looking over Kata Beach, the Boathouse is the ideal spot to enjoy fine dining beside the sea. The best of French and Thai cuisine is on offer, as is a dizzying range of wines from the cellar.

 

  • Fujian (Chiang Mai): Set in a pseudo-colonial mansion at the end of a pretty cobbled lane is the fabulous Chinese restaurant. Succulent dim sum lunches, or mouthwatering marinated meats, filets of waxy steamed fish, and fresh seafood complemented by devilish desserts (warning: the black sesame ice cream is addictive) make for a rather pricey, but exquisite, dining experience.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.