Sukhumvit, Thonglor & Ekkamai

Sukhumvit Road runs east through Bangkok's main expat residential area, with numbered sois leading off into side streets of condominiums, restaurants and bars. Thonglor and Ekkamai, further along, are known for their dining scene, while the lower sois hold long-running neighbourhood restaurants.

Philippe (Michelin Selected) on Sukhumvit 39 has been run by chef Philippe Peretti since 1997 and is known for Burgundy snails and chocolate soufflé. JP French Restaurant on Sukhumvit 31 serves beef tartare, bœuf en croûte and snails in a red-curtained room. Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery, also on Sukhumvit 39, is a wood-fired grill house with rotisserie chicken and Wagyu cuts. Chez Papa on Sukhumvit 51 is an apéro bar and bistro with charcuterie, bone marrow and a Tuesday French buffet.

Booking is wise at weekends, particularly at Philippe. Smart casual is fine everywhere. The BTS Sukhumvit Line stops at Phrom Phong and Thong Lo, both within reach of these sois, though traffic is heavy at rush hour. Prices are mostly mid-range to upscale.