Acqua, Ploenchit

After more than a decade in Phuket, chef-owner Alessandro Frau brought Acqua to Bangkok in 2022, taking a leafy plot on Soi Somkid opposite Aman Nai Lert Park. The 60-seat restaurant is a more polished, city version of the Phuket original, billed as relaxed fine dining: smart casual dress, good lighting and an unhurried pace.

Frau's cooking draws on his native Sardinia, with modern technique applied to traditional recipes and ingredients imported from Italy, France, Spain and Japan. Signatures include raw Sicilian red prawns with Sardinian sea urchin and caviar, squid "tagliatelle" with mint and caviar, malloreddus with piglet ragù and a long list of Carnaroli risotti. The signature degustation menu runs to around eight courses, with an optional wine pairing.

The cellar is the other draw, with more than 700 labels and repeated recognition as one of the best wine lists in Bangkok. It is a strong choice for a special dinner or a wine-led evening; book online at least two hours ahead or message the restaurant on WhatsApp.