Bangkok's 9 most romantic restaurants

If you can't get lucky after taking your date to one of these city eateries, you just aren't trying hard enough

By Sonia Boonchanasukit 14 February, 2011

Sorry gentlemen. Just like getting a prostate exam, wining and dining your loved one on Valentine’s Day is one of those things in life you have to do -- whether you like it or not.

To make the event a less painful affair, here’s a list of some of the most romantic restaurants in Bangkok, from the most exclusive and pricey to the pocket-friendly and quaint.

1. Vertigo

It’s a view of Bangkok unlike any other, envoking an endless stream of cliches and superlatives from travel writers around the world.

But it really doesn't get much more romantic than this open-air rooftop venue, set on the 61^st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn Road.

Perfect for a one-on-one rendezvous under the gorgeous night sky, woo your significant other into the bedroom with their impressive menu of steaks and grilled seafood coupled with a glass or two of premium champagne.

We'd even go so far as to say this place was designed for marriage proposals. If your date is the cheesy sort to go for that kind of thing, of course.

Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 679 1200

2. Rang Mahal

For one night, you and your date get to be Moghul prince and princesses at the luxe Rang Mahal, a gourmet Indian restaurant set on top of the Rembrandt hotel.

Rang Mahal is 100 percent grand, from the fine cuisine and swanky ambience to the entertainment. Nibble away on traditional Moghulite curries and dishes hot off the tandoor in an exotic Indian setting as a live band croons the night away.

Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18, BTS: Asok. Tel +66 (0)2 261 7100.

3. Al Majlis

This Moroccan inspired tearoom and restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area.

For a quiet and romantic experience grab a spot in Al Majlis' cozy garden, subtly lit with lanterns and filled with comfy seating.

Order yourself a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea, a couple appetizers and a sheesha for some serious relaxation time.

Ekamai Soi 12. Look for a green “Praduu Spa Club” sign and turn into the alley. Al Majlis is located at the end of the alley. Tel: +66 (0)2 392 2345

4. The Nest

This chic rooftop restaurant and bar is perfect for a snuggle and cuddle session.

Pick one of The Nest's cocoon-shaped beds and forget the world around you as you pick through dishes of Thai and Western food and indulge in more than one fish bowl martini whilst the house DJ keeps you humming to soft jazzy and bossanova beats. (And we all know what jazzy and bosanova beats do for a lady's libido.)

33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11. Tel: +66 (0) 26 54 6935

5. Spring n Summer

Two words: Chocolate fix. When it comes to Valentine's Day, there is no denying the power of the cocoa and at Spring n Summer they don't mess around.

Reserve yourselves two giant bean bags out in the lawn and enjoy a night of fusion fare and funky drinks.

But leave room for the delicious "Cup C" dessert -- a bowl of perfectly baked chocolate topped with vanilla ice cream.

199 Soi Promsri 2, Sukhumvit Road 39. Tel: +66 (0) 23 92 2747

6. The Deck

Dining with a view of the city is pleasant but dining with the gorgeous Temple of Dawn as your backdrop takes things to a whole new level.

Head to riverside restaurant The Deck at sunset, at Arun Residence, and toast the occasion with an aperitif.

Dinner wise, go for their Italian fare before making your way up to the Amorosa bar for a breezy end to the night.

36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road. Tel: +66 (0) 22 21 9158

7. The Lake House

There is no need for a three-hour road trip to escape the big bad city when you have a quiet little haven right smack in the middle of it.

This wine bar and restaurant is an old traditional Thai house turned exotic eatery, set in a tropical forest-like garden surrounding a large pond.

For the best experience, make sure you grab one of The Lake House's outdoor gazebos right by the lake and spend the night nibbling on their great selection of wines and tapas.

18 Soi Phrom Mitr, Sukhumvit Soi 39. Tel: +66 (0)2 662 6349

8. Blue Velvet

Nice is overrated. It’s time to get a little naughty at Thong Lor’s Blue Velvet.

Set in an atmosphere that would befit the Count himself, the interiors are medieval and the drinks potent. The menu is semi-funky fusion with a bit of Western, Thai and Japanese fare to choose from.

But at this place, you’re going to want to pay more attention to the drinks list anyway. Try the Bloody Mary to kick start a wild night.

Thonglor soi 5, Sukhumvit 55. Tel +66 (0)2 392 1769

9. Aldo's

Minimalist and sleek, Aldo's is The Ascott Sathorn's underrated outdoor Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar. For the health conscious, its Mediterranean menu is among Bangkok's best, featuring a heavy helping of fresh salads and seafood.

But for those who feel Valentine's Day shouldn't be about weight watching, they carry a heartier selection of meat-based dishes and scrumptious desserts like the melting chocolate cake.

Make sure you call in advance to reserve one of the private gazebos by their gorgeously lit pool.

7/F, The Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 187 South Sathorn Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 676 6982

Born into an Indian-Chinese household, bred in Bangkok and partially educated in the States, Sonia considers herself a global citizen. If she’s not traveling places and writing about them, she’s sampling new cuisines and burning them off at the gym. Today, she brings together her cultural background and her passion for writing into her role as editor for Masala Magazine, Thailand’s first Indian lifestyle publication.