Discover Ari, one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighborhoods
If we were to pinpoint one of Bangkok’s most popular and emerging areas for food, a nightcap, or a lazy Sunday, then Ari would emerge as a top destination. Once somewhat of an open secret among Bangkok’s truly cool and hipster, the neighborhood is filled with waiting lists and must-go spots.
It’s not just known for food and wine, either. Ari’s heritage goes way back and was actually home to many of Thailand’s old families, a lot of which still exists today with houses now passed onto the next generation. Now, Ari is also home to various office buildings and lifestyle omplexes, a true mix of everything modern Bangkok has to offer.
Ari also wins points for being walkable and residential. It is home to many passed-down standalone homes, old condos with expansive space (and prime for renovation), and modern condos. People can walk to grab coffee, a slice of pizza, or even hop on their bicycles.
Here, we take you through our favorite Ari destinations.
Eat
•Kenny’s
A spot that is simultaneously photogenic and delicious. There’s nothing much to explain here, Kenny’s is a straightforward pizza joint with a creative and extensive menu, ranging from The Rumble (bacon, mozzarella cheese, meatballs, pepperoni) and truffle. They have other stuff, too, like mac and cheese or corn on the cob. This place gets packed, but there are two floors, and it is pretty perfect for grabbing some slices over catchup with friends.
•Gamsa
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A sleek, modern Korean BBQ joint where you won’t need to rush home to wash your hair afterward. It’s an upscale eatery with moody lighting, a minimal interior, and a premium menu with an extensive protein menu. This place puts a refreshing, modern spin on authentic BBQ where you can unwind with soju and plates of premium beef.
•Hanasen
When someone invites you to dinner at Hanasen, you say yes immediately because 1. It’s delicious, and 2. It’s impossible to book unless you’re very organized because it gets packed up quickly. The style is homey and classic, with dishes such as rice clay pots, ox tongue, and good bottles of sake. It’s perfect for date night or a rowdier evening with friends.
•Fish Monger
Only a glorified fish and chip eatery would have a long queue in Ari. Famous for its expansive location and classic menus, such as the Fish and Chips and other seafood dishes, it’s an easy, accessible go-to with family and friends for when you all want a variety of different things in a relaxing weekend lunch environment.
Sip
•Landhaus Bakery
A bakery slash coffee shop with various pastries and bread baked fresh daily. This place is a carb lover’s haven, with all sorts of baked goods, from pretzels to savory rolls and brioche toast. It’s built quite a following with locals and expats for being the go-to bread spot with a nice space for dining in for the Ari crowd.
•La Cabra
Souce image:facebook.com/hellobonci/
This Scandinavian speciality coffee house hails literally from Denmark, following on from the successful debut of La Cabra in Charoenkrung, the Aree location is tucked in Vanich Village, with an intimate space for you to enjoy an afternoon brew and a book, or a morning of remote work with drip coffee.
•Bonci
Souce image:facebook.com/hellobonci/
A trendy, prime for pop-ups and collabs coffee shop with some good beans. Bonci prides itself on being a quirky character with some photogenic angles, but they know their coffee and it’s no wonder the brand has two locations in Bangkok now. Inspired by various eclectic styles, Bonci drew inspiration from Scandanavia in its fun yet minimalistic design and mix of odd furtnirure pieces.
Drink
•Cinema Club
This is where you go to have a proper fun night out. Located on the second floor of Josh Hotel, the movie theatre theme bar regularly hosts live music, from live bands to DJs and an impressive cocktail list. There’s a large, sweeping projector in theme with its namesake which plays a rotation of classics, and signature cocktails which follow movie genres. The shtick works, and it’s become one of Ari’s most coveted nightlife spots.
•Frank Mansion
A somewhat hidden bar within Ari’s A One complex, Frank Mansion is a collaboration between multiple Ari businessowners, a project by those who know Ari best. The establishment sprawls across two floors, with an industrial loft feel and long wooden tables for catching up with friends over drinks. Every room models a living space, like going over to your friend Frank’s house with great playlists ranging from R&B, Soul to indie rock, as well as a rotating live set every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
•Salt
Souce image: facebook.com/SaltBangkok/
Somewhat of an Ari institution, Salt has been around for years, but still has that quintessential Ari cool factor. Known for its iconic exterior with glass windows and wooden frame, Salt is where the cool kids go to hang out with a unique Japanese and Italian menu, and an extensive wine list. This destination is synonymous with the neighborhood; fun, classically cool and timeless. Ari is one of those rare areas in Bangkok with a thriving ecosystem of happenings, yet it can also be quiet and residential-it’s the perfect hipster blend, ideal for families and singles. If you’re looking to buy a place or rent a condo, why not check out some of these listings? We hear they are also near the BTS.
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