Chic riverfront dining & rooftop drinks at boutique hotel – with spectacular views of the iconic Wat Arun

sala rattanakosin

February 18th, 2015

 

Superbly located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, boutique hotel sala rattanakosin occupies a re-purposed 4 level shop house in the heart of the bustling warehouse district of  “Old Bangkok”. Surrounded by some of Bangkok’s most iconic cultural destinations including the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) on the opposite river bank, and Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) directly behind the hotel, sala rattanakosin entices both tourists and local residents with its urban-chic contemporary aesthetic, offering delightful dining and drinks experiences. The headline eatery & rar serves an attractive combination of authentic Thai and Mediterranean-inflected international dishes, while the laid-back the roof (rooftop bar and lounge) allures with is 360-degree panoramic river and “old city” views, complemented by a refreshing beverage service.

Opened in 2013, sala rattanakosin was developed by the locally owned luxury resorts operator SALA Hospitality Group. The 15 room boutique hotel is set within a near-century old warehouse building, refurbished with a minimalist decor that features modern elements deftly over-laid onto surfaces of revealed original construction materials like raw brickwork, unfinished concrete and wooden beams. Set across two levels, the eatery & bar offers diners the choice of outdoor dining and drinks on the riverfront timber deck, on indoors at either the casual ground level bar space, or at the intimate dining room space on the second floor. An internal black steel staircase leads up to the open-air rooftop bar and lounge where guests can take in the wonderful views in laid-back comfort.

Particularly popular among a fashionable local clientele, diners at sala rattanakosin can order from an approachable menu created by Chef Tony Wrigley that cleverly combines authentic, undiluted Thai dishes with his contemporary renditions of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. In addition to the featured Thai cuisine, a casual barbecue menu is served at the rooftop bar on weekends from 6 pm. And up at the rooftop bar, well-priced cocktails highlight the drinks list, supplemented with a good selection of champagnes, wines by the glass, local beers, plus healthy mocktails and smoothies. Classic cocktails include refreshing versions of mojitos, martinis, and frozen margaritas – many created with distinctly local Thai flavour profiles.

sala rattanakosin is open daily – with the eatery & bar serving all-day from 7:30 am – and the rooftop bar serving drinks from 5:00 pm. Reservations in the evenings are recommended for the coveted riverfront deck tables, and also window-front tables in the 2nd floor dining room.

sala rattanakosin eatery & bar – interior design

 

sala rattanakosin – contemporary Thai & International cuisine

  • sala rattanakosin
    Khow pad nam prik pla tu - Wok fried Jasmine rice with shrimp paste, accompanied by deep fried local mackerel fish, sour green mango and sliced Thai omelet
  • sala rattanakosin
    Ahi tartare - Ahi tuna marinated in fresh herbs and lemon juice with avocado relish and sesame wonton crisps
  • sala rattanakosin
    Twice cooked crispy pork belly - Glazed with tamarind and served with roast pumpkin puree, stir-fried morning glory, apple and young ginger marmalade
  • sala rattanakosin
    Mango sticky - Chilled mango cheeks with sweetened sticky rice, kaffir lime infused coconut sauce and toasted sesame seeds

the roof – rooftop bar & lounge

the roof – cocktail highlights

  • sala rattanakosin
    Tanqueray Blush – Tanqueray Gin, cranberry juice, tonic water, lime
  • sala rattanakosin
    Sai Naam - Pineapple Juice, lime Juice, sugar Syrup, Blue Hawaii syrup (mocktail)
  • sala rattanakosin
    The Rooftop Punch - Light rum, Dark rum, Grand Mariner, Cointreau and lime juice, topped with fruit punch.
  • sala rattanakosin
    The Bangkok Sour - Dark rum, Gand Marnier, lime Juice and pineapple juice, topped with grenadine
  • sala rattanakosin
    Tom Yam Martini - Vodka, triple sec and lime juice, shaken with lemongrass, chili and kaffir lime