Best New Design: Khao San Sek
With Potong now a Bangkok institution, Khao San Sek was the most anticipated opening of the year. And it was worth the wait. This is a brand that brings style in spades. And, unlike a lot of other places, it’s not all about sharp corners and minimalism; you turn around a corner by the giant mural to a shophouse like any other (though it’s anything but). The multi-storey venue is a townhouse with easy lighting that accentuates exposed brick, visible wooden beams above, and retro furnishings. It’s a homey design that also gets you saying, “How did I even get here?”
Best Tasting Menu: Avant
Is it Japanese. Is it Thai? Is it French? Is it Singaporean? Who cares? It’s Chef Haikal Johari. Changeable as it may be, Avant is a wild ride—and it may be Bangkok’s best kept fine dining secret. With just eleven seats, guests are treated to a front row seat to one of the most inventive (and quietest) kitchens in the city. Here, through the direction of Chef Haikal Johari, his artisans work their way through the elements and stories of each dish with magical precision. Unlike a lot of other places boasting fine tasting menus, this place doesn’t feel like a journey; each dish is its own.
Best Service: Côte by Mauro Colagreco
Another win in this category for Cote, three years and counting. It well and truly is the gold standard for restaurant dining service in the city. From the moment you step through the door, the staff is like clockwork. The team here has been handpicked from international fine dining restaurants to provide a quality of service worthy of this venue’s namesake, Mauro Colagreco. Inside the kitchen, it’s Davide Garavaglia who leads the show, but from the floor to the backroom, this is the spot to beat in this category.
Best New Concept: Namsu
This is a difficult win. Namsu certainly earned their place in this spot over the last year, but they’ve recently moved from Baan Trok Thua Ngok to their new space above Rangoon Tea House. Nevertheless, the concept of this spot remains an absolute treat, and the food—a Shan State treat for a very unique take—has been a breath of fresh air on the dining scene. But the key to Namsu? It’s fun. In fact, you’ll be just as much a fan of the highballs and rare sakes that you’ll be planning your next visit while you’re still in your chair.
Best Wine List: Inddee
For the second year in a row, Inddee takes home the Best Wine List Award at Top Tables 2026. Why? Well, first off there’s the size. At nearly 600 labels, this is no list of an amateur. But, it’s more than that. The cuisine here is dynamic, and the wine matches every dish on the tasting menu with unique flavors (and the occasional ice wine)—pairings that don’t so much compliment as they do accentuate. Sommelier Jay Bottorff makes careful choices for every diner.
Best Value: Jhol
This might be the only award on the list where the awardee might frankly be tired of receiving it. But, what can we say? Everyone loves Jhol. While you can always go and expect some of the old menu favorites, Jhol keeps things fresh with new menu items on the regular. This year, they introduced bangers like the Kundapura ghee roast crab, with Thai crab from from Nakhon Si Thammarat, and the Bengali biye bari fish korma. And, let’s be real, where else in this city can you get an honest-to-god world-class tasting menu (designed by the inimitable Chef Hari Nayak no less) for B2,200.
