I will be going to Bangkok for a week with a high-level colleague, who is expecting top of the line dining every night but is rather conservative in such exotic places. We arrive around noon on Sunday and leave the following Saturday. We will be taken care of for lunches by our clients there. But for dinner we're on our own. Below is a list of restaurants that I have compiled based on doing some research on Flyertalk, Chowhound and elsewhere. I have also been there several times but I haven't been to all of the places. I would very much appreciate feedback on the proposed venues:

On our first night, I thought we'd do the obligatory dinner by the river. My initial thought is the Sala Rim Naam at the Oriental. I have also heard vague but very good things about the Supatra River House. Does anyone know it? I had a horrible river experience at the Shangri-la - the food was so "westernised" and cooled-down that it was hard to imagine this as traditional Thai fare.

I am also thinking of the following for subsequent evenings: Spice Market (which I adore, but I know is not a universal feeling), the Celadon at the Sukhothai Hotel and the Blue Elephant.

I figured we'd need a fix of Western food for one night and I've heard fabulous things about the Zanotti.

For our final night, I thought we'd go barhopping by the river (Oriental, Peninsula, Shangri-la) - and snacks in each of them...

I know this is not the most daring selection of restaurants, but that's by design... I'd appreciate any feedback and all suggestions for revising it...

We will be staying at the Oriental and I have requested a series x11 room. Thank you very much Pickles

I will report back on all the places we go to.

Thanks in advance,

I can speak to Zanotti as I had dinner there last week. It is definitely good Italian with an Italian chef. I was happy with my dinner although it is definitely on the expensive side for Bangkok. Location is very convenient off Silom in Sala Daeng. The restaurant is white linen with good service seemingly serving predominately business people thus the price level. Food was well prepared. Good selection of wines. Reservations strongly recommended and dress ranges from casual to business formal. No one sneered at me and my Levis and sport shirt and I was not seated at the kitchen entrance.

Passion fruit sorbet is to kill for. Pasta was al dente. Seafood salad appetizer was excellent.

[email protected] (e-mail)

"Zanotti" Italian Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand
Address: Saladaeng Colonade, 21/1 Soi Saladaeng, Silom Rd
Phone: 02 636 0002, 636 0266
Hours: 11:30am - 2:00pm, 6:00pm - 10:30pm

It appears that they do not have a web-site

By all means have a meal on top of the State Tower. Mezzaluna is wonderful, as is Flutes, the champagne bar on the roof. I haven't ate at Sirocco, which is outside along with Flutes, but have hear good things about it as well.
Here's an overview of the dome restaurants. I know they each have their own website, but I can't seem to find them at the moment.
http://www.thedomebkk.com/abtus.html

Do searches on each of the restaurants and I think you'll find lots of good reviews. IME, it was one of those rare experience where the food matched the views. Prices are high by BKK standards though.

As long as you are at the Oriental - Lord Jim's has a great lunch buffet. Beautiful view of the river - just about everything you could want in a buffet from lamb and Middle Eastern foods to sushi (and quite good sushi too).