The Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide Awards 2026 took place on 12 November at Gaysorn Urban Resort, celebrating the chefs and restaurants that drive Thailand’s culinary culture and excellence. 

This invitation-only event recognises chefs and restaurants, hosted by MediaMagination, the publisher behind Koktail Magazine and Time Out Thailand. 

Award categories for this year include Openings of the Year, Neighbourhood Favourites, The Classics, Pioneer in Sustainability, Pioneer in Thai Cuisine, Thai Cuisine Ambassador, Casual Fine Dining, Wine Pairing of the Year, Alcohol-Free Pairing of the Year, Sommelier of the Year, Excellence in Service, Thailand’s Best, Vegan Restaurant of the Year, Chefs of the Year, and Restaurants of the Year. 

Thailand’s Finest in the Spotlight: Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide Awards 2026

The night was filled with celebration, as over 800 guests, including industry professionals, hospitality leaders, society figures and media representatives, attended the awards ceremony. Nearly 300 restaurants featured in the Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide 2026 were recognised, with special honours awarded for excellence in service, innovation and sustainability. 

This year we had the honour of welcoming Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to join the event.

The event began with Nigel Oakins, Founder and Chairman of MediaMagination and publisher of Koktail Magazine, Koktail’s Restaurant Guide, and Time Out Thailand, taking the stage to share a few words with the audience.

Thank you to every single one of you for coming tonight.

This time of year is really special for the hospitality industry, and we love what you guys are doing. We’re proud to keep this tradition going and to make it better every year.

A quick thank you to everyone who helped make tonight possible, especially Tib, our Project Manager at Koktail, who pulled everything together, and Chris, our Project Director.

This year, in my opinion, is the year of governors leadership, and with that, I’m especially proud to welcome our Governor of Bangkok to the stage.

The event was officially opened when Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt took the stage to deliver his remarks to the audience.

Good evening, everyone.

Thank you to khun Nigel, Koktail, and Time Out for all the incredible support you’ve given to Bangkok’s hospitality scene, especially helping restaurants, including new ones, get noticed and celebrated. You’re all an important part of Bangkok team and of Thailand for making our city’s dining scene what it is today. Congratulations to all the award recipients tonight. And if you ever run into any problems, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’ll do my best to help however I can.

Chefs of the Year: Chef Sachin Poojary and Chef Valentin Fouache

Among the many awards presented at the event, the prestigious Chefs of the Year honours went to two culinary leaders: Chef Sachin Poojary of INDDEE, Bangkok, and Chef Valentin Fouache of Duet by David Toutain, Bangkok. Their work exemplifies the dedication required to elevate dining experiences and push the boundaries of modern cuisine.

At the helm of INDDEE is Chef Sachin Poojary, who brings the flavours of India’s diverse states together, reinterpreting them into a modern culinary journey while also committed to showcasing the quality of ingredients. Meanwhile Chef Valentin Fouache of Duet by David Toutain ensures a celebration of duality, where land meets sea and tradition meets innovation by combining seasonal ingredients with French artistry. 

The selection process was overseen by a review panel that visited over 300 restaurants across the country, ensuring chefs were acknowledged for their skill in blending innovative techniques with a deep respect for culinary tradition.

Chef Sachin also shared a few words with the audience.

I’m Sachin Poojary from INDDEE Bangkok. It’s an amazing feeling, and I want to give a huge thanks to my team. It’s everyone’s effort.

Chef Valentin of Duet by David Toutain expressed the same philosophy.

Hello. My name is Valentin Fouache of Duet by David Toutain. Tonight we got a recognition especially for my kitchen team. We start from zero we open this space and I know they put a lot to do our job in the way that we do now, and I feel very happy for eveyone.

Restaurants of the Year: Cannubi by Umberto Bombana and GOAT

The Restaurant of the Year awards were presented to Cannubi by Umberto Bombana and GOAT. Both located in Bangkok, these two establishments stood out for delivering exceptional dining experiences that combine inventive cuisine, impeccable service and curated beverage pairings.

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana brings Italian dining to life through dishes that balance authenticity and elegance, crafted by the acclaimed Chef Umberto Bombana, internationally celebrated as “The King of White Truffles,” and Chef Andrea Susto. At the heart of GOAT is a commitment to sustainability, combining Chinese flavours with European cooking techniques while incorporating Thai ingredients and traditional methods under the guidance of Chef Parkorn “Tan” Kosiyabong.

On behalf of Chef Andrea Susto, Charles Rodenstein spoke joyfully. 

Hi, I’m Charles Rodenstein, a sommelier at Dusit Thani Bangkok as well as Cannubi by Umberto Bombana. Of course, we are very happy and proud to receive the Restaurant of the Year award after just one year of opening. We are truly thrilled about this recognition.

Also, Chef Parkorn expressed his joy at receiving the award. 

Hi, I’m Chef Tan from GOAT Bangkok. I feel honoured for all the hard work we’ve put in this year and grateful to receive this recognition. Most of all, I couldn’t have done it without my team, both front of house and back of house. They’ve always kept pushing and given their best, and this Restaurant of the Year award truly belongs to them.

To celebrate Thailand’s dynamic culinary scene, the award results will be highlighted in The Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide 2026. Set to launch in January 2026, the guide will showcase around 300 restaurants, offering food lovers insights into both celebrated dining destinations and lesser-known gems across the country. 

Gaysorn Urban Resort

The event was held at Gaysorn Urban Resort, a perfect setting for a prestigious occasion. Situated in Ratchaprasong district, the resort offered an ideal backdrop for celebrating culinary excellence with its modern facilities and experienced event team. Adding to the atmosphere, DJ Justin Mills energised the night with a lively mix of pop tunes and uplifting beats.

Partners and Media Collaborators

The event was supported by a distinguished group of sponsors, including Gaysorn Village, Penfolds, Wine Now, Dandy Whisky, Kwai Beer, Beer Chiang Mai, Inspirador Crafted Spirits, Sour Hours, PANA Coffee, JHOL, VIVIN, Rangoon Tea House Bangkok, Blue by Alain Ducasse, Blue Elephant Restaurant, and Embassy Room La Marina. 

Media partners included Thairath Online, Thairath Plus, Mirror, Merai Thailand, CNN and Gastrofilm. Their support helped extend the event’s reach, highlighting Thailand’s finest chefs and restaurants and celebrating their contributions to the country’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Full List of Winners

A total of 69 accolades were awarded, recognising the finest talent across Thailand’s culinary landscape. The Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide has celebrated chefs and dining establishments, which help position the country as a leading destination for exceptional cuisine. The strong participation from the hospitality sector underscores the awards’ longstanding prestige.

The results and ratings will be featured in the Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide 2026, Thailand’s top-selling restaurant reference, which includes nearly 300 reviews evaluating food, ambience, beverages and service. The guide is set for publication in January 2026.

This edition continues to highlight Thailand’s standout dining experiences. The 2026 awards reflect the industry’s ongoing commitment to creativity, sustainability and top-tier service, while the recognised chefs and restaurants are poised to raise the bar for culinary excellence in the years ahead.

Below is the complete list of the Koktail Thailand Restaurant Guide Chefs and Restaurants Awards 2026.

Openings of the Year

• HONE, Bangkok
• Khao San Sek, Bangkok
• OX & Embers, Bangkok
• Scuba, Bangkok 
• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Bangkok

Neighbourhood Favourites

• Biscotti at Anantara Siam, Bangkok
• Jashn, Bangkok
• La Marée, Phuket 
• Ms.Jigger at Kimpton Maa-Lai, Bangkok
• Sanitwong, Bangkok

The Classics

• Chesa Swiss Cuisine, Bangkok
• Gianni, Bangkok
• Mango Tree, Bangkok
• Rossini’s at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
• Thara Thong at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside, Bangkok

Pioneer in Sustainability 

• Eakpol Pichchawong, Ekachan, Chiang Mai

Pioneer in Thai Cuisine

• Phuripat Wuttipattananon, RERN, Bangkok

Thai Cuisine Ambassador

• Nooror Somany Steppe, Blue Elephant, Thailand

Casual Fine Dining

• A Whale Bangna, Bangkok
• Sizzle Rooftop Restaurant at Avista Hideaway, Phuket

Wine Pairing of the Year

• Sühring, Bangkok by Guillaume Perdigues, Sommelier

Alcohol-Free Pairing of the Year

• The Smokaccia Laboratory, Phuket

Sommelier of the Year

• Charles Rodenstein, Head Sommelier, Dusit Thani, Bangkok

Excellence in Service

• Gwennolé Le Bras, Restaurant Manager, Côte by Mauro Colagreco at Capella Bangkok

Thailand’s Best

• Acqua, Bangkok 
• Adhoc, Bangkok
• Aulis, Phang Nga
• Bélen by Paulo Airaudo, Chiang Mai
• Blue by Alain Ducasse, Bangkok
• Cadence by Dan Bark, Bangkok 
• Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit Thani, Bangkok
• Casa Lenzi, Bangkok
• Chai Jia Chai, Bangkok
• Chef’s Table by lebua, Bangkok
• CLARA, Bangkok
• COBA Bangkok by Olivier Limousin
• Côte by Mauro Colagreco at Capella, Bangkok
• Duet by David Toutain at Ritz Carlton, Bangkok
• Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu at Okura, Bangkok
• etcha, Bangkok
• GAA, Bangkok
• GOAT, Bangkok
• Haoma, Bangkok
• Hom at InterContinental, Phuket
• IGNIV Bangkok by Andreas Caminada
• INDDEE, Bangkok
• Juksunchae, Bangkok
• K by Vicky Cheng, Bangkok
• Khaan, Bangkok
• Liana, Bangkok
• Maison Dunand, Bangkok
• Mezzaluna by lebua, Bangkok
• Mia, Bangkok
• Nusara, Bangkok
• OWL Brasserie, Chiang Mai
• Restaurant POTONG, Bangkok
• Purple Laurel, Bangkok
• R-Haan, Bangkok
• RARK, Bangkok
• Riva del Fiume at Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
• Signature at VIE Hotel, Bangkok
• Sühring, Bangkok
• Tambu at Avista Hideaway, Phuket
• The Smokaccia Laboratory, Phuket

Vegan Restaurant of the Year

• Earth House, Bangkok

Chef of the Year

• Sachin Poojary, INDDEE, Bangkok
• Valentin Fouache, Duet by David Toutain at Ritz Carlton, Bangkok

Restaurant of the Year

• Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit Thani, Bangkok
• GOAT, Bangkok