Discover 7 of Bangkok’s finest steakhouses

Almost nothing can sound as heavenly as the sizzle of meat when it is caressed by high heat. That sound is the overture to the steakhouse experience. The glow of the grill, the aroma of searing fat, and the ritual of resting and slicing are as much a part of the meal as the steak itself. This week, Koktail Kuisine gathers some of Bangkok’s finest steakhouses. Known for premium cuts and elegant atmospheres, these restaurants are best suited for fine dining and special occasions.

Fireplace Grill and Bar

A legendary Bangkok grill, opened in 1966, shaped by decades of craft and a modern sensibility

Located on the ground floor of InterContinental Bangkok, this contemporary European grillroom has been serving high-quality beef cuts since 1966, showing its culinary roots while pushing towards innovation. The open kitchen delivers a cookery spectacle while wagyu of different nationalities – American, Australian and Japanese – is given dark seared crusts on the flaming grill. From chateaubriand angus tenderloin to Sanchoku wagyu striploin, these are cuts that reflect their respective origins. Besides juicy steaks, seafood dishes also surprise with their oceanic brightness. Canadian lobster roasted in butter, line-caught dover sole and pan-seared toothfish all provide textural relief from the grilled heavyweights. The standout is akami tuna tataki with ponzu sauce, presented in delicate slices. There are over 250 wine labels to choose from for pairing. Wine aficionados will not be disappointed.

973 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok. Tel: +66 2 656 0444. Open daily for lunch from 12pm-2.30pm, and for dinner from 6pm-11pm.

LAVA Fire Grill

A red-lit steakhouse where live fire meets modern Asian influence

The evocative name, combined with glowing scarlet lighting and fiery action, instantly draws you in. The restaurant’s identity is so clear-cut that it makes you wonder how other steakhouses with lesser personality can compete. The stylish decor could be described as Neo-Chinese, with modern balustrades on the second floor and red pendant ceiling lights resembling paper lanterns. But the Asian influence does not stop there. The restaurant’s Japanese signature technique, “Kokoyaki”, brings a smoky aroma to premium-grade wagyu and black angus cuts, infused with the subtle whiff of dry coconut husk. The drinks menu spans both natural and biodynamic wines, with an emphasis on French variants. Cocktails and mocktails are also available if you want to enliven the special night even more.

137/1 Soi Thonglor 10, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Tel: +66 99 285 7676. Open daily for lunch from 12pm – 2.30pm, and from Monday to Thursday from 6pm-11pm, and from Friday to Sunday from 5pm-11.30pm.

New York Steakhouse

A sophisticated Manhattan-style steakhouse, offering prime cuts in true New York fashion for over 20 years

With its dark yet warm wood interiors and gallery-style lighting, the dining room of New York Steakhouse stirs a gentle sense of homesickness that resonates even with diners who have never set foot in the city. Mounted on the walls are black-and-white photographs of the Manhattan Bridge and skyscrapers in the distance, reinforcing the restaurant’s urban heritage. Caesar salad is faithfully prepared nearby. Similarly, Australian wagyu tomahawk, finely seasoned with a custom blend, is carved with precision at the table. You do not have to look far for culinary magic because it is already available to you in close proximity. Sauces range from red wine to béarnaise and green peppercorn. Try each one and see how the meat’s flavour is recast in a new, delicious way. End it with the restaurant’s signature cheesecake, firm and sweet, suggestive of “a city that never sleeps,” as Frank Sinatra once crooned.

4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Tel: +66 2 656 7700. Open daily from 5.30pm-11pm.

Nuer Siam

A cosy Thai restaurant dedicated to high-quality beef from farms across Thailand

Nestled in Soi Charan 13 between nondescript buildings and plain-looking houses, Nuer Siam’s clean, white exterior immediately catches your attention. The homey vibes suggest casualness, warmth and an easygoing hospitality, comparable to a weekend visit to a friend’s place. Locally raised meat is sourced from Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Surin, each with a regional essence moulded by its climes. The highlight is Siam Signature: fried jasmine rice topped with sirloin and fish-sauce marinated yolk. For a change of texture, go for grilled beef tongue enriched with earthy charcoal. The dishes served here are distinctly Thai, with shallot and jaew sauce on the side. Stop by if you are looking for an intimate steakhouse experience.

11/40 Soi Charansanitwong 13, Bang Waek Road, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok. Tel: +66 93 324 9463. Open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11.30am-3pm, and for dinner from 5pm-9.30pm.

Penthouse Bar + Grill

A lively rooftop steakhouse experience with signature cocktails, city views and DJ sets

Sometimes a steak is best enjoyed from a rooftop terrace, with panoramic views of the city and a star-studded sky. Penthouse Bar + Grill offers an ideal setting for such a lavish experience, featuring sleek leather chairs and shiny wood flooring. With DJ sets and live jazz performances on select nights, the restaurant seamlessly blends upscale ambience with nightlife razzmatazz. Premium selections include A5 wagyu striploin from Japan, wagyu tenderloin and black angus ribeye from Australia. Porcini mushroom mac and cheese is the star of the show, creamy in flavour and rich in consistency. Order one of their handcrafted cocktails or a label from their extensive wine list to cap the night off.

88 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok. Tel: +66 2 011 7480. Open daily for lunch from 12pm-3pm, and for dinner from 5.30pm-midnight.

Rib Room & Bar Steakhouse

An elegant dining space showcasing expertly prepared steaks and pristine seafood

Sitting aloft on the edge of the 31st floor of The Landmark Bangkok, the award-winning restaurant serves prime cuts and seafood delights, a perfect combination of smoky aromas and refreshing salinity. Start with smooth lobster bisque and follow it with Hokkaido scallops for fathomless richness. Snow fish fillet with white miso paste is milky white and soft on the inside, adorned with pistachio, pea purée and crunchy seaweed. Then, from the ocean to the farm, try their wagyu ribeye next. Grain-fed for 400 days, the premium cut melts right through the knife. Pair it with a bottle of wine from the wide list curated with expertise.

138 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Tel: +66 2 254 0404. Open daily from 6pm-11pm.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Bangkok

An iconic New York steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, one year on at One Bangkok

An offshoot of the late restaurateur Wolfgang Zwiener’s New York brainchild, the steakhouse sits on the third floor of The Storeys at One Bangkok, a grand shopping mall near Lumpini Park. The classic ambience of the New York steakhouse tradition is recreated with meticulous detail from floor to ceiling. The dining room is spacious and tastefully lit, with vast windows overlooking the nearby park, more or less turning the busy streets of Pathum Wan into the boroughs of Manhattan. Expect authenticity once you settle in. Grass-fed USDA prime is impossibly tender after intense broiling and extended preparation. The standout is the famous 1kg porterhouse for two, dry-aged for about 28 days. The dish is intended for sharing, but you can indulge in it solo and give in to temptation. Its succulent marbling, crispy crust and velvety texture are, after all, hard to resist.

199 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok. Tel: +66 64 567 2929. Open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm.