34 charming new unique cafes and restaurants in Bangkok that are must-visits!

Written by Beverley Lennon
Co-written by Constantine Colin
Edited by Dawn Pillay

Without a doubt, shopping in Bangkok is irreplaceable but you will be glad to know that their café culture is not left behind either. There are endless reasons to café-hop when in Bangkok, as nothing quite compares a coffee break – that comes with such good vibes and atmosphere!

Our latest Bangkok cafes clearly show that a coffee stop in Bangkok is not just like any coffee stop, and that pretty much like over religion or politics; you and your friends will end up arguing about which café to stop by today!

Also read:

Where to stay in Bangkok: 6 best areas and 12 budget hotels near BTS

20 awesome free things to do in Bangkok you never knew existed

16 cafes in Bangkok with the most Instagram-worthy desserts

15 romantic restaurants with a view to dine in at Bangkok!

Also, don’t forget that coffee can be an essential player in your shopping session orchestra – that is where all your energy comes from; pretty much like a pre-requisite!

Now just take a sip and scroll through our list!

Next: No. 17 – 34 unique cafes in Bangkok

Showing No. 1 – 16:

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[CLOSED – Till further notice] 1. For all Studio Ghibli fans, welcome to Totoro’s world at – May’s Garden House

With pride and much joy, Studio Ghibli has finally landed in bangkok – in the form of an incredibly cute Totoro-themed cafe.

Trivia: It’s the first Totoro-themed restaurant that’s been officially licensed by Studio Ghibli!

Those of us who grew up on Studio Ghibli films, and continue to love the whimsical world of Ghibli even as adults… You’ll be so jealous if you miss out on this fantastical cafe.

Everything is on theme, starting from the menu with the creatively styled Totoro-themed rice, steamed buns and even desserts. There are chicken wings, salads and soups among others, and the newly opened cafe will continue to expand their menu with dishes inspired by the Ghibli films.

PSSST! You HAVE to try the May’s Paktong Chai Chicken Wings, I don’t know how they cooked this dish but it was fried to absolute perfection. Totoro in the Rain is a well concocted dessert that’s a little bit like a mochi mango cheesecake. We would DEFINITELY go back just for these 2 items.

Food apart, there’s more! They’ll be opening more quirky themed areas in the cafe, like the Children’s Playground, Orchid Glasshouse, Boat Water Pool, and the Library and Two Halls.

There are plenty of photo ops in this super cute and oh-so-whimsical cafe, not forgetting the Totoro-themed stained glass windows.

Ahhh, finally something Studio Ghibli that’s closer to home, than the ones in Japan or Taiwan (that infamous Teahouse in Jiufen… Ugh, want to go back so badly…)!

2. A coffee date with raccoons – Pooltime Café

Café hopping takes a cuddly twist when it is spent with Bob, A-po and Poon, three happy yet mischievous little raccoons living the life in Bangkok!

The raccoons at this café will make up for the lack of a pool; in fact it is also known as the Raccoon Café (since that’s what most people come for).

Built with bright lighting, neon Smurf blue and bubblegum pink outlines along with minimalist furnishing – the café depicts your typical public swimming pool setting!

The interiors are as photogenic as its menu – Blue bun burgers (Pooltime Blue burgers) along with their gradient-like milkshakes (Pooltime Milkshakes).

Everything at this café oozes ultimate youthful vibes!

3. An enchanting fantasy land where wishes come true – Sretsis Parlour

You might have heard of this whimsical luxury Thai brand, Sretsis, but if not, it is never too late to head to the sisters’ edible world (yes Sretsis is sisters spell backwards).

This café is utterly dreamy and obviously very, very girly.

Once you step in, you will be carried away to fantasy land by the prettiest daisy-adorned floors, get lost in dreamland with their sky-like ceiling – and their floral wallpaper will get you wandering…

The café interior is cheery yet very serene, as it is inspired by the three sisters’ latest fashion collection “Tamed Lovers”.

In fact you will spot the same visual designs on their dresses and other pieces like on their wallpapers, teacups, sofas and even their drinks, oh but cakes too… Beautifully illustrated unicorns and lions with a touch of glittery sparkle … that doesn’t even do justice to the taste!

4. Meet rare huge doggies like Chow Chow and Alaskan Malamutes!– Big Dog Cafe Bangkok

You haven’t been to Bangkok if you haven’t been to this Big Dog Cafe. They used to be located in a different place, but have since moved to more spacious grounds – that includes a swimming pool for the doggies!

The cafe itself is warmly decorated with wood and floral accents, as well as plush armchairs. When you head out to the backyard, you’ll find an outdoor seating area where fairy lights shine at night.

Of course, if you’re here for the doggies, be sure to come at the right time and reservations are encouraged.

Round 1: 9.30am to 11.30am
Round 2: 12pm to 2pm
Round 3: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Round 4: 5pm to 7pm
Round 5: 7.30pm to 9.30pm

The dogs are released in small batches and take turns to come out so you’ll get to have quality time with each one of the doggies.

PS: Don’t forget to get a photo with Solo the Alaskan Malamute – he’s the star of the show!

5. Not all tales are about fairies – Mocking Tales

Time to break the ugly truth; we know adulting can get pretty harsh and especially when you get to know that tales are not always about happily ever after and little fairies dancing around!

Welcome to Mocking Tales; a place where the witches dwell and goblins hide under your tables. Your first step into this enchanting café will lead you to a collection of spell books, as well as other sorcery items like magic potions.

Pretty much everything at this café will remind you of your favourite books and movies – from the ambience to the menu; I mean Lord of The Rings-inspired dessert?!

Every bit of attention is paid to the presentation of the food and drinks’ and the place is magically curated to ensure an ultimate fantasy!

Café by day, bar by night, Mocking Tales reserves surprises when it comes to cocktails; we would be scared to try but we dare you!

This enchanted café is certainly ready to work its magic and outshine other neighbouring eateries!

6. Choo Choo, aboard the train for coffee! –Tales Khaosan

Off-beat and unique, attracting everyone from digital nomads to hard-core backpackers – this is the new, cool kid on the hipster Khaosan block!

Now drinking coffee on a train without spilling it all over is very possible at this train-themed café, in the heart of Bangkok’s well-known Khaosan Road!

Board the train-like café; find yourself a stool by the bar and get some freshly roasted coffee to fuel your adventures around Khaosan…

At the end of the day, beat the heat by sitting down for a refreshing homemade soda; just scream “Something Tales” and you will be served.

The place also features a hostel which also revolves around the train theme with dormitories and rooms that resemble train cabins.

Future projects include a co-working space catering to all digital nomads stopping by the Land of Smiles!

7. Bask in rainbows, sparkles and pure mermaid magic – Mermaid Castle Cafe (Siam Square)

With 3 levels of mermaidia to explore, every girl (or boy) who’s dreamt of discovering Atlantic, or at least loved watching The Little Mermaid should come here.

The first 2 levels are spaces filled with magical mermaidy items, much like Ariel’s treasure trove. Whether it’s a sparkly mermaid phone case, sequinned bag or your very own mermaid’s tail, it’s fun rifling through the goodies (including clothes) to hunt down something cool to bring back home. (We bought earrings!)

The second level is where you’ll also find the counter for placing your order. We ordered iced cocoa shakes that came with cute mermaid tails on top. There are other items on the menu like those famous mermaid cupcakes.

Once you’ve ordered, head up to the third level where you can make yourself comfortable. Deposit your bags at your table, and go around choosing props to take cute photos with!

All in all, it’s a cute cafe to just chill out to your mermaid dreams.

8. A charming hidden café at the flower market – Floral Café

Amidst Bangkok’s Old Town, hidden in its flower market lies an enchanting secret café that blesses you with a floral abundance.

Besides being hidden in a flower market, the café also requires you to walk through a flower shop before chancing upon its beauty – decorated from floor to ceiling with natural flowers, crystals, branches and everything magical (like beautifully detailed ceramics which are also on sale!)…

Besides its magical, flowery interiors; the café is often raved about for its array of homemade sweet treats like massive cakes, flower flavoured ice-cream and teas…

Lavender tea or rose ice-cream – the theme at the café depends on the season; so coming back few months later, you might find another side of the Floral Café … warm coloured flowers could be replaced by cooler ones…

Floral Café always surprises with its decoration so that every time you drop by, it leaves you speechless…

9. A little rejoice or just – Little ZOO Café

Are dogs too ordinary creatures for you? Do cats make you feel like you are going to end up old, cranky and lonely? Do rabbits feel a bit like… too first-quarter 2016?

If you answered yes to all of the above, then wait no more as the salvation is here!

How would you feel about making some jolly play with exotic wild pets such as tiny fennec foxes, cute meerkats, cut-eye owls, plump racoons, and skunks all the while enjoying a sip of coffee?

Wait, skunks are not actually part of the experience!

If you answered “I would love to but I want to make sure the animals are in good care” then here’s what you need to know:

Due to the unpredictability of these exotic animals and in-house regulations to protect them, you might have to wait in a queue for a bit until you get access to their enclosed environment.

Do bear in mind that there are specific time slots for up to 10 minutes. As such, it would be advisable to book or call in advance.

The best thing about Little Zoo Café:
“The staff also kept a good watch on the animals to make sure they weren’t mistreated and we had a lot of fun talking to them about the animals” – jasoncE9346OL.

10. Coffee break takes a whimsical turn at an old-house – It’s “happened to be” a closet

Look no further if you always dreamt of being transported to another era! We were left speechless by this little hidden gem of a find, and the secret treasures scattered around it.

Beginning with a garden area that looks straight out of “Alice in Wonderland”… it does not compare to what’s waiting for you inside – a world for the off-beat and free-spirited …

As we opened the door to the café, we were welcomed by enormous cakes at the counter that got us drooling!

Everything at this café is meant to stand out; don’t expect minimalist because it is far from it! The interior is cluttered with a mix of patterns, colours and textured furniture, and other accessories which define its uniqueness…

The café has a Western-focused menu with a good variety of options… which got us very greedy … Cheesy-gooey toasties, comforting breakfast pans and for the sweet tooth; a platter of French toast topped with syrup and sliced banana… (all this, just for two of us!)

The semi-outdoor area features a pool; which welcomes children only. We also discovered the quirkiest lifestyle shop hidden in the café itself (it really is an actual house!)…

The shop and dining area spread to the second floor where vintage and designer items are stored for sale. (Even their toilet has an eclectic touch to it; we simply loved!)

11. I came. I saw. I ate. – The Rome Restaurant

Thousands of years ago, Romans believed in the idea that colossal structures were not only an epitome of potency… hmm… power, but also a sure-fire way to social progress.

Thousands of years later, we nurture more or less the same empowering principles.

In light of these clear-cut tendencies, The Rome Restaurant is a mammoth of an al fresco dining area, with imposing Roman statues and some posh seating areas located in a spacious pool.

The patio with beautiful dining tables on the backdrop of what seems to be an imitation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa at a much smaller scale – offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Unfortunately, the quality and range of dishes is a far cry from anything you would find in Rome or Italy for that matter, but it definitely does not disappoint.

Some popular choices are the barbeque skewers with lamb, beef or pork and bell peppers. Beef steaks and lobster with black pepper are high up among the favourites too.

If you enjoyed using the toilets at Terminal 21, here you will happen upon another regal surprise when the times come to do… so.

The best thing about The Rome Restaurant:
“Reserve a table, they have some fancy tables that are sunk down into the pool, you need to be at least 8 people to have this table. Food is good, price not too high” – Chana Kommedal

12. True love is hard to find but not at – True Love @ Neverland

When the world seems to be in total shambles, and true love looks like a remote concept – a dog will always be there for you to help heal your wounds. That’s where True Love Cafe comes in – one of the first animal cafes in Bangkok.

The heart-melting huskies play around in a spacious enclosure, where they can roam free and meet the patrons. Before getting dubious about the dogs’ wellbeing, we would like to personally reassure you that this place has a very efficient system in place!

A short briefing including restrictions on touching the dogs’ snouts or picking them up, and restrictions on letting the dogs lick you or your licking the dogs – followed by hand sanitising and wearing special plastic footwear, are all part of regulations that ensure a positive interaction.

Get ready for playtime with the respective show slots at 12pm and 3pm, and for a triumphant husky parade towards the end of the show when the dogs return (Read: have a howling run) to their kennels.

It seems as if we’ve forgotten something! Of course – they do serve a complimentary drink and slice of cake with your ticket to a session with the doggies too!

The best thing about True Love @ Neverland:

“The people are very friendly there and the dogs are amazing. They are treated well and are definitely worth a visit, seems like they’re happy about every visitor!“  – Joana L

13. Bangkok’s very own beach shack – Tropical Swell

The thermometer can hike up pretty fast in Bangkok, and we definitely need more places like Tropical Swell to cool down at – especially to beat the heat while shopping around!

While not on the beach, this beach shack café still offers refreshing desserts like the inevitable Bingsu topped with tropical fruits like mangoes! Then again, what is dessert in Thailand without mangoes!

Tropical Swell lives up to its name with ultimate rustic beach getaway vibe.

Thatched roof cabansa, tropical backdrops as well as a bunch of flamingoes overlooking your desserts, and a surf board! It’s like having a foot in Hawaii while standing in Bangkok!

The café also features other beach shack menu items like the ultimate post-swimming burgers (who does not crave for a scrumptious cheesy burger after a good swim?!)…

14. Dreamy riverside views at coffee time – ViVi The Coffee Place

Cafes with a view (other than city views) are a rare commodity in Bangkok!

Vivi The Coffee Place sets standards high by proving that the only thing that is better than good food and coffee – is definitely good food and coffee by the river with amazing water views!

Find a seat on the café’s veranda and take in magnificent prime views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) floating peacefully over the Chao Praya River… the best view is guaranteed at sunset …and it gets us dreaming! The location is utterly romantic too…

All-time favorites at this special little café include their coconut cake, but coffee tops the list (right after the splendid views).

With affordable treats on their menu, this little gem by the river is ideal to escape the crowds.

15. It’s a board games’ treasure chest – More Than A Game Cafe

Traveling to Bangkok should never be about shopping only; family-fun or having fun with friends is also an essential part of your vacation, especially if you want quality bonding time.

Just as its name says, it is truly much more than the usual game café you would find anywhere; it is also reputed to be Bangkok’s largest board game café!

With shelves and shelves full of board games, you will have a tough time deciding which one to play – and they have everything for every age!

Prices for board games are really affordable and are based on hourly basis. However, if you get hooked to a game you really like, you can also consider buying it (if the stock is available).

The café also organises workshops for board games that aim to target professionals wishing to improve their critical thinking and other set of skills.

Highlights on the menu include waffles (dessert waffles and savory waffles), Chicken BBQ skewers and other classic Thai favorites!

16. Try out the coffee that looks just like you – KC Selfie Coffee

Besides getting your cap embroidered with your name in Bangkok; you can also have your favorite picture printed on top of your coffee foam!

There will be no other coffee like yours (unless you’ve got a secret admirer).

Printing your selfie to your coffee foam will only cost a few Baht (35 Baht) and a few seconds for sending your picture to the café’s line account…. A few minutes later, here comes your very own personalised coffee!

What a time to be alive. Who knew that someday, coffee art would get revolutionised and selfies would take over the world (including cafés)!

Other quirky creations from this café include selfie-printed macarons that you can bring home and gift to your friends and relatives.

The café features an expansive terrace which got past customers raving about. Think colourful lights while the interiors are quirky with antiques and rustic furnishings.

Where do you get your pre-shopping coffee fix when in Bangkok? Tell us in the comment section below, we would love to know more!

Next: No. 17 – 34 unique cafes in Bangkok

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