33 Soi Sukhumvit 16, opposite Foodland 02 663 2281
An upscale restaurant with an extensive menu, Ten-Sui is for those who enjoy fine dining. The building is modern, but the décor is traditional Japanese with lots of wood and warmth. There is a wooden sushi bar, tables and chairs plus four tatami rooms on the second floor. Managing Director, Yasuyuki Fujii says the restaurant has two personalities. At lunch there is a special menu with both set and bento lunches that are popular with the business community. Prices range from about 450 baht to 1250 baht. In the evening, things change to be decidedly more serious and expensive. It is a time when Japanese executives on company expense accounts come to the restaurant. They expect fine food and extraordinary service. A Kaiseki set meal runs at 2500 baht for nine courses and 3500 baht for ten courses. A la carte items include sashimi platters, eel, nabes, sukiyaki, Matsuzaka steaks and much more. Ten-Sui has onsite parking and is only a short walk from the Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations.
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa 02 476 0022; www.marriottdining.com In 1964 Benihana was founded by Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki at West 56th Street in New York City at a time when most Americans had no idea about the intricacy of Japanese and chefs preparing a meal at the table were unheard of. He innovated the dining experience by blending Japanese cuisine with knife wielding joke telling chefs. Benihana can be found in 17 countries worldwide, the restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa is one of two in Thailand; the other being at Marriott Pattaya. The interior is themed on authentic Japanese farmhouse; the food is prepared at the table teppan-yaki style; teppan - steel grill, yaki to broil. The showman element came into the style of service due to the original restaurant being close to Broadway. The chefs would not only cook the food with flair, but also make sure all the different ingredients were served simultaneously. If you are looking for an exquisite show and great fun by individual chefs, then Benihana will prove memorable. 23