The View interior

The View fountain in courtyard

a view of The View

The View Bar & Restaurant

In an increasingly high-rise city like Bangkok, a restaurant named The View may be expected to sit atop one of the many skyscrapers punctuating the landscape like so many exclamation points, but this time, the view at The View Bar & Restaurant is found on ground level in an expansive establishment sitting on the edge of the storied Chao Phraya River.

Exclamation points are very appropriate for Thai food, which can be counted among the world's favourite cuisines. And it's no wonder. With fresh ingredients, a multitude of flavours bursting in your mouth all at the same time, and the famously artful presentation of dishes served, Thai food is not only enjoyable to eat but also a pleasure to be admired. When enjoying Thai food in a California-casual venue where the relaxed decor and good vibe add to the level of enjoyment, the package is complete.

The View is not what would be called a sophisticated restaurant, but neither is rustic. The clientele is an interesting mix of expatriates and foreign visitors in the know visiting in couples and family groups looking for a place to enjoy great food without the formal ambience that is often found in top restaurants. They are accompanied by hip Thais who also enjoy the evening river breezes and friendly service as much as the spicy prawns, noodles, rice cakes, fish cakes, tofu cakes, all with their own sauces...at The View, the menu goes on and on.

Though lanterns as decorative statements are nothing new in Thailand, at The View they create an inviting ambience with both their golden glow and the hundreds-and-thousands effect they produce in this open-air establishment, easily accessible both by road or by boat. As its full name implies, The View Bar & Restaurant is also a fun place for drinks, though it seemed no one was interested in resisting the delicious array of meals on the menu at this fine establishment located off the tourist trail but conveniently close to it.

The View
2525 Charoen Krung Rd
Bangkholaem
Bangkok 10120
tel: 66 2 689 1393
www.view-goodview.com