In 2019, the House on Sathorn, one of Bangkok’s most iconic settings has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant and bar, Paii, a new casual dining concept serving modern Thai seafood. The neo-classical structure Sathorn is a 130-year-old historic landmark that housed wealthy businessman Luang Sathorn Rajayutka, who created the Sathorn Canal and later served as the Russian Embassy in Thailand.

PROFILE
Located in the central business district of Bangkok, Paii meaning ‘to paddle’ in Thai is in line with its seafood-themed menu presenting the best and freshest local and imported seafood. Paii restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas and a well-stocked bar for an enticing mix of crafted seasonal cocktails, cutting-edge wine labels along with tempting bites.

MUST TRY:
The Giant River Prawns in choo curry sauce and the Flambeed Razor Clams from France.

AMBIENCE
The interior design of Paii retains the opulence of its gilded past while modern elements, including contemporary Thai artwork such as tapestries, paintings, photography and sculpture, come into play, injecting modern vibrancy into old-world glamour.

SERVICE
Service staff is friendly, obliging and well trained but appear stretched during busy periods.

FOOD
The Executive Chef Joe Weeraket presents a “A La Carte Menu”,  “Discovery Menu” and “Set Menu” bursting with flavours. The highlights include Blue swimmer crab – crispy spring rolls, jicama, ajard pineapple sauce (B380); the French Razor Clams (B520), flambéed table-side with house-made XO sauce; Charcoaled Chonburi Squid (B550) in a Thai sweet basil rub; the French Turbot stuffed with lemongrass, shallots and kaffir lime leaves and baked in a thick Thai herb salt crust.

Try as well the soft shell crab with crispy, green mango salad, roasted peanuts and coriander (B450); or the elevated classics dishes made for sharing, like the giant crab fried rice (B1,890), made with organic jasmine rice from Nakhon Pathom and topped with half a kilo of freshly steamed Surat Thani mud crab meal served in large sharing size plates.

The special fried rice was so beautifully wrapped in an omelette that you almost don’t want to eat it. Some other favourites include the Lemongrass Panna Cota with Sago (B400), Black tea with jasmine aroma, lavender and vanilla (B380). A bar for an enticing mix of crafted seasonal cocktails, good wines list or if you are tea lovers, try out some of their special blends.

PRICING
THB 790 – THB 2,900

SUMMARY
This great atmosphere is combined with excellent food full of flavors and the great service truly round-up a special evening at The House on Sathorn. Just spending time in this beautiful mansion whether for a meal or a drink will always be a delight. The overall experience is very good although it can get noisy at times. If you want to enjoy the best seafood this is the place to be.