Paradox a La Carte

Paradox (Paradox Bangkok, Ekkamai Soi 17, 02-714-4256, www.paradoxbangkok.com. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-10:30pm), the upscale mall/gallery, has recently unveiled its own restaurant, which offers a compact selection of Mediterranean dishes in an elegant earth-tone dining room. Some of the recommendations are pan-fried frog legs with garlic sauce (B390), black spaghetti with snow fish and tomato sauce (B530) and Australian rack of lamb (B850). The more affordable options come in the form of set menus, which rotate weekly. B450 for a four-course lunch and B1,250 for a four-course dinner.

Wine Away

Wine Loft (Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-260-0027, www.wineloft.com. Open daily 11am-11pm) is a new spot to meet and mingle over fine wines and tasty Italian dishes. In addition to a vast selection of wines, the two-month-old shop also offers a good range of cigars and hosts wine tastings regularly. Through Feb 29, outdoorsy wine lovers can head to its “wine garden” at the Market Place, in Thonglor.

Chinese on the Run

Looking for quick and hearty fixes for lunch? Zhuang Yuan (277-279 Silom Rd., BTS Saladaeng, 02-631-1919. Open daily 11am-9:30pm) is a new pit-stop for office workers on Silom who aren’t in the mood for khaokaeng and streetside noodles. The three-story building rolls out various Hong Kong-style one-dish menus with prices hovering around B80-100.

Sake’s Best Friend

If you haven’t reached saturation with izakaya (Japanese drinking restaurants) yet, Towa (1/230 Silom Grand Terrace, Saladaeng Soi 2, Silom Rd., 02-267- 0399. Open daily 11am-10pm) has just opened its doors. The décor is similar to those chain Japanese restaurant in the malls and the menu offers standard nibbles—from sushi and sashimi to yakitori—to accompany your alcoholic drinks. Set lunch is also available at B150-200. Fusion dishes are to be introduced soon.