Palazzo is Italian for palace, which might be overdoing it a bit. But the 70-year-old house, all done up with warm modern touches, does have style and space. This family-run restaurant can host up to 250 people in its three areas: a Mediterranean-style main dining area more suitable for family get-togethers, a modern dining room and wine bar for a chill-out session with your pals, and a smoking outdoor area up on the second floor. The kitchen is headed by an import, Chef Michele Paternoster from the Bari region of Italy, who offers a huge menu of over 120 items. Kick off the meal with the crisp vegetable cutlet topped with tangy tomato sauce (B280), followed by penne al gorgonzola (B240), al dente pasta in a creamy blue cheese sauce. Meat lovers have it good with the tagliata di manzo con rucola (B750), which features juicy slices of rare Aussie beef served with rocket salad. Make sure to give yourself a little sugar rush with a cup of Palazzo’s Tiramisu (B150) and order a coffee made from Moak (an Italian brand) beans. Its lunch buffet (B250), including a medium-sized spread of cold cuts, appetizers and pastas, is popular among Japanese housewives. Starving? Pay B310 and you’ll get to choose one main course and one dessert to go with the buffet. Sabina Ahuja

Palazzo. 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-712-9900. www.palazzothonglor.com Open daily 11.30pm-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm. Wine bar opens daily 6pm-1am.

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This converted 70-year-old house, all dressed up with warm modern touches, oozes a comfy and cheerful feel. Its buffet lunch (B250), including a medium-sized spread of cold cuts, salads and pastas, is popular among Japanese housewives. But if you pay B310, you'll get to choose one main course and dessert to go with buffet too. Coffee or tea is included.

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