SEEN Restaurant & Bar, Bangkok

SEEN Restaurant & Bar: Seen and be seen, an evening high above the Chao Phraya

What sets SEEN apart from Bangkok’s many rooftop bars is that it doesn’t reduce any single element to a gimmick, but brings them all together. A full-fledged fine-dining restaurant with an internationally recognised chef concept, award-winning cocktails, a striking interior and, not least, one of the most beautiful river views in the city. On top of that, since late 2024 there is now a nightlife layer of its own in the form of SIN, which you can read about in our other review. That all-round proposition makes SEEN one of the strongest rooftop experiences Bangkok has to offer, a place that captivates locals and international travellers alike, night after night.

It’s no surprise, then, that SEEN has featured for years in the lists of the city’s best rooftop bars. During our stay at the fantastic Avani+ Riverside Bangkok, we decided to combine the two worlds in a single evening: first a drink upstairs at SIN on the 27th floor, then down to SEEN for a stunning dinner with the river at our feet.

Where in Bangkok is SEEN Restaurant & Bar located?

SEEN is located on the 26th floor of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok in the Thonburi district, on the western bank of the Chao Phraya. Where most well-known rooftop bars sit in Sukhumvit or Silom, this spot offers a different perspective on the city: you don’t look out over a sea of skyscrapers, but over the river winding through Bangkok like a glittering ribbon.

The location is further from the centre than many competitors, but Avani+ has found an elegant solution: a free shuttle boat that runs regularly between the hotel and Sathorn Pier, close to BTS Saphan Taksin station on the Silom line. The crossing feels like a mini-adventure in itself, and to our mind it’s the best way to get to SEEN.

The boat runs every half hour, daily from 08.15 to 23.15 from Sathorn Pier to SEEN, and from 08.00 to 23.00 back to Sathorn Pier. Between 12.25 and 20.25, a shuttle boat also runs every hour from ICONSIAM to SEEN.

Those who prefer to come by Grab, Bolt or taxi are about half an hour to three quarters of an hour from Sukhumvit, depending on traffic. Once at the hotel, the lift takes you straight up to the rooftop, where the view commands your attention almost immediately.

Views from SEEN Restaurant & Bar in Bangkok

From the open-air terrace you look out widely over the curving river and the Bangkok skyline. We had a wonderful spot and enjoyed the sight of ICONSIAM and, across the water, the Asiatique the Riverfront Ferris wheel slowly turning. At sunset the sky takes on soft pink and orange tones that reflect on the water; when night falls, that same panorama turns into a dazzling play of lights. It is, without exaggeration, one of the finest river views in the city.

Architecture & Design

SEEN was designed by the London studio M&J and is best described as modern luxe meeting art deco, with Bangkok’s glittering skyline always in the leading role. Indoors and outdoors flow seamlessly into one another, seating around 185 guests, so you always enjoy the view, rain or shine, thanks in part to the striking retractable louvred roof above the terrace.

The interior exudes boldness. In the main bar, the daring shapes catch the eye: flowing, sinuous lines, brass accents, round pendant lamps like mirrors above the counter, and a starry pattern underfoot that lends the space something dreamlike and intimate. The bar stools in yellow and burgundy, the floral wall coverings and the warm wood tones give the whole a retro-glamorous feel that is chic without being stiff. Behind the bar, moreover, towers an impressive illuminated wall of bottles, from premium gins and whiskies to colourful liqueurs.

Outside, the register shifts to a resort-like lounge style. A spacious open-air terrace offers various seating areas, from plush daybeds and colourful sofas to high tables along the building’s edge, interspersed with greenery and a playful black-and-white circular floor. By day everything looks light and open, with the Chao Phraya as the living centrepiece of the décor rather than a wall of skyscrapers. Part of the terrace also overlooks the iconic Avani+ infinity pool. After sunset, the lighting takes over and transforms the same space into something warmer and more intimate, where the beats of rotating DJs set the tone.

For private occasions, there is the most exclusive layer of the complex: inside the sky bar, a room with a long, large table can be reserved, complete with unobstructed views over the city.

Atmosphere & Crowd

SEEN is versatile in its clientele, but not broad in the sense of mass crowds. On quiet weekday evenings, the mood on the 26th floor is perfect for a romantic dinner or a business meal: the music plays pleasantly in the background and conversation takes centre stage. At weekends that picture shifts, and the concept draws a younger, more festive crowd.

The guests are distinctly international. Thanks to the riverside location and the global appeal of the SEEN brand, visitors come from all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Bangkok’s beau monde also likes to be seen here, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, when the city’s trendsetters and socialites gather. SEEN is, in short, as much a place to be seen as to see.

SEEN is no club, but it’s clearly a place where people linger for a second or third cocktail. Smart casual is the norm here; flip-flops and beachwear feel somewhat out of place.

Hospitality

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and guided to our table. And despite the rooftop’s popularity, the service never felt rushed: the team knows the menu inside out and actively helps when you’re hesitating between certain dishes or cocktails.

The atmosphere was luxurious yet relaxed, and we felt well looked after all evening. That impression doesn’t stand alone: online, SEEN’s service is consistently praised as friendly, attentive, multilingual and genuinely engaged. A level of service that fits seamlessly with the company behind SEEN, with its globally renowned hotel brands such as Anantara and Avani.

Food

Chef and spiritual father of SEEN, Olivier da Costa, who manages six restaurant brands worldwide, designed a menu that combines his Portuguese and Brazilian background with Japanese finesse and the best local Asian ingredients. On site, the menu is executed by Chef de Cuisine Carlos Rodriguez, who earned his stripes at, among others, the Park Hyatt Bangkok and has worked for several years at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok, the hotel of which SEEN is part.

Where SIN upstairs opens the evening with cocktails, SEEN downstairs is all about the plate. The menu of this wonderful rooftop is a world tour in itself: from Peruvian ceviche and Spanish octopus carpaccio to Japanese maki, gunkan and its own sashimi platter. The sea plays a leading role, with Gillardeau oysters, Maine lobster, Hokkaido scallops and a generous Alaskan king crab risotto, while meat lovers can turn to the premium wagyu selection with Tajima tenderloin, striploin and picanha.

Truffle turns up everywhere, from the spaghetti to the fries, and those who want to share would do well to order the board of Iberian cheeses and bellota. Vegetarians are not forgotten, with truffle risotto and a vegan taco. You finish sweet and theatrical: think of the Pop a Cherry, which we had, with cherry jubilee and three kinds of ice cream, or the Belgian chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream.

Beverages

In the glass, too, SEEN lives up to its ambition. The signature cocktails fall under the heading “Back to our Roots” and travel along Latin American and Asian influences, with inventive techniques such as sous-vide, milk punch and fat washing. Expect surprising combinations: the creamy Dreaming with a Cheesecake with bourbon, oloroso sherry and burrata, the spicy Shaman with cognac, rye, sandalwood and tobacco, or the playful Rocketquiri with Issan rum, curry and mango. Those who prefer classics will find a long list of everything from Negronis and Old Fashioneds to a Martinez, plus a serious selection of mocktails for non-drinkers.

Then there is a showpiece of a wine list, described by the house itself as one of the best in the city. The champagne list ranges from Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot to greats such as Dom Pérignon, Krug and even Salon Le Mesnil, and the red wines read like a who’s who of Bordeaux (Lafite, Mouton, Latour, Margaux) and beyond (Sassicaia, Opus One, Penfolds Grange). On top of that comes an extensive whisky and spirits cabinet, with rare Japanese Yamazaki editions and premium Clase Azul tequila.

In short: from an accessible spritz to a fifty-thousand-baht bottle, SEEN has it all. The prices are accordingly steep, but the range and quality are impressive.

Our experience, April 2026

We arrived at SEEN after sunset, having been upstairs at SIN on the 27th floor beforehand. It was already nicely busy, which came as no surprise: weekends at SEEN always fill up, so booking ahead is recommended. We had managed to secure a lovely table with a stunning view, and since we had already sampled the SIN Mystery Box upstairs, we began here at a relaxed pace with a starter to share.

That turned out to be the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, sliced wafer-thin and finished with rocket, pesto and pecorino, served with a basket of crusty bread and, not to forget, a view over Bangkok’s sparkling skyline. With it, our cheerful host chose a bottle of Pighin Merlot from Friuli, a smooth and above all approachable Italian wine that he poured at the table with a smile.

For the main course we went two ways. The Black Angus Beef Cheek al Tequila fell apart under the fork, marinated in ponzu and tequila and served on a creamy jalapeño mashed potato. A standout dish. The Niwatori Miso Chicken was the gentler counterpart: teriyaki-glazed, with vegetables from the garden of the Anantara Riverside, the neighbouring partner hotel of the Avani+ Riverside. We shared two side dishes alongside: the Truffle Mashed Potato, because Ilonka is so fond of truffle and potato, and the sweet potato fries with huancaína sauce, a spicy-creamy Peruvian dip.

And then the finale. The Pop a Cherry is no ordinary dessert but a true spectacle: a huge, glossy red chocolate sphere, built on a crisp biscuit with fresh fruit, edible flowers and macarons, opened at the table to reveal an interior of cherry jubilee, brownies and more goodies. In the towering ice-cream coupe that comes with this giant dessert, three kinds of ice cream are served as well. We had, frankly, never had such a large and theatrical dessert in front of us. What a spectacle! A generous, fitting close to an evening that brought two worlds together on one rooftop, SIN and SEEN.

What stays with us most is how complete the experience felt. Not only the view, but also the music, the service and the relaxed atmosphere all added to the overall picture. SEEN is the kind of place where you effortlessly stay for a couple of hours, simply to enjoy a wonderful evening at length.

Our experience, August 2019

Our first visit was in 2019, and it was an immediate hit. At the time we had seen only a dozen or so skybars in Bangkok, and SEEN went straight onto our list of favourites. We are now years and some fifty rooftop bars further on, and SEEN still holds firm in our top 10.

That evening in August, we started with the fresh, flavourful Angus Carpaccio and the SEEN Tacos. For the main course we shared the Wagyu Steak, the truffle spaghetti and the SEEN Sashimi Plate, each as good as the last. For dessert we enjoyed the striking White Bomb and the Banana & Peanuts, and we finished with two perfectly made cocktails: the Agua de Coco and the Fusion Julep. Top marks!

Our Conclusion

SEEN is one of those rare places where every element comes together: the location, the view, the food, the drinks, the service and the atmosphere. What truly sets it apart is the river view, different from most well-known rooftops, and special precisely for that reason. The evening shifts effortlessly from relaxed sunset lounge to stylish nightlife.

It’s no coincidence that, after some fifty skybars visited, SEEN still holds its place in our top 10. Anyone choosing a single rooftop bar to visit during a stay in Bangkok should put this one on the shortlist. Take the shuttle boat, pick a table by the balustrade, and let the city unfold before you from the water. Bangkok is rarely more beautiful.

Why should you visit SEEN Restaurant & Bar in Bangkok?

• One of the most beautiful river panoramas in Bangkok, with direct views of the Chao Phraya and the skyline, and one of the best sunset spots in the city
• An exceptionally high standard of service, with attention to personal touches and special occasions
• A culinary concept with international flair: a menu that combines honestly and creatively
• Award-winning mixology with signature cocktails of its own at both SEEN and SIN
• SEEN and SIN are two separate experiences on two floors (rooftop, restaurant and lounge), each with its own character and audience
• A free shuttle boat from the city centre makes the out-of-the-way location comfortable
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available

Some tips & Fun Facts

• Come between 17.00 and 18.00 for the finest sunset, and take your photos just before sunset, when the light is at its best.
• Book ahead, especially if you want a table by the balustrade; it gives the best view.
• Use the free shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier or ICONSIAM for a fun arrival across the water.
• Go shopping at ICONSIAM beforehand.
• Dress smart casual: SEEN is stylish and deserves your best look.
• Book a stay at the Avani+ Riverside or the neighbouring Anantara Riverside and make it a complete experience, with the rooftop literally within reach.
• Ask about the seasonal signature cocktails, and keep an eye out for the themed music nights and seasonal menus.
• Visit both the 26th floor (SEEN) and the 27th floor (SIN) for the complete experience.
• Ideal for couples, groups of friends and special occasions.
• SEEN is part of an international restaurant concept with locations in São Paulo and Lisbon, among others.
• The rooftop was deliberately designed to put the Chao Phraya centre stage, rather than the skyline.
• The Avani+ Riverside infinity pool lies right next to the rooftop.
• Guest bartenders from Thailand and abroad are regularly invited for special events.
• The name “SEEN” refers to seeing and being seen, fitting the social character of the place.

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

The Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel has a stunning 25-meter rooftop infinity pool with clear views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok skyline. High above the city, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets. Guests can relax on sunbeds or swim while enjoying the calm atmosphere. The poolside bar serves cocktails and light snacks to enjoy with the view. Whether for a morning swim or evening unwind, this rooftop pool offers a luxurious, memorable experience.

For current prices check Booking.com and/or Agoda. Also check our extensive review about Avani+ Riverside Bangkok!

SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok: General information

Location: Avani + Riverside Bangkok Hotel, 26/27 Fl. 257 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 00:00 hours.
Desscode: The dress code is casual chic, so sportswear, flip-flops, sleeveless tops and open shoes for men are not allowed.
Phone number: +66 (0)2 431 9492