Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant

It is worth getting to Vertigo when the restaurant opens at 18:00 so you can catch a glimpse of Bangkok during dusk. The view is definitely the highlight of this restaurant, but the delicious food is not far behind. Vertigo and Moon Bar takes over the entirety of the rooftop at Banyan Tree Hotel and offer a 360 degree view that includes leafy Lumpini Park and plenty of other skyscrapers. Viewing the sunset from here is a Bangkok must-do, and enjoying dinner at the sky-high restaurant makes the moment more memorable. Although you are dining on the roof, Banyan Tree have taken the five-star fittings and service outdoors with silver service, flowing tablecloths and soft lighting.

We start the evening with the two signature cocktails (350 baht each): Vertigo Sunset is a tropical mix of Malibu, pineapple, cranberry and lime served in a classic martini glass. For the wow factor I recommend Moon Romance a green muddle of melon vodka, crème de menthe, peach and lime. Served with a rose and on a bed of dry ice it certainly makes heads turn, and the unusual combination is refreshing and surprisingly delicious. There are also plenty of other cocktails, mocktails and an impressive wine list to pick from. If you are lucky, the sun will be setting as you enjoy your drink. Be sure to wander down to Moon Bar at the opposite end of the restaurant, from here you will get a fantastic view of the Chao Phraya River winding through the skyscrapers.

As an appetiser we order fresh lobster spring rolls, generously stuffed with meat, mango, herbs and served with a fruity mango and cinnamon chutney (850 baht). The quality of the ingredients at Vertigo restaurant is impressive, fresh and where possible locally sourced. We also share the tuna tartare, carefully sliced and extremely flavourful, topped with chunky guacamole and served with lotus roots crisps adding crunchiness to the dish (700 baht). My favourite main course, although perhaps not the most picturesque, were the barbequed baby back pork spare ribs (1,500 baht), served with a tangy sauce and roasted baby tomatoes. The meat literally fell of the bone – and unlike most of our experiences with ribs this wasn’t at all messy. There is also some extra sauce to pile on top of the very generous helping.

My companion favoured the sea bass (1,550 baht), served on a bed of creamy dauphinoise potatoes and served with crunchy greens. The tagine of duck is another popular dish, served with juicy oranges, figs and artichokes. The fruit really brings out the flavours of the pink duck and takes the edge off the delicious but fatty skin. The desserts options are too tempting to turn down; you can go traditional with mango sticky rice and coconut ice-cream or taste the best the pastry chefs have to offer with the tasty mango cheesecake, fresh fig tart or Thai tea crème brûlée. As the sky turns dark the buildings and traffic sparkle below, sitting on the roof of Bangkok is rather special and it is not surprising that long-term residents bring their guests here for an unforgettable evening.

Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant

Opening Hours: 18:00 to 23:00
MRT: Lumpini
Address: 21/100 South Sathorn Road
Tel: +66 (0)2 679120