Bangkok has a strange obsession with Italian food. There are probably more wood-fired ovens in Thong Lor than there are in Tuscany. But for the Bangkok expat, the Italian restaurant serves a specific function: it is the "Safe Space."
It’s where you take clients to seal a deal, where you take a date to show you have taste, and where you go when you just can’t face another bowl of spicy soup. This is the 2026 Guide to Bangkok’s Best Italian—no pineapple pizza allowed.
Top Picks
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The Heavyweight
Appia – Sukhumvit 31Roman soul food. The porchetta is legendary, the vibe is warm, and the wine list is serious.
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The Pizza King
Peppina – Sukhumvit 33Strictly Neapolitan. Dough that is chewy, charred, and soupy in the middle. The gold standard.
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The Date Night
L’Oliva – Sukhumvit 36A stunning glasshouse and garden tucked away in a quiet soi. Feels like an Abruzzo villa.
Quick Links
Appia Sukhumvit 31
Appia isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. It mimics a Roman trattoria so perfectly that you forget the humid chaos of Bangkok outside. It’s owned by Chef Paolo Vitaletti (and formerly Jarret Wrisley of Soul Food Mahanakorn), and it feels like a home.
The focus here is "Roman Comfort." That means heavy sauces, organ meats, and a rotisserie that spins beautiful chickens and pork rolls (Porchetta) every night.
Best For: Sunday family dinners or impressing a client who likes red wine.
Order This: The Porchetta and the Chicken Liver Pâté.
Where: Sukhumvit Soi 31
Peppina Sukhumvit 33 (Flagship)
If you complain that pizza in Asia is "too much bread, not enough flop," go to Peppina. They follow strict AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) rules. The oven is a beast, the dough is fermented for days, and the result is a pizza that cooks in 60 seconds.
It’s loud, chaotic, and smells like burning oak. Just how a pizzeria should be.
Best For: A casual, loud dinner with a big group of friends.
The Warning: The pizza is "wet" in the middle. That is intentional. Don't send it back.
Where: Sukhumvit Soi 33
La Dotta Thong Lor Soi 9
This bright blue shophouse is a shrine to carbohydrates. La Dotta focuses entirely on fresh, handmade pasta. No pizza, no distractions. You sit at the counter, watch the chefs roll the dough, and eat pasta that actually has texture ("al dente" is a religion here).
The vibe is fun and cheeky—their neon sign explicitly warns you not to ask for ketchup.
Best For: A quick, high-quality lunch or a carb-loading session.
Order This: Carbonara (Roman Style)—no cream, just yolk and pecorino.
Where: Thong Lor Soi 9
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Most Italian spots in Bangkok are in dark shophouses or malls. L'Oliva is an escape. It’s a standalone house with a stunning glasshouse dining room, a wine cellar, and a garden. The food is from the Abruzzo region, which means hearty, rustic flavours.
It’s visually impressive, making it the top choice for dates or "Hi-So" gatherings.
Best For: Romantic dates and long, wine-fueled Sunday lunches.
Order This: Chitarrina Al Ragu (Guitar-string pasta with tiny meatballs).
Where: Sukhumvit Soi 36
Gianni Ristorante Phloen Chit (Athenee Tower)
Gianni is the "Old Guard." Before Thong Lor was cool, Gianni was serving white tablecloth Italian food to ambassadors and royalty. It recently moved to the Athenee Tower, but the vibe remains: impeccable service, classic dishes, and a dress code that is actually enforced.
Best For: Serious business lunches and anniversaries.
The Vibe: Grown-up dining. Leave the shorts at home.
Where: Plaza Athenee Tower
Via Emilia Sathorn (Naradhiwas 17)
This place is for the food nerds. It focuses specifically on the Emilia-Romagna region (the home of Parma ham and Parmesan cheese). It’s unpretentious, incredibly authentic, and usually full of Italians—which is the only review you actually need.
Best For: Authentic regional food without the "luxury" markup.
Order This: The Cotoletta alla Bolognese (Veal cutlet with ham and truffle).
Where: Naradhiwas Soi 17
Cetara Sathorn Soi 12
Bangkok is landlocked, but Cetara brings the Amalfi Coast to Sathorn. This place is all about seafood. The decor is nautical (blue and white ceramics), and the menu is focused on anchovies, clams, and fresh catches. It’s light, breezy, and feels like a holiday.
Best For: Seafood lovers who miss the Mediterranean.
The Vibe: Amalfi Coast chic. Great white wine list.
Where: Sathorn Soi 12
FAQ Dining Etiquette
What is the dress code for Italian in Bangkok?
Unlike street food, these places expect a bit of effort. For men, long trousers and closed shoes are safer than shorts (especially at Gianni or Appia). Smart casual is the standard.
Is the wine expensive?
Yes. Thailand has very high alcohol taxes. A bottle that costs $15 in Europe might cost $60 (2,000+ THB) in a restaurant here. House wine by the carafe is often the smartest economic move.
Can I walk in?
On weekdays, maybe. On Friday or Saturday nights, Appia, L'Oliva, and Peppina are fully booked. Always call or Line message ahead to reserve.
Header image courtesy of L'Oliva Bangkok. Additional photography courtesy of Appia, Peppina, and La Dotta.
Comment section: Brave opinions, friendly banter.
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