The Island Restaurant Thai food & Vegetarian And Bar.
Tucked along Soi Samsen 4 in Bangkok's historic Phra Nakhon district, this Thai restaurant and bar has built a loyal following among both repeat visitors and first-timers for its thoughtfully prepared food, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere. The menu spans traditional Thai dishes alongside a dedicated vegetarian selection, making it a comfortable choice for groups with mixed dietary preferences. Standout items from visitors include mango sticky rice, Thai milk cold tea, fresh mango juice, and samosas — dishes that regulars describe as carefully seasoned and consistently well-executed. The setting strikes a balance between ambient and lively, with staff noted for being approachable and helpful with ordering. The kitchen handles everything from light refreshments to full meals, and the bar component makes it equally suited to a casual lunch or an evening out. The price-to-portion ratio is frequently praised, with diners noting they receive substantial meals at accessible prices. For practical planning, the restaurant opens at 7:00 AM every day of the week — useful for travellers wanting an early Thai breakfast before visiting the nearby cultural sites of the old city — and stays open until 2:00 AM, covering late arrivals and post-nightlife meals. The Samsen area location keeps it within easy reach of landmarks in central Bangkok. Visitors planning an evening visit during busy periods may want to arrive with some flexibility, as the restaurant draws a steady crowd throughout the day.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Island Restaurant Thai food & Vegetarian And Bar., round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This café is truly a gem! The food is beyond praise — every dish is thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. The flavors are rich, perfectly balanced, and unforgettable. You can tell the chefs cook with passion and use high-quality, fresh ingredients. It’s the kind of place where you want to try everything on the menu and keep coming back for more. The atmosphere is simply wonderful. Cozy, warm, and inviting, it’s perfect for a relaxed dinner, a friendly gathering, or a special occasion. The interior is stylish and comfortable, creating a space where you instantly feel at ease and can fully enjoy the experience. The staff deserves special recognition — attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The service is professional and efficient, yet personal and thoughtful at the same time. They truly make every guest feel valued. Thanks a lot to Robin the waiter! I highly recommend this café to everyone — it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again!
Really nice - ambient but busy establishment, where staff are pleasant, welcoming you into their premises. The food and drinks ordering is straightforward, and on my visit the staff member informed me at that point - there would be a 20 minute delay for food, I was happy with that, as I could enjoy my first drink without feeling rushed or pressured in any way. The food came, and while I ordered a selection of Greens- I didn’t expect the size of each, dish - which by all accounts I knew I had probably ordered a little too much… That being said. The staff member reassured me there was no need to rush. So I was really happy with that! The food itself was really good. Plenty of flavour and is definitely recommended. Nice part of Suriyon old town.
Every time we are in Bangkok we go to this restaurant, just the best!🧡 Great place for delicious food at a very good price, the portions are generous and you definitely get a lot for what you pay. The drinks are amazing as well, super tasty and well made.🍹🥘🥟🥥 The staff is very friendly and attentive, and they actually ask whether you want your food spicy or not, which is a nice touch.🥰 The location is perfect, right on the corner of the street where you can enjoy watching the lively scenery around you. On top of that, there’s no loud music.. just a relaxed, chill vibe that makes it a great place to sit and enjoy your meal.🫶🏼
Location Info
49 Soi Samsen 4, Khwaeng Ban Phan Thom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand+66 96 404 8625theislandbangkok.com/Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter