All hail the Wine Republic

FOR WINE Republic Bar & Bistro, a great location is not enough. It’s enhanced that asset enormously with great and affordable food galore, a huge wine list and warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

One of Bangkok’s favourite hangouts since its opening just about two years ago, the restaurant is dressed in black and metal industrial chic with an “underground casino” feel. 

The massive space has tables for big groups downstairs as well as barstools for lone drinkers, an outdoor garden for smokers who want privacy, and a street-front outdoor lounge with sports on big screens. Upstairs is the bistro with smaller tables for more intimate gatherings. Whatever the occasion, it can be accommodated here. 

And it’s not just a pretty place – the food is finger-licking good, too. The kitchen serves Thai that tastes very Thai, as well as French and Italian that can make an expat homesick. 

Get a plate of salmon with Thai-style spicy dressing for Bt200 to whet your appetite. The Norwegian salmon finds a perfect match with hot and mouth-watering chilli and lime sauce, topped with fresh garlic and a sprig of mint. 

You can go French and opt for fresh oysters at Bt100 apiece, or be an Italian and have Caprese salad with mozzarella and tomato for Bt280.

Also recommended is the sizeable Smoked Salmon and Caviar Pizza (Bt420) with tomato sauce and thick mascarpone cheese. It’s too bad the kitchen doesn’t have enough room for a wood-fired oven, but the pizza is charred and crispy enough with the electric grill. Other options include Carbonara Pizza with mozzarella and Parma ham (Bt260) and German sausage with rich tomato sauce (Bt280). 

Pasta dishes are among the stars here, too. Recommended are Angel Hair with Crabmeat and Cherry Tomato (Bt280), Pasta White Wine Sauce and Seafood (Bt280), Paccheri with Ham and Champignon (Bt250) and Angel Hair with Hokkaido Scallop (Bt320).

Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the Grilled Australian Lamb Chop (Bt480) served with rocket salad, shaved Parmesan cheese and grilled potato, which is very hearty and tasty. Another savoury highlight is the Foie Gras with Rocket and Raspberry Balsamic Sauce (Bt380) that, although coming out a little sweet, has a nice texture and well-rounded flavours.

My meal ended with the sinfully sweet and creamy Cookie Dough (Bt180) served with vanilla ice cream. 

As the restaurant’s name suggests, you can get a whole range of Old World wines, if necessary with the help of the resident sommelier. Beer and cocktails are also available, but that menu is quite limited.

Another thing we like about this place is you can totally relax, have a pleasant meal (or drinks) and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. There’s no live band, just the soft hum of chill-out house music from opening till closing. They also show live games on the big screen, but the sound is on mute. 

 

CHILL OUT AND CHOW DOWN

>>Wine Republic Bar & Bistro is on Thong Lor Soi 10 and open daily from 5.30pm to 1am.

>>Book a table at (02) 714 7599 or www.Facebook.com/RPB.Wine.