LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar

Monica Tindall

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar sits on the rooftop of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, providing fantastic views, upbeat vibes, friendly service and delicious Spanish cuisine.

Headed by Chef Laia Ferrer from Barcelona, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar’s menu is a compact offering of contemporary Spanish cuisine. Expect to find tasty tapas such as tomato bread and croquettes and heartier mains like Iberico pork and paella. The menu is accompanied by select cocktails and an easy-drinking wine list that works exceptionally well with food.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar

The restaurant and bar offer air-conditioned dining as well as a semi-covered alfresco bar and terrace. In good weather, most guests choose the outdoors. It’s cooler up here on the 33rd floor, and the 270-degree panoramas turn from golden skies to a sparkling sea of city lights at sundown. Quality speakers are a buzz with toe-tapping Latin tunes. We were tempted to dance, a shoulder shimmy at least in our seats, and the beats seemed to inject the crowd with happiness. The bar lights a brilliant blue in the evening, reflected by the glass-bottomed pool above. All in, it’s a hip, welcoming energy.

Exclusive Cocktails

The best partner for sundown is a cocktail, so we launch our evening at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar with two Luz Exclusives. Saúco (THB 360++) is a refreshing blend of Caorunn Gin, Cointreau, elderflower syrup and cranberry juice. It’s adorned with a canary yellow edible flower and disappears all too quickly. The Basil (THB 360++) is slightly more intense with anCNOC Highland Single Malt Whisky 12 Years, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, basil leaves and lime. Both are excellent palate-openers, not sweet (as per my request) and simply garnished, letting the liquor do the talking.

El Vermut

Chef Laia whips up a collection of bites for us to begin. Aceitunes Marinadas (THB 160), marinated Spanish olives, come in an assortment of black and green, are conveniently pitted and juicy. Boquerones en Vinagre (THB 320++), white marinated anchovies, are some of our favourite tapas. They have great acidity, but it’s softened with quality olive oil. Tartar de Atun y Salmorejo (THB 550++), tuna tartar with cold tomato soup, is a gentle, creamy version of the chilled soup from the south with a light vinegar finish and fresh cubes of tuna spanning the edge. It’s most definitely the prettiest salmorejo I’ve seen, with edible flowers and shaved cucumber rolls. Olive oil yellow spheres look pretty and leave the feeling of olive on the palate. Lastly, the straightforward and comforting Pan Con Tomate (THB 160) plate features fat slices of lightly toasted bread rubbed with garlic and chopped tomato.

We toast the views, the friendly team and the delicious food with a glass of Cava Jaume Serra Brut Nature (THB 360++). It’s uncomplicated, easy drinking and acts as a palate cleanser between courses.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Signatures

Moving to something more substantial, Suquet de Pescado con Romesco (THB 850++) features a fleshy, moist catch of the day over romesco sauce and potato mashed with olive oil. There’s also a scoop of nutty red paste on the side, adding depth to the profile.

Arroz de Montaña (THB 950++) is an excellent meat-free choice. The creamy rice is flavoured with forest mushrooms and topped with a pretty beetroot foam. It’s not what I expected in a good way! Sometimes, mushroom rice can feel too rich. Instead, this has the earth’s depth with the lightness of a spring garden. This Catalan recipe is topped off with blended hazelnuts, parsley and garlic, keeping things light.

For something meatier, Secreto Iberico con Berenjena Ahumada (THB 990++) features luscious slices of a small cut of Iberico pork found between the loin and shoulder blade. It’s tender, juicy and absolutely delicious, thanks to its position and even marbling. Some diners might see pink and panic. However, rest assured, this pig has been slow-cooked for seven hours – it’s cooked all the way through. It’s one of the tastiest pieces of the pig; pork lovers should definitely give it a try. On the side, there’s smoked eggplant puree topped with deep-fried broccolini and toasted flaked almonds.

Momento Dulce

The cinnamon sugar aromas of Churros (THB 270++) reach our noses before the plate does, signalling that dessert is on its way. These are exquisite examples of the Spanish fried pastry dough, with a thin, crisp shell and soft middle. They’re perfectly acceptable on their own, but the contrast of the dark, rich chocolate sauce is what they’re known for, so we dip, dip, dip.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Review

The upbeat vibe and fab views at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar are reason enough to grab a cocktail here. However, the food and service are solid grounds to settle in for the night. Come at sunset to witness the change from day to night and make a night of it with tasty food and wine to carry you through.

Reasons to visit LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar: upbeat rooftop vibe, fab views, friendly service, light and delicious Spanish recipes, must try the Arroz de Montaña for something light and delicious, and the Secreto Iberico is a must for those wanting something meaty. Sweet tooths would do well to order the Churros.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar
Rooftop INNSiDE by Melia
1472 Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong
Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
+66 2 340 5499
@luzbangkok_tapasbar

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Opening Hours
Daily: 4 pm-midnight

Find more recommendations for gourmet travel in Thailand here and stay up-to-date with our latest gourmet travel finds here and here.