Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Bangkok, so it’s all the more special when you discover a restaurant that sets itself apart from the pack. Giorgio’s at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok has been setting the standard high for decades, and holds the distinct honor of being one of Bangkok original and most beloved Italian restaurants. This award winning venue offers an exciting and fresh menu with many familiar flavors presented in new and innovative ways. Every dish is well seasoned, cohesive and thoughtful. You will discover a modern and contemporary ambiance, an extensive wine list, romantic river views, excellent service and refined cuisine. Giorgio’s gives you everything that you would expect and more.
The Venue
Giorgio’s is on the second floor of the Royal Orchid Sheraton along the Chao Praya River. Guests are invited to utilize the free shuttle boat located at Thaksin pier. This mini river cruise is a romantic and practical way to begin your journey and it makes the entire experience feel like a special occasion. You slowly glide down the river in a richly appointed wooden boat, with comfortable seating, fresh flowers, and cold towel and water service aboard.
The restaurant is bright and inviting with contemporary geometric art pieces, colorful glassware that is used as art, and bold, bright bursts of primary colors used throughout the room. The seating is comfortable and you can choose to dine inside or outside on the expansive deck where you can enjoy spectacular views along with an evening cocktail or two.
The Chef
Chef Gaetano Palumbo originally hails from a small fishing village in Sicily and has called Bangkok home since 2006. Chef Gaetano puts passion on a plate with his modern interpretations of traditional dishes that are bursting with authentic flavors and ingredients imported directly from Italy. “It’s basic Italian food that I modify” shared Chef Gaetano, “You have to really understand the fundamentals before you can reinterpret cuisine”. He has created a menu that draws from the best cuisine that Italy has to offer overall instead of just focusing on a single region. With an intense focus on the quality of ingredients, the chef relies heavily on imported items to maintain the authenticity of the dishes he prepares. Anything that is not imported is sourced locally or made fresh in order to ensure that his exacting standards are met. “The emotion you have is very important when you eat, it is this emotional experience that makes a meal truly memorable” stated Chef Gaetano.
The Cuisine
Start your meal off with a signature cocktail such as the Sheraton Delight made with rum, Galliano, mango, lime and pineapple and is served in a massive glass, or the Security Check made with pandan infused vodka, fresh pomello, orange liqueur and lime. Another spectacular offering is their “Wine Tasting Tour” which allows you to taste three whites or three reds for just $15.21USD(450Baht)++.
For starters, you won’t be disappointed with either the Aged Parma Ham & Cantaloupe or the Marinated Raw Scallop Scented w/ Tangerine & Scampi Tartar. One of the most unforgettable dishes is the Green Asparagus w/ Parmesan Cake & Parmesan Foam. It imparts an intense cheese flavor and a unexpected texture that will leave you feeling as if you have indulged in something deliciously unique. The risotto is legendary, and the secret is the salami Chef Gaetano uses, that literally melts into the rice. I recommend the Risotto w/ Prawn & Nduja Spicy Salami. The rice is perfectly al dente, with the right consistency and a complex depth of flavor that is intensified by the sweet and generous portions of succulent prawns. Another favorite is the Seafood & Rock Lobster Soup w/ Garlic Bread. Words can hardly describe how satisfying and soulful this soup is. You can taste the skill, time and effort in every spoonful. For white wine go for the Two Oceans Chardonnay, 2012 from South Africa as it is well matched with the decadent Handmade Pansotti Filled w/ Roasted Veal & Truffle. This delicate pasta and rich cream sauce are simply divine. Another show stopper is the Black Cod w/ Sun Dried Tomatoes, Asparagus, & Capers. Straightforward and simple, it’s perfection on a plate. For red wine try the Robert Mondovi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California along with the Stewed Beef Cheek w/Wine, Potatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Green Pea Puree. The beef is the definition of tender, and every component of the dish is well calculated. If you have any room left for dessert try either the Chocolate Lasagna Tower or the Pane Cotta with Fresh Berry Sauce.
The Verdict
The secret to Giorgio’s success is Chef Gaetano, because he is creating soulful food that you remember long after you finish your meal. It’s not often that you find a place where absolutely everything that touches your lips is delicious, but this is the case at Giorgio’s. They deliver some of the most clever and innovative Italian fare available in Bangkok and they have one of the best versions of risotto you will find, hands down. This is one of the city’s best riverfront dining experiences and it is truly unforgettable. They offer an irresistible combination of sophistication, warm hospitality and professional service. If you enjoy adventurous and imaginative cuisine that is full of bright, fresh, clean flavors, then you will love Giorgio’s. While reservations are not required, they are suggested for dinner.
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Location:
Royal Orchid Sheraton
2 Charoen Krung Soi 30, Siphya
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel: + 662 266 9214
Hours: Daily 0600-2230
Email:events.rosh@sheraton.com
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
Facebook:www.facebook.com
MRT: Silom
BTS: Saphan Thaksin
