Perhaps second to Japanese, Italian is among the most pervasive foreign cuisines in Bangkok. Italian restaurants are aplenty, but only few serve quality, authentic food. To satisfy my craving for real Italian food, I thought of going to Jojo at the St. Regis Bangkok.
THE RESTAURANT
Consistent with the style of the St. Regis Bangkok, Jojo takes Italian dining to the next level, with its refined interiors, anchored by chic decor and furnishings:
Jojo offers an exceptional menu of authentic Italian cuisine in elegant contemporary surroundings. Located on the ground level of The St. Regis Bangkok, the chic dining venue features a distinctly modern restaurant, high tables, and an intimate bar. Through the artistic use of sliding panels and ambient lighting, the visually compelling venue creates a changing character and atmosphere in which to enjoy inviting lunch and dinner menus.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Stefano Merlo who completed his diploma in culinary arts in Montagana, Italy. His flair in Italian cuisine landed him jobs in various restaurants and hotels, and made him win in the TV show Iron Chef Thailand.
THE MENU
Jojo serves a menu that “combines tradition with innovation, focuses on slow food and authentic ingredients, and uses seasonal produce from the finest purveyors.” With the restaurant being in one of the most high-end hotels in Bangkok, its selection that aims to please even the most discerning of gourmands is undoubtedly fancy.
When we dined at Jojo, the restaurant was on the verge of revamping its menu. Chef Stefano was eager for me to try the restaurant’s offerings, so he gave me a special preview.
OUR FAVORITES
The plin ravioli filled with braised pheasant (plin ripieni di fagiano) was cooked perfectly, and I liked its texture and earthiness. The white and green asparagus, slow cooked egg, asiago cheese foam (uovo asparagi e asiago), on the other hand, was not only inventive but tasty as well.
After our meal, the maitre d’ presented us with a handpicked selection of artisanal cheeses that all turned out to be spectacular. My top picks were the Gemma al Tartufo by Laiteria Moro, a semi-hard cheese infused with black truffle shavings; and the fruity and flowery Ubriaco Prosecco, a cheese soaked in Prosecco DOC wine for two months.
VALUE FOR MONEY
A meal at Jojo, when compared with the numerous Italian restaurants in Bangkok, can be a splurge. However, for its food is made of only the finest produce, then the cost is well worth it.
JOJO
The St. Regis Bangkok, Rajadamri Road (beside BTS Rajadamri), Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 207 7815
Email: fb.bangkok@stregis.com
Website: www.stregisbangkok.com/fb_jojo
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
