The 5 best places for seafood in Bangkok

Crab and Claw imports fresh, sustainable lobsters from Maine and serves the most authentic lobster roll, Old Bay-marinated crab, and clam chowder that you’ll find in Southeast Asia. The restaurant is a massive hit for Thais, with crowds happily grinning with their stained lobster bibs on for endless Instagram-worthy snaps. 

This Chinatown legend is open-air, out on a corner in the heart of Yaowarat. It has become very touristy with prices to match, but the frenetic energy, with strangers all bunched together on plastic stools enjoying huge plates of prawns and crab, is well worth an evening out. 

If you are looking for tasty seafood in a no frills local eatery, then make a beeline for Lek. Despite being in the central business district, prices are kept even lower than Chinatown, and Thais flock here after work for the grilled and stir-fried fish, crab, and prawns. 

Somboon is famed for its red curry crab and was one of the first seafood restaurants in town to become really popular. Some think the quality has gone down these days, but the original Surawong branch still serves up generous portions of fresh fish, prawns, and other seafood platters. 

For almost 40 years, Thais have equated fresh seafood with Laem Charoen. The restaurant started out on the beach in Rayong, and now has some 15 outlets. This latest more upscale eatery in Siam Paragon retains its talents, with the fried sea bass being one of the best in town.