Le Banyan
Thailand Tatler
Best Restaurants Guide
Le Banyan is the oldest independent French Restaurant in Asia.
Since opening in 1989, Le Banyan has set the high standard for fine, yet affordable French cuisine.
Set in a lush tropical garden, in a traditional Thai house Sukhumvit Soi 8, please visit and enjoy our warm hospitality and professionalism for an unforgettable dining experience.
We are not only one of the most romantic restaurants in Bangkok, but also provide an elegant, impressive experience for business dinners and gatherings.
Whether you are here on holiday, or live in Bangkok, come and enjoy Le Banyan experience!
Your dedicated hosts, Michel Binaux and Bruno Bischoff.
I was Born in France and started work at age 15 as an apprentice in the Carlton Hotel, going at the same time to the famous Ecole Hôteliè่re de Strasbourg.
Upon graduating and after my national service in the army as a paratrooper, I left France and traveled around the world. While traveling I worked in different hotels and restaurants and ended up in Australia doing some openings of new hotels, such as the Conrad and Jupiter's Casino on the Gold Cost, then to Perth in western Australia to open the Millionaire Alan Bond's hotel during The America's Cup.
I then moved on again to Indonesia, Bali, Malaysia and so on. Finally I came back to Thailand and with Bruno Bischoff, and opened my own restaurant "Le Banyan". All of the efforts of my previous experiences have been put in Le Banyan, which is why it is now known to be the best independent French restaurant in Bangkok.
Born in 1957 in Strasbourg France started work at 15 as well as going to the Strasbourg Ecole Hôteliè่re. Upon graduating went to work in London to learn English, and forgot to go back to work again in France.
After a year in the national service as a paratrooper in an airborne combat engineer regiment, it was back to England working in several well known hotels and restaurants.
After two years on an English cruise ship as a waiter and bartender, Bruno landed in Sydney spending 5 years in the oldest French restaurant there. It was after moving to the Gold Coast in 1985 to be part of the biggest Casino operation in Australia that it came upon future friend and partner Michel Binaux. Worked in Perth, Western Australia during the America's Cup in 1987. Next a year in the world's No. 1 hotel (Oriental in Bangkok) paved the way for the opening of Le Banyan restaurant, that was in 1989.
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How do I get dressed for Dinner?
Smart casual only please, for respect for our regular customers.
The following clothing are not allowed; shorts, T-shirts, flip flops.
Why don't you sell cigars anymore?
It is now not permitted to smoke in an air-conditioned dining room (since 2002).
What are your specialties?
Foie gras in all styles, hot pan-fried or cold like terrine and other variation, pressed duck, and others of course.
What time is your last order?
The kitchen closes for main course orders at 9.30pm, but we start early at 6.30pm.
The dining room closes at midnight.
Can I bring my own wine?
You can if you must, corkage is 500 baht only for wine & 800 baht for Champagne.
Why is wine so expensive?
Because of tax, which is unfortunately very high in Thailand at 400%.
Are children welcome?
Only if well behaved please, for respect to our other guests.