After a Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Prince Mahidol Hall in Nakorn Pathom province, we ventured beyond our usual dining spot to explore other options. We stumbled upon D'Eiffel, a charming restaurant marked by a small replica of the Eiffel Tower in its car park. Intrigued, we made a reservation and returned a week later, driving 45 minutes from Bangkok for dinner.
Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional manners of the liveried car park attendant, whose professionalism surpassed that of attendants at many Bangkok hotels. His respectful guidance earned our admiration and a generous tip. This level of detail and service was unexpected in provincial Nakorn Pathom.
The dining room of D’Eiffel was surprisingly elegant, with white tablecloths, proper cutlery, and a classic, airy atmosphere. The kitchen, spotless and staffed by chefs in pristine uniforms, added to the restaurant's allure. Soft, unobtrusive old popular French music played in the background, enhancing the ambiance. The menu was traditional French, with some adventurous daily specials, evoking the feeling of dining in a by-gone era.
Service at D’Eiffel was impeccable, with staff adhering to the finest traditional protocols. My dining companion was served first, and the waitstaff stood attentively yet discreetly, ensuring our every need was met without intrusion. Their professionalism was a rare find.
D'Eiffel offers no wine menu; instead, patrons can choose their own wine from a temperature-controlled glass-walled room—a delightful touch. The menu, available in both English and Thai, revealed that the chef de cuisine was a Cordon Bleu-trained son of the owner. D’Eiffel is a family-run establishment, frequented by local university seniors and those who appreciate authentic French cuisine. The restaurant's Facebook page shares its happy story, although French food is not widely appreciated by locals.
Our dinner began with a smoked duck breast salad and onion soup, both traditional and excellently prepared. A passing train added a charming touch to the dining experience. The filet mignon was superb, and the steak Diane, though lacking a stronger mustard sauce to my taste, was very good. We concluded with a delightful crêpe suzette that transported us to France, yet the price—just over 2,000 Baht without wine—reminded us we were still in Thailand. D’Eiffel's cooking remained uncompromised by local influences, a rarity for ethnic restaurants in Thailand. While it may not reach the heights of haute cuisine, the food was commendable and meticulously prepared, maintaining its authenticity for 18 years in this remote location.
As we neared the end of our dinner, we were introduced to the restaurant's owner, Khun Somporn, who shared his remarkable journey. In his early teens, he worked for Thailand’s first French restaurant, Chez Suzanne, in Bangkok before moving to Bordeaux to learn about French wines and cuisine. After returning to Bangkok, he eventually opened D'Eiffel in Nakorn Pathom, where it has thrived for nearly two decades. His stories of French restaurants in Thailand were fascinating, adding to the restaurant's charm.
Driving back to Bangkok, we pondered why the restaurant was so quiet. Perhaps, like us, its patrons were reluctant to share this hidden gem, fearing it might be overrun by the hoi-polloi. Yet, we decided that D’Eiffel deserves recognition. It is a culinary pilgrimage site for those who appreciate French dining in Thailand and a sanctuary for romantics who long for the customs and enchantments of a by-gone era. Indeed, the French ambassador should make this pilgrimage himself!
We recommend combining a visit to a Thailand Philharmonic concert at Prince Mahidol Hall or to the Phuttamonton Buddhist Park with dinner at D’Eiffel. This extraordinary restaurant is truly a hidden gem worthy...
Read moreD'Eiffel is a fine-dining restaurant in Thailand that offers a unique fusion of French and Thai cuisine. The restaurant is located in a beautiful setting, with stunning views of the city skyline. The service is impeccable, and the food is simply exquisite.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at D'Eiffel, and I was thoroughly impressed. I ordered the lobster and foie gras, which was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever tasted. The lobster was cooked perfectly, and the foie gras was rich and decadent. The dish was served with a delicate truffle sauce that perfectly complemented the flavors of the lobster and foie gras.
In addition to the lobster and foie gras, I also tried the seared scallops with black truffle risotto and the roasted duck breast with cherry sauce. Both dishes were also excellent, and I would highly recommend them to anyone dining at D'Eiffel.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with D'Eiffel. The food, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch. If you are looking for a truly special dining experience, I highly recommend D'Eiffel.
Here is a more specific review of the lobster and foie gras dish:
The lobster and foie gras dish at D'Eiffel is a truly decadent and delicious experience. The lobster is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture. The foie gras is also perfectly cooked, with a rich and buttery flavor. The dish is served with a delicate truffle sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of the lobster and foie gras.
The presentation of the dish is also stunning. The lobster is served on a bed of colorful vegetables, and the foie gras is served on a separate plate. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers.
Overall, the lobster and foie gras dish at D'Eiffel is a must-try for any lover of fine cuisine. It is a truly unique and delicious dish that is...
Read moreI was pretty disappointed with this place as I went thinking it would be good French food.
The menu is ok, but in my opinion a bit outdated, a bit 70's. Duck a l'orange, bouef bourginnone, crepes suzette etc. Wine prices are high.
We got a salad for starters with roast duck, that was average. I had steak for main which was ok, vegetables were sparse and just simply steamed. Nothing extra which I'd expect in a French restaurant. My wife had sole in a cream sauce. The fish was cold in the middle and not cooked. The sauce was basically just cream with some parsley added. It didn't taste like a delicious sauce a good chef would make.
The service was odd as when the fish was taken back, we weren't told anything. We just waited and then a new cooked version was presented twenty minutes later. Even then the fish was mushy, not flaky.
We didn't stay for dessert, and left feeling a bit disappointed. Also the ambience was not great, maybe it was just the day, but there was a party with karaoke going on in the next room and kids running around the main area.
Not really the romantic, birthday treat I'd planned for my wife, but, you live...
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