Yào Rooftop Bar — Restaurant in Si Phraya Subdistrict

With so many rooftop bars in Bangkok, we chose Yao tonight, mostly for the view. I’d been here years ago and wanted to see how it’s holding up now. After reading all the reviews about the friendly staff, I was expecting more—it felt like only one or two waitresses gave off that welcoming vibe you'd hope for from Marriott.

Here’s the breakdown:

Location: Fantastic view but a bit far from the metro. Prices: Beers and cocktails start at 220 THB. Food: Complimentary snacks were tasty; we didn’t try the menu (plenty of reviews cover that). Parking: It’s at a hotel, so parking is available. Atmosphere: Pretty chill but nothing standout. We came here on Saturday and from 5:45 to 7:00, no live music or DJ—just some recorded tracks. View: Stunning at sunset. The upper terrace with the Mahanakhon Tower view was fully booked, but they let you up for photos, which was nice.

Overall, I expected more. One thing that annoyed me: the waitress took my beer glass without asking, even though I had a few sips left. Might’ve been dark, but...

Really disappointing experience. I was so looking forward to dining here after reading such great things, but it fell completely flat. To start, we were seated right next to the loudest speaker imaginable—conversation was impossible, and our eardrums were ringing by the end of it. We asked to move tables (along with five others who had also been placed there and left shortly after). The staff seemed confused by the request.

Ordering was a bit of a challenge due to some communication issues. The cocktails were a letdown—filled with so much ice, they were basically gone in two sips. The Peking duck spring rolls had no flavor at all; all you could taste was the wrap. The wok-fried beef fillet was so overwhelmingly spicy that I couldn’t get through more than a couple bites and had to send it back.

The only highlight was the regular spring rolls, which were decent. In the end, we walked down the street and grabbed a cheeseburger—which turned out to be far more enjoyable. Honestly, I wish I had saved my money....

This place has so much potential with beautiful view, beautiful layout and seatings. Reservation made 2 weeks in advance yet we were assigned a small corner table for 3 person (pretty much can sit 2). Probably the worst table with block view and right at the walk way. Had to ask to get another bigger table after they said all fully booked. Turned out that small table was left for another 2 person also made rsvn which makes more sense. Why did they assiged that table for us in the beginning? Service was not exist and I do not buy the "we are full and lack of staffs". One staff (T) served us with the most grumpy and impolite attitude and question us about everything we asked. The team made us feel so unwelcome and uncomfortable there. Their food menu are appetizer size with fine dining prices. Only the Yao restaurant downstair serve full menu. So their advertise is misleading. Overall, this place...