Review

With geometric monochrome floor tiles, tables that spill out onto the pavement and daily specials scribbled on a standing blackboard, Bardo is a modern eye-catching French bistro, on Sathorn Soi 10. From lazy weekend brunches to lively late nights, Bardo offers chic laidback dining, whatever the time of day. The menu is confidently concise, fitting on one page. Dishes have a Mediterranean slant and are creative enough to be exciting while authentic enough to be comforting. Try wholesome bruschetta made with perfectly toasted French bread and topped with sweet and juicy tomatoes, a fresh dollop of creamy cottage cheese and a sprinkle of chives. Goat cheese salad is surprisingly complex for what is usually a simple dish. For mains, butternut squash barley risotto topped with Hokkaido scallops is creamy and subtly sweet whilst light and satisfying. Other unpretentiously elevated dishes include chicken Milanese and lamb koftas, both diner favourites. Desserts are traditional; flan au caramel is the perfect finisher. The French-Mediterranean persona and fully stocked bar ensure that drinks at Bardo are full of character, in abundance, and encouraged. Cocktails are playful in name and taste, and the wine list is lengthy but expertly curated. Alcohol isn’t necessary to get a taste of the skillful bartending; mocktails are just as sophisticated in concoction and stylishness.