Review

Pastel is perched on the 22nd floor of the Aira Hotel on Sukhumvit 11, boasting a skyline view and a décor that sparkles with painted high ceilings, mosaic walls, and a convivial air. This is a party-centric dining venue with commitment and integrity in its food. Sourced and selected by executive chef Killian Fioretto, the menu features farm-to-table ingredients prepared with passion and creativity. Start with one of their signature toasts: lobster in aioli, pork belly with barbecue sauce, or uni topped with lemon gel and aioli. Follow with crab tartare with smoked pike roe and crackers or marinated vibrantly red bell peppers generously stuffed with goat cheese on a crunchy crostini. Pastel caters superlatively to large groups with a share-it section on the menu. The spotlight is on Pastel on a yacht, a sharing platter including ceviche and caviar to oysters and tartare, served on a table-sized luxury yacht model. Pastel chocolate mousse with Valrhona dark chocolate, candied hazelnuts, and praline ice cream is the highlight of the many desserts. Beverage-wise, in addition to a well-curated wine list, champagne, sparkling, and rosé heavy, there is a playful, graphically illustrated list of bespoke, innovative cocktails. Agrabah iced tea is an exotic rose-scented concoction poured from a genie’s lamp into an ice-chilled golden cup. Don’t forget to make a wish.