WHY GO? Baan Thalia pleases on many levels. Balance seems to be the key word here from the excellent food to the pleasing decor. Chairs are splendidly comfortable; the lighting and earth-toned decor manage to be both grand and welcoming. Service is professional yet warm.

WHAT TO ORDER? From course to course the freshness and high quality of the produce is apparent and the kitchen excels in cooking everything to perfection. Tender chunks of meaty rock lobster served with fennel, rosemary and melt-in-your-mouth bell peppers is a great opener. Beef carpaccio is another quality option, served with tangy pecorino cheese slivers and earthy marinated mushrooms it delivers a taste rich with umami. Angel hair with sauteed lobster is enhanced by a delicously light lemon cream sauce. The moist flakes of snowfish pave, enclosed in a crisp roasted wrapper of angel hair pasta and pancetta, is a delight of textures, contrasts and tastes. To finish, try panna cotta, the vanilla and cream complimented by cinnamon and blueberry sauce. Liquid centred chocolate cake makes another memorable finale.

Staff is knowledgeable and there is an exciting selection of wines including some from less frequently seen countries such as India, Romania and Uruguay.