Riverside Terrace, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

The Rain Tree Café at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, is one of the city's most popular buffet restaurants, known for its luxurious dining experience. Set in an elegant colonial-style ambiance, the café offers an impressive range of international cuisine, including Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Western dishes.

A key feature of The Rain Tree Café is its live cooking stations, where chefs prepare food to order, ensuring freshness and variety. The seafood selection is especially notable, with options such as lobster, oysters, prawns, and crabs. The dessert buffet is equally elaborate, offering a selection of cakes, pastries, and traditional Thai sweets. With its upscale environment and wide variety of high-quality food, The Rain Tree Café is perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant also offers themed buffets for lunch and dinner, allowing guests to explore different cuisines on various days of the week. Whether you're enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Rain Tree Café provides a memorable dining experience that reflects the luxurious setting of The Athenee Hotel.

Best feature

The best feature of The Rain Tree Café is undoubtedly its extensive selection of international cuisines, all presented in a luxurious and visually appealing buffet setting. Guests can indulge in a wide array of options, ranging from fresh seafood like lobster, prawns, and oysters to expertly prepared meats and a variety of Asian specialties. The live cooking stations allow guests to order dishes like grilled meats, stir-fried noodles, and sushi, all made fresh to their preference. One of the highlights of the café is the themed buffets, which change daily, offering a different culinary experience depending on the day. Whether it’s a focus on seafood, meat lovers, or Asian flavors, the themed evenings give variety and excitement to repeat visitors.

The café’s elegant colonial design, complete with chandeliers and plush seating, adds to the luxurious feel, making it a perfect spot for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a leisurely meal. The dessert section, filled with pastries, cakes, and tropical fruits, is also a notable feature, providing a sweet finish to an already sumptuous meal. Overall, The Rain Tree Café delivers a well-rounded buffet experience in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Positive review

Guests who dine at The Rain Tree Café consistently praise the variety and quality of the food, especially the seafood selection. The live cooking stations receive frequent mentions, with many appreciating the ability to have dishes prepared fresh to their liking.

The ambiance, with its elegant and stylish design, also contributes to the overall positive dining experience. Many reviews highlight the attentive and friendly service, noting that the staff are quick to accommodate special requests and provide recommendations. The themed buffets are a favorite among repeat guests, as they allow for a fresh dining experience with each visit. Diners also appreciate the balance between local Thai dishes and international options, making it easy for both locals and tourists to find something they enjoy. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, guests feel that The Rain Tree Café offers great value for the price, with the upscale setting and high-quality food making it a standout among buffet restaurants in Bangkok.

Area of Improvement

While The Rain Tree Café is highly rated by many diners, there are a few areas where improvements could be made. Some guests have mentioned that during peak dining hours, the restaurant can become quite crowded, particularly at the live cooking stations, leading to longer wait times. Additionally, the high price point, while justified by the quality of food and service, may be considered steep by some, especially for those dining on non-themed buffet nights where the variety may feel more limited.

Another area where guests feel improvement could be made is in the replenishment of certain dishes during busier periods. Occasionally, popular items, especially seafood, may run out, and there can be a slight delay in restocking. Lastly, while the service is generally praised, some guests have noted that during very busy times, staff may be slower to respond to requests or provide drink refills. Addressing these issues, particularly during peak hours, could further enhance the dining experience and maintain the high standards for which The Rain Tree Café is known.

Overall Review

The Rain Tree Café at The Athenee Hotel offers an exceptional buffet experience with a diverse selection of international dishes, fresh seafood, and live cooking stations, all in an elegant and luxurious setting. The themed buffets, changing throughout the week, provide variety and a unique dining experience with each visit, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists.

The service is generally attentive and friendly, with staff making sure guests are comfortable and satisfied. The café’s colonial-style decor, with plush seating and chandeliers, creates a sophisticated atmosphere, making it ideal for both casual dining and special occasions. While the price is on the higher side, most diners feel that the quality of the food, along with the upscale environment, justifies the cost. However, there are some areas for improvement, such as managing crowd levels during peak times and ensuring prompt replenishment of popular dishes. Overall, The Rain Tree Café remains a top choice for those seeking a luxurious and varied buffet experience in Bangkok, combining excellent food, attentive service, and a beautiful setting.