La Braci Opens in Ploenchit: Wood-Fired Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Ploenchit’s vibrant district, La Braci has unveiled its highly anticipated culinary offering. Officially opening on 19 November 2024, the restaurant is located at the Secret Garden level of One City Centre and brings a refreshing take on modern casual fine dining, showcasing the art of wood-fire smoked cooking. 
La Braci welcomes guests with an atmosphere of understated elegance, where natural elements blend seamlessly with contemporary design. Warm wood tones, subtle stone accents, and brushed metal touches create a harmonious space. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural light by day, while evening diners enjoy an intimate ambiance accentuated by soft outdoor garden lighting. 
The 50-seat dining area is thoughtfully centred around an open kitchen featuring a custom-made fire pit. Flames dance and wood-fired grills crackle, offering diners an immersive experience where ancient cooking techniques meet modern gastronomy. The restaurant also boasts one of Thailand’s longest counter seating sections.
“Our culinary philosophy stems from a deep respect for both tradition and innovation,” explains Sean Lai, Chef-Owner of La Braci. “We’ve created a modern casual fine dining experience that celebrates the primal allure of wood-fire cooking while embracing contemporary techniques. Each dish highlights the natural flavours of carefully sourced ingredients, elevated by the subtle complexities of fire and smoke.”
La Braci’s menu emphasises shared plates, encouraging communal dining to enhance the overall experience. “We believe food tastes better when it’s shared,” Sean adds. “Our menu is designed to invite guests to sample a variety of flavours and textures together, fostering a convivial atmosphere that reflects Thai hospitality.”
Conveniently located near Siam Square and BTS Ploenchit, La Braci offers an accessible retreat for locals and visitors alike. With its luxurious yet vibrant ambiance and Instagram-worthy displays, it promises to be a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique dining experience.
La Braci: Chef, Team, and Experience
Chef-Owner Sean Lai and Director of Operations Wachirawit Thananrat (Chef Bank) lead a skilled team of Thai chefs dedicated to delivering a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Diners can engage with chefs as they introduce their creations from the open kitchen, making each visit an interactive and memorable culinary journey.
Unique Features of La Braci
The restaurant’s centrepiece is its live fire display, complete with multiple grilling stations tailored to different dishes. This captivating feature offers both visual and aromatic appeal, engaging diners from the moment they step inside.
A step-up garden area at the restaurant’s entrance adds a nature-inspired touch, resembling a cosy cave nestled within a vertical mountainside. The design contrasts beautifully with Bangkok’s urban buzz, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere.
Chefs present and explain their dishes, detailing ingredients and preparation methods, adding an educational element to the dining experience. This approach makes La Braci’s “fine dining lite” concept both accessible and insightful.
Sean concludes, “At La Braci, we aim to create more than just a restaurant—we want diners to feel connected to the food, the fire, and the community. La Braci is a celebration of fire, flavours, and shared moments, offering an elevated dining experience at an accessible price point.”
Signature Dishes at La Braci
Oyster Flambée with Beurre Blanc and Chive Oil
This standout dish showcases the Flambadou, a mediaeval tool reimagined for modern cuisine. Heated until glowing, the Flambadou transforms fats into flaming flavour-boosters. Fresh Irish Cocollos oysters are briefly seared with blazing pork lard, infusing them with rich umami. Paired with whey cream sauce and vibrant herb oil, this dish is a sensory delight.
Wood-Fired Australian Wagyu Angus Beef Flank
Grilled over premium hardwood charcoal and basted with wagyu fat, this indulgent flank cut achieves a caramelised crust while retaining a silky interior. Charred broccolini and a West African-inspired chimichurri, known as Rof emulsion, provide a perfect balance of smoky and herbaceous flavours.
Wood-Fired Giant River Prawn
Juicy river prawns are elevated with prawn fat, fermented chilli oil, and a refreshing sour tomato salsa, creating a harmonious blend of bold and fresh flavours.
Charred Baby Squid Potato Dumplings
Baby squid and tender potato dumplings are served with lemon saffron emulsion and dill oil. The dish delivers a satisfying balance of umami and tanginess.
Passion Fruit Curd Mini Pavlova
A tropical twist on a classic dessert, this pavlova features a crisp meringue base topped with luscious passion fruit curd. Sweet, tangy, and beautifully presented, it offers a perfect finale.
La Braci Official Details
About La Braci
Rooted in the primal art of wood-fire cooking, La Braci combines bold flavours with understated elegance. Located at One City Centre, La Braci offers a fine dining experience that remains accessible, ensuring guests can savour high-quality cuisine without compromise. For centuries, fire has been at the heart of cooking, and at La Braci, it continues to inspire a menu where each dish celebrates simplicity and craftsmanship.