The modi operandi are almost similar. Restaurants all over the world always bank on the stunning views around their establishments to attract customers but fail to focus on the food, which should be the main draw.  Unfortunately, The Deck – Aromosa at Arun Residence is one of those culprits guilty of this crime.

My Thai friend heard the sunset is beautiful and wanted another friend and me to experience it.  The sun has already set when we arrived at the restaurant located along the Chao Praya River. Nevertheless, the night scene is still spectacular especially when the restaurant oversees an illuminated Wat Arun. The Deck has its restaurant and bar spread over 4 floors.  All boost outdoor seating, and indoor seating are available on some floors.

We ordered six dishes and three desserts.  All failed to impress. A couple of dishes were tragic but most were just plain ordinary. The Grilled Beef Sirloin Marinated Served with Cucumber, Carrot, Chilli and Spicy Sauce Salad misses the mark totally.  The meat is tough even though it remains pinkish in the centre. And the accompanied dipping sauce is so bland. 

The Tom Yam soups are the worst among the lot.  They are so watered down that you can’t help but to conclude that the soups are catered to those with intolerance for spicy food. I specially asked for Tom Yam Kai (Tom Yam Chicken) but the broth still tastes of seafood. This is unforgivable especially when this is Thailand’s national dish!

The Pomelo Salad with Prawns Cocktail, Coconut Milk and Sweet Chilli Paste, Crispy Shallot Salad fares slightly better only because the pomelo is sweet. However, there isn’t anything to shout about.

The desserts such as Mango Sticky Rice and Melon in Coconut Milk are ordinary fare.  In fact, other than a good view of Wat Arun, the restaurant fails miserably. The entire meal for three persons, which includes one standard cocktail, a small bottle of beer and a small bottle of water, costs slightly less than THB2,900.

The Deck is off the beaten track and frankly, you wouldn’t even think of going there after factoring in the chaotic traffic conditions in Bangkok.  It took my friends and I nearly 90 minutes to get to this restaurant when in fact, only a quarter of the time taken is required.

It’s definitely not worth the money and time.

The Deck
36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road, Bangkok, Thailand