We hear about new pubs and restaurants popping up in Ari all the time, but that doesn’t mean the old ones are losing fans. Somethin’ Else is a case in point. This two-story house-turned-restaurant is a sound option for those in need of a laidback affair, especially if you’ve just driven around the block three times to find a parking space. Tucked away on quiet Phaholyothin Soi 12, opposite the Bangkok Chest Hospital, it’s a nice spot to escape the chaos of the main road. The dimly-lit garden and terrace, decked out with furniture in the 70s modern-industrial mold, certainly make for an enchanting atmosphere. But this feeling can be lost, if only temporarily, with one glance at the oversized menu. It seems the owner takes pride in showing off just how wide a range of Thai and international dishes can be served up; problematic if you’re too impatient (or hungry) to read all the way through. The international options aren’t particularly fulfilling, either. The baked baby clams in white wine sauce served with garlic bread (B160) had a pleasant aroma, but were way too salty, while their list of pizzas was nothing to write home about. Fusion dish Samurai Koeytuen (sashimi, raw prawns and squid served with Thai style seafood sauce, B280) is stunningly presented, but the sweet dipping sauce didn’t quite match up and the sashimi was too soggy. Instead, flick straight to the Thai menu and you’ll find satisfying favorites like pak lieng pad khai (Melinjo leaves stir fried with eggs, B100) which strikes a nice balance in flavor accentuated by the fresh green vegetables. Best of all, and rare in a restaurant with any sort of hip leaning, is the mussel and pineapple curry (B120) which tastes made according to an age-old Southern recipe, it was so bursting with flavor. If you’re looking to sit and unwind in pleasing surroundings, this could be your place, but the restaurant’s wealth of options is only to the detriment of its tastier dishes. Somethin’ Else should just stick to what they do best, which is mostly comforting Thai fare.
