The atmosphere is great, quick friendly service and food fabulous. Lovely decor. Recommended for all from couples to larger groups. Tasting platter for starters was a great way to discover the vegetable curry puffs and kebabs

We always plan to try something diferent but on most ocassions end up back at Joy Bong…I still call it that because I think it is a nice catchy name. We wander out the back and John takes our drinks order, my wife is slowly working her way through the cocktail list while I settle on a red Pinot. Andy is the master cocktail maker and is clearly passionate about his pouring, according to my wife the Moscow MULE and the Apple Martini are the best. However Andy has since moved on and works at La Vista in Mission Bay as a waiter, we bumped in to him there one brunch, I told him he was very talented cocktail maker and he’ll be missed. After drinks we always choose a booth and peruse the menu, I don’t really know why because we both already know what we are going to order, maybe it’s just the entire experience of the date. The menu has been revamped and has only improved on perfection. We order the mixed platter, the warm chilli prawn shot is saved til last because it’s the best, a prawn carefully placed in shot glass of clear tom yum. Red duck curry and the beef consomme with two baskets of sticky rice. The consomme is out of this world a clear warm delicate broth that will cause a “mmmmm…wholly cow that is good. By the end we are talking about the food, conversations that we have already had before and what the best was, we always end up deciding “It’s all good”. We stand up feeling satisfied, we have a quick conversation with John and thank him for having again, as we pay and head out the door we turn around and have the usual laugh at the bum seats. Isaan at it’s best outside of Nth Thailand.

I have not been to this restaurant since the recent change to Monarchy, but I went about 5 times when it was Joy Bong, and it has to be my ultimate favourite restaurant as of yet. It is absolutely flawless in service, presentation, taste and experience. The portion sizes are decent and the food is absolutely esquisite. A true Thai experience – not like many of the westernised Thai restaurants. I always ordered the fish cutlets with coriander, chilli, lime and ginger which is such delicate and perfect dish, my partner always ordered the larb gai, and we would both order the red curry. The menu has changed slightly so will be keen to try it out again soon. This restaurant is suitable for any sort of occasion – whether it be a romantic dinner for two or an experience for the entire family. Definately give this restaurant a try – it is what made me a fan of Thai food.

Great restaurant, food really nice, good professional staff, lovely atmosphere. The entrees are great!! Highly Recommend

I LOVE Monarchy. We go there about once a week and we’re slowly working our way through the new menu which surprises us with amazing meals each and every time. The service is amazing, very attentive without being pushy and the staff are so lovely. The food is always presented well and more importantly tastes great!
The atmosphere and decor is gorgeous, you gotta see the bright red “bum seats” as we call them, hilarious!
I would definitely recommend Monarchy to everyone.

Awesome Thai Place , Will Come Back Again

I’m a long time fan of ‘joy bong’ also.. rite now much more even love “monarchy” the new look.. see through wine cellar&those hundred hundred of candles is awesome! (must bring Ur cameras)
isaan section food and sticky rice is a “must” try..
if u wanna have real Thai (bkk) style food I’m recommended this place… apart from that.. service is helpful.. they looking after us very well.. atmosphere&music are great.. price not2expensive for dinner ($23/main) + good wine selection..
so ‘yes’ now I’m a fan of this place… =)

right – so they’ve updated their prices + food is good + service is good.
I’ll update my stars on this one.
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Food = ok.ish.
By that I mean I find Thai in general a fav of mine, so it tastes good at most places. What makes it normally stand out is good service, and here it was really bad.

They’re using the old Joy Bong menus online where the lunch menus entice you with a free drink for $10.
BUT – you order and get there to find it doesn’t come with that.
You also get there to find that they put there prices up without updating their menus.
Pathetic.
There’s Sawadee around the corner and the Ponsonby Food court which are awesome.
Also Sri Penang around the corner on K’Rd is also good food and good service.
It’s a shame – i really really liked Thai food and Joy Bong, the old owners need to buy this place back!