Levantini is a new restaurant in the picturesque location of The Village.  A spacious deck-style terrace offers al fresco seating which is perfect for a leisurely lunch or snack overlooking the landscaped lake and gardens, while the interior beckons with its dramatic colour scheme and glowing lights.    It’s sire and guiding light is Jacques, whom although French, was born in the city of Casablanca where he developed his enduring passion for Moroccan cuisine.  He is also the patron of Creperie Suzette in The Village complex.

The menu is set firmly in the Mediterranean with enthusiastic fusions  

integrating the aromatic style of cooking from the eastern side of this gastronomic region.   As a “welcome” to Levantini we were served a portion of the appetisers of the day: an avocado mousse with shrimp and Zahlouk, one of the most popular aubergine salads from Morocco.  The velvety, creamy avocado mousse was smooth and silky while the Zahlouk a triumph of fried aubergine redolent with the aromatic flavours of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in a grassy olive oil.  After tasting and dipping our bread into these two mezze dishes, Mick and I knew we were in the hands of someone who cared truly about this atypical fusion cuisine and that something special was happening in this kitchen.

Other delights in the starter section include goat cheese on toast (B.80) or an unusual whole camembert fondue style (for 4 persons) at B.450, or a warm oyster and scallop platter plus a gourmet omelet filled with chanterelle mushrooms.    

Reading further the menu presents many creative and innovative pasta and risotto dishes.   Linguini is tossed in an Alfredo sauce while penne Rigatte is served in a white sauce with salmon.  For risotto fans there’s their signature risotto with fungi porchini.  Moving on to the fishy items, New Zealand snow fish is the house speciality and is prepared baked in the oven and presented on a bed of sauerkraut (B.300) while the not often seen, monk fish, is ideally served grilled, kebab style.   In spite of all these favourites when my eyes spotted another house speciality, bouilllabaise, I was sold and just had to order this most extravagant of Mediterranean dishes (B.300).  Mick opted for the chicken kebab with Moroccan spices and then we sat in delicious anticipation of our chosen dishes.

From the meat selection rib eye maitre d’hotel (B.230) and beef filet kebab with pepper sauce (B.240) have those in the know beating a path to Levantini’s door.  In fact, while we were there another diner (called Tony) introduced himself to say that the steak here was fantastic and the price a marvel. 

Salads are always a popular lunch time choice and Jacques presents a generous Greek salad (including anchovies and sun dried tomatoes) for B.160 and a salmon salad for B.180.  For a more substantial lunch their 4- course set menu is only B.290.

Our main courses arrived.  The Levantini bouillbaise was served in a heated silver server and  accompanied by the requisite fish soup, l’aioli, toasted bread and in this case grated cheese.  There languishing in it’s fishy emulsion sat a generous tranche of pla kapong (snapper), plump pink prawns, juicy clams, curled squid and steamed potatoes.  The soup was intense with a profundity of fish and shellfish and the aioli intense and creamy.  Absolutely delicious – this Levantini rendition of the famous seafood stew was  flavourful, sophisticated and satisfying.    It fulfilled all my expectations.  Meanwhile, Mick was enjoying the tenderest of  chicken kebabs with the deeply gratifying flavour of those  heady Moroccan spices that permeated the meat. 

French cheese is on the menu (great value at B.180), and the desserts are another house speciality.     The panna cotta (B.70) or the double chocolate mousse come highly recommended.   Fresh fruit salad is made daily and can be accompanied by ice cream and a chantilly topping. 

The wine list is extensive with carefully selected bottles from B.800.  On a previous occasion at Creperie Suzette we enjoyed a glass or two of the dry French cider “Duche de Longueville and considered it a rare treat, do try it.  Very drinkable house wine is B.90 by the glass.

Levantini is a find.  The cuisine is delightful combining the joys of the French/Italian family kitchen with the satisfying exoticism of Moroccan cuisine.  Do visit soon.    It is the sort of local gem beloved by those who appreciate good food and wallet nourishing prices.  Serendipity indeed!

Located in The Village Shopping Centre, Corner of Soi Chiyapruk and Sukhumvit Road.  Tel:  (Thai) 085 431 6190 or English on 0899 128 979.   Open daily except Mondays from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm.  Credit cards not accepted.