BANGKOK, 16 November 2026: More than 160 guests gathered at the weekend to celebrate the relaunch of the refurbished XII Mediterranean on Sathorn Soi 12, enjoying a generous Mediterranean spread, an impressive cocktail bar and exemplary service.
Pronounced “Twelve”, the restaurant marked its refreshed chapter with a lively evening that retained the beautifully relaxed atmosphere at the heart of its appeal.
The guest list read like an eclectic who’s who of Bangkok’s business community, bringing together chamber members, industry experts and prominent figures from tourism and hospitality. Their presence gave the evening a special sense of occasion, making it both a spirited launch party and a significant gathering for the city’s business and hospitality circles.
Located in Bangkok’s Silom–Sathorn business district, XII is well placed to appeal to the corporate market. The surrounding area includes the headquarters of Bangkok Bank and TISCO Bank, alongside offices of leading professional services firms Deloitte and KPMG. Its Mediterranean restaurant, cocktail bar and relaxed atmosphere offer an attractive setting for client entertaining, business dinners, team celebrations and drinks after work. The strong presence of chamber members and industry figures at the relaunch reinforced its connection with Bangkok’s business community.
The setting brings together two distinctive dining experiences. KAI New Zealand occupies the lower level, while XII Mediterranean combines its restaurant with a magnificent cocktail bar upstairs. An outdoor area provides space for smokers, adding another dimension to a venue that suits an evening meal, drinks with friends, or a special gathering.
For restaurateur Craig McLean, whose businesses include KAI New Zealand, the relaunch marks a return to XII’s Mediterranean roots following a period exploring Southern French cuisine. Its renewed identity draws together French, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Eastern Mediterranean influences, giving diners considerable variety within a recognisable culinary theme.
An abundant selection of dips and accompaniments added further interest, including olives and bean-based dips. These smaller dishes were an essential part of the evening’s appeal, allowing guests to sample different flavours and build their own combinations alongside the more substantial dishes.
Together, the seafood, meat dishes and accompaniments demonstrated how naturally Mediterranean cooking suits this style of occasion, offering variety without losing the pleasure of a convivial meal.
Service was one of the evening’s strongest features. With more than 160 guests attending, the staff maintained an exemplary standard of hospitality, contributing greatly to the relaunch’s success. Their warmth and attentiveness helped preserve the relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that a busy celebration still felt welcoming and comfortable.
The refurbished surroundings and upstairs cocktail bar give XII an appeal that extends beyond the dining table. The place has an easy rhythm, with space for conversation and the simple enjoyment of an evening out. That balance between food, drinks and atmosphere is a considerable part of its charm.
XII Mediterranean emerged from its relaunch as a gem on Sathorn Soi 12: relaxed, generous and thoroughly enjoyable. Based on this evening, it is an address well worth visiting.
XII Mediterranean is located at 142/40–41 Sathorn Soi 12, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok.
About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, tourism commentator and former senior hotel executive who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh, he brings extensive experience in hotel management, destination marketing and international tourism. A member of JFCCT’s senior team and a board member of the South African–Thai Chamber of Commerce. A former Director of Skål International and Past President of Skål Asia, Thailand and Bangkok. He writes on tourism policy, hospitality, aviation and sustainable development.
