In the rolling hills of Muak Lek near Khao Yai, nestled within the vineyards and pastoral calm of Issara Estates, a remarkable culinary vision has taken root. Libertà Trattoria—a rustic Italian restaurant born of memory and intention—brings the spirit of Tuscany to Thailand with an authenticity that transcends aesthetics. The brainchild of a family whose love for Italian culture is as personal as it is profound, Libertà marries honest cuisine, natural beauty, and artisanal design into a singular destination.
More than a restaurant, Libertà is a sensorial experience. It evokes the spirit of a slow lunch in Chianti, the scent of wine-soaked cellars in Siena, and the freedom of a life shaped by land and legacy. At the heart of this story is the Issara family and their collaboration with Surround Living, whose antique furniture selections imbue Libertà with the tactile soul of Italian countryside living.
From Tuscany to Khao Yai: The Genesis of Libertà
The seed for Libertà Trattoria was planted during countless journeys through Italy. Second generation Co-founder and eldest of four siblings; Khunpol Issara was particularly drawn to the family-run trattorias of Florence and Tuscany—places where recipes are heirlooms, wine comes from vineyards just over the next hill, and interiors reflect centuries of lived history. These rustic, soulful spaces became his creative blueprint.
When it came time to bring that vision to life, the answer was close to home. Issara Estates—land that has been in the family for two generations—offered not only fertile ground, but also an emotional connection. "This land has shaped who we are,” Khunpol explains. “We grew up here, and it only made sense to grow something meaningful here in return.”
The name Libertà, meaning “freedom” in Italian, shares its essence with the family name "Issara", which means the same in Thai. This philosophical thread weaves through every layer of the experience—from the design and menu to the pace and philosophy of the restaurant. Libertà is a celebration of personal liberty: the freedom to savour life slowly, surrounded by good company, in a place that breathes heritage.
Where Wine Ages and Stories Begin
One of Libertà’s most striking features is its wine fermentation room—an underground, cathedral-like space inspired by the Gothic cellars of Siena. This moody, dramatic setting is now the main dining area, steeped in the scent of aging barrels and the quiet ambiance of stone, light, and shadow. “I wanted people in Thailand to experience the same sense of wonder and serenity I felt in the hills of Tuscany—without ever having to leave the country,” Khunpol shares. “That’s why Issara Estates was the perfect setting for Libertà. The landscape reminded me of Florence, surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards of the Chianti region. It felt like a piece of Italy, right here at home.”
Above (Left & Right) : Mid-Century Spanish Colonial Revival Wrought Iron Design Chair & Armchair, South European/Spanish, 1950s-1970s
Farm to Flame: A Menu Anchored in Nature and Fire
The menu at Libertà reflects the ethos of a true trattoria—soulful, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land. At the helm is Executive Head Chef Tim Butler, the award-winning talent behind some of Bangkok’s most acclaimed restaurants. Originally from Maine and trained in New York and Southern California, Chef Tim brings a bold, international perspective rooted in clean flavours, ethical sourcing, and a deep respect for provenance.
Since relocating to Bangkok over a decade ago, he has helped shape Thailand’s modern dining landscape by blending global techniques with regional nuance. Known for his love of wood-fired cooking and an ingredient-first philosophy, Chef Tim has crafted a menu at Libertà that draws directly from the estate: grapes from the vineyard, wood from nearby trees, and fresh produce from the on-site farm all find their way onto the plate. Despite the ongoing challenges of sourcing sustainably, his commitment to honest, expressive food remains unwavering—redefining what it means to eat meaningfully in Thailand.
“We chose Issara Estates as the home for Libertà because it represents who we are as a family. This land has been with us for over 30 years. It shaped our values and gave us roots. Libertà was always meant to grow from here” Khunpol explains. Cooking over an open flame is central to the experience. Vines are used to smoke meats, infusing dishes with a fragrant complexity that recalls Italian countryside traditions. The flavours are rustic yet refined, always allowing the quality of the ingredients to lead.
“Western cuisine in Khao Yai is often seen as secondary,” says Khunpol. “We wanted to change that narrative.”
A Living Landscape: The Role of Issara Estates
At Libertà, guests don’t step into a corporate venue—they step into a family estate, shaped by heart, history, and intention. With no rigid formulas or fixed rules, the experience is fluid, personal, and thoughtfully designed. “We want every guest to feel more than just satisfied by a meal. We want them to connect with the land, absorb the tranquility of the surroundings, and experience the same sense of home that we’ve cherished here for generations.”
One of Libertà’s most powerful elements is its living connection to the land. Horses graze within sight of the tables. The vineyard is open to explore. Guests can engage in the winemaking journey—from grape to glass. This is not a set—it’s a working, breathing farm.“We want people to slow down, to remember where food comes from, to savour the moment, and to rediscover the joy of a shared meal.”
The Final Layer: Surround Living’s Curated Soul
The transformation of Libertà hinged on its final layer—interior design. While the architecture, vineyard setting, and menu were nearly complete, the space lacked its emotional core. "We were looking for vintage Italian, Gothic-style pieces to complement the interiowine gallery—something rustic yet grand," Khunpol shares. "Surround Living stepped in as a creative collaborator, not just a supplier."
Above (Left): Crimson upholstered Spanish/Italian Renaissance Revival design, 19th Century
Above (Right): Rustic European Ladder-back chair (France/Spain), Mid 20th Century.
With access to a network of rare antique curators across Asia and Europe, Surround Living delivered a soulful collection of furniture that felt innately part of the space. English farmhouse wooden tables surrounded by a mismatched set of antique chairs, each with its own patina and story. The wine bar exudes old-world charm, with elegant 20th century bar stools, and vintage coffee tables adding European warmth to the Thai backdrop.
"Every piece was chosen with intention. Every angle considered not just for function, but for feeling. Surround Living gave Libertà its final, essential touches—adding the rustic elegance and Italian flair that truly complete the experience."
Freedom, Fire, and the Sweet Life
More than a restaurant, Libertà Trattoria is a manifesto. It is a place that redefines the dining experience through authenticity, storytelling, and connection. It is a reminder that beauty lies in the details, that food tastes better when it comes from nearby, and that a simple meal can feel like a celebration.
“We hope our guests leave with more than just a good meal—we want them to walk away with a renewed appreciation for nature, for where their food comes from, and for the beauty of simple, shared moments. By highlighting local ingredients and the natural surroundings, we invite our guests to reconnect with the land and to experience the richness that comes from slowing down”. 
Above (Left): Colonial Revival Mahogany Corner Cabinet Circa 1940s-1960s, South East Asia
Above (Right): Vintage Cast Iron Tractor Seats from Blackstone & Co., English agricultural machinery manufacturer based in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Circa, 1880s-1901
At a time when speed, convenience, and novelty dominate the cultural conversation, Libertà is a gentle rebellion. It invites guests to sit longer, laugh louder, and live deeper.
"As the Italians say, 'Il dolce far niente' — the sweetness of doing nothing," the founder reflects. "That’s the essence we hope to share."
With Surround Living’s design language, Issara Estates’ legacy, and a menu rooted in fire and feeling, Libertà Trattoria isn’t just bringing Italy to Thailand—it’s building a world of its own.
Surroundliving.com
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