Best restaurants in Chiangmai

Sanae

Bib Gourmand฿Thai

This halal kitchen next to the Ping River is one for beef fans. With indoor and outdoor dining, the big outdoor kitchen cooks a creative à la carte menu with balanced flavours. The beef fat rice topped with egg yolk has a smoky flavour. The spicy Thai soup with beef shank is packed with spice aroma.

Euang Kam Sai

Bib Gourmand฿฿Northern Thai

Eung Kham Sai has been run by the same family for over a century and is still serving up classic Northern Thai recipes handed down the generations. The modest space has traditional decor; large windows frame the view outside. Try the freshly made khao bai, rice wrapped around a pork, fish or beef filling, or the spicy Northern-style curry, made from scratch with local beef brisket and exuding fruity acidity. Some ingredients come from local farms.

Rasik Local Kitchen

Bib Gourmand฿฿Thai contemporary

This thoughtful take on Thai cuisine unfolds in a casual, wood-accented space. The chef adds a personal touch to seasonal Thai ingredients in three menus: "Special", "Seasonal" and "Classic". We recommend asking about the catch of the day. Start with crispy rice crackers and Thai tomato salsa and pair your meal with Thai draft beer or aromatic alcohol-free drinks. Booking is required, as there are just 14-16 seats per service for each of the three daily rounds.

Huen Muan Jai

Bib Gourmand฿฿Northern Thai

Tucked away in a quiet alley, this wooden Lanna-style restaurant has been around for over a decade. It stands in a garden and has open-air and indoor tables, plus private pavilions. The menu showcases the gamut of Northern Thai cuisine, from fiery dips to herby soups. Two recommendations are the spicy galangal dip with steamed mushrooms for its sweetness and aroma, and the spicy vegetable soup with serpent-head fish: fragrant, earthy and perfectly balanced.

Roti Pa Day

Bib Gourmand฿Street Food

First-timers should order the plain crispy roti with condensed milk to start. The roti dough here is uniquely made without eggs, but slowly cooked to a crispy-chewy perfection in coconut oil. Choose from 20 toppings.

Guay Jub Chang Moi Tat Mai

Bib Gourmand฿Noodles

This place specialises in Guay Jub with Sai Ua sausage, served in a unique peppery broth, featuring with crispy pork and pork liver. They also offer another delightful dish: fresh spring rolls, topped with sliced omelette and aromatic sauce.

Khao Soi Mae Sai

Bib Gourmand฿Noodles

This shop serves the famous Khao Soi, featuring rich and slightly spicy curry notes. You can choose your preferred meat toppings, and the portions are so delicate that you might find yourself wanting another round!

Sanpakoi Kanomjeen

Bib Gourmand฿Street Food

Established in 1977 and a local favourite at Thongkam Market, this spot offers tasty and affordable khanom chin (fresh rice vermicelli) with various curries. Try the nam lo, a mix of spicy pork and chicken curry sauces. If noodles aren’t your thing, swap them for rice. Not only are the street food dishes here delicious, but they’re great value too – especially when you consider that side vegetables are unlimited.

Lung Khajohn Wat Ket

Bib Gourmand฿Street Food

Located opposite Wat Ket Karam, this humble gem of a shop specialises in khao kriap pak mo – steamed rice dumplings with a truly generous drizzle of fresh coconut milk – and neatly wrapped tapioca dumplings brimming with sweet and savoury pork and peanut.

Magnolia Café

Bib Gourmand฿฿thai

With just four large communal tables, Magnolia Café is a simple, cosy spot enlivened by bold colours, vintage décor, and chandeliers. The owner-chef’s exquisite personal collection is on display, and she pays meticulous attention to sourcing high-quality ingredients, some from overseas. Their à la carte menu offers tasty, well presented fare from across Thailand. Dishes are distinguished by vivid, gutsy flavours; fried sun-dried squid with peanut sauce and fresh watermelon with desiccated salmon are exemplars. A complimentary pandan pudding is offered, making for a sweet and satisfying finish.

Tue Ka Ko Na Prince

Bib Gourmand฿Street Food

For decades, this spot has been drawing in loyal fans with its tue ka ko – crispy deep-fried taro with sweet chilli sauce and peanuts. Light, fresh and never greasy, each batch is made to order. The fried tofu is also worth trying. Open only until they sell out, so come early.

Saiyut and Doctor Sai Kitchen

Bib Gourmand฿฿Thai

Since 2004, Doctor Sai has been serving pan-Thai dishes, including royal fare, following recipes from her mother, Saiyud, a former cooking instructor, in a setting reminiscent of dining at home. Start with an elegant appetiser like fried prawns and peanuts in an egg net, flower dumplings, or deep-fried pork wrapped in egg noodles. By dessert – try the sweet potato in syrup – you’ll guess this home, with its warm service, belongs to a royal from a bygone era.

CHAWEE

Bib Gourmand฿฿Thai

Chawee, named after the chef-owner's grandmother, offers an intimate, personalised dining experience, as Thai music plays softly in the inviting space with sage-green walls and vintage touches. Dishes draw on childhood memories or old recipes, in a menu that changes monthly, depending on the season and availability of local ingredients. With fragrant lychee and coconut in a harmonious mix, the spicy lychee salad refreshes the palate with its natural sweet-and-sour balance.

Huan Soontaree

Bib Gourmand฿฿Northern Thai

Soontaree Vechanont doesn’t just own “Soontaree’s House” – the singer also performs here nightly. Set on the Ping River in an open-air, Lanna-style building with more tables outside, this charming restaurant can accommodate up to 350 guests. Among the Northern Thai cooking they serve is their signature boneless murrel fish stuffed with pork. It’s a creative dish, with the well-seasoned sausage proving suitably fragrant and spicy.

Meena

Bib Gourmand฿฿Thai

Tucked away in the creative hub of Lhong Him Kaw in San Khlang, Meena is a rustic countryside retreat just outside Chiang Mai. The restaurant is best known for its bright five-coloured rice, served with home-style Thai and Northern Thai dishes, including unique creations such as pork ribs with longan curry – a spicy, rich and subtly sweet dish. The open-air setting surrounded by greenery is conducive to slow, relaxed dining.

Dan Chicken Rice (San Sai)

Bib Gourmand฿Small eats

For over 20 years this local favourite has been serving tasty, wallet-friendly chicken rice, first in Sam-Yaek Market in San Sai and now at this larger branch on Old San Sai Road. Show up early, both to beat the crowds and because the food invariably runs out before closing time.

Gongkham

Bib Gourmand฿Northern Thai

Around 30 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai, this Lanna-style wooden house with a warm, relaxed vibe offers a peaceful escape that feels like dining at a local friend's home. Outdoor seating without air conditioning is ideal for enjoying the cool air. The menu sticks to local classics, from Kaeng Khae and Nam Prik Noom with deep-fried pork liver to Cho Phak Kat. Cooked to order, the dishes are simply presented, allowing the Northern Thai flavours to shine.

Krua Lawng Khao

Bib Gourmand฿Northern Thai

Food and atmosphere are well-matched at this chill Northern Thai restaurant in Mae Rim. It’s in a two-storey wooden pavilion with regular tables downstairs and cushioned floor seating upstairs; both options offer relaxing rice field views and refreshing breezes. The food here is equally fresh, as well as flavourful and easy on the wallet; the Northern Thai spicy pork salad and the Northern Thai hot and spicy soup with fish and morning glory are recommended.

Friend's Table

฿฿฿Creative

Friend's Table follows a chef's table concept in the glass-enclosed dining wing of the owner's home. Diners can chat with the chefs at work in this stylish interior, dimly lit with a red hue. Collaborating on each dish, the duo of chefs strive for perfection: the food is refined, creatively presented, and packed with flavour, possessing an intensity that is true to the Asian palate. Be sure to be punctual; dinner will start at 7 pm.

Larb Duang Dee Mee Sook

฿฿Northern Thai

With its simple, rustic look, this quaint eatery specialises in northern lap dishes, paired with a local chaeo dipping sauce with the aroma of toasted sticky rice. The spicy, sour and fragrant beef soup is a must.

Aeeen

฿฿japanese

Aeeen goes the sound of Ken’s unique laughter, according to wife Yuki. Under the concept of Neo Shojin Ryori, the Japanese couple craft their plant-based menu using seasonal ingredients. The dining areas span two floors of a cute wooden house that feels like rural Japan. Lines of jars contain the fermented ingredients they use in the food. We recommend the perfectly judged soymilk udon noodles and refreshing mango with ginger and honey drink.

🕐 Th-Su 11:00-17:00

Chum (Saraphi)

฿฿Northern Thai

Chum serves Northern Thai cuisine cooked from the recipes of the family's grandmother. The colourful restaurant is simply decorated with red and yellow walls and brightly coloured parasols of Northern Thai design hanging from the ceilings. The stir-fried pork and liver is well cooked, and packed with Thai herbs, wild pepper and coriander. The mixed Northern Thai starter uses a tasty young chili relish with the scent of green chili that isn’t too spicy.

Tub Ping

฿฿Thai contemporary, Thai

This charming restaurant by the Ping River blends traditional and modern design, with warm wooden decor, brick walls and high ceilings. Woven crafts add a Northern Thai touch. Passionate about Western cuisine, the owner-chef fuses Thai ingredients with European techniques. Standouts include penne with Thai sour pork sausage in pesto and red curry with crispy duck confit and lychee. For an optimum experience, sit out on the riverside terrace and take in the view.

Pari-

฿฿Asian

The cosy design and small counter foster a vibrant, relaxed dining experience. The small yet high-quality dishes combine Japanese Izakaya style with Thai ingredients, enhanced with wasabi or yuzu. The ham comes from a Yunnan village in Chiang Mai, perilla from Mae Hong Son, sashimi-grade fish from the south, and meat from organic farms. We recommend the corn-fried rice Yunnan ham and the house-made ponzu sauce, elevated by a refreshing Somsa citrus oil.

Krua Phech Doi Ngam

฿Northern Thai

This popular open-air eatery serves well-sized northern Thai favourites at fair prices. Kang Liang, the peppery curry paste in spicy mixed vegetables goes well with the prawns’ natural sweetness; while the local fish marinated in herbs and spices is grilled in a bamboo tube until soft, with a smoky aroma. Do check the blackboard for specials of the day, which often focus on seasonal dishes.

Aunt Aoy Kitchen

฿thai

The décor is simple, with a display of photos and messages on post-it notes from customers gone by. Aunt Aoy spent much of her career cooking in hotel kitchens. Her expertise is realised in the fluffy yet crispy Chef Omelette with stir-fried minced pork, salted egg and pork crackling.

🕐 Tu-Su 10:00-19:00

Guay Tiew Pet Tun Saraphi

฿Street Food

Take a break and make tracks to this wallet-friendly shop that’s mastered braised duck. The duck noodles use the family’s secret blend of spices, while the roasted duck has succulent meat and crispy skin, moistened by the duck's own jus. Northern-Thai and other dishes are available.

Yangzi Jiang

฿฿฿Chinese

After years working in various hotels and living for over a decade in Thailand, chef Chan went back to his Hong Kong roots to open this simply decorated Chinese restaurant inside a contemporary Lanna house in trendy Nimmanahaeminda. His cooking is fresh, clean and well-executed; the menu includes a variety of house-made dim sum alongside dishes like Chinese stir-fried prawns and a stand-out crispy pork belly. Advanced booking is highly recommended.

Belén by Paulo Airaudo

฿฿฿฿European Contemporary, Creative

This confident new face on Chiang Mai's dining scene brings a refined energy to the table. Local ingredients play a central role – fruit, vegetables, tea, even cheese – and are elevated by sharp European cuisine technique. The experience begins with an aperitif in a playful, book-lined lounge, then you move into the intimate 18-seat dining room anchored by a chamchuri wood counter. Don't miss the goat's cheese flan paired with seasonal fruits: it's smooth and effortlessly moreish.

Baan Landai (Phra Pok Klao Road)

฿฿Thai

Don’t let the slightly unkempt exterior keep you from visiting Chef Landai’s restaurant. The interior exudes charm with its eclectic décor and a window into the kitchen, where chefs whip up pan-Thai dishes like flavourful pork ribs with red wine sauce. The portions are suitable for sharing with friends, and don’t forget to save room for their traditional Thai desserts.

Ekachan

฿฿Thai

This restaurant is run by a local chef who celebrates the diverse local flavours of Thailand. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from across the country, and the daily specials – noted on a blackboard – are well worth keeping an eye on. Outdoor dining is also available, adding to the relaxed charm. The fried rice with sweet shrimp is beautifully cooked with a rich shrimp paste and flavourful condiments like fresh chilli, shallots and mango. The spicy beef turmeric curry is a standout, boasting an intense blend of herbs and spices. For those seeking a serious kick, fresh Thai chillies can be

Kiti Panit

฿฿Northern Thai

Turning their great-great-grandparents’ 1880s mansion into a restaurant, Kiti Panit’s owners decided to create an updated take on traditional Lanna cuisine. The results include intense and complex hang le, or northern Thai curry, and savoury grilled chicken salad with coriander. The stir-fried beef with prickly ash is spicy, aromatic and wonderfully tender, while the hang le mu is rich, full of flavour and perfect with rice.

Nam Ngiao Yong

฿Street Food

This simple stall with limited seating draws crowds with its two flavoursome dishes. The khanom chin nam ngiao with tangy tomato broth and pork ribs, and khanom chin with red curry chicken with coconut milk and fish balls make it well worth coming to Siri Watthana Market.

Sukjai by Pata Obasan

฿฿thai

A recent addition to downtown Chiang Mai's dining scene, this vegetarian eatery channels the spirit of Mae Tang. In a charming 100-year-old Colonial Lanna house, green walls and cotton flags make for a serene and calming space. The veteran chef brings Buddhist philosophy to a deep understanding of ingredients, crafting MSG- free dishes that are rich in natural umami. Don't miss the pad thai with banana-flour noodles – tender, saucy and truly one of a kind.

Withee Laab

฿Northern Thai

This charming wooden building down a narrow alley has been serving delicious lap for years. The spicy minced buffalo meat and zesty cooked minced pork are sure to impress. With surprisingly affordable prices, this is a gem worth seeking out.

Busarin Cuisine

฿฿Northern Thai

Dining here feels like being welcomed into Chef Noi’s home. With its high ceilings, collection of fine chinaware, and green leather sofa booths set against light pink walls, the space feels both warm and elegant. The menu offers northern Thai dishes based on family recipes, with noodles and roti taking the place of rice. The standout is streaky pork, braised in hang le curry for two days, releasing an enticing aroma of ginger and spices. A delightful selection of authentic Thai desserts rounds off a truly memorable dining experience.

Kang

฿฿South East Asian

Opened in 2023, Kang is a fresh addition to Jing Jai Market. It offers a cosy retreat with a laid-back approach to dining, plus a menu that's ideal for sharing the highlights of Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine with friends. We suggest opting for their signature Nasi Lemak, or one of the bold, aromatic curries. All dishes are made to order, so diners may need to have a little patience while waiting for their delicious meals.

Aquila

฿฿Italian

A 10-minute drive is all it takes to escape the city for heartening Italian food, surrounded by plenty of greenery. Despite its industrial design, it’s a casual setting with an expansive view of the garden. The pizza dough, gnocchi and fettucine are all homemade. The squid fettuccine has an enlivening ponzu dressing; and the baked snow fish in a buttery fish broth beats all expectations with large, slow-cooked pieces that are meltingly soft in a sweet, homemade broth.

Poondang Kaengron

฿฿Thai

A cosy spot in a charming old wooden house with a warm, down-to-earth feel; clay pots, textured walls and rustic furnishings lend regional charm. The unfussy vibe suits the menu of Thai dishes with a few Northern touches. The stir-fried and deep-fried dishes stand out, especially the addictive fried tiny shrimp with chilli and salt – light, crisp and well-seasoned. With quality ingredients and shareable portions, it is ideal for a laid-back meal.

Talung

฿฿Southern Thai

Having recently relocated to this ground floor eatery under a residential apartment, Talung is simply decorated with air conditioning, a lively bar and serves Southern Thai. It’s a small family business, the staff are friendly and attentive, and help each other from kitchen to table. The stir-fried squid with squid ink has a rich, well-seasoned sauce and herbal scent. The stir-fried prawns come with a homemade southern Thai shrimp paste and young bitter beans.

Lumdee Te Khuadang

฿฿Northern Thai

This spacious restaurant balances scale with efficiency, accommodating 200 diners in the air-conditioned room, VIP room and out on the terrace. Locals and visitors flock here for home-style Northern Thai food, cooked to order and piping hot. Highlights include stir-fried termite mushrooms with aromatic herbs, and the fresh and flavoursome saep pork rib. The wooden Lanna-inspired structure has character, making this a welcoming spot for families and groups.

Laab Ton Yang (San Phi Suea)

฿Northern Thai

A solid choice for no-fuss Northern Thai food, this laid-back restaurant serves rustic, traditional dishes in small sharing portions. Highlights include the well-balanced kaeng om and boldly flavoured lap nuea, available with pork, beef or fish – raw or cooked – all prepared in classic Northern style. In an open-air setting with a relaxed local vibe, the place fills up with Thai diners at peak times. Service is friendly, with staff often speaking Northern Thai.

We-La-Dee

฿฿Thai, International

We-La-Dee brings central Thai cuisine north in an airy industrial-style dining room marked by playful accents. The restaurant’s large collection of action figures and a floor-to-ceiling installation of artificial flowers inspire photographs. Its extensive menu, which includes some original recipes from the chef, inspire both relaxed meals with family and friends and afternoons spent sipping coffee or tea and enjoying dessert.

Khao

฿฿฿฿Thai

Khao serves Northern Thai cuisine, along with some dishes from other regions. The chef, a prestigious culinary school graduate with 10 years of luxury hotel experience, brings an international perspective and a modern identity to traditional Thai dishes. The dining room is contemporary and inviting – crystal chandeliers coexist with carved teak panelling – and the terrace offers serene views of rice fields and hills.

Kinlum Kindee

฿฿Northern Thai

In a serene location in San Sai, surrounded by nature, this Northern Thai spot serves traditional cuisine made with vegetables, fruit and herbs grown in their garden. Dishes such as nam phrik num with fermented fish, khua khae with frog or kaeng phak wan with ant eggs prove to be rich and bold. The deep flavours are distinctly local, reflecting both the region and the care that goes into each plate. A restaurant that connects you to the land with every bite.

NAVAN NAVAN

฿฿฿Creative

Surrounded by rice fields, this stand-alone cement building affords a clear view of the open kitchen. The chef draws on various cuisines and uses a charcoal grill to cook local ingredients. His unpretentious style promotes healthy eating, and each dish highlights the natural flavours of the ingredients. Arrive before sunset to see the beautiful garden.

Baan Suan Mae Rim

฿฿Thai

This popular spot has been serving Northern Thai dishes in Mae Rim district since 2004. The menu is simple, typical Thai fare that leans towards meat and freshwater fish – the owner-chef will gladly recommend the freshest dishes of the day. Start with the deep-fried chilli minced pork – bold, salty and spicy – followed by tom yam fish. Arrive before sunset for a terrace table or opt for the comfort of the air-conditioned room overlooking the tranquil pond.

Cuisine de Garden Chiangmai

฿฿฿Innovative

Restaurant

Blackitch Artisan Kitchen

฿฿฿regional

Japanese

🕐 Tu-Su 10:30-16:30

Redbox Chiang Mai

฿฿฿฿Thai contemporary

Thai

Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen

฿฿Seafood

Seafood