Chiang Mai Restaurants

All the city's top hotels serve reasonably good food, but for the best Thai cuisine go to the restaurants in town. The greatest variety—from traditional Thai to Italian—are to be found within the Old City, and Nimmanhemin Road, about 2 km (1 mile) northwest of downtown, is a star-studded restaurant row. The best fish restaurants, many of them Chinese-run, are found at the Anusan Market, near the Night Bazaar. Chiang Mai also has northern Thailand's best European-cuisine restaurants.

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  • 1. Ginger & Kafe

    $$$ | Old City

    Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on plump, plush armchairs and sofas and even on large cushions scattered over the polished teak floor at this colorful restaurant, decorated like the home of your kooky bohemian cousin. The cuisine is eclectic, with plenty of Thai offerings as well as mixed Western fare like fish-and-chips. Nothing is too spicy, and everything, including rich curries, refreshing salads, and vegetable-packed summer rolls, is served in pretty ceramic bowls and plates.

    199 Moon Muang Rd., Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
    053-287681

    Known For

    • <PRO>eclectic Thai-boho decor</PRO>
    • <PRO>pretty presentation</PRO>
    • <PRO>zingy cocktails with fresh herbs</PRO>
  • 2. Temple House Lamphun

    $

    This airy shophouse-turned-café, art gallery, and boutique is the kind of warm, homey space that makes you want to linger. The selection of pastries and cake are enticing and the barista makes excellent coffee. The boutique carries coffee, honey, chocolate, local textiles, and ceramics with an emphasis on local community enterprises. Exhibitions in the upstairs gallery, featuring the works of contemporary Thai artists, change every few months.

    102 Intharayongyot Rd., Lamphun, Lamphun, Thailand
    065-056--9839

    Known For

    • Rotating art exhibits upstairs
    • Hummingbird cake (banana-pineapple spice cake)
    • Good coffee

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 3. The House by Ginger

    $$ | Old City

    Trendy locals have been loving this iconic restaurant that serves creative Thai and pan-Asian fare since it opened in 2004. The walls are adorned with tropical motif wallpaper, the plush furniture is finished with dark velvets, and traditional Chinese pottery in bold colors sits on display, while the banquette seating is topped with colorful throw pillows that you can purchase in the shop. The Thai food is excellent and nicely presented, but expect to pay more than in simple Thai restaurants. 

    199 Moon Muang Rd., Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
    053-287681

    Known For

    • International cuisine
    • Long-standing favorite
    • Trendy atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Raming Tea House Siam

    $

    The menu at this tranquil teahouse is fairly short, with a selection of curries, salads, sandwiches, satay, and desserts, but the cool interior of this exquisitely restored century-old Chinese merchant's house is a wonderful respite from the bustle of the city. It doubles as a showroom of fine celadon pottery and has an adjoining courtyard with a shop selling Lanna fabric and the pottery used in the restaurant. There are indigo dyeing, textile weaving, and ceramic painting workshops available here, too.

    158 Thapae Rd., Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
    053-234518

    Known For

    • Pretty home goods in its shop
    • Peaceful garden tables
    • Housemade tea blends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 5. River Market

    $$$

    This handsome Lanna-style restaurant complex is next to Chiang Mai's historic Iron Bridge, and the spacious outside terrace has lovely views of the bridge and the Ping River. The chefs prepare the full range of authentic, if pricey, Thai dishes, along with a couple of continental options, including a cheeseburger. Although the restaurant is fairly family-friendly, with a lawn on which kids can run around, there's not much on the menu for picky eaters.

    33/12 Charoen Prathet Rd., Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
    053-234493

    Known For

    • Pretty setting overlooking the Ping River
    • Modern twists on pan-Thai fare
    • High prices to match the setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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  • 6. Writers Club & Wine Bar

    $ | Old City

    You don't have to be a journalist to dine at Chiang Mai's unofficial press club—the regulars include not only media types but artists and eccentric local characters. Expect the typical pan-Thai dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and curries, as well as decent and sensibly priced house wines. Reservations are essential on Friday and Sunday, as this is the spot for taking a break from wandering the Sunday market.

    141/3 Ratchadamnoen Rd., Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
    053-814187

    Known For

    • Popular with media types
    • Some of the best value wine in Chiang Mai
    • A respite from the Sunday Market

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat., Reservations essential

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