10 Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The cuisine is eclectic Thai, with ingredients sourced from Ginger's own farm on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, at this vibrant Thai bistro decorated with vintage furniture, large patterned cushions, and hanging plants. Nothing is too-too spicy, and everything—including rich curries, refreshing salads, and vegetable-packed summer rolls—is served in pretty ceramic bowls and plates.

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. 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 simpler Thai restaurants. 

A meal at the Rachamankha hotel's elegant restaurant is a must whether you're a guest or not. The menu focuses on Lanna, Burmese, and Shan cuisine, a sensible approach given the entwined history of these northern neighbors. The formal dining room inside, decorated with tasteful antiques, is best during the day, but reserve a table in the softly lit, brick-lined courtyard if you'll be here after dark. The servers are discreetly attentive, and the prices are reasonable for such impeccably prepared food.

In a beautiful, traditional, two-story teak house with a balcony overlooking a garden, Dash is one of the Old Town's best midrange restaurants. Guests receive a warm welcome from the Thai mother-son team, who returned to Thailand to open the restaurant after living for many years in the United States. Expect generous servings of classic Thai food from across the country. The khao soi (chicken curry noodle soup), gaeng hang lay (pork curry), and other Lanna specialties stand out. Those not in the mood for Thai can avail themselves of pasta and burgers.

The focus at this stylish modern restaurant in an old ice factory is the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen, visible throughout the dining room. The menu tours the globe, with popular dishes including smoked pork ribs with barbecue sauce and arguably the most authentic tacos in town.

A maverick in the area, this air-conditioned restaurant run by a German specializes in beer sausages, as well as cheese and cold cut platters. The restaurant also serves Greek salad, Norwegian smoked salmon, and tenderloin tournedos from Australia. The vibe is always homey, with brick walls, bamboo chairs, and timber galore. Whether you sit inside or outside, the place fills up in the evenings.

Tucked away in a corner of a former businessman's mansion, this small open-sided restaurant specializes in inexpensive curry dishes from India and Burma, with some creamy yellow khao soi noodle soups as well. Daily specials, accompanied by two varieties of rice or a selection of Indian breads like pillowy naan, are written on a blackboard. The tiny terrace overlooks the grounds of the mansion, whose present owners run the restaurant.

On a backstreet in an increasingly cool local neighborhood dotted with cafés and small eateries, this restaurant in a traditional teak house serves authentic Lanna cuisine. Try the nam prik ong (tomato and minced pork dip) served with crispy vegetables, the laap moo (a rich minced-pork salad), or the locally revered gaeng hang lay (pork belly curry). Don't be surprised if you find yourself returning for another meal—most patrons do. Before you leave, check out the framed wall photos of the owner-chef's appearance on Iron Chef Thailand. There is a minimum charge of B500 for credit cards.

Born from Chef Yaowadee's desire to keep artisanal fisherman in business down south, this casual eatery features Thai comfort food with an emphasis on the freshest catch of the day—something not that common in this landlocked region. The menu features stir-fried squid and an impressive array of fish dishes, including charcoal-grilled trevally and brown-sugar-cured sardine jerky, all accompanied by local organic rice and stir-fried vegetables.

This light-filled haven with indoor and outdoor seating offers a long sprawling menu of breakfast dishes, salads, and sandwiches. For a mouthwatering treat, try the Noam's Special, which consists of grilled veggies, roast chicken, fried spinach, avocado, and rice. Just as tasty as the food are the fresh fruit smoothies and coffee. An abundance of plants and colorful Chinese lanterns add to the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for people-watching on the terrace.