Aquila
Intimate Italian dinner restaurant in Chiang Mai's Tha Sala area, beloved for its chef's tasting menu.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 17:00–22:00
- Learn the Spice Scale
- Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits and Thai cooking classes near Aquila.
Food toursStreet-food tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesCookingThai cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesMarketsMarket tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Aquila is a well-regarded Italian restaurant tucked along Soi Surapol 1 in Chiang Mai's Tha Sala neighbourhood, earning consistent praise from diners who have discovered it through word of mouth and the Michelin Guide. The kitchen puts evident care into its cooking, with highlights including a chef's tasting menu that takes guests through the restaurant's most celebrated dishes, alongside satisfying individual plates like pork chop, truffle carbonara, and a notably creative fried oyster with beef appetiser.
The atmosphere is described by visitors as cosy and relaxed, offering a more intimate dining experience than many establishments in the area. Seating includes an outdoor section, though it is worth noting that mosquitoes can be an issue outside on certain evenings. The indoor space is more limited, so arriving early or securing a table in advance is a sensible approach, particularly during busier periods.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Aquila, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A friend suggested we try Aquilla while in Chiang Mai and I am so happy we did. The chef's tasting menu was amazing; taking us through samples of some of the most popular dishes. All items brought out we're tasty and special but my favorites were the Wagyu with oyster and the Mini Wagyu sandwich. There were a few empty tables while we were there, but it would be best to make a reservation. When in Chiang Mai you should take the time to come here too. We'll be coming back next trip to Thailand.
Found this restaurant on the Michelin Guide and loved everything we tried. The portions were generous, the quality outstanding, and you can really feel the care the chef and team put into every dish. Definitely a place we’ll be coming back to again!
Food is okay, taste is good. Indoor seating is limited, prepared to be bitten by mosquitoes. Toilet is clean with amenities well provided. Reservation or walk-in depends on staffs you meet as some are not taught/trained well and straight rejection if no reservations made, made 2nd trip with reservation and discovered walk-ins are allowed as staff bothered to check reservation list to verify the reservation time and made allowance.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 613 reviews on Google.
226/4 ซอยสุรพล 1 Tambon Tha Sala, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
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All within 3.6 km away of Aquila.
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Use Grab for Delivery
The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.
Aquila: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aquila worth visiting?
Aquila holds a 4.7★ rating from 613 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Aquila?
Aquila is typically open 17:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Aquila?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Aquila located?
Aquila is at 226/4 ซอยสุรพล 1 Tambon Tha Sala, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
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