Baan Mae Café & Restaurant
Set within the beautifully maintained grounds of a former grand home in the Chang Phueak neighbourhood, Baan Mae Café & Restaurant offers a dining experience that goes well beyond the food itself. The restored heritage setting — with garden seating and elegant interior spaces — creates an atmosphere that feels both special and relaxed, drawing a loyal mix of locals and international visitors to this corner of northern Chiang Mai.
The kitchen focuses on Thai cuisine, with dishes that consistently draw praise for their quality and presentation. Visitors highlight standout items including shiitake mushroom preparations, and the attentive, hospitable service is frequently noted as a highlight in its own right. Whether seated by a window overlooking the gardens or in the outdoor area, the setting elevates even a casual meal into something memorable.
Open daily from 11:00 to 22:00, the restaurant is a reliable option for both lunch and dinner throughout the week. The mid-range pricing makes it accessible without feeling like a compromise, and the spacious layout means it handles busy periods better than many popular spots in the city. Checking the Facebook page before visiting is worthwhile for current menu information. The Santitham location sits north of the old city and is easily reachable by ride-share or a short tuk-tuk trip from central Chiang Mai.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Baan Mae Café & Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Baan Mae Café & Restaurant, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We loved everything about this restaurant! The atmosphere was gorgeous… the service was outstanding. It was obvious that they wanted to make sure that everything was perfect and it was. We had shiitake mushrooms, chicken and cashews(less salt would’ve been better)and Grilled New Zealand salmon steak with mango salsa which was stellar!! We will definitely return when we’re in the area!!
Is there any better restaurant than this in Santitham, Chiang Mai?I am sure.... Beyond its classic atmosphere, I wonder if there's truly a restaurant that can match this place. Even after trying brunch at 4-star and 5-star hotels, nothing surpasses the food at Baan Mai Restaurant. What makes this place even more special is an unforgettable staff member named Moo. She is incredibly kind and attentive. I still remember last year-end when our food was delayed - she was so genuinely apologetic about it. She treats guests like an owner would, with such care and warmth. I want to express my deepest gratitude to her. Today, she recognized me right away and greeted me so warmly! Her sense of responsibility is outstanding, and I will never forget her. Everything at Baan Mai Restaurant is delicious. The Tom Yum Goong is especially perfect for Korean palates. Even the cocktails are beautiful and taste amazing. The Pad Thai is exceptionally delicious too. I first visited this place a year ago, and now whenever I come to Chiang Mai for my monthly stays, visiting this restaurant is always a highlight of happiness. Just as Chiang Mai has its hidden gems, Baan Mai is #1 on my list of must-visit restaurants. It's the best of the best in Santitham!
If you’re looking for a hidden gem with amazing food and vibes, look no further! This spot knocked it out of the park—food was delicious, the garden scenery was so lovely it made the meal even more enjoyable. We visited twice for lunch and dinner, Toh was very helpful and was so patient with all our questions and super attentive too. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Will definitely come back again.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,061 reviews on Google.
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Baan Mae Café & Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baan Mae Café & Restaurant worth visiting?
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant holds a 4.7★ rating from 1,061 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Baan Mae Café & Restaurant?
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant is typically open 11:00-22:00 — 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.
How expensive is Baan Mae Café & Restaurant?
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Baan Mae Café & Restaurant?
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 Baan Mae Café & Restaurant located?
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant is at 72 Thanon Santiuk, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
72 Thanon Santiuk, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand+66 91 854 7289www.facebook.com/Baanmae-Cafe-Restaurant-CNX-101865712055667/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Baan Mae Café & Restaurant
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Oh Talay
Seafood restaurant on the fourth floor of Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre in Chiang Mai's Chang Phueak area.
Huen Muan Jai
Northern Thai done properly, but you'll queue on the spot for it, so turn up as the doors open.
Khao Soi Maesai
The locals' khao soi champion in Chang Phueak — Michelin-listed bowls that sell out by early afternoon, worth planning a morning around.
Maya Kitchen
A clean, air-conditioned food court on level 4 of Maya Lifestyle Mall, offering affordable Thai food from multiple stalls.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near Baan Mae Café & Restaurant
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)