Maré Seafood
Maré Seafood stands out in Chiang Mai's dining scene as a quality-focused seafood restaurant and oyster bar, drawing consistent praise for the exceptional freshness of its shellfish. Situated on Thanon Chiang Mai-Lamphun — the main road heading south toward Lamphun — it sits slightly removed from the city's busier tourist dining strips, giving it a more relaxed and genuine feel. The interior is small but thoughtfully decorated, striking a balance between elegant and comfortable. Oysters are the clear highlight, served with lemon and classic mignonette sauce, and regularly described by visitors as among the freshest they have encountered. Beyond oysters, the menu includes mussels, vongole, paella, and lobster, with a wine list that notably features Burgundy selections at accessible prices. The air conditioning runs cold, so bringing a light layer is worth considering. Good to know: Maré accepts credit cards, which is a practical convenience for travellers. The restaurant is small, so arriving early — particularly for lunch — is advisable to secure a table without a long wait. Opening hours are not publicly listed, so calling ahead or checking on arrival is recommended before making a special trip.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Maré Seafood, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The oysters were absolutely phenomenal—so fresh and juicy, served with lemon and a classic mignonette sauce that really brought out their flavor. The lobster tail, on the other hand, was underwhelming; the red sauce didn’t pair well with the sweetness of the meat. The sardines were a nice surprise, tasty without being overly salty. The calamari was fried to perfection—crispy and tender—though it could have used just a bit more seasoning. Overall, some real highlights, especially the oysters!
This place was such a lovely experience. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared, especially the oysters — incredibly fresh and high quality. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and helpful, which made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place I’d love to come back to. 👼
Enjoyed a very nice lunch here including Oysters and Mussles which were excellent - the paella was also very good. It's a small resteraunt, but nicely decorated and the service was good.
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.
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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)