North Sea Seafood
Sitting in Chiang Mai's Tha Sala neighbourhood, this seafood restaurant brings coastal flavours to northern Thailand's landlocked interior. A live shrimp tank inside the dining area allows guests to select their catch by size, and the menu spans a range of seafood dishes, with seafood fried rice drawing particular praise from diners. The setting is modest and unfussy, with the focus firmly on the food rather than the surroundings. Visitors can expect a casual, no-frills atmosphere with a small but functional dining space. Fresh preparation is a recurring theme in diner feedback, and staff are noted for their attentiveness. The menu offers variety, from live shellfish to an assortment of cooked seafood dishes, making it a solid option for those seeking genuine seafood in a city not typically associated with it. Be aware that a strong fish smell near the entrance is noted by some visitors, though it does not carry through to the dining area. Good to know: Opening hours are not published online, so it is worth calling ahead or visiting during standard lunch and dinner hours to confirm availability. The Tha Sala address places the restaurant a short distance from central Chiang Mai, so arranging transport in advance is recommended. Mid-range pricing makes it a reasonable choice for most budgets.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After North Sea Seafood, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Fresh and delicious, employees are very kind and respectful!
Best meal of trip
Good deliscous
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
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Tha Phae Gate
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.
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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)