Tha Phae Grill
Perched above Rachadamnoen Road in central Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Grill combines a rooftop setting with a full Thai grill menu and bar, drawing a relaxed crowd of locals and travellers alike. The elevated position delivers city views and an atmosphere that visitors consistently describe as warm and lively, with a music selection that adds to the evening mood without overwhelming conversation. The kitchen leans heavily into grilled preparations — smoky, charred dishes served with dipping sauces that balance spice, sourness, and depth. Standout mentions from diners include the grilled pork with its juicy texture and well-balanced sauce, crispy fried dishes, and a tom yam fried preparation that carries strong lemongrass character. The service team is widely praised for friendliness, and the setting works equally well for a casual lunch or a longer evening with drinks. Good to know: The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM and runs until midnight every day of the week, making it a flexible option whether you are exploring the Old City during the day or winding down after the Sunday Walking Street market nearby. The rooftop is the main draw for evening visits when the views and atmosphere are at their best. Walk-ins appear generally welcome, but arriving early for dinner or checking the website contact for larger groups during weekend evenings is a sensible precaution.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tha Phae Grill, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I had the pleasure of dining at a super fancy rooftop restaurant with a warm and friendly service team that made the evening feel special. Tom Yam Fried Dish: The strong lemongrass flavor really stood out and was delightful. It’s a bold dish, though perhaps a touch too spicy for those not used to Thai heat. Crispy Spinach: A very creative offering! The spinach was light and crunchy, paired with a thoughtful dipping sauce that added moisture and balance to the dish. Crispy Pork Belly with Curry Sauce: The curry reminded me of Indian korma, which was exciting and flavorful. However, because the pork belly was served directly in the sauce, the skin lost some of its crispiness. Serving the sauce on the side might preserve that perfect crunch. Apple Cocktail: An absolute highlight. The combination of cinnamon and whisky—both strong flavors—surprisingly blended into a smooth, harmonious drink that was truly impressive. Overall, the restaurant offers inventive dishes with memorable flavors, and the rooftop setting makes it even more enjoyable.
Amazing views and a great atmosphere. The music selection is fantastic and really adds to the experience. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, which made my visit even more enjoyable. One small suggestion for the owner: since the building has five floors, it would be great to consider installing an elevator. The staff have to carry food and used dishes up and down the stairs repeatedly, which looks quite challenging and potentially unsafe. An elevator would greatly improve both staff safety and service efficiency. Overall, a wonderful place that I’d happily recommend!
I went for an early lunch just after it opened. It took a little bit to get the attention of the waiter to come and take my order. The juice was served in a wine glass. The fried fish was beautifully done, there were two bones left in the fish, however. See photo. The broccoli was cooked beautifully, the broccoli dish could have been enhanced with a few cashews. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the other wonderful looking dishes on the menu.
Location Info
27 29 Rachadamnoen Rd, พระสิงห์ เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 80 374 5271www.thapaegrill.com/home/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
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi

Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern gate to the Old City, a historic Lanna-era landmark free to visit any time.
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.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Aonchorn Thai restaurant ออนชอน ราชดำเนิน
Authentic Thai street food restaurant in Phra Nakhon serving flavoursome dishes at remarkably affordable prices.

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
A riverside seafood buffet in Sathorn serving fresh catches and Thai dishes daily from 2 PM.
Central Pattaya
A large, well-organised shopping mall in central Pattaya with extensive dining, a food court, and retail options.
The Village Farm To Café
A scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.
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)