


Tha Phae Grill
Occupying a rooftop position above Rachadamnoen Road in central Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Grill draws a relaxed mix of locals and travellers with its combination of open-air city views, a full Thai grill menu, and a bar that keeps the evening going until midnight. The elevated setting creates a warm, lively atmosphere, and a well-chosen music selection adds energy without making conversation difficult. The kitchen centres on grilled and fried Thai preparations. Diners frequently highlight the grilled pork for its smoky, juicy texture and a dipping sauce that balances spice, sourness, and depth cleanly. The tom yam fried dish — notable for its strong lemongrass character — and various crispy fried preparations also draw consistent praise. The service team is widely described as friendly and attentive, and the restaurant functions equally well as a daytime lunch stop or a longer evening outing with drinks. Good to know: The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM every day of the week and serves through to midnight, making it a practical choice at multiple points during a day in the Old City. The rooftop comes into its own in the evening when the atmosphere and views are at their best. Its location near the Sunday Walking Street market makes it a convenient option before or after browsing the stalls. Walk-ins appear generally welcome, though arriving early for dinner or checking the website ahead of a larger group visit on weekend evenings is a reasonable 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/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 Tha Phae Grill
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We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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
A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
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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)
Where to stay near Tha Phae Grill
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.