Best Restaurants & Food in Chiang Mai
113 places found in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's food culture is distinct from Bangkok and the south — Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine features dishes you won't find elsewhere in the country. Khao soi, the iconic coconut curry noodle soup, is the city's signature dish, with every local having their favourite stall. Sai oua (herbal sausage), nam prik ong (tomato-pork dip), and gaeng hang lay (Burmese-influenced pork curry) round out the northern specialities.
Beyond Lanna food, Chiang Mai has become a hub for health-conscious and international dining. The Nimman area is packed with excellent cafes, organic restaurants, and fusion spots. The Warorot Market and surrounding food stalls offer the most authentic local experience. For a true cultural dining experience, try a khantoke dinner — a traditional Lanna meal served on a raised pedestal tray with multiple dishes and classical dance performances.
Bistro Terrace
A highly regarded bistro on Samlarn Road serving delicious food and coffee in a relaxed terrace setting.
Cheap and cheerful 30 baht Thai Food
Beloved Chiang Mai spot serving home-cooked Thai dishes for just 30 baht, open mornings through mid-afternoon.
Blanc Chiang Mai
A cosy Italian-leaning restaurant in Chiang Mai's Suthep area, known for quality steaks and relaxed ambience.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Authentic northern Thai cuisine on Thanon Santitham, serving traditional Chiang Mai dishes daily at mid-range prices.
Kang Jingjai
Northern Thai restaurant inside Chiang Mai's Jing Jai Market, known for fusion-inflected dishes and fresh market ingredients.
Madame Lee Fun Dining
A fine dining gem in Chiang Mai's old city blending Thai and Asian cuisine with inventive signature cocktails.
Paper Butter on the roof
A rooftop dinner spot on Ratchawong Road offering evening dining with an elevated ambiance in Chiang Mai.
Reform Kafé - Vegan Garden Restaurant
Cozy vegan kitchen serving curries, salads & sandwiches in relaxed digs with a lush garden.
Sawasdee you - Art and Street food
Artsy evening street food spot on Tha Phae Road serving fresh pad Thai, roti, and Thai classics from 6 PM daily.
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant
Superb Thai food served in the garden of a restored historic home, in Chiang Mai's Santitham area.
The garden by lemongrass
A garden restaurant on Loi Kroh Road serving Thai cuisine nightly until 1 AM in a relaxed outdoor setting.
L'éléphant
A refined French restaurant in Chiang Mai's Su Thep district, open evenings Tuesday through Sunday.
We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant
A well-decorated cafe-restaurant in San Sai with eclectic themed decor, wide menu variety, and consistently warm service.
Kung Yim Shop (2nd Branch)
A popular buffet restaurant on Ratchawong Road serving fresh seafood and Thai classics for 850 baht.
Alice's Restaurant
Organic-focused restaurant on Loi Kroh Road, open daily noon to late for flexible, quality dining.
Jarid Thai Food | Fine Wines
Refined Thai dining and fine wines on Nimmanhaemin Road, open daily for lunch through late evening.
Bodhi Terrace
Riverside dinner terrace at the Anantara hotel, open evenings only with elegant outdoor dining along the Ping River.
Thai Food Resto
Highly rated Thai restaurant near Chiang Mai's Old City, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Lookbua thai food Restaurant
Authentic Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai's Old City, known for a vast menu and reliable local flavours.
𝙋𝘼𝙐𝙎𝙀 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝑯𝑰𝑳𝑳 Coffee and Rooftop bar
A hilltop coffee shop and rooftop bar in Chiang Mai, open evenings with sweeping views.
Maré Seafood
Elegant seafood and oyster bar on the Lamphun road, praised for phenomenally fresh oysters and a refined atmosphere.
Street food - fried pancake
A beloved evening street stall near Chiang Mai's old city serving freshly made roti and fried pancakes from 15 baht.
PARI-
Michelin-recognised evening dining spot in Chiang Mai's historic Phra Sing district, open nightly from 6 PM.
9 Siblings Restaurant
Authentic Thai restaurant on Samlan Road, open daily 8am–8pm, well-regarded by locals and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the best khao soi in Chiang Mai?
The most famous spots include Khao Soi Khun Yai (widely considered the best), Khao Soi Mae Sai near the Old City, and Khao Soi Lam Duan Fah Ham near the river. Each has a slightly different style — some creamier, some spicier. Expect to pay 50-80 THB per bowl.
What food markets should I visit in Chiang Mai?
Warorot Market (Kad Luang) is the main day market with excellent prepared food. The Saturday Walking Street (Wualai) and Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen) have the best night market food. Thanin Market is a lesser-known local favourite for morning noodles.
Is Chiang Mai good for vegetarian and vegan food?
Exceptionally so. Chiang Mai has Thailand's largest vegetarian and vegan dining scene. Many restaurants cater specifically to plant-based diets. Try Pun Pun (organic Thai vegetarian), Reform Kafe (vegan), or the Jay (vegetarian) food stalls at any temple festival.