Best Restaurants & Food in Chiang Mai
87 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.
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L'éléphant
A refined French restaurant in Chiang Mai's Su Thep district, open evenings Tuesday through Sunday.
We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant
Star Wars figures, teddy decor and a Thai-Western menu that costs less than it looks like it should.
Aquila
Intimate Italian dinner restaurant in Chiang Mai's Tha Sala area, beloved for its chef's tasting menu.
Kang Jingjai
Northern Thai restaurant inside Chiang Mai's Jing Jai Market, known for fusion-inflected dishes and fresh market ingredients.
Terrace Seafood Restaurant Chiang Mai
Seafood-focused restaurant on Changklan Road with a relaxed open-air terrace and consistent local following.
Maré Seafood
Elegant seafood and oyster bar on the Lamphun road, praised for phenomenally fresh oysters and a refined atmosphere.
Riverfront Restaurant Chiang Mai
Riverside dining in Chiang Mai's relaxed Wat Ket district, serving Thai cuisine with waterfront views.
North Sea Seafood
A well-regarded seafood restaurant in Chiang Mai's Tha Sala area, serving fresh catches at mid-range prices.
Neighborhood Community
A lively food court complex on Chang Moi Road with multiple restaurants, bars, and chilling vibes.
Lookbua thai food Restaurant
Red duck curry, a huge menu and a queue at peak hours in the Old City's west corner.
Baan Buri Café & Restaurant
Art-infused café and restaurant on Chiang Mai's Old City Rachadamnoen Road, open daily 8am–9:30pm.
Thaan Aoan
A 7am kitchen in the old city that does proper Thai food and a cinnamon roll worth the detour.
Goodsouls Kitchen
Fully vegan, open 8am to 10pm, and the smoothie bowls are the reason people keep coming back.
LINK Cuisine
Contemporary Thai dining on Arak Road, open daily with mid-range pricing and extended hours until 10:30pm.
It’s Good Kitchen
Expect a queue on Rachadamnoen Road, but the tom kha with tender coconut meat earns the wait.
Cat Graffiti Thai food and fried chicken stall
A beloved local street food stall in Chiang Mai serving fried chicken, rice, and assorted dishes at budget prices.
Best Khao Soi Chang mai
A beloved evening street food stall in Chiang Mai's old city, serving exceptional khao soi and northern Thai classics.
Grazie Thai Local Food - Wan Ton Noodle
Wan ton noodles done properly, at local prices, inside the old city walls.
Moose Rooftop Wine Bar
A rooftop wine bar atop Moose Hotel in Nimman, offering sunset views and cocktails from the 8th floor.
YaYee Rooftop
A laid-back rooftop bar near Chiang Mai's Suthep area with mountain views, cocktails, and a relaxed sunset vibe.
𝙋𝘼𝙐𝙎𝙀 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝑯𝑰𝑳𝑳 Coffee and Rooftop bar
A hilltop coffee shop and rooftop bar in Chiang Mai, open evenings with sweeping views.
PARI-
Michelin-recognised evening dining spot in Chiang Mai's historic Phra Sing district, open nightly from 6 PM.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
Artisan dinner restaurant in Chiang Mai's Nimmanhemin district, open evenings daily from 5 PM.
Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine
Dinner-only Lanna cooking in a blue-walled Old City room, and the pork ribs are the reason people book.
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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.