Artemisia: Royal Persian Restaurant and boutique wines by Uncle Woody
Tucked away in the Mae Kon district of Chiang Rai, this Persian restaurant brings an unexpected and genuinely authentic slice of Middle Eastern cuisine to northern Thailand. Run by a welcoming chef-owner with deep knowledge of Persian cooking traditions, the menu spans classic dishes including beef and joojeh kebabs, saffron-laced chicken stew, and housemade pastas prepared with organic ingredients and imported Italian cheeses. The eclectic range of influences — Persian, Mediterranean, Turkish, and beyond — reflects a kitchen that prioritises quality and flavour above rigid categorisation. The setting is as appealing as the food. A lovely courtyard provides an inviting outdoor dining option, while the interior is tastefully decorated and warm in atmosphere. The chef is known for engaging personally with guests, offering recommendations and context for the dishes, which adds a personal touch that diners consistently appreciate. A boutique wine selection curated by Uncle Woody complements the menu, making this a natural choice for those looking to pair food with well-chosen bottles in a relaxed but refined environment. Because specific opening hours and contact details are not readily available online, travellers are strongly advised to verify hours before making the trip out. Given its intimate scale and growing reputation as a hidden gem, booking ahead is recommended, particularly for evening dining or groups.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Artemisia: Royal Persian Restaurant and boutique wines by Uncle Woody, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
everything was so delicious! As a turkish ı can say this is the best restaurant ı have ever been! Thank you so much for everything
This restaurant is truly a hidden gem! The owner is incredibly friendly and creates the most delicious pastas using organic ingredients and cheeses imported all the way from Italy. I shared my preferences and background with him, and he crafted a pasta dish that closely resembled the flavors of my home cuisine - it was truly special! I have never encountered such a flexible menu with such delectable options anywhere else. While there are numerous Persian food items on the menu, we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to try them as they are only available during dinner hours (unlucky). However, we did have a delightful conversation about Persian dishes and culture. I highly recommend this amazing restaurant!
My spouse is Persian and stumbled across this restaurant on Google. We loved the vibe, there is a lovely courtyard and the inside is tastefully decorated. The food was delicious and authentic and chef Woody is a gem of a human - very respectful, hardworking and warm. He was serving, bussing tables, and making the food all my himself the night we went, so this is not a place to go if you’re on a time crunch. The food was worth the wait, it is clearly made with love. The tirokafteri dip was amazing. Chatting with chef Woody after our meal made this a memorable experience for my spouse and I. Highly recommend this restaurant!
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.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)