LA OLA CHIANG RAI

La Ola brings a Spanish and Mediterranean dining experience to central Chiang Rai, standing out in a city where international cuisine options are limited. The restaurant has built a reputation for its paella, which is cooked to order and takes around an hour to prepare — a detail worth keeping in mind when planning your visit. Caesar salads arrive in generous portions, and the pizza also draws praise from regulars. The central location on Baanpa Pragarn Road makes it easy to incorporate into an evening out in the city. The atmosphere leans relaxed and social, with outdoor seating available and a vibe that suits casual dinners or small group gatherings. A cocktail and drinks menu accompanies the food, though opinions on the sangria have been mixed. It is worth noting that staff may have limited English, so ordering patience can go a long way. Dishes are on the pricier side relative to local dining options in Chiang Rai, but many visitors feel the quality justifies the cost. Good to know: La Ola opens at 14:30 on weekdays and 12:30 on weekends, closing at 23:00 daily, making it best suited for a late lunch on weekends or an evening meal any day of the week. If you are planning to order the paella, factor in the one-hour cooking time and consider arriving earlier in the evening rather than late. Check the Facebook page for the most current menu and any updates before visiting.