Leelawadee Chiang Rai Restaurant
Situated on Kwae Wai Road in central Chiang Rai, this well-regarded Thai restaurant draws a loyal mix of local families and international visitors with its authentic northern Thai cooking and relaxed open-air setting. The outdoor seating comes into its own on cooler evenings, when the atmosphere is particularly pleasant, and a live band regularly performs later in the night, giving the place a convivial energy that sets it apart from quieter neighbourhood spots. The menu leans into Thai classics executed with care. Standout dishes mentioned by diners include tom yum soup, tom kha, steamed fish with lime and mint, and fried barramundi — the kitchen turns orders around quickly, with some mains arriving within minutes. Portions are generous and the flavours are described as fresh and well-balanced. Mid-range pricing makes it accessible without feeling like a compromise on quality, and the service is consistently noted as friendly and attentive. Good to know: Leelawadee opens exclusively for dinner, from 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM every day of the week, so it works well as an evening destination after daytime sightseeing. Friday and Saturday nights tend to draw larger crowds, including groups of tourists, so arriving closer to opening time is advisable if a quieter table is preferred. The restaurant has a dedicated car park with an attendant, making it straightforward to reach by private transport or rental vehicle.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Leelawadee Chiang Rai Restaurant, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The place is quite pleasant at night, especially during the winter-ish time in Chiang Rai. The outdoor seating is a great option to enjoy the ambiance. The food is also quite satisfying. The fish tom yum in clear soup is refreshing and delicious, with a nice fish. The seafood curry in coconut is also recommended, and it’s delicious, but seems more squid inside. The stir-fried vegetables are cooked fresh and well-seasoned. However, the shrimp curry is quite ordinary, and the shrimp is very small. The live music adds a nice touch to the place, making it a relaxing spot to enjoy food. This is a great place in Chiang Rai by the river that you must try. They do cook very fast and price is reasonable but not the cheapest
Leelawadee Restaurant is an absolute gem in Chiang Rai. The food was simply amazing — full of flavour, fresh, and beautifully cooked. I had one of the best tom yum soups I’ve had in Chiang Rai — perfectly balanced, comforting, and so satisfying. The service was just as impressive. Warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. You can really feel the care that goes into both the food and the hospitality. If you’re in Chiang Rai and looking for great Thai food with excellent service, Leelawadee Restaurant is a must-visit.
Claimed as the best Thai restaurant in Chiang Rai. I came on a Friday night it was full of tourists. Service was really quick, a fried barramundi was served less than 10 mins. There was a live band starting to play at about 7 pm. Food tastes good. One thing though they don't serve Thai beer. Only Heineken and Tiger.
Location Info
58 2 Kwae Wai Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand+66 53 600 000www.leelawadeechiangrai.com/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)