The 10 Best Restaurants in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

The Great Hornbill Grill is a fancy restaurant at Khao Yai Winery in Pak Chong. Boasting glorious views of the mountains and rolling greenery, the country-style eatery serves Thai and Western food along with some interesting fusion dishes. Pork knuckle, steak, pizza, pad Thai, and massaman curry are just a few options to tempt you and, of course, there’s a great choice of locally produced wines to complement your meal. There are kid-friendly options too, and the whole family will love choosing one of the homemade desserts.

A popular Japanese restaurant chain with branches in various parts of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima‘s branch can be found inside The Mall shopping centre in the heart of the city. Visitors can savour a wide selection of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, soups, noodles, and more. Many ingredients are imported for an authentic taste. Great service helps add to the positive dining experience, but try to avoid coming during peak times as you may have to wait for a table because it’s so popular!

Located in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, the provincial capital, Chez Andy has worked hard to satisfy customers and build up a solid reputation since 1998. Run by a Swiss chef and his Thai wife, it is now one of the best international restaurants in Northeast Thailand. From pizza, risotto, steak, and gnocchi to pasta, raclette, and schnitzel, there’s are many exciting choices. Leave space for some gelato or another sweet treat at the end of your meal too.

8 Bistro is a classy and flashy eatery in downtown Nakhon Ratchasima. In addition to a wide selection of Thai and Western meals, the restaurant has a good choice of craft beers and wines. There’s often a live band in the evenings and there are both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Thai favourites include the soups of tom ka gai and tom yam gung, stir-fried pork with rice, and fried rice, while international options include various steaks and pasta dishes. It’s a popular place that gets busy, especially during weekends.

Located within the high-class U Khao Yai resort and close to Khao Yai National Park, Papillon Restaurant is a cosy and intimate French-style bistro with colourful interiors. There are buffet breakfasts and dinners if you’re not sure what you want and would like to try a variety of things, or you can order French and Thai a la carte options. The menu includes pad kra pow moo (stir-fried pork with holy basil), pork chop, baked corn chicken, and baked chorizo. Pastries, pies, and cakes satisfy any sugar cravings.

Lookkai is located in Pak Chong and is close to some of Nakhon Ratchasima’s top natural attractions. The Thai options include some local dishes from the Isan region and you’ll also find a selection of Western fare. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are pleasant views over the garden. Visit the small shop before you leave to pick up some homemade snacks, like rice cakes with various toppings, and fresh locally grown fruit.

A lovely place to eat and drink in Wang Nam Khiao, Village Farm and Winery has an attractive dining room with sturdy wooden furnishings and old barrels as decoration. It’s peaceful and relaxing and you can combine a tasty meal with a tour of the wine-making facilities and lush vineyards. You can almost taste the freshness of the countryside in the meals, which include Thai and European options. Naturally, there’s also a good selection of locally made wines to enjoy with your meal or to take away.

Unchan is a terrific choice for fans of Thai food. Located in Pak Chong, you can admire the views from the roof terrace or dine indoors to escape the heat. Close to Khao Noi Public Park, it’s popular with both tourists and locals. The signature fish, fried with aromatic and flavourful herbs and spices, is highly recommended, and other options include stir-fried morning glory (pak bung), green curry, shrimp tom yam, pad Thai, shrimp glass-noodle salad, and spicy papaya salad (som tam).

See the influences of Laotian cuisine in Northeast Thailand at PenLaos, a lovely restaurant surrounded by nature in Pak Chong. Dishing up salads, soups, fish, vegetarian-friendly fare, stir-fried meats, fried rice, and more, there’s sure to be something to suit all tastes. You can ask for your food to be prepared not spicy if your stomach can’t handle the intense heat of authentic Thai/Laotian meals. Specific dishes include som tam, Lao spicy mushroom soup, snake head fish, grilled sea bass, and fried chicken.

In Nakhon Ratchasima city centre, Mingter Vegetarian is a top choice for anyone who follows a plant-based diet. Open for more than two decades, the restaurant uses mock meats and vegetables to create tasty Chinese and Thai meals. There’s a good choice of buffet-style, ready-made dishes to tempt you; just load up your plate and a member of staff will calculate the (affordable) cost. Alternatively, you can have a dish freshly made if you want something in particular.