The 10 Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

David’s Kitchen is a French-Thai fusion restaurant that has long held the position of best restaurant in Chiang Mai. With a head chef who previously worked at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Chiang Mai the food is excellent, however it is the combination of the cuisine, atmosphere, superior service and special attention to detail that complete this fine-dining expierence. Some of the special dishes on offer include Japanese pumpkin soup and foie gras.

Good View is a Chiang Mai institution due to its riverside location, live music and good value menu, offering a range of Thai, Japanese and International cuisines. The Kantoke, a customary platter of Chiang Mai delights is highly recommended.

Embark on a magical culinary journey at Anantara’s The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar. Here, a five-star dining experience awaits as you feast on contemporary Thai, Chinese Szechuan and Vietnamese dishes paired with New and Old World Wines. Cap off your meal with a locally inspired cocktail mixed by one of Thailand’s best mixologists or a fine whiskey and cigar. For an extra special occasion reserve the private dining room which is accessed through a secret bookshelf door in the library wall!

The Gallery restaurant is located in one of Chiang Mai’s oldest wooden buildings, built around 1892, and is a magnificent mix of art and cuisine. The entrance to the restaurant showcases an Aladdin’s cave of treasures. Their curries are a popular choice and can be spiced according to your taste.

Beautiful Buddha masks for sale | © Alistair Israel/Flickr

A long-time favourite with locals, expats and tourists alike The Riverside is known for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic setting on the Ping River. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating which are furnished with un-fussy wooden furniture and romantic lighting. The menu is a crowd-pleasing mix of Thai and international food, including pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, curries, and northern Thai dishes. There’s also a nightly boat trip, in which meals are served while diners cruise down the scerene river. Be sure to stick around after dinner to check out the lively cover band.

With a superb location in a traditional Thai house, Ginger & Kafe offers a distinctive restaurant experience, with excellent food and service. The restaurant’s décor is fabulous with antique furniture, colourful accessories, and amazing attention to detail. They offer Thai and international food, with everything being beautifully presented and the massaman curry hailed as one of the best in the city. Before you leave be sure to stop by their onsite shop where you can buy beautiful hand-made furniture and other household items. Beware though as it will be hard to walk away empty-handed!

Chez Marco has long been a Chiang Mai favourite with French-Japanese Chef Marco having won numerous accolades. This restaurant is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere transporting you to the French Riviera. Try the delicious shared starters for two or head straight to mains of fresh fish and meats. There are also plenty of vegetarian-friendly options available.

The River Market holds a prime location on the banks of the Ping River and is housed in a large colonial-inspired building. They have a vast range of Thai and international dishes available with very affordable prices and good quality fare. You can choose to sit inside, on the balcony with views of the river, or upstairs tucked away in a semi-private area.

Located in a quiet courtyard, La Terrasse offers simple, delicious French cuisine in an elegant setting. The restaurant is well-known for its homemade bread, pies, ice-cream and patés, and a menu that incorporates fresh, locally grown products. The setting brings to mind a Parisian bistro with warm woods and deep wine-coloured accents. Menu highlights include traditional French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and an extremely tasty onion soup.

Italics is part of the Akyra Manor Hotel in Chiang Mai‘s trendy Neimanheimen neighbourhood. Start with a few cheeky sundowners at the hotel’s Rise rooftop bar before settling into a lavish dinner of innovative Italian cuisine. The majority of the ingredients have been locally sourced and beautifully created into mouthwatering works of art. Besides Italian fine-dining plates, Italics also serve conceptual Thai dishes.