Top 15 Must-Try Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

When in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you will be surprised by how delicious Thai food can be. From Pad Thai to Khao Soi to Massaman Curry, everything is going to leave you asking for more. Now, even though you’ll fall in love with Thai food, it is also important to try other cuisines. Why? Because the top restaurants in Chiang Mai serve the best of various cuisines, including Thai.  

This is where we step in—this blog will cover the top 15 restaurants Chiang Mai. We’ll be covering everything, including the cuisine, must-try dishes, ambiance, and other details. So, if you haven’t booked your trip to Chiang Mai yet, contact the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, and get ready for a culinary treat! 

Looking for a restaurant with a cozy vibe for a romantic date? Head to MIX Restaurant & Bar, one of the most famous Nimman Chiang Mai restaurants. Tucked away in a quiet street, the place offers everything possible when it comes to the ambiance. You can choose between indoor and outdoor seating. For dining, you must go to the wine room, which is decorated with beautiful paintings. For a more intimate vibe, go to the lounge area indoors. And when we talk about food, the restaurant has outdone everyone—the menu includes Thai dishes with a twist of Europe and Japan.  

Price for Two: 600-1800 THB 

Must Try: Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) 

Are you someone who loves Isan cuisine, or are you the person who has never heard of it, let alone tried it? In any case, SP Chicken is a place you won’t regret visiting. It is the best restaurant in Chiang Mai when it comes to grilled chicken. While you’re here, don’t miss out on rotisserie-style chicken that is stuffed with Thai aromatics and herbs. Besides, it’s perfect for grabbing a quick meal while sightseeing around the old city since it is one of the Chiang Mai old town restaurants. It’s all about casual dining with the key focus on its signature dish. The garage-like space with stools and tables further gives off the vibe of a casual place. Remember, it does not always have to be about fine dining or comfy sofas—the most popular food joints offering the best taste also matter! If you ask us, we say it has the best lunch in Chiang Mai and is perfect for fitting in between a busy schedule.  

Cuisine: Isan 

Seating: Indoor-Outdoor 

Price for Two: Approx. 100-200 THB 

 

Ready to experience the culinary scene in Chiang Mai? Book Thailand Tour Packages from Dubai, UAE now! 

Must Try: Single Burger Blue Cheese, Sirloin Steak Medium Rare, and Tomahawk 

Here comes the best restaurant in Chiang Mai, a place that is famous for its food, especially because of the chef. Chef Arnaud has more than 25 years of experience in restaurants and butchery under his belt. Besides, his philosophy is “to have the best meat at the prices, in simple, homely style.” So, if you are looking for the best Chiang Mai food at the best prices, Arno’s is the place for you. The chain of restaurants serves beers, wines, burgers, and steaks. Come on, have a good time! You will remember this place forever! 

Cuisine: American, Albanian, and Steakhouse 

Price for Two: 1000-2000 THB (if you want a heavily satisfying meal) 

What do you say about Japanese food in Thailand? Even if you are in a bit of a denial right now, you will totally want to book a table here when you read about it. Fin Premium Sushi Bar is one of the best restaurants Chiang Mai Thailand. It serves premium, high-quality sushi along with other Japanese dishes. The sea-like, modern interior makes the place very pleasant. The high prices are justified by the ambiance and the perfectly prepared dishes, made from fresh ingredients. We hear sashimi is also delicious here. Warning: The plate decorations will make you want to click a picture first (no matter how mouthwatering the food is). That adds up to the list of reasons for visiting the best Japanese restaurant in Chiang Mai. 

Cuisine: Japanese 

While you’re in Thailand, don’t miss out on exploring Bangkok. Here are the Best Things to Do in Bangkok. 

Must Try: Pineapple Fried Rice 

As the name suggests, Copacabana Rooftop Diner is located on a rooftop. And it’s not just any location—it’s a prime spot in Chiang Mai. In fact, it is not just the best Thai restaurant Chiang Mai but also the best spot for Italian cuisine and cocktails. Needless to mention, the views of the city will leave you awestruck. It is also one of the best restaurants Nimman Chiang Mai, which is why it can be booked fully. So, don’t forget to book your table in advance. And since the place is open from evening to midnight, you can only go for dinner and drinks here.  

Must Try: Gorgeous Tiramisu, Salami and Cheese Platter, and Lasagna Vegetariana 

Want to dine alfresco style in the garden or sit inside an air-conditioned room? Whatever it is, Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar has got you covered. Serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, it is one of the top restaurants Chiang Mai Thailand. They have a ‘Today’s Special’ every day, which is your cue when you visit. Why? Because you are going to be extremely confused about what to order, with all those delicious options. What’s more, the restaurant also serves fine wines to pair with your meal, including white, red, sparkling, and rosé. So, tell us: Why not? 

Cuisine: Italian and Mediterranean 

Seating: Indoor and Outdoor 

Must Try: Green Curry and Pad Thai 

One of the Best Summer Destinations to Visit from UAE is Chiang Mai. Among the many things that the place is famous for is its Thai food. So, let’s talk about the best Thai food Chiang Mai. Since you are traveling to Thailand, there are numerous restaurants that serve delicious Thai food that you must know about. Aroy Dee is one of these. The warm, cozy atmosphere combined with dishes prepared from fresh ingredients and traditional cooking styles is what makes Aroy Dee unique. In addition to this, its friendly staff and quick service further make it one of the most loved restaurants Chiang Mai. So, whenever you are here, we recommend a meal at Aroy Dee.  

Cuisine: Northern Thai 

Seating: Indoor and Outdoor 

Must Try: Hainanese Chicken Rice 

Enough about dinner, let’s get to the best breakfast Chiang Mai. Koyi Chicken Rice serves affordable and extremely delicious Hainanese chicken rice. As a matter of fact, the restaurant is popular for its aromatic rice, tender and flavorful chicken, and its unique sauce. The sauce has a hint of fermented bean flavor, which is what makes the dish special. And this isn’t it—the eatery has received recognition from Michelin from 2020 to 2022. Now that’s something, right? Since the place closes in the afternoon and is generally crowded, we recommend visiting early for breakfast. Also, you can get a mix of fried and poached chicken. We also suggest chicken broth here at this Chiang Mai must visit! 

Seating: Indoor 

Ever heard of katsu? Well, it’s a bread cutlet. Now imagine this: pork or chicken katsu, served with rice and various sauces. Want to try it already? Head out to Mu’s Katsu, another best Japanese restaurant Chiang Mai. The family-run eatery also serves delicious items like Alfredo, Spaghetti Napolitan, and Miso soup. So, if you wish to have an interaction with the locals while enjoying a delicious meal in a casual place, Mu’s Katsu is for you. The owners happily indulge in conversations with the customers, giving them an insight into the Thai people. And if you’re someone who is traveling on a budget, the restaurant is perfect.  

Cuisine: Japanese and Asian 

Seating: Indoor 

Must Try: Gaeng Hang Lay and Khao Soi 

Here comes one of the good places to eat in Chiang Mai: Tong Tem Toh. A restaurant offering delicious Thai dishes, this place is particularly famous for its Northern Thai cuisine. If you visit during the peak hours, you’ll have to wait before you can get a table for yourself. However, the wait will be worth it. And if you want to avoid this, visit during the hours when there’s less rush. Try the delicious Burmese-inspired curry Gang Hung Lay and the local sausage Sai Oua. Also, let us tell you that Tong Tem Toh serves the best khao soi Chiang Mai. Of course, you can’t leave the country without trying the best khao soi in Thailand.  

Must Try: Bun Chay and Bun Cha 

Are you someone who needs coffee to start their day? Well, in that case, we might have the best places to eat in Chiang Mai (we’re talking about breakfast). Lucky’s Vietnamese Restaurant has the best coffee and Vietnamese food, which will leave you happy and satisfied. The best part? You won’t have to ask the waiter for the specifics of each dish—they have described the dishes in their menu. Also, the place is located in the Santitham area of Chiang Mai, which means you can enjoy a meal here and then head out to admire historic architecture. Later, you can also check out the night markets.  

Cuisine: Vietnamese 

Seating: Outdoor 

Suggested: Thailand Full Moon Party Tour Package 

Must Try: Roast Chicken and Roast Pork 

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, you cannot miss out on the must eat in Chiang Mai at Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork. This eatery is well-renowned for its crispy and succulent roasted pork belly and chicken. You might be wondering that there are so many restaurants serving delicious Thai food, then why Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork? Well, this place uses the conventional method of roasting meat in earthen jars. This is what gives the dish its crunch and flavor. Still thinking about it? Stop thinking and start planning. And if you like salads, try papaya salad also! 

Cuisine: Thai  

Seating: Outdoor 

Price for Two: Around 190-400 THB  

If you find yourself strolling down the Ratchamanka Road, Kat’s Kitchen is something that will naturally catch your eye because of the queue you’ll see outside. Yes, it might seem like a lot of waiting time at first, but when you stand in line, you’ll realize that it moves quite fast. So, if you’re ready to wait for a seat inside, you are in for a real treat because Kat’s Kitchen is the best restaurant in Chiang Mai. Besides, it is proof of how good the food is. Khao Soi is the most delicious food. You can also try stir-fried dishes and curries. Don’t forget to order the mango sticky rice for dessert (save some space). Bonus tip: get an ice-cold beer with an ice wrap.  

Cuisine: Thai  

Price for Two: Around 200-400 THB  

Must Try: Rice Paper Rolls with Shrimp, Khao Soi, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tamarind Chicken 

Dash Teak House is a lot more than just a restaurant—it’s a space where people can create memories and experience the charm of the old city. One of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai old city, Dash Teak House, is responsible for its food from farm to fork, using traditional methods to cook and serve food. Have a cocktail with your travel buddy at the restaurant’s patio for a serene experience. You can also come here for brunch or dinner, whatever you please. All in all, this restaurant has definitely raised the bar for dining out in Chiang Mai.  

Cuisine: Thai, Western 

Seating: Indoor and Outdoor 

Price for Two: Around 1600 THB (including beverages) 

Timings: 10 AM to 2 PM and 5:30 PM to 9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and Closed on Sundays 

Last but not least, Coconut Shell Thai Food is the best restaurant in Chiang Mai that also serves the most delicious khao soi. From refreshing salads to spicy curries, you can expect a wide variety of flavors at this eatery. Each dish is a perfect blend of exotic spices and aromatic herbs, making the place one of the best eats Chiang Mai when it comes to Thai food. Besides, the cozy ambiance further adds to an unforgettable experience. Also, if you follow a vegetarian diet and are finding it difficult to look for the best vegetarian restaurant Chiang Mai, your worry ends here. Coconut Shell Thai Food also serves vegetarian dishes, making it perfect for everyone.  

Price for Two: Approx 300 THB (Khao soi is around 60 THB) 

Khao Soi is Chiang Mai’s most popular food. It is basically a curry noodle soup that consists of coconut curry broth and egg noodles.  

Anthony Bourdain ate in a number of places in Chiang Mai, which include Aroon Rai Restaurant, Cowboy Hat Lady's stall, Huen Phen Restaurant, Jok Sompet Restaurant, Thanin Market, Rot Nueng Noodle Shop, and Chiang Mai Farm. 

Chiang Mai is popular for its vibrant festivals, scenic views, night markets, temples, and history.   

Khao Soi, a creamy coconut noodle soup, is the signature dish of Chiang Mai.   

Is Chiang Mai food spicy? 

Thai cuisine is considered to be very spicy. The food of Chiang Mai, however, is comparatively considered to be less spicy than the Thai cuisine overall.