The best restaurants Chiang Mai

Run by Sin, dynamic Thai small speaking French woman, this establishment serves French dishes (excellent steaks of buffalo) or thai. A friendly, comfortable address to exchange information with other travellers.

Small brasserie with a cuisine of the French regions, tasty and generous. In a setting of bistro on the benches of moleskin mirrors and 1900. Pies and homemade breads, beef bourguignon, steak Charolais, cheese with unpasteurised milk... The chef Jean will also offer its chocolate mousse you, crème brûlée and other delicacies. For a pleasant break between trekking and fried rice.

In the heart of the old town, this restaurant, with its pleasant setting (open terrace or air-conditioned room), offers authentic Italian cuisine. A la carte pizzas of course, pasta, antipasti... The ingredients, mainly organic, are carefully chosen: excellent Parma ham, gorgonzola, arugula... That's excellent! Some Thai dishes are also on the menu. Suggestions of the day are offered in addition to the classic menu. It's certainly a little expensive, but it's one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

This place is frequented by Thai regulars, a sign of good value for money. Unpretentious restaurant, whose very ordinary setting is more like a canteen, but which has grown in size as its reputation has grown. You will be able to taste good Thai specialities such as pork curry, khao soi, and chicken in coconut milk. For dessert, let yourself be tempted by a scoop of coconut ice cream or sticky rice with mango. A good little place to get your strength back in Chiang Mai!

Located at the north-west corner of the ramparts of the old town, this restaurant was built on the terrace of its chef's house. The original idea was to allow travellers and other expatriates with a reduced budget to have access to simple but quality French cuisine. The Burgundian fondue and the cheese fondue, more expensive, are on the map.

Good chic Italian restaurant located south of the Night Bazaar, at the level where Pracha Samphan Street branches off towards Chang Klan Avenue. Very correct welcome. Giorgio, a very discreet Venetian, offers a wide choice of specialities from his country and prepares his own pasta. Pizzas and other Italian specialities are of course on the menu. As for drinks, there are some Italian wines, Thai beers and the must-have Grappa, Limoncello and Amaretto.

Located near the Ping River, this small restaurant is famous for its buffalo steaks. Set in a house with a wooden terrace, it offers a pleasant setting. Having said that, the atmosphere is rather calm.

In this cultural centre you can enjoy the culinary specialities of Lanna, in front of a show, a musical fresco composed of a sequence of traditional dances. It's very touristy, but really interesting. This reconstructed village is located to the southwest and outside the old town, and offers a nice show that has been around for over thirty years now! There is also a small local craft market and an old religious building.

A charming little establishment near the north gate of the old town. Run by a friendly couple, this restaurant has a simple, pleasant atmosphere, with an attractive decor. The menu features the classics of Thai cuisine: pad thai, pad krapao, fried rice, all kinds of noodles, panang curry, green curry with vegetables... It's all good! Try the excellent khao soi, Chiang Mai's specialty, prepared with chicken or beef. A very good deal for lunch, especially as prices are very low.

Close to Wat Phra Singh, here is an excellent address which proposes a restricted menu but with quality dishes. On the menu is their famous spit-roasted chicken, of course, but also classic Thai dishes, soups, salads... We recommend the bamboo shoot salad, the som tam or the chicken with cashew nuts. The products are fresh and the portions correct. The room, spacious and ventilated, is pleasant. The place is mainly frequented by locals and Asian tourists.

The history of this establishment begins in 1984 with many turning points. But he has always contributed to Chiang Mai's festive reputation. A very pleasant place where you can eat jungle food but also drink many traditional beers and listen to live music of very good quality. The Riverside still attracts so many people in an excellent atmosphere. Possibility of a dinner cruise on reservation.

Located in the Santitham district, this restaurant is well known to locals and expats alike. Often full, you'll probably have to wait to get a table. The reason for its success? Excellent meats (beef, pork, offal, chicken) and vegetables to grill yourself on a small charcoal barbecue. The menu is extensive, with a choice of cuts of meat, prepared dishes, gyozas, sashimi and more. The atmosphere is friendly and the service prompt. The dining room is open and airy, and it can get pretty hot in front of the barbecue!

A little non-prétention restaurant not far from Wat Dab Phaj (enseigne in English), in the northwestern sector of the old town. Some tables are hidden out of the street under the shade. Simple kitchen and fruit juice. A quiet place frequented by Thai students.

Khao is a speciality of the North: In fact, they are noodles prepared in a coconut milk sauce and cooked with beef or chicken meat. This restaurant is renowned for this specialty and a few other fine Thai dishes.

Don't be put off by the cold atmosphere of the dining room, the cuisine is well worth the detour. This restaurant offers subtle and delicious cuisine, with recipes that are out of the ordinary. Creativity, delicate presentation, fragrant flavors, successful drinks and cocktails... It's almost a no-fail situation. Almost, because the service is not up to the quality of the dishes, and certain products are sometimes lacking. Despite this, it's an address worth visiting!

This restaurant is very popular with locals for a number of reasons. Firstly, its terrace is located on the banks of the Nam Ping, just opposite Wat Chai Mongkhon, and offers a superb view of the temple and the river. Secondly, it offers a tempting range of dishes: noodles of all kinds, including the famous khaosoi, but also recipes from the north of the country. Portions are small, so you can order several dishes to share with friends or family. Very affordable prices. Please note that the sign is in Thai.

Close to the south gate of the old town, this is a special place to discover. This family establishment offers locally grown ingredients and adds a personal investment in the preparation of the dishes. Wide selection of dishes: burgers, tofu, curries... As well as fruit juices and coffees from the region, to be enjoyed comfortably on cushions. The decoration of this vegetarian restaurant matches the nature on the plate!

This first-class French restaurant opened in 1973 under the impetus of Alain Telfer. It is housed in an early 20th century English country house along the Ping River. On the menu, Fine de claire oysters, Maine lobster, Australian lamb, Kobe beef... In short, you will have understood that these are noble products, masterfully crafted. Superb wine and champagne list. Musicians accompany your dinner, except on Sundays. A beautiful gastronomic address, a pioneer of its kind in Chiang Mai.

This little café near Wat Phra Sing may not look like much, but it's sure to make you feel good! On the menu you'll find several breakfast options, including eggs Benedict, excellent paninis and wholemeal sandwiches, as well as a number of Thai dishes, including a very good Khao Soi. Everything is homemade, and you can feel it! The coffee is excellent. An ideal place to take a break or have a bite to eat, on the terrace (with fan and mist-maker) with a good book. A warm welcome and excellent service punctuated by delicate attentions.

A little place we love, run by a friendly couple who spare no effort to satisfy their customers. The place is very pleasant, with waxed concrete walls, the soft jazz-soul music that the owner loves, and an interesting menu at attractive prices. Thai dishes, burgers, European specialties, breakfasts... You'll easily find what you're looking for. Excellent coffees and a variety of drinks. It's a pleasant place, and a good spot to drink a cold beer and watch passers-by.