Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Chiang Mai

Rich in Chinese culture, Fujian of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi serves some of the most exotic preparations. The food here is prepared with utmost care and is well known for its presentation. Nothing less than fine china dons the tables. Deep-fried Prawn with Spicy Salt Crust and Steamed and Glazed Grouper Fillets with Yunnan Ham are some of the all time favorites which keep the frequenters wanting for more.

A splendid ambiance and mouth-watering dishes are coupled with excellent service at David's Kitchen at 909. Guests are presented with a delectable menu featuring tasteful dishes which are carefully created to cater to all the patrons of the restaurant. Thai cuisine is seamlessly blended with other interesting concoctions, and each one of them wins the hearts of all those who savor the wonderful dishes. Some of the best items on the menu include the home-made gnocchi with almond and Thai basil pesto, spicy fish salad with green apple, fettucine with truffle cream, lobster claw and sliced summer black truffles, and braised beef cheek slow-cooked in red wine with Paris mash among others. Guests can also take their pick from an assortment of wines and desserts as they sit back and unwind, letting the soothing music wash over them while they dine.

Set in a wonderful ambiance, this alfresco bar at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, is ideal for spending an evening out with friends. Located at the pool side, Loy Kham Bar offers panoramic views of the resort. One can also chat with friends over a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy a beautiful sunset while being served by an efficient staff that is prompt in recommending the best of signature cocktails served here.

Tucked around behind the Monk Chat building at Wat Suan Dok, Pun Pun offers a variety of Thai and Western dishes from the Pun Pun Organic Farm outside Chiang Mai city. The menu is 100% vegetarian, but don’t let that deter any meat eaters. Pun Pun’s excellent food often puts a unique spin on traditional Thai dishes. The restaurant itself consists of umbrella shaded tables around a large tree in the center of a patio. The menu somewhat accurately labels Pun Pun as “slow food” so come in before or after major meal times to avoid this joke becoming too true to be funny anymore. Foreigners coming from or on their way to meditation retreats are frequent customers here so ask around if interested. -Scott Johnson

An unusual bar-cum-restaurant that attracts a variety of people, including locals and tourists, this place has a friendly and lively atmosphere. Located in a small house with a courtyard, customers can choose to dine inside or outside under the shade of the many lush trees, around beautiful flowers and plants. A large and rare CD collection plays music of all types. The menu contains mostly spicy Thai dishes, with some milder selections for those who do not like hot food. There is also Western fare, including fries, salads, spaghetti and pizza. Only dinner is served. A full bar is available, incorporating a selection of quality wines, draft beers and a range of spirits.

Enjoy juicy beef grilled to perfection or binge on sushi and sashimi. Akaligo is a restaurant which serves a blend of Oriental and Mediterranean cuisine. Royal Trout and Roasted lamb are a must try. This restaurant located at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is also a great place for organizing small luncheons though by prior appointment. Sit back and enjoy spectacular views from the terrace area or enjoy a quiet meal with your friends and family inside the dining area with a modern decor. Surely a place you cannot afford to miss.