The 10 best restaurants in Chiang Mai 2025

What is it?: An intimate, chef-driven kitchen tucked in a quiet corner of Nimmanhaemin that’s quietly (and consistently) redefining what Thai tasting menus can be. Chef Phanuphol Bulsuwan – aka Chef Black – offers a micro-seasonal, locally sourced, boundary-pushing menu changes every 3-4 months, exploring new techniques and flavours that are equal parts amazing, equal parts mad.

Why we love it: In a sea of Chiang Mai restaurants either chasing tradition or flirting with fusion (often badly), Blackkitch does something rarer and far more daring – it experiments with Thai ingredients on their own terms. Think house-fermented fish sauce, tempura-style river leaves, insect dust and scallops topped with pickled siam tulips and greens you’ve probably never heard of but will crave long after. It's personal, cerebral cooking that still manages to feel warm and unpretentious – and every course comes with a mini story presented exceptionally well by the staff who speak Thai, English and a handful of other languages at request. 

Time Out tip: Many of the pickled and fermented ingredients Chef Black uses in his dishes are results of his experiments. A shelf in the restaurant displays jars containing these experiments, some of which are bottled and available to take home. 

27/1 Soi Nimmanhemin 7. Open daily 11am-2pm and 6-10pm. Set dining hours and reservations only. 

What is it?: Fine dining-style experiences that present a shockingly wide range of creative culinary techniques that are delivered through the language of locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by nature, every dish looks like it could have been foraged from a forest floor – on purpose.

Why we love it: Chef Leelawat “Nan” Mankongtiphan doesn’t just serve food – they craft a narrative that pays deep respect to the locally sourced seasonal produce found at markets day-by-day. The tasting menu is a journey through landscapes and seasons, with dishes that channel the elements and textures of the natural world. Don’t expect the same dish twice, as each day servings of mossy bites of wagyu, mushroom ‘soil’ and edible leaves chop and change depending on what the market provides. This is modern Thai food with a fantastical twist, equal parts imagination and technical finesse.

Time Out tip: Book a seat by the window around golden hour and enjoy the garden surroundings that pair perfectly with the dishes on your table. Storytelling is also optional, so be sure to ask the staff about the concept behind each dish – they’ll happily explain the story behind that twig, stone or smoke-filled dome on your plate. 

99 Moo 11, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong. Open 12.30-2.30pm and 6-10pm, closed Mon-Tues. Reservations only. 

What is it?: A casual, no-thrills, big-flavour American-style smokehouse dishing out some of the juiciest, most unapologetically indulgent barbecue this side of Texas.

Why we love it: It’s smoky, it’s saucy and it’s exactly what your meat-loving soul didn’t know it needed in northern Thailand. At Dinky’s, slow and low is the mantra – think fall-off-the-bone ribs, 12-hour brisket, juicy pulled pork and housemade sausages all cooked with serious pitmaster cred from Davis, the friendly jorts-wearing owner. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, with sides like mac ’n’ cheese, deep fried pickles and everything else you need to complement the all-American fantasy. You can dine in, but takeaway boxes or delivery orders are dangerously easy to demolish in front of your Netflix queue.

Time Out tip: Come hungry – and maybe bring a friend. The portions are more than generous, meaning even a humble 2-and-2 combo platter is hard to finish without help. In high-season, their food is unsurprisingly in high demand, so be sure to check their socials for updates on what’s left before you go.

Lansieow, 175 soi Wat Umong, Suthep. Open 11am-9pm daily. 

What is it?: A charming, family-run restaurant tucked down a quiet soi off Huay Kaew Road, where Thai flavours meet Bruneian and Malaysian influences, all served in an intimate, low-key setting that feels more like dining with friends than at a restaurant.

Why we love it: Redbox started as a humble ready-meal concept, but thanks to the vision of husband-and-wife duo Chef Dan and Pimmada Kankulsuntorn, it’s evolved into one of Chiang Mai’s best-kept culinary secrets. Drawing on years spent living in Brunei, the couple bring a thoughtful fusion of flavours to a menu that changes with the seasons and highlights ingredients from their own orchard. Think scallop carpaccio, slow-cooked lamb shank in panang curry, and desserts that hero Malaysian gula melaka (palm sugar) instead of the usual refined stuff. In fact, their no-refined-sugar philosophy runs through everything, adding richness to desserts and drinks alike.

Time Out tip: While you're there, don’t skip the signature cocktails, which are designed to complement the menu’s layered flavours. And if you feel like a more personal experience, then call ahead and order their curated tasting menu, which changes according to your preferences, the seasons and available garden produce. 

6 Jannsaap Alley, Chang Phueak. Open 11.30am-2pm and 5.30-10pm, closed Tues. Reservations only. 

What is it?: One of Chiang Mai’s oldest khao soi spots, serving a rich, meaty broth that’s spicy in all the right places. 

Why we love it: Khao Soi Lumduan is more than a roadside eatery; it’s an institution, serving up one of the city's most iconic bowls of khao soi since the 1940s. The location can feel a little unassuming but the food inside is the best in town, dishing out its signature coconut curry noodle soup for over 70 years. Opt for tender chicken or the beef option that paradoxically is both melt in the mouth and slightly chewy at the same time. Bowls are topped with crispy fried noodles – as is tradition – and served with house-pickled mustard greens, lime and shallots for the full deal. 

Time Out tip: While the khao soi is no doubt the star attraction, their sides of pork satay with peanut dipping sauce and the lesser-known but equally delicious kamon jeen nam ngiao (a spicy tomato-based soup served with vermicelli noodles) are both worth trying too. 

352 22 Charoenrat road, Wat Ket. Open 8.30am-3.30pm

What is it?: A beautifully restored teak mansion turned fine dining restaurant, where Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage is served up in deeply aromatic plates of Thai and northern Thai cuisine.

Why we love it: Dining at Kiti Panit feels like stepping into a sepia-toned photo – in the best possible way. Once a bustling trading post on Thaphae road, the building now houses one of the most atmospheric restaurants in the city, complete with antique wooden interiors, moody lighting and the scent of spice and smoke wafting through the halls. The menu leans into the bold and the traditional. Think rich hanglay curries, complex grilled meats and elevated takes on northern staples. Don’t miss the Pla Chon Lui Suan, a delicately steamed fish topped with local herbs, or the refreshingly tart tamarind and jackfruit sorbet to finish.

Time Out tip: If you're into wine pairing, ask the staff for seasonal recommendations – the limited wine menu changes often, but they’ll happily guide you toward the best combinations.

9 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan. Open 11.30am-3pm and 5-10pm, closed Tues. 

What is it?: A long-standing Chiang Mai favourite that blends classic Northern Thai comfort food with a playful, modern flair – served in one of the city’s most charming interiors.

Why we love it: House by Ginger has been impressing locals and visitors ever since it opened with a mix of vibrant decor, laid-back atmospheres and seriously satisfying food. The menu straddles the traditional and the contemporary, pairing up typical servings of pomelo salad, tom kha gai and cashew chicken alongside tender beef curries, delicately grilled meats and an appetiser menu of tacos, cheese and spring rolls. There’s also a menu of seasonal dishes made with herbs and vegetables picked fresh from their own Ginger Farm. 

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without checking out the House Lounge next door – a perfect spot to wind down with a cocktail or keep the conversation going. They even have a surprisingly good selection of trinkets, decor and melanin crockery, perfect for souvenirs or as a more thoughtful gift. 

199 Moon Mueang road, Si Phum. Open 11am-10pm

What is it?: A no-frills Thai-style eatery that’s gained cult-like status for its fiery northern-Isaan hybrid dishes that locals – and chefs – can’t stop talking about. 

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a local plastic stool-style place that’s serving cheap but flavourful northern and Isaan style food, you’ve found it here. There’s no plating or pretense here – it’s all about punch-in-the-face spice and grilled meats on tap. Isaan staples of som tum salads and grilled meats are plentiful, while northern style laap (meat salads spiced with cumin and blood) and spicy pork soups offer a sour, herby and spicy profile that pairs perfectly with a beer. Their grilled meats are exceptional too, as well as their special style grilled eggs. 

Time Out tip: Best enjoyed with friends, go as a group and order more than you think you can eat – the portions are on the smaller side for this very reason. Beers are cheap, the pace is quick and the flavours hit hard. Just how we like it.

69 Rumpeng village 1, Suthep. Open 11.30am-8.30pm.

What is it?: The Duke’s is probably Chiang Mai’s longest standing American restaurant that is the go-to place for pizza lovers and those who prefer portions on the larger side. 

Why we love it: When the craving for authentic American food strikes, there’s no better palace to fill that belly hole. The menu boasts an array of options from New York style pizzas, Chicago steaks, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and salads. Prices are a little high but you get what you pay for: a lot of food. Beyond the mains, the restaurant prides itself on house-made sauces, breads, soups, dressings and desserts. And with multiple locations across Chiang Mai, there’s few places The Duke’s can’t deliver to. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for takeaway pizza, this is one of the best in the city. Order a few boxes either on an app or directly with the restaurant, sit back and enjoy a meal in front of the TV, Americana style.

Various places around Chiang Mai including the River Ping road, Hang Dong, Ruam Chok and MAYA mall. Open 10am-9pm or 10pm depending on the location.

What is it?: A cosy neighborhood eatery serving up soulful northern Thai food straight from Chef Noy’s family recipe book. 

Why we love it: There are few other places in the city that serve such heartwarming, family-friendly northern Thai food like Magnolia Café. Like a well-kept secret, their food is of national, if not international quality, thanks to the skills of Chef Noy. Not just any chef, she’s trained some of Bangkok’s top culinary names in the art of authentic Northern Thai cooking. The food is comforting, quietly complex and clean, with standouts including a tamarind-bright mango salad with dried fish, charred cabbage, and a yellow curry that’ll make you rethink what protein is best for a curry (it’s cockles). The restaurant also occasionally hosts chef’s table sessions with both Bangkok-based and international chefs.

Time Out tip: If you want to taste Chef Noy’s food first hand, best to visit during the week when she’s often flittering between kitchen and dining room, checking in and chatting with diners like old friends.

31/82 Rattanakosin road, Pa Tan. Open 5-10pm, closed Sundays.