Chiang Mai Riverside Restaurants

The Chedi

Quintessential fine dining when in Chiang Mai. This utterly charming spot next to the river is enhanced by its candlelit setting and sound of trickling water that surrounds it; The Chedi is an exercise in good design, and a great example of luxurious Chiang Mai at its best, and most certainly not a dining experience you will forget in a hurry. Enjoy the traditional Northern Thai dishes, Pacific Rim and innovative Asian fusion fare. The extensive wine list ensures that every dish can be paired with the right tipple.

Comedara - The Colonial House Art Gallery and Riverside Restaurant

Set in a beautiful old colonial house, this quaint restaurant has a unique antique ambience. Consisting of a series of dining rooms, some with riverside views, it makes for a truly memorable restaurant experience. In a way you feel as though you are dining in somebody's house, which lends it a fairly relaxed atmosphere.

Art works for sale from local artists hang on the walls and contribute to the old-world charm that the Comedara is so loved for. The Thai menu offers traditional dishes from both the north and south of the country.

Deck 1

By far the trendiest joint down on the river, Deck 1’s takes on contemporary riverside dining is utterly charming. Serving up Asian fusion fare, the eclectic menu is creative while the resident Jazz band offers the perfect soundtrack to enjoy the delights of the riverside views. A wide range of selected wines, cocktails, mocktails and other healthy choices are available on the drinks menu. The breakfast buffet comes highly recommended.

The Gallery

Hillary Clinton has been known to frequent the Gallery when in Chiang Mai. The gallery, accompanied by a fine dining restaurant, is a truly unique place that combines the beauty of art and crafts with the art of cooking. Unmistakable, the neon-lit sign that sits outside immediately draws you in from the street to what appears to be a treasure trove of goods. Housed in one of the oldest wooden structures in Chiang Mai – it is thought to have been built in 1892. Try one of the curries on the menu, spiced up to your taste, the fish also comes highly recommended too.

The Good View

A Chiang Mai institution, The Good View occupies a prime position in the hearts of the town’s residents. This is purely due to the fantastic menu of Thai, Japanese and international fare all at reasonable prices, a stunning view and quality entertainment in the form of a live band.

While the band belts out classics, guests can take to the dance floor or enjoy the idyllic views while feasting on some of the best food to be found in Chiang Mai.

Le Crystal

Le Crystal is a riverside fine-dining French restaurant featuring a temperature-controlled dining room, a broad menu and a well-equipped, walk-in wine cellar. With good views out over the river and the option of dining in the manicured garden as well as a panoramic upstairs private room, Le Crystal is a class act and definitely one of the area’s leading restaurants. Look out for their ‘World Buffets’ held every last Saturday of the month.

The Old Place

The Old Place is a converted Lanna-style house on the banks of the Ping that houses a casual café with free WiFi. Snacks on offer include cakes and sandwiches. Really, this is just a relaxed internet style coffee set in the unusual context of a teakwood house, and only in Chiang Mai would you find such delights. Chocolate lovers will be a taken back by the impressive collection of sweet delights.

The Puri Punn

If you are not fortunate enough to stay at the exquisite Puri Punn then dining there should be a priority. The cosy dining room is surrounded by greenery making for a tranquil and secluded setting and an intimate feeling. Everything from the cutlery to the china to the tablecloths is antique, with brilliant attention to detail. The menu consists mainly of Thai food with some international dishes including burgers and soups. The food maintains the five-star standard of the hotel as does the superb service and presentation.

The RattiLana - Mira Terrace

Occupying a prime position down on the river, this restaurant balances both Asian flare with South American accents, the only place in Chiang Mai to offer a churrascaria – Brazilian BBQ; guests can chose from a variety of global delicacies. Although the restaurant is not centrally located, the live band, great food and idyllic setting make it well worth a short taxi ride. The decoration is suitably local Lanna style with a contemporary edge.

The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

The adjacent Mae Ping makes for an alluring setting; perfect for an evening of dancing, drink and delicious food. A longtime resident of Chiang Mai’s live music scene, The Riverside is a spacious venue that is well lit by a selection of lamps and lights, with simple wooden furniture there is little to distract from the great views and atmosphere.

Vieng Joom On Teahouse

The Vieng Joom a building not to be missed and with its pink exterior and selection of parasols outside it is the stuff of fairytales. The first floor is filled with boxes of tea, extravagantly wrapped in paper and glass. Out back there is a recreational area fringing on the banks of the alluring Mae Ping River and upstairs is a cushioned playroom for children. The menu features cakes, pastries and sandwiches all made in-house and on the spot, and all delicious.