Chiang Mai is a must on your next visit to Thailand.

The city abounds with beautiful traditional Lanna-style architecture, and it’s smaller than Bangkok, making it walkable. You can stroll through the local markets and taste the local cuisine, visit magnificent temples and go hiking in the mountains. Chiang Mai is an ideal alternative to Bangkok or the Thai islands, as the climate is cooler in the mountains. The Lanna-style textiles are gorgeous, and the northern Thai food specialties are absolutely delicious. When visiting this magical city, be sure to visit a local salon or spa for some inexpensive pampering, and expect to be amazed by the scenery, architecture, and food.

You absolutely have to try some street food in Chiang Mai, but don’t miss out on the fine international cuisine this sophisticated metropolitan city has to offer. Below are some of the must-see foodie destinations in Chiang Mai.

Must-visit restaurants in Chiang Mai

• The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar
• Italics
• The Great Lanna
• David’s Kitchen
• Garden kitchen
• Ginger & Coffee
• Ugo Restaurant

The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar

For a true sample of the region’s delights, head to The Service 1921 bar and restaurant. This five-star restaurant specializes in Chinese, Vietnamese, Szechuan and of course Thai cuisine. Each meal is accompanied by a complimentary wine. You will dine in an old colonial house with an eclectic and surprising decor. The menu offers original dishes such as the tasty Pomelo salad and poached mussels, prepared to perfection by the restaurant’s talented chefs. These decadent recipes pair well with the creative cocktails or the extensive wine selection. Make sure you arrive hungry! You will want to taste everything. For the best of Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist, you have to go to this restaurant!

Italics

No need to go to Italy to discover the best cuisine in southern Europe. Just make a stop at Italics, the epitome of new Italian cuisine, in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. The menu is filled with real Italian specialties prepared in an authentic style, with only the best ingredients. Their sumptuous beef carpaccio is tender, flavorful and beautifully presented for a light bite that will take you straight to the Italian shores. Their perfectly prepared calamari is never heavy or over fried. You will get the delicate taste of squid with a perfect breaded crunch. Italics only uses authentic, locally sourced ingredients to make your dining experience truly unique. Finish your meal with a delicately sweet tiramisu,

The Great Lanna

Prepare to be impressed and amazed by the beauty of Grand Lanna, which specializes in serving fine Thai dishes with an authentic atmosphere. The Grand Lanna offers a variety of activities that will allow you to experience traditional Thailand, as well as a state-of-the-art spa for maximum relaxation. While in Chiang Mai, take some time to visit the spa. The treatments here are second to none and a real Thai massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated. The true jewel in Grand Lanna’s crown is its famous restaurant, where you can savor delicious Thai dishes in a perfectly appointed dining room. Their sautéed chicken with cashew nuts is accompanied by a very tasty sauce. The meat is tender and goes perfectly with the crunch of the cashews. This dish is a staple of Thailand. During your stay in Chiang Mai, do not miss the opportunity to taste this authentic dish! Also not to be missed are the sausages from the north of Chiang Mai, which are deeply flavorful and intensely spiced. This sausage is unique to the region and has been made in the traditional way for centuries. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever eaten. Finish your delicious meal with a soothing cup of tea or coffee, for the perfect dining experience. This sausage is unique to the region and has been made in the traditional way for centuries. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever eaten. Finish your delicious meal with a soothing cup of tea or coffee, for the perfect dining experience. This sausage is unique to the region and has been made in the traditional way for centuries. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever eaten. Finish your delicious meal with a soothing cup of tea or coffee, for the perfect dining experience.

David’s Kitchen

A trip to Chiang Mai isn’t complete without a stop at David’s Kitchen. This Chiang Mai staple has a reputation for serving the best food in the area, and some visit Chiang Mai solely for the purpose of dining at David’s Kitchen! David’s Kitchen brings traditional Thai cuisine a French twist for a refreshing and unique take on your favorite dishes. Be sure to try the spicy green apple fish salad. The tart apple adds a welcome crunch that complements the fish perfectly and the dish is light enough not to make you sick. It’s a perfectly satisfying bite that combines fresh ingredients and local flavors for an intensely flavorful taste of the best of Thai cuisine. Let yourself be surprised by their flagship dish, braised lamb shank cooked for a long time in red wine with mashed potatoes. The lamb is fork tender and pairs perfectly with the velvety red wine sauce. If you’re craving a delicious roast, sample David’s Kitchen’s variety of Western dishes for a little piece of home in the Far East. Whatever your desires, David’s Kitchen offers you a clever fusion of Thai and Western cuisine. Take the time to stop by this iconic restaurant, but be sure to book ahead. It fills up fast! lamb is fork tender and pairs perfectly with the velvety red wine sauce. If you’re craving a delicious roast, sample David’s Kitchen’s variety of Western dishes for a little piece of home in the Far East. Whatever your desires, David’s Kitchen offers you a clever fusion of Thai and Western cuisine. Take the time to stop by this iconic restaurant, but be sure to book ahead. It fills up fast! lamb is fork tender and pairs perfectly with the velvety red wine sauce. If you’re craving a delicious roast, sample David’s Kitchen’s variety of Western dishes for a little piece of home in the Far East. Whatever your desires, David’s Kitchen offers you a clever fusion of Thai and Western cuisine. Take the time to stop by this iconic restaurant, but be sure to book ahead. It fills up fast! Take the time to stop by this iconic restaurant, but be sure to book ahead. It fills up fast! Take the time to stop by this iconic restaurant, but be sure to book ahead. It fills up fast