PJ's (favourite eating) Places
Chiang Mai has many fine restaurants serving Thai and western dishes to satisfy the most discerning gastronomes.
Here, PJ's Place recommends some of the restaurants where we like to dine, many of which are away from the usual tourist beat.
Palm Beer Garden and Steak House - Loi Kroh Road
On Loi Kroh road about 150 meters from the moat, The Palm Beer Garden, a German style restaurant serves both western and Thai food of the very highest quality. Local raised produce is cooked with the option of imported Australian meats if preferred.
Suan Paak - Airport Road adjacent Airport Plaza
Next door to Central Airport shopping mall, Suan Paak has three restaurant areas; the western salad restaurant, the Thai restaurant and thirdly an all day breakfast restaurant serving also a mixture of Thai and western foods.
The Lemontree - Huay Kaew Road
Just around the corner from PJ's Place, The Lemontree serves Thai food in simple, air conditioned surroundings with good service, inexpensive tasty food and an understanding of western "not too spicy please"! Often very busy, the restaurant has an upper floor so there is usually space available even when it appears full from the outside.
Nimman Kitchen - Sirimungkarajan Road.
Excellent tasty Thai food with northern foods a specialty. Open but covered restaurant with great service, nice atmosphere and great staff.
Huang Thaaw - Nimmenheiman Road
On Nimmenheiman road opposite the Amari Rincome hotel, excellent Thai food in pleasant air-conditioned surroundings.
La Pasta - Soi 3, Nimmenheiman Road
Italian and western food just a stones throw from PJ's Place.
The Spirit House - Soi 4, Viang Bua, Chang Puek
Thai and western food in simple indoor or outdoor garden surroundings with a range of Asian antiques and art on display and for sale. Excellent Thai and western dishes with a range of delicious chef's gourmet specials available daily.
Cafe de Nimman - b1-b2, Rooms, 61 Nimmanheminda Road
Outdoor covered and air-conditioned indoors this Thai restaurant serves up some of the tastiest food in Chiang Mai.
Girasole - 71 Ratchadamnoen Road
This Italian Restaurant serves up delicious Italian dishes and magnificent pizzas from its genuine pizza oven.
Le Gong Kum, 38/3, Soi Chantarasak, Huay Kaew road
This Vietnamese restaurant in an atmospheric tropical garden serves a fine range of excellent Vietnamese fare.
The House - 199, Moon Muang Road
This restaurant serving Asian fusion food along with other styles also boasts an excellent choice of house wines, there is also a Wine and Tapas Bar and a recent addition is a Thai foods restaurant. A very popular restaurant and not too expensive.
Come Dara - 193 Charoen Rat Road
Riverside restaurant set away from the usual places serves an excellent range of regional Thai food.
Ruen-Come-in - 79/3 Sirithron Rd
Set in a majestic and beautifully restored northern Thai style teak wood house, Ruen-Come-In Restaurant whets your appetite with Thai and northern Thai food along with local fruit juices. Enjoy yourself in this Chiang Mai-Lanna contemporary Thai house and indulge in the tastes of their recommended dishes.
Salsa Kitchen - Huay Kaew Road
Delicious Mexican and Caribbean style food just opposite the Shell garage and few doors from Lemontree. Air conditioned indoors and pavement tables also available, this restaurant serves fantastic food with great friendly service at budget prices.