RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Le Coq d'Or

$$$$$ | French

Set nostalgically in a colonial house near the Ping River, Le Coq d'Or is both distinguished and ambient, and offers tremendous service. With imported beef, lamb and local fish prepared in French and Belgian styles on the menu, diners won't leave unsatisfied. The foie gras or salmon tartare are popular as a starter, while the chateaubriand and the Norwegian salmon come highly recommended for mains. There is a good selection of wines to accompany the meal.

Address: 11 Soi 2 Koh Klang Rd; Telephone: (0)5 328 2024

The House

$$$$$ | Thai

The House is elegant and sophisticated, with large draped windows and delicate silk finishes. This restaurant offers a diverse menu of regional flavours accented by classical dishes and grilled delights. The imported steaks and lamb are delicious, as is the local seafood. These can only be followed by one or more of the sumptuous desserts... Dinner can be nicely wrapped up with a drink at the Moorish lounge bar outside.

Address: 199 Moon Muang Rd; Telephone: (0)5 341 9011

Aroon

$$$$$ | Thai

This Thai garden restaurant serves authentic northern cuisine from an open kitchen, and lets diners take some of their recipes and spices home. Famous for fried insects and frogs, the menu also offers a superb khao sawy with egg noodles and crisp-fried chicken, a sweet and spicy combination with coconut undertones. Their sai ua (Chiang Mai sausage) is famous and the fried pork rinds are truly decadent.

Address: 45 Kotchasarn Rd; Telephone: (0)5 327 6947

Le Grand Lanna

$$$$$ | Thai

Le Grand Lanna is fashioned on a Lanna nobleman's home, constructed entirely of old teak on raised stilts. Aside from it's comfortable dining hall with beautiful Lanna art, there is also sheltered terrace seating outside overlooking the tropical gardens, which are home to exotic birds and butterflies. Flaming torch lighting and traditional music set the scene beautifully for evening meals. Pomelo salad, khao sawy and gaeng hang lan (red pork curry) with sweet mango chutney are favourites on the menu, satisfyingly topped off by homemade lychee or yam ice-cream.

Address: 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Rd; Telephone: (0)5 388 8888

La Gondola

$$$$$ | Italian

In Chiang Mai, La Gondola overlooks the tranquil Ping River and is known for its vast glass aviary collection and romantic balcony seating. In true Italian fashion, this restaurant is very lively and serves rather large portions of food. There is a broad menu offering Northern Italian cuisine, including an assortment of delicious pastas and mouth-watering steaks, as well as various specials.

Address: 201/6 Charoenrat Rd; Telephone: (0)5 324 7776