CRU 2nd floor wine bar — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

What an impeccable place. The gentleman at the bar (whose name I asked for but didn’t quite catch) was astonishing. He knew everything about everything, the wine, meat, cheese, olives, bread, pickles.

Beautiful decor and a well thought out concept.

To prospective patrons - the bar is tucked away in an alley and seems closed behind a graffitied black door. But it isn’t closed! We almost left, but ultimately chose to open the black door - and of course the place was open.

They should add an open/closed sign as I think that’s why customers are lacking. I bumped into a girl on my way downstairs who said she was going home because she thought the place was closed. I told her it was open and she went straight upstairs!! It is definitely unclear as to whether or not the place is open, or if it even exists at all. But it does.

Initially we felt guilty as the barman offered to read and describe the wine list but we didn’t want to put him out. Now we realise he was truly excited to do so! And we wish we hadn’t said no!

The wine was beautiful and the food was genuinely delicious. We ordered the full board and it was perfect for two people despite being advertised for 4. The barman explained everything to us, the origins of every item. It was fantastic. We also ordered the asparagus rolls as a lovely starter.

The gentleman at the bar gave us the card of his local cheese maker who we will visit tomorrow.

My only gripes would be that there was a tiny droplet of balsamic glaze in a pool of oil - it wasn’t balanced. We were given one napkin when handling soft cheese by hand. No salt and pepper to season to taste - probably because the food is already seasoned well, but our palate leans farther saline. We’d also have liked to privately peruse the wine menu without it being held before us, as we can be indecisive. None of this reduces the “wow” factor, however, and we confidently give five stars!

It was sad to see this place entirely empty at the weekend, though I suspect the entryway had something to do with this. It was incredible and we’d love to return....

I was really looking forward to visiting here since I wanted to find nice wine places after busy days for myself.

The atmosphere was nice, the staffs were no problem with me also, I checked the price of wine in advance so it was not unexpected, but the taste of wine was... I felt it was nearly vinegar already. Like homemade bad fruit wine. I'm not sure it was the original taste of that wine. I didn't expect that taste as 340 THB experience... I even couldn't finish it.

I told that to the staff, I hope it will be improved if it can be. Maybe depends on my body condition, maybe I can't judge wine's taste though... Maybe I should just test the taste before order? Maybe they have kept that bottle from before the alcohol ban...?

Star 0 for wine itself, star 2 is for...

A gem in Chiang Mai! An excellent wine bar, carefully curated, with a different selection of sparkling, white and red wines, by glass, every week (or every two weeks). The menu is also carefully created with local and organic ingredients to harmonize with the wines. The staff is very professional as well as welcoming, and will gladly explain everything you need to know about the wine, the food, the city :) There are only few tables, but don’t be shy to seat at the counter. Be careful not to miss the place, because it’s on the second floor and the door is a little hidden, but on the other hand, it gives it a New Yorker “speakeasy” atmosphere, or a VIP vibe. And it’s...