Friend's Table (reservations required) — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

Stumbling upon Friend's Table in Chiangmai felt like uncovering a secret culinary treasure, one that perhaps only a city as unique as Chiangmai could harbor. Tucked away in a space no larger than a small coffee shop, with just four tables, this restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that's as exclusive as it is extraordinary.

The charm of Friend's Table is in its simplicity and authenticity. The restaurant, which operates only three nights a week with one seating per evening, is run by two childhood friends who have circled the globe, gathering culinary experiences from Australia to Europe and the US, only to reunite in Chiangmai. Their journey is not just a story but the essence of their menu.

Speaking of the menu, it's a fixed course affair that takes you on a global culinary journey. Each dish reflects their international upbringing and diverse experiences, blending multiple cuisines into a symphony of flavors. The execution is flawless, the presentation, a visual delight, and their willingness to experiment adds an element of surprise to every course. It's clear that Friend's Table was conceived as a test kitchen, and that spirit of culinary adventure shines through their creations.

The highlight of our experience was the personal touch. The chefs not only presented each dish but also took time after the meal to engage in a friendly chat, sharing insights into their culinary inspirations. One of them even introduced us to an experimental drink she was working on, which was absolutely delightful.

For those of us in Chiangmai who often venture to Bangkok for high-end dining, Friend's Table is a wonderful and welcome addition right in our backyard. It's a place that feels both familiar and adventurous, a spot where food brings friends, old and new, to the table. In a city known for its culinary diversity, Friend's Table stands out as a beacon of innovative and...

Attracted by the season menu, I tried my best to reach restaurant’s expectation including double confirm 2-year-old customer is accepted, full menu ordering even for my 2-year-old kid, prior deposit payment, main course pre-ordering and 10min prior arrival to meet the service schedule.

However, on the day, I was told the following, “Our restaurant is quite small, and we strive to create a comfortable dining experience for all our guests. While we typically do not accommodate children under the age of five, we understand that every situation is unique. If your two-year-old becomes restless during the meal, we kindly ask for your assistance in keeping them calm, whether by stepping outside for a short break or engaging them in a quiet activity. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation 🙏”

In order to secure our holiday quality, I decided to cancel my reservation without deposit refund, and surprisingly been charged for supplementary wagyu for the reason that the ingredient has been prepared.

Unfortunately, I have tried, but this is not the friend’s table that I want to be...

The tasting menu is very interesting ….part Comfort food that revisits flavor memories from childhood like fried chicken, burgers and Wellington are absolutely pitch perfect reminding of New York area brunch staples elevated with high craft. However they are interspersed with big bold flavors and spice which is not held back… the distinct chiang mai influence is visible but not overbearing, this eclectic side of the menu makes it absolutely memorable. Service is attentive & charming, produce is absolutely top drawer! All In all restaurant has a great vibe… they are in great form, every course is explained tirelessly… must visit if you are in Chiang Mai and want to experience the new generation culinary talent. What I would love to see is how they evolve from such a fabulous start… the North Thailand specific influences are underrepresented flavors ….this makes Friends...