Khao Yai Restaurants and Cafes
Michelin-recognised Thai kitchens, riverside lunches, vineyard dining and some of Thailand’s most photogenic cafes.
Photo: CHAMRAT CHAROENKHET, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Food is one of the best reasons to visit Khao Yai. The area draws on fresh produce from local farms, dairy herds and vineyards, and its restaurants range from simple riverside Thai kitchens to elegant dining rooms in luxury resorts. This guide to Khao Yai restaurants and cafes lists well-known venues and how they have been recognised. Opening days change often, so check each venue’s social media or Google Maps listing before you go.
Thai restaurants with Michelin recognition
Several Khao Yai restaurants have been featured in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand, including Bib Gourmand selections for good-value cooking. Confirm current status in the official MICHELIN Guide Thailand, as listings are updated every year.
Krua Kampan Khao Yai
Traditional Thai cooking in an open-air, waterside setting in Pak Chong, reported as a Bib Gourmand selection. It is known for regional curries, including a red curry with rice-field snails and coconut milk. Weekday lunch is quieter than weekends. Map
Yung Khao
A Bib Gourmand-listed restaurant in Nong Nam Daeng focusing on bold Southern Thai flavours, with house-made curry pastes and dishes such as stir-fried stink beans (sator) with shrimp. Map
Banmai Chay Nam
A riverside restaurant on the Lam Takhong River with a nostalgic setting filled with vintage objects, listed in the 2025 guide as a Bib Gourmand. Popular dishes include minced beef curry and crispy fried gourami. Map
Restaurants for a special evening
Poirot at InterContinental Khao Yai
A French-style restaurant set inside a restored railway carriage, themed on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The resort lists a smart-casual dress code and recommends reservations. Resort website
Midwinter Khao Yai
A castle-style restaurant in Nong Nam Daeng with mountain views and an international, farm-to-table menu, known for slow-smoked barbecue. Visit in the late afternoon for the view. Map
Great Hornbill Grill at PB Valley
A country-style restaurant at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery serving Thai and Western dishes, a natural pairing with a vineyard tour. PB Valley website
Cafes worth a detour
Khao Yai’s cafe scene is famous across Thailand for its architecture and views. These are a few well-known names; most are open daily from the morning until late afternoon, but some only open on certain days.
| Cafe | Area | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Fairy’s Scone House | Nong Nam Daeng | Scones and afternoon tea sets |
| EL Café Khaoyai | Tha Maprang | Minimalist design and wide valley views |
| Heaven Garden Khaoyai | Mu Si | Black building set in green grassland |
| Khaam Khaoyai | Wang Sai | Premium matcha and a Japanese-style rock garden |
| Like A Mountain Khaoyai | Khanong Phra | White minimalist building by the water (reported open Fri–Mon) |
| Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank | Mu Si | Industrial design and specialty coffee |
| Mother Say No | Nong Nam Daeng | Bamboo pavilion with spiral walkways and croissants |
| The Clotted Cream Tea Room | Mu Si (Thames Valley) | English-style tea room in a stone castle setting |
| The Birder’s Lodge Café & Grill | Mu Si | Grills, salads and homemade desserts near the park |
Food tips for Khao Yai
- Eat early on weekends. Popular restaurants fill up by 12:00 and 18:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Try local dairy. The area is known for fresh milk, yoghurt and ice cream from local farms.
- Taste Thai wine. The Khao Yai area is one of Thailand’s main wine regions.
- Plan dinner near your hotel. Rural roads are dark at night and wild animals cross near the park.
- Check spice levels. Southern Thai and Isan dishes can be very hot; ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) if needed.
Combine your meals with our things to do in Khao Yai or the two-day itinerary.
Editorial note: Khao Yai Retreat is an independent travel information website. We do not own or operate any hotel, villa or attraction mentioned here, and listings are not paid placements. Facilities, prices and opening hours change, so please confirm details directly with the property or attraction before you travel.