Cuzco is the gateway city for trips to Machu Picchu, and contains a lovely historic colontial center and numerous natural attractions in the valleys and mountains nearby. It is also produces the best crops and coffee in the country, so don't miss out while sightseeing.

Below you'll find a list of places I most liked to visit when I was there, followed by a list of my favorite food and coffee places.

Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Cuzco

The focal point of historic Cuzco, it still retains a lot of it's stony charm despite the rapid changes due to increasing tourism over the past 2 decades. You'll want to wander around through every day to see if any cultural shows/events are happening.

Cuzco Main Square · Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru

★★★★★ · Plaza

Cuzco Main Square · Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru

Cuzco Tourist Tickets

If you're staying in Cuzco for a few days, you'll probably want to take advantage of some of the tourist passes sold by the government to various sites in and around the city. Some tours will include a particular circuit or you can buy it if you hire a taxi to drive you around for the day. You can also just visit individual tourist attractions and pay at the entrance but you may save some money if you're planning on visiting most of them anyway.

Cusco Touristic Ticket |

Also known as B.T.C. This ticket allows you to enter 16 places of tourist interest that are located in the city of Cusco.

CuscoPeru.com

Museo de Arte Precolombino

Smaller scale version of the Larco Museum in Lima, this is the best curated and presented museum in Cuzco covering prehispanic artifacts.

Museo de Arte Precolombino · Nazarenas 231, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Art museum

Museo de Arte Precolombino · Nazarenas 231, Cusco 08002, Peru

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo of Guzmán

The largest convent and grounds in Cuzco, displays a mix of religious art, prehispanic art and even some ruins.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo of Guzmán · Ahuacpinta 659-A, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Catholic church

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo of Guzmán · Ahuacpinta 659-A, Cusco 08002, Peru

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

They do a show most nights showcasing traditional Peruvian music, dance and costume, Arrive early if you want better seats as seating is first-come first-served.  

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo · Av. El Sol 872, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Performing arts theater

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo · Av. El Sol 872, Cusco 08002, Peru

San Pedro Central Market

The largest and most famous market in historic Cuzco. You will find a variety of fresh foods and souvenirs for sale, along with many stalls selling drinks, coffee, meals and snacks.

San Pedro Central Market · Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★☆ · Market

San Pedro Central Market · Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru

Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios

Worth stopping for an hour to appreciate a well-displayed and preserved glimpse of the lives of the nuns who used to live here.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios · Sta. Catalina Angosta 401, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Monastery

Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios · Sta. Catalina Angosta 401, Cusco 08002, Peru

San Cristobal Viewpoint

My favorite nighttime viewpoint over Cuzco city, and just next to the picturesque street of Siete Borreguitos and the Sapantiana Aqueduct.

Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal · Plaza San Cristobal, Don Bosco, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Observation deck

Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal · Plaza San Cristobal, Don Bosco, Cusco 08002, Peru

Urubamba Valley

Urubamba is the agricultural capital of Cuzco with some spectacular mountain and valley views. This valley contains a number of sights worth seeing and are all usually included in day tours from Cuzco covering Urubamba valley. This includes Moray, Salineras de Maras and Chinchero.

Moray

Ruins famous for circular agricultural terraces, with gorgeous views while getting there and back.

Moray · Maras 08655, Peru

★★★★★ · Archaeological site

Moray · Maras 08655, Peru

Salt Mine of Maras ( Salineras de Maras )

Worth a visit for the views alone, this valley houses one of the largest salt farms in the area. You can also buy salt and other souvenirs after trying some samples in the shops next to the exit.

Salt Mine of Maras · MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru

★★★★★ · Mine

Salt Mine of Maras · MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru

Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero

Picturesque colonial town built over the local ruins, wonderful views in the morning.

Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero · Museo de Sitio de Chinchero, Ruta Santisimo Downhill 2, Chinchero 08651, Peru

★★★★★ · Archaeological site

Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero · Museo de Sitio de Chinchero, Ruta Santisimo Downhill 2, Chinchero 08651, Peru

Rainbow Mountain

Not for the faint of heart or in poor health, this trek at an elevation of 5km is worth it for the views, despite the hordes of selfie zombies that visit. You can either hike the 1-2 km from the entrance or ride a burro most of the way up for a small fee.

Vinicunca · 08225, Peru

★★★★★ · Mountain peak

Vinicunca · 08225, Peru

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Chicha

My favorite restaurant in Cuzco during my last visit. I went twice to try more of their criollo dishes, and really enjoyed everything I tried. Don't miss the desserts! Reservations highly suggested for lunch and required for dinner.

Chicha por Gaston Acurio · Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 05184, Peru

★★★★☆ · Restaurant

Chicha por Gaston Acurio · Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 05184, Peru

Cicciolina

One of the most famous and highly rated restaurants in Cuzco, they do a nice job with decor, service and flavors, focusing on Italian dishes. Reservations required.

Cicciolina · C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Cicciolina · C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, Peru

Organika Restaurant

This restaurant focuses on organic local produce and ingredients, and it shows in the flavors of each dish. Don't miss the mixed vegetable plate!

Organika Restaurant · Ataud 154, Cusco 08000, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Organika Restaurant · Ataud 154, Cusco 08000, Peru

KION Peruvian Chinese

Another of the top-rated restaurants in Cuzco, they offer solid renditions of Peruvian/Chinese dishes and a trendy environment. Reservations suggested.

KION Peruvian Chinese · Triunfo 370, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

KION Peruvian Chinese · Triunfo 370, Cusco 08002, Peru

Florencia y Fortunata Café

My favorite coffee in Cuzco, their beans are divine!

Florencia y Fortunata Café · Suecia 332, Cusco 08000, Peru

★★★★★ · Espresso bar

Florencia y Fortunata Café · Suecia 332, Cusco 08000, Peru

Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee

2nd favorite coffee in Cuzco, but it was close.

Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee · Heladeros 135, Cusco 08002, Peru

★★★★★ · Cafe

Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee · Heladeros 135, Cusco 08002, Peru

Lima is most well known for the increasing number of culinary awards over the past decade, as well as the entry/exit point for most tourists visiting Peru. While many people skip over it to get strait to Cuzco, Lima is definitely worth spending at least a week in to see what sets it apart from other South American capitals. Being able to eat at more of Lima's many restaurants is a major bonus.

Best Places to Visit

If you're only in Lima for a few days, here's a list of the places I found the most unique or well done in Lima and worth considering when planning your trip.

Larco Museum

This is the most memorable of the museums I visited in Peru and has the best displayed and largest collection of prehispanic art and artifacts from around the country. The grounds have a beautiful courtyard with a restaurant worth visiting if you're there during lunch hours.

Larco Museum · frente al, Parque Larco, Av. Simón Bolivar 1515 Ingreso por, Navarra 169, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru

★★★★★ · Archaeological museum

Larco Museum · frente al, Parque Larco, Av. Simón Bolivar 1515 Ingreso por, Navarra 169, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru

Cafe Museo Larco · frente al, Parque Larco, Avenida Simón Bolivar 1515 Ingreso por, Navarra 169, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Cafe Museo Larco · frente al, Parque Larco, Avenida Simón Bolivar 1515 Ingreso por, Navarra 169, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru

Lima Museum of Contemporary Art

MAC is Lima's main modern art museum, near the start of Barranco, and worth a visit if you like contemporary art or just to walk around the exterior.

Lima Museum of Contemporary Art · Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 1511, Barranco 15063, Peru

★★★★☆ · Art museum

Lima Museum of Contemporary Art · Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 1511, Barranco 15063, Peru

Museo Jade Rivera

Street muralist turned contemporary artist, this museum is in the heart of Barranco now, which makes it easier for people to appreciate the artist's work.

Museo Jade Rivera · Av. Sáenz Peña 205, Barranco 15063, Peru

★★★★★ · Museum

Museo Jade Rivera · Av. Sáenz Peña 205, Barranco 15063, Peru

Malecón de Miraflores

Malecón de Miraflores · Mal. de la Reserva 275, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Tourist attraction

Malecón de Miraflores · Mal. de la Reserva 275, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Worth a walk on a sunny or even cloudy day, starting from the Miraflores Chinese Park (Parque Chino de Miraflores) southeast along the coast to Barranco. Stop by Restaurante La Rosa Náutica for a drink and the view, although food wasn't worth the prices. The nice part of the boardwalk ends near Cala restaurant in Barranco, which has better food although the view is not as nice.  

Museo de Arte de Lima

The main art museum in Lima, housing a variety of art and pieces from the prehispanic to the modern age. The park the museum is inside(Park of the Exposition or Parque de la Exposición) is worth a stroll through before or after the museum, particularly to see the Pabellon Morisco.

Museo de Arte de Lima · Parque de la Exposición, Av. 9 de Diciembre 125, Lima 15046, Peru

★★★★★ · Art museum

Museo de Arte de Lima · Parque de la Exposición, Av. 9 de Diciembre 125, Lima 15046, Peru

National Museum of Peruvian Culture ( Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana )

Museum dedicated to folk/popular art from various periods of Peruvian history, well worth a visit despite the shabby building interior.

National Museum of Peruvian Culture · Av. Alfonso Ugarte 650, Lima 15082, Peru

★★★★☆ · Museum

National Museum of Peruvian Culture · Av. Alfonso Ugarte 650, Lima 15082, Peru

MUSEO ANDRES DEL CASTILLO

This was a surprise gem of a museum in Lima. Housed in a stunning historic mansion, it contains a surprisingly wide variety of minerals presented well along with some assorted artifacts. After visiting this museum, make sure to take a quick stroll through St Martin Square to check out the plaza, architecture and statues.

MUSEO ANDRES DEL CASTILLO · Jirón de la Unión 1030, Lima 1, Peru

★★★★★ · Cultural center

MUSEO ANDRES DEL CASTILLO · Jirón de la Unión 1030, Lima 1, Peru

PLAM (Palacio de las Artes de Miraflores)

Free museum in Miraflores housed in an old government palace, worth a walk through.

PLAM (Palacio de las Artes de Miraflores) · VXHC+875, Av. José Larco, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★☆ · Museum

PLAM (Palacio de las Artes de Miraflores) · VXHC+875, Av. José Larco, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Dédalo

Dédalo · Jirón Sáenz Peña 295, Barranco 15063, Peru

★★★★★ · Art gallery

Dédalo · Jirón Sáenz Peña 295, Barranco 15063, Peru

Just next to the Jade Rivera museum, this is a souvenir/art store with a nice interior courtyard that has a cafe.

Brisas del Titicaca Asociación Cultural

This cultural association runs lunch and dinner shows that showcase classic and Peruvian dances from the Lake Titicaca region of the country. Expect a Hispanic wedding vibe with pretty good home style food choices, a joke-cracking MC and families that go out to dance to more "modern-classic" songs in between shows.

Brisas del Titicaca Asociación Cultural · Heroes de Tarapacá 168, Lima 15046, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

Brisas del Titicaca Asociación Cultural · Heroes de Tarapacá 168, Lima 15046, Peru

Galeria de Artes Visuales

Free art and design museum in Miraflores, well worth a visit if you're nearby.

Galeria de Artes Visuales · Av. Arequipa 5198, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Museum

Galeria de Artes Visuales · Av. Arequipa 5198, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Historic Center of Lima (Centro Histórico)

If you're in the area, might as well stop for an hour and look at the Plaza de Armas  which includes the Cathedral of Lima and Government Palace of Peru( Palacio de Gobierno de la República del Perú). There's a few ex-convents nearby like the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco(Convento de San Francisco) and Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo(Convento de Santo Domingo) if you're into old churches. The Museo Central (MUCEN) is small but free so worth popping in to see the current exhibit.  The rest of the area is a bit dodgy and run-down though, so try to stay within a few blocks of the main plaza if you want to wander around.

Lima Main Square · Jr. Junín cdra. 1, Lima 15001, Peru

★★★★★ · Historical landmark

Lima Main Square · Jr. Junín cdra. 1, Lima 15001, Peru

Best Places to Eat and Drink

*** Astrid y Gastón

This was my favorite restaurant in Lima, set in a renovated mansion with bright airy decoration. They have a rather large menu and everything I tried was excellent, as were the cocktails. Also the best service among the many restaurants I visited. Reservations essential.

Astrid y Gastón · Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro 15073, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

Astrid y Gastón · Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro 15073, Peru

*** Mayta Restaurante

My second favorite restaurant in Lima with a warm, inviting dining space, solid service, and menu filled with delicious dishes and cocktails. Reservations essential.

Mayta Restaurante · Av. Mariscal La Mar 1285, Miraflores 15027, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Mayta Restaurante · Av. Mariscal La Mar 1285, Miraflores 15027, Peru

*** Maido

This is consistently in the top 3 for Lima, and with good reason. Excellent attention and service from the waitstaff, and every dish I tried was well executed and delicious. Their cocktail program also excels and should be sampled. Reservations are essential unless you come in at a very off hour.

Maido · Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

Maido · Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru

** Cosme Restaurante y Bar

Cosme is a trendy restaurant with a bit of a hipster vibe serving modern global dishes meant for sharing. While not as pricey or as reserved in advance compared to other highly rated restaurants in the area,  reservations are recommended.

Cosme Restaurante y Bar · Av. Tudela y Varela 162, San Isidro 15073, Peru

★★★★★ · Nuevo Latino restaurant

Cosme Restaurante y Bar · Av. Tudela y Varela 162, San Isidro 15073, Peru

** Matria Restaurante

A more casual, trendy restaurant compared to the other heavy-hitters nearby, this place specializes in elevated Comida Criolla dishes.

MATRIA RESTAURANTE · Av. Gral. Mendiburu 823, Lima 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

MATRIA RESTAURANTE · Av. Gral. Mendiburu 823, Lima 15074, Peru

** Sastrería Martinez, Bar oculto

Worth reserving and visiting for a proper speakeasy experience. They offer a large menu of drinks, although they weren't all outstanding, and some small plates which were pretty good.

Sastrería Martinez, Bar oculto · Av. Mariscal La Mar 1263, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Bar

Sastrería Martinez, Bar oculto · Av. Mariscal La Mar 1263, Miraflores 15074, Peru

* Restaurant Huaca Pucllana

Just next to the main entrance to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site (which isn't really worth entering), this restaurant is very much worth entering. You have a nice view of part of the site, and hearty well-seasones typical Peruvian dishes. The anticuchos were some of the best I had over the two months I was in Peru.

Restaurant Huaca Pucllana · Ca. Gral. Borgoño Nº860, Lima 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

Restaurant Huaca Pucllana · Ca. Gral. Borgoño Nº860, Lima 15074, Peru

Restaurante Contraste Lima

Small plates, most rather good with some flaws that keep them from being excellent, worth a visit if you're nearby and like the current menu offerings.

Restaurante Contraste Lima · Av. la Paz 604, Miraflores 15047, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Restaurante Contraste Lima · Av. la Paz 604, Miraflores 15047, Peru

Huambra - Cocina Amazónica

Serving cuisine from the Amazonian regions of Peru and in the heart of Miraflores.

Huambra - Cocina Amazónica · Calle Porta 135, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Huambra - Cocina Amazónica · Calle Porta 135, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Fiesta Restaurant

One of the top-rated restaurants in Lima, I didn't feel it was worth such a high rating, but some of the dishes were pretty good.

Fiesta Restaurant · Av. Reducto 1276, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Fiesta Restaurant · Av. Reducto 1276, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Rutina Café

Casual spot with locally and globally inspired dishes. Their empanadas were excellent.

Rutina Café · Av Grau 400, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★★ · Cafeteria

Rutina Café · Av Grau 400, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Kaikan

The second best bowl of ramen I had in Lima.

Kaikan · Av. Sta. Cruz 825, Miraflores 15073, Peru

★★★★★ · Japanese restaurant

Kaikan · Av. Sta. Cruz 825, Miraflores 15073, Peru

Madam Tusan

If you've had enough of Peruvian Chaufa (which is very similar to American style Chinese takeout) and are craving more authentic Cantonese style Chinese, Madame Tusan does a pretty good job.

Madam Tusan · Av. Sta. Cruz 859, Miraflores 15074, Peru

★★★★☆ · Chinese restaurant

Madam Tusan · Av. Sta. Cruz 859, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Highly Rated Places On My List For Next Time

Central

Central · Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Central · Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru

Central is the top rated restaurant in Lima, only serves a tasting menu and requires reservation far in advance of your planned visit. They also focus on seafood and are quite pricey, which is why I didn't even try to get a reservation, but for foodies this is always near the top of the list for Lima.

Kjolle

Kjolle · Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Kjolle · Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru

Isolina

Isolina · Av. San Martín 101, Lima 15063, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Isolina · Av. San Martín 101, Lima 15063, Peru

One of the most famous for comida criolla served in large portions for sharing. I ordered a dish via delivery from here and liked it, but never had a chance to visit the restaurant.

La Picantería

La Picantería · Sta. Rosa 388, Surquillo 15047, Peru

★★★★★ · Peruvian restaurant

La Picantería · Sta. Rosa 388, Surquillo 15047, Peru

This is the other famous comida criolla restaurant in Lima, with dishes typical of Arequipa.

Osaka Pardo y Aliaga

Osaka Pardo y Aliaga · Felipe, Av. Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro 15073, Peru

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Osaka Pardo y Aliaga · Felipe, Av. Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro 15073, Peru

Museo Oro del Perú y Armas del Mundo

Museo Oro del Perú y Armas del Mundo · Jr. Alonso de Molina 1100, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru

★★★★☆ · Museum

Museo Oro del Perú y Armas del Mundo · Jr. Alonso de Molina 1100, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru

Callao

A bit removed from central Lima, and famous for being dangerous, the very tip of Callao is upscale and has security which makes for a pleasant walk with ocean views. The immediate fort and Callao monumental areas are also safe, but don't venture any further into the rest of Callao as a tourist.

Malecón Pardo La Punta - Callao

Malecón Pardo La Punta - Callao · La Punta 07021, Peru

★★★★★ · Tourist attraction

Malecón Pardo La Punta - Callao · La Punta 07021, Peru

Fortaleza del Real Felipe - Callao

Fortaleza del Real Felipe · Plaza Independencia, Callao 07021, Peru

★★★★★ · Fortress

Fortaleza del Real Felipe · Plaza Independencia, Callao 07021, Peru

Callao Monumental turismo histórico

Callao Monumental turismo histórico · Constitucion 250, Callao 07021, Peru

★★★★★ · Cultural center

Callao Monumental turismo histórico · Constitucion 250, Callao 07021, Peru

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Quito since I was not a big fan of Ecuador's second largest city, Guayaquil, but I was pleasantly surprised.  With an elevation of almost 2 miles, it has a much cooler and dryer climate along with some spectacular views of the various peaks and valleys which contain the city sprawl. I was also quite impressed by its culinary scene. Quito has a wide range of local and international restaurants and bars, including some of the best tasting menus I had during the 6 months I travelled South America in 2022.

Note: The month I was there(June 2022) coincided with protests that blocked roads in and around Quito, so many places were closed as a result. I managed to visit a number of attractions and restaurants but will also list a few I was unable to visit that were highly rated by the web and local friends (and still on my list for next time).

Top Places to Visit

🌟Pre-Columbian Art Museum House of Praise (Museo de Arte Precolombino Casa del Alabado) - This is probably the best museum in Quito, focusing on precolonial artifacts from around the country, housed inside a beautiful colonial building. While you're in the historic center, walk around and check out the Plaza Grande and maybe the Museo de la Ciudad if you want to learn more about Quito and its history.

Pre-Columbian Art Museum House of Praise · Cuenca N1-41, Quito 170401, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Museum

Pre-Columbian Art Museum House of Praise · Cuenca N1-41, Quito 170401, Ecuador

🌟Basílica del Voto Nacional - This is the most impressive church in Quito, and has a much more interesting architectural design and decoration than the cathedral in the historic center (which was pretty disappointing and not really worth entering unless you're really into churches). The church and grounds are done in a classic neo-gothic style, and climbing up to the towers gives you some great views of the surrounding city valley. While you're in the area, check out the Contemporary Art Center of Quito which is a nice and free museum housed in an old military hospital.

Basílica del Voto Nacional · Venezuela 11-263 y, Quito 170130, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Catholic church

Basílica del Voto Nacional · Venezuela 11-263 y, Quito 170130, Ecuador

🌟Casa Museo Guayasamín - Ecuador's most famous artist created a foundation to showcase his artwork in a museum of his own design, and also donated his house and property for it. The main museum building is cool, but don't miss the tour of the artist's house, which was a museum all on its own. The views over the valley are great, and it's just next door to Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua, which is Quito's largest park and nice to walk around for some exercise and cleaner air.

Casa Museo Guayasamín · Mariano Calvache E18-94 y, Quito 170135, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Art museum

Casa Museo Guayasamín · Mariano Calvache E18-94 y, Quito 170135, Ecuador

Middle of the World City (Mitad del Mundo) - One of the top tourist sites around Quito, worth the 45 minute drive from the city to spend a few hours in the area. While the monument marking the center is not quite on the equator, it makes for some nice photos nonetheless. While you're there, also check out the Intiñan Site Museum next door.  A short drive nearby is the Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila, who is Quito's 2nd most famous artist. Just next to that is a great place for a quick hike on a sunny day to Mirador Natural Volcan Pululahua. From this viewpoint you have a great view of the Pululahua volcano's caldera. The caldera is one of the largest in South America and has been a protected geobotanical reserve since 1966.  

Middle of the World City · Av. Manuel Córdova Galarza SN, Quito, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Monument

Middle of the World City · Av. Manuel Córdova Galarza SN, Quito, Ecuador

Mindalae - Ethnohistoric & Crafts Museum of Ecuador - Cute museum housing a wide range of traditional Ecuadorian arts and crafts, that also doubles as a store if you want to pick up any high quality crafts at reasonable prices to take back home. Worth a stop if you're in the Mariscal area, as is the La Mariscal Artisan Market for more souvenir shopping.

Mindalae - Ethnohistoric & Crafts Museum of Ecuador · Reina Victoria N26-166, Quito 170102, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Museum

Mindalae - Ethnohistoric & Crafts Museum of Ecuador · Reina Victoria N26-166, Quito 170102, Ecuador

National Museum of Ecuador (Museo Nacional del Ecuador) - Worth a visit if you're into museums, and this one is also free. Has a mix of contemporary art exhibitions along with an exhibition on colonial/precolonial art and artifacts.

National Museum of Ecuador · Edificio de los Espejos, Avenida Patria (between Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida 12 de Octubre), Quito, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Museum

National Museum of Ecuador · Edificio de los Espejos, Avenida Patria (between Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida 12 de Octubre), Quito, Ecuador

Best Places to Eat

🌟 Zazu - One of the top 3 tasting menus I had in South America. The restaurant itself was a tad bit shabby for a fine-dining establishment, and the immediate neighborhood is not the prettiest, but the food and service more than made up for it. If they offer it, don't miss the Fois Gras creme brûlée, which had a nicely balanced richness and texture. The deconstructed Ceviche gelée was also outstanding in terms of its execution and flavor profile. Overall it was well worth the ~$100 menu price.

Zazu · Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito 170517, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Fine dining restaurant

Zazu · Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito 170517, Ecuador

🌟 Ciré Capital - The best service and timing among all the fine-dining establishiments I visited. While not all the dishes were knock-outs, it was overall a very enjoyable meal in a nicely designed restaurant. Mushroom paella, ribeye with gnocchi and roast llama with crunchy quinoa and ají were all top notch.

Ciré Capital · Edificio Oh, Av. Gonzalez Suarez, Quito 170517, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Fine dining restaurant

Ciré Capital · Edificio Oh, Av. Gonzalez Suarez, Quito 170517, Ecuador

🌟 Quitu Identidad Culinaria - Great and well-priced tasting menu showcasing native Ecuadorian ingredients sourced from local sustainable sources. The staff went above and beyond in their duties and opened up just for my reservation despite the protests blocking parts of the city without any drop in food and service quality.

Quitu identidad culinaria · Toledo, Quito 170525, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Ecuadorian restaurant

Quitu identidad culinaria · Toledo, Quito 170525, Ecuador

Bandidos Del Paramo -  This place was my favorite for beer and burgers. They have loads of outdoor seating, large selection of in-house, craft and international brews, and is very popular to get together with friends and hang out for a while.  If you're into beer, also check out the Holy Krank Pub for more craft brews in a more chill environment to chat with friends.

Bandidos Del Paramo · Whymper N29-02, Quito 170517, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Bandidos Del Paramo · Whymper N29-02, Quito 170517, Ecuador

Restaurante Casa Gangotena - Interesting tasting menu in an art deco hotel off the main plaza in downtown Quito with very good customer service. I was asked about dislikes, and they happily changed a few seafood items on the tasting menu for alternatives. Great craft beer and cocktails.

Restaurante Casa Gangotena · CUENCA Y BOLIVAR 170401, Quito 170401, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Restaurante Casa Gangotena · CUENCA Y BOLIVAR 170401, Quito 170401, Ecuador

UMAi Ramen - Definitely the best ramen I've had in south America and came very close to what they serve in Japan. Friendly service, well designed interior and a solid choice of options on the menu. The tantan ramen was the winner here and had the right amount of spice and the onsen egg was perfectly cooked with a thick and creamy yolk. I went again a week later to try their tonkotsu ramen, which was also quite good as were the gyoza.

UMAi Ramen · Luis Cordero E10-23 y, Quito 170143, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

UMAi Ramen · Luis Cordero E10-23 y, Quito 170143, Ecuador

Frida Tacos - Wandering around Quito you'll see a LOT of Mexican places, and also hear a lot of Mariachi music. Most are really TexMex or not quite authentic enough in flavor. This place had the Mexican dishes I liked the most in South America, particularly the chilaquiles, tacos and salsas, although the pozole wasn't that good.  

Frida Tacos · Andalucía N24-371, Quito 170525, Ecuador

★★★★☆ · Mexican restaurant

Frida Tacos · Andalucía N24-371, Quito 170525, Ecuador

Paccari Experience House - Nice cafe with good food, great variety of chocolates and friendly service. It is very popular and doesn't take reservations, so you may have to wait for a table, but you can browse the shop to pick up some quality Ecuadorian chocolates to take home with you while you wait. The terrace has a good view of the valley so try to get a table there if it's a nice day.

Paccari Experience House · Julio Zaldumbide N24-713 Y, Quito 170150, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Chocolate artisan

Paccari Experience House · Julio Zaldumbide N24-713 Y, Quito 170150, Ecuador

Laboratorio Diseño Gastronomía - I loved their set lunch, a steal at $8 and it lets you try a little of everything they serve here. I'd go back for their dumplings alone, which were flavorful and well fried.

Laboratorio Diseño Gastronomía · Lizardo García E10-64 y, Quito 170523, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Korean restaurant

Laboratorio Diseño Gastronomía · Lizardo García E10-64 y, Quito 170523, Ecuador

El Salnés - Solid tasting menu using native ingredients, and quite cheap for the quantity/quality of food served. This is not quite fine-dining, but the chef and staff produce quality dishes with some flair in a more casual setting. Call to reserve and make sure they're open first.  

El Salnés · Isla Isabela 44-27, Quito 170138, Ecuador

★★★★☆ · Fine dining restaurant

El Salnés · Isla Isabela 44-27, Quito 170138, Ecuador

De La Llama - Hispter-ish restaurant that serves a variety of internationally influenced dishes in a cute old house turned restaurant, but all the dishes were tasty, and they had a great house-made spicy salsa.

De La Llama · Suiza N33-113, Quito 170102, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Ecuadorian restaurant

De La Llama · Suiza N33-113, Quito 170102, Ecuador

Vista Hermosa (Centro Histórico) - Didn't actually try the food here, but it's worth stopping by for the view and the ponche, both of which were great.

Vista Hermosa (Centro Histórico) · Mejía Oe4-45, Quito 170401, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Vista Hermosa (Centro Histórico) · Mejía Oe4-45, Quito 170401, Ecuador

La Briciola - Great service, delicious eggplant parmigiana, solid thin crust pizza. The focaccia they served was also very good and I finished it despite being stuffed.

La Briciola · Av. Isabel la Católica, Quito 170143, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Italian restaurant

La Briciola · Av. Isabel la Católica, Quito 170143, Ecuador

Highly rated and on my list for next time

TelefériQo Cable Car - Popular cable car that goes up one of the mountain's encompassing the main Quito valley with nice views on a sunny day. A short walk from the top there's also a swing attraction for tourist photos overlooking the valley (Columpio del Teleférico).

TelefériQo Cable Car · Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Mountain cable car

TelefériQo Cable Car · Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527, Ecuador

Somos Ecuador Restaurante

Somos Ecuador Restaurante · Av. Eloy Alfaro N34-421, Quito 170504, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Ecuadorian restaurant

Somos Ecuador Restaurante · Av. Eloy Alfaro N34-421, Quito 170504, Ecuador

Zero Lab Restaurant

Zero Lab Restaurant - Fine Dining · Paris n 43-41 y Emilio zola, Quito 170135, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

Zero Lab Restaurant - Fine Dining · Paris n 43-41 y Emilio zola, Quito 170135, Ecuador

URKO

URKO · Mallorca 449 y, Quito 170525, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Ecuadorian restaurant

URKO · Mallorca 449 y, Quito 170525, Ecuador

X Lo Alto Restaurante

X LO ALTO RESTAURANTE · Montevideo Oe-648 y, Panamá, Quito, Ecuador

★★★★★ · Restaurant

X LO ALTO RESTAURANTE · Montevideo Oe-648 y, Panamá, Quito, Ecuador

Other places that were good

Zinc - Solid place for food and drinks, their cocktails were good and the chicken sandwich and fries were also pretty tasty.

Q-Bolón - Local chain service delicious bolones, and decent tigrillo if you haven't tried either of these local dishes yet.

Lucha Libre - Decent Tex Mex, good tamarind margaritas, solid prices and specials. If you ask for their spiciest chili sauce, be prepared as it's quite potent.

Taconazo - Solid texmex and nice staff. The tacos dorados and chimichangas were pretty good, sauces need more spice but do the job.

Highly rated places thad didn't meet expectations

Banh Mi - Definitely not great "Southeast Asian" food although they are well reviewed for exactly that. Great pad Thai, decent "larb" interpretation, massaman curry wasn't even close but tasty in its own way and definitely skip the bone marrow, was pretty disgusting.  

Shibumi Sushi Bar - Highly awarded Japanese restaurant, most recommended for it's omakase menu. While it was good, it wasn't great. If you're craving sushi then it's pretty solid overall, although a bit pricey for what you get.

Sher E Punjab - Another place I'd skip if you're expecting "authentic" Indian food from the reviews. Highly rated, and the Naan was good, but they used local white rice in the Biryani which left it mushy and it was also lacking the spices and flavors of a good biryani. The Chicken Tikka Masala was also just ok, as they used cubed pieces of cooked chicken breast instead of tandoori grilled chicken chunks and the sauce was also pretty generic.

El Hornero - Local popular small pizza restaurant with a few locations that was pricey and pizza was not good. Go to La Briciola nearby instead for good Italian fare.

La Burgatta - Highly rated burger spot, was ok but not great and you'll smell like fried food afterward. You're better off going to Bandidos Del Paramo nearby for a delicious burger with much better ambiance.

I lived in central Bangkok for 7 years, and here are all the places I recommend to visitors and frequented myself.  Most of the places I list here are shop-houses, restaurants and market areas, as the recent crackdowns on street vendors have made finding particular mobile food vendors difficult in central Bangkok. The majority of these places also will have an English or picture menu available if the staff doesn't speak English. Finally, almost all of these are businesses that offer consistent and delicious dishes at reasonable price points.

UPDATED: September 2023 after my recent visit

If you'd like to see the entire list on Google Maps, use this link: Google Maps List

Northern Thai (Lanna):

If you're craving food from the Northwest of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, etc), then these restaurants are the ones to go to for Lanna dishes.

Krua Chiang Mai (ครัวเจียงใหม่)
125/24 Thonglor Rd, Watthana, Bangkok 10211
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Stylish renovated shophouse in the heart of Thong Lor, serves a large variety of dishes (many that are not as commonly seen in Bangkok) with most under 200B.

Suggested Dishes:

• Khanom Jin Nam Ngiaw (one of the best in BKK)
• Chicken Khao Soi (Beef Khao Soi uses a different soup base which isn't as tasty)
• Ab Muu
• Khaaw Ngiaw
• Nam Prik Num

Hom Duan
1 8-9 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Khao-Gaeng style place where they prepare a number of dishes in the morning for the lunch crowd. Cheap, offerings change daily and English translations on menu, but get there early before dishes run out.

Suggested Dishes:

• Chicken Khao Soi
• Larb Khua
• Sai Oua

Ongtong Khaosoi
17 Phahonyothin Soi 7, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
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Cozy place in Ari, serves a few other dishes but go here for the Khao Soi (80 Baht).

Suggested Dishes:

• Chicken or Pork Khao Soi

Porwa Northern Thai Cuisine
69 34 Phayathai Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
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Small place in Ratchatewi, serves a number of dishes from Chiang Mai, albeit made to appeal to tourists and Bangkokians, so most dishes are sweeter and less spicy, but still tasty.

Suggested Dishes:

• Chicken Khao Soi
• Sampler Set

Daradalay
280, 1 Phichai Rd, Thanon Nakhon Chai Si,Bangkok 10300
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Cute restaurant sourcing ingredients from their garden area in Bangkok as well as from their farm in Chiang Mai, a little out of the way but well worth a visit.

Suggested Dishes:

• Khao Soi
• Khanom Jin Nam Ngiaw
• Nam Prik Ong

NomSen Northern Thai (หนมเส้น)
15 Sukhumvit 40 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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Small one-woman show run out of the lobby of a modern hostel near Ekkamai. Cheap, home-style northern dishes, no English but has pictures of menu items.

Nam Ngao Pa Suk (น้ำเงี้ยวป้าสุข ก๋วยเตี๋ยวสิบสองปันนา)
18/1 Silom 3, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
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This shophouse hidden near Silom has been popular with office lunch crowds for their cheap and tasty noodle soup dishes.

Suggested Dishes:

• Khao Soi
• Khanom Jin Nam Ngiaw

Gedhawa
78 Sukhumvit 33 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Popular with Japanese and Korean tourists, they serve their dishes mild so this is a good place for people new to Thai cuisine or wary of chili. They have dishes from around Thailand, although their Chiang Mai offerings are what you should eat. Friendly English-speaking staff.

Suggested Dishes:

• Chicken Khao Soi
• Lanna Appetizer Set

Southern Thai

When you're craving spicy and pungently flavored Thai dishes, nothing else is quite like the cuisine from the south of Thailand.

Khua Kling + Pak Sod
98/1 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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The original restaurant from this small chain that still sources the majority of their ingredients from farms in Southern Thailand daily, although they have a few locations around Bangkok. The original renovated Thai house in the heart of Thong Lor remains my favorite, and is where the owner can usually be found presiding over a packed dining room nightly. English speaking staff and menu, large variety of dishes, all of which are range from good to outstanding, and many of which are quite spicy but delicious.

Suggested Dishes:

• Khua Kling Muu Saab (one of the best in BKK)
• Phad Sato
• Crab Curry
• Cowslip Creeper Flower Spicy Salad (Yam)

Prai Raya
59 Sukhumvit Soi 8, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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An outpost from a popular restaurant in Phuket, Prai Raya is set in a renovated house on a quiet soi near the main tourist area in Central Bangkok.

Suggested Dishes:

• Crab Curry
• Muu Hong
• Whole Fish

Phuket Town

One of the oldest Southern Thai restuarants still operating in Bangkok, it's moved locations in Thonglor but still serves pretty good dishes, although they cater more towards tourist and Bangkok palates so it's not as spicy or strongly flavored.
Permanently closed, head to KhuaKling Pak Sod nearby for more authentic Southern Thai, or Baan Ice for more toned-down flavors in an upscale environment.

Baan Ice
115 Thonglor Rd, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Modern trendy restaurant serving Bangkok-style Southern Thai dishes, so they tend to be a little on the sweeter side. Nice place for a date, always busy on weekends and evenings.

Suggested Dishes:

• Fish in Banana Leaf
• Phad Sato
• Cumin Fried Fish

ตู้กับข้าวแม่
43 Nang Linchi Road, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
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Good homestyle Southern Thai food, served Khao Gaeng Style. Come early before they run out of dishes(very popular for breakfast). Owner speaks some English.

Suggested Dishes:

• Varies daily, choose a few from the prepared dishes on the counter

Khao Jao
341 Thong Lo 17 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Small restaurant near the Commons in Thonglor, it's been popular with families and locals for many years. Very cheap for Thonglor, they have a variety of dishes mostly from the South, although they are served Bangkok style so not as spicy or pungent.

Suggested Dishes:

• Khua Kling
• Phad Sato

Isaan

If you like sour and spicy flavors, Isaan dishes are some of the most popular in Thailand and include staples such as papaya and other spicy salads, sticky rice and larb.

Ho Jia Isaan (หอเจี๊ยะ ข้าวต้มโต้รุ่ง)
9 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Popular Phrakhanong neighborhood Isaan spot open for dinner, with live music on the weekends. No English spoken, but they do have an English menu.

Suggested Dishes:

• Nam Tok Khor Muu Yang (grilled pork neck spicy salad)
• Larb Bet (duck larb)
• Somtam Thai

Baan Somtum
9 Si Wiang Road, Silom, Bangkok 10140
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Several locations around Bangkok now. Nice variety of somtams, good sticky rice and other Isaan dishes, consistent flavors.

Suggested Dishes:

• Somtam
• Larb
• Sticky Rice

Polo Fried Chicken
137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330
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Popular place near Lumphini Park that is famous for their fried chicken topped with fried garlic along with other Isaan favorites.

Suggested Dishes:

• Fried Chicken with Garlic
• Duck Larb
• Somtam

Somtum Der
5/5 Saladaeng Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
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Famous Isaan restaurant in the heart of Silom, they have a location in New York City that's also quite popular, and another location in Thonglor. It's a little pricey and slow due to the crowds, but still serves a decent selection of Isaan plates, albeit a little pricier than other restaurants.

Suggested Dishes:

• Somtam
• Larb

Phed Phed Cafe
64 Pradiphat 20 Alley, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
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Very popular place in Ari, serves dishes from Nakorn Phanom.

Suggested Dishes:

• Somtam

Sabaijai Kebtawan
87 Ekkamai 3 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Another long-time favorite in the Ekkamai area, they moved to another location near their original spot, but it still draws in Thai families.

Suggested Dishes:

• Grilled Chicken
• Bamboo Spicy Salad
• Guay Tiaw Khua Gai

North East
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
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Popular restaurant near Silom that serves a large menu of Thai dishes, although they tend to do better with Isaan dishes.

Thai

Most restaurants in Bangkok will serve popular dishes from around the country and many incorporate Thai-Chinese recipes that have become a part of the Bangkok culinary landscape over the past 100 years. Bangkok cuisine also tends to be sweeter and less spicy than other regions, and many restaurants versions of regional dishes will reflect that.

The Local
32 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Another nice place to take visitors, they make some old Thai recipes you won't see anywhere else, like the cow tongue curry which is always delicious.

Baan Khanitha
36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 This location has closed, but the Sathorn location is equally nice:
67, 69 S Sathon Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

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A more tourist focused restaurant in terms of dishes and prices, but it's in a beautiful renovated Thai house and they will make it more to local taste if asked. They have a new location at Icon Siam if you can't make it to their older Sathorn location (their Sukhumvit location has closed).

ข้าวต้ม กระดูกหมู (Khao Tom Kraduk Muu)
71 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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My favorite local Chinese-Thai restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 71, only open for dinner. They serve a large variety of stir fried dishes, with the black olive pork and phad sato being especially tasty.

Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong
1/7 Ratchawithi Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Google Maps

Boat Noodles are one of my favorite dishes, and were popularized by floating markets in Ayutthaya with good reason. This alley has numerous boat noodle restaurants although this is my favorite by a hair. Make sure you get the nam-tok and try the different noodle and protein types.

Sago Tree, Dish & Spoon Café
106 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Nice selection of northern and southern style halaal dishes at affordable prices. Laab gai tod and khua khling were very tasty.

TUBA Design Furniture & Restaurant
34 Ekkamai Soi 21 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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One of the best Larb Muu Tod in Bangkok, and generally a good place for appetizers and drinks with a funky decor.

Or Tor Kor Market
19 Phahonyothin Soi 15, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
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Largest fresh market in Bangkok, popular with tourists and locals, has dozens of food stands for a quick meal as well as loads of fresh produce. Combine with a visit to nearby Chatuchak Market and JJ Mall for souvenirs.

Saxophone Pub
3/8 Ratchathewi Soi 11, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
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One of the best Larb Muu Tod in Bangkok, and serves a great Muu Saab, Yam Woon Sen and other tasty Thai dishes all while listening to some of the best jazz in the city just next to Victory Monument.

Best Beef
1498 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10110
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Typical outdoor Thai barbecue you cook at your table, ordered buffet style from a list of meats, seafood and veggies. Pretty good if you want to eat a lot of grilled foods with friends, and they offer beer buffet and live music on the weekends.

Huay Khwang Night Market
Near Kuay Khwang MRT station
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Typical bustling Bangkok night market with a large number of food stalls serving a variety of dishes, specializing in spicy and seafood.
How to get there: From Huay Kwang MRT Station, take exit 3. You'll see steps going down. From the steps, turn your body to the left and walk down the sidewalk along Ratchadaphisek Road to the corner of Pracha Songkhro Rd. (about 50 steps). Across the street is the Ganesha shrine. Go down to the left of Pracha Songkhro Rd.

Pier 21 Food Hall at Terminal 21
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
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Visit Pier 21 Food court and find the fried noodle stall to get one of the best Phad See Yuu dishes in Bangkok(their Radnaa is pretty good too). Don't miss the Mango Sticky Rice vendors, cheap and always delicious mango slices.

Soul Food Mahanakorn
56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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One of the only places that does Thai fusion properly. Cute and trendy place to take visitors or dates for enjoying some delicious takes on traditional Thai dishes.

Wattana Panich
336 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Multi-generation shophouse specializing in Thai-Chinese soups. Their beef noodle soup is legendary and worth trying.

Sri Trat
90 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Popular restaurant serving dishes typical to Trat in eastern Thailand.

Supanniga Eating Room
160 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Popular restaurant with a few locations serving traditional eastern Thai recipes for a modern crowd.

Krua Apsorn
169 Dinso Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
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Local Bangkok home-style restaurant with several locations.

SaNgaa Beef Noodles
5/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Great beef noodle soups served by a partner of WTF gallery nearby.

Thonkrueng
211 Klang Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Thai-Chinese institution in Thonglor that still packs in Thai families for casual dishes.

Taling Pling
25 Sukhumvit Soi 34, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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Slightly upscale restaurant serving a large variety of dishes from around Thailand, has a new location in Icon Siam.

เซี๊ยะก๋วยเตี๊ยวเป็ด (Sia Duck Noodles)
2856 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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One of the best places to get Duck Noodle Soup in Bangkok.

Food Loft
1027 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330
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My other favorite food hall at the top floor of Central Department Store in Chidlom, this one is a bit more upscale with better quality versions of Thai street food and other international cuisines. Their boat noodles are delicious.

Asian and African

One of the main reasons I loved living in Bangkok is because of the large number of expats from all over the world, which in turn means there are some great places to eat foreign food when you get tired of Thai cuisine.

Taye Ethiopian Restaurant
1/22 Sukhumvit soi 3, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
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Great Ethiopian restaurant, friendly staff, tasty dishes and good prices. Try the sampler platters to try a little of everything.

Masala Art
88, 36 Thonglor Rd, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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One of the best Indian lunch sets in Bangkok, most dishes are done properly like the tandoori chicken and biryani. They have friendly English speaking staff and can be found on the 2nd floor of the Eight Building in Thonglor.

Beirut Restaurant
2 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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Wonderful shwarma, hummus and other middle eastern dishes, much more consistent than other places in the area. Located in the basement of the Phloenchit Center building.

Royal Kitchen Chinese
3rd Floor of Hotel Nikko, 27 Thong Lo Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Google Maps

Suitable for formal dinners with excellent service and a large variety of dimsum and traditional Chinese dishes at fair prices.

Bamboo Al-Khayma
7 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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Very popular late night spot, good shwarma, pizza and middle eastern cuisine.

Spicy by Nature
33/5 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Watthana, Bangkok, 10110
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Another great place for Indian lunch sets, their curries are all pretty good, just don't order the biryani or tandoori items, not that great.

Rang Mahal
19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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One of the top Indian restaurants in Bangkok, they run a stunning buffet on Sundays.

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology
38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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Another of the top Indian restaurants in Bangkok, this one focuses on grilled dishes and tandoori oven favorites.

Indus
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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One of the older fine-dining style Indian restaurants in Bangkok, it's maybe not as authentic in terms of flavors since it caters more to Thais and tourists, but makes for a nice meal out.

Hummus Boutique
NO.64 Sukhumvit 51 Klongtan Nua Sub-district, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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One of the best places for hummus, salads, fresh baked pita and falafel in central Bangkok.

Feel Myanmar Restaurant
35/2-8 Ratchaprasong Rd, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
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One of the only Burmese restaurants in Bangkok, they are the first outpost of a popular eatery based in Yangon. The salads and veggie dishes were great and cheap, the meat curries were pricey and just so-so.

Kiani(คีอาน)Korean Restaurant
90 Thonglor Soi 2, Watthana, Bangkok, 10110
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Great casual Korean eatery that makes tasty bibimbap, mandu and home-made banchan.

Okinawa Kinjo
24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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One of the only Okinawan restaurants in BKK, good meal sets that include udon, braised pork belly and stir-fried bitter melon(this dish is always great here).

Vie Ha Long
101 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260
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One of my new favorites for Vietnamese dishes in Bangkok, excellent pho and starters.

Vietnamese and More
99/9-11 Thang Rotfai Sai Kao Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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One of the better Vietnamese restaurants in Bangkok, great appetizer wrap set, good pho, delicious steak bahn mi.

Bankara Ramen
32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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The best tonkotsu ramen and karaage chicken in Bangkok.

Muiné
Habito Mall, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Cute Vietnamese cafe with great pho and fried spring rolls.

Katsu-Shin
9 Soi Than Tawan, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
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Best katsu in Bangkok, also has an all you can drink special for 2 hours that's great before going out around the Sathorn/Silom area.

New Mabuhay Restaurant
55 Soi Barbot 2, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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Pretty authentic and the oldest Filipino restaurant in the city, good sisig and diniguan. They moved to a new location in Phrakhanong from their old location near Bayoke tower.

Sun Moon
5 Soi Ngam Du Phli, Bangkok 10120
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Local Chinese eatery that serves an amazing fried eggplant dish, worth going to despite the not-so-clean tables and surly staff.

Doorae
210 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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Great Korean bbq, solid bibimbap and chapchae, my favorite of all the eateries in the K-town building.

Mona's Burmese Food
Suk U-Thit Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Mona's stall has been in the local Phrakhanong market area for many years. They make a very good tea leaf salad(although a bit oily) as well as their Burmese noodle soup.

BK Restaurant
96/2 Mi Suwan 1 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Homestyle Nepalese/Burmese restaurant, friendly owners and staff, many small dishes with low prices to try. The tea leaf salad and veggie dishes are always tasty.

Closed during pandemic, go to Feel Myanmar or Mona's for a tea leaf salas.

American and Western European

Tacos & Salsa
21/3 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
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One of the most authentic Mexican places in BKK. Their tacos dorados and tamales are delicious. Their salsa set, guacamole , burritos and steak quesadillas are also very tasty.

Soho Pizza
26/3 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Reliable and as authentic as it gets for a New York style slice, worth a visit or 3.
Update 2023: still decent but not as good as before.

Artisan Craft Burgers
26/1 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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TripAdvisor

Good burgers, fries and sauces to dip them in.

Roast
335 Thong Lo 17 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Foursquare
TripAdvisor

Two locations, one at Emquartier and one at The Commons. Good lunch deals, serves a large variety of American/European dishes and drinks.

The Commons
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
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TripAdvisor

Nice place to hang out with friends, has a number of choices for eating and drinking, and has a dog-friendly outside area.

Fatty's Bar & Diner
9/196-197 Trakun Suk Alley,Din Daeng, Bangkok 10500
Google Maps
Foursquare
TripAdvisor

The best American dive bar/restaurant in BKK, great wings and poutine fries.

Mama Dolores
20 Yen Akat Rd, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
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TripAdvisor

Set in a renovated house and yard in Yen Akart, this is popular in the evenings with groups of people. Good middle eastern food, their falafel, hummus, grilled kebabs and fresh-made pita bread are all very tasty. Pizza is just so-so though.

Icedea
939 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
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TripAdvisor

Creative ice cream and desserts, all of which are worth trying.

The Iron Fairies & Co
53, 1-2 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Google Maps
Foursquare
TripAdvisor

Reliable place for cocktails and American food. Burgers, nachos, oysters are good, also has fun live music most nights.
Update 2023: They've moved to a new location recently after being closed during pandemic so not sure if still accurate.

Oskar
24 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Google Maps
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TripAdvisor

One of the longest-running restaurant/lounge spaces on Soi 11, good food and the best Mojitos in Bangkok, turns into a club/lounge at night.

PALA Pizza Romana
BTS Asoke Entrance, 21 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Google Maps
Foursquare
TripAdvisor

The best place for Roman style pizza in Bangkok, and also serves great pasta dishes.

Bake Cheese Tart
1788 New Petchaburi Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310 Thailand
Google Maps
Foursquare
TripAdvisor

The best among the Japanese dessert chains selling cheesecake, available in several malls (although seems to be disappearing).

The Gardens of Dinsor Palace
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
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TripAdvisor

Lovely place for brunch, great eggs benedict.

Smokin' Pug
105 Lang Suan Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
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TripAdvisor

Decent American BBQ and cocktails.

Bacco
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
Google Maps
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TripAdvisor

Nice upscale Italian that delivers the flavor to match the higher prices.

Pizzeria Bella Napoli
3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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One of my favorites for pasta and pizza.

Texas Chicken
You'll see a lot more locations of this chain around Bangkok but the taste and quality are no longer the same. The fried chicken was greasy and not crispy while the biscuits have no resemblance to American biscuits anymore. If you are near one and craving quick Thai style dishes like Nam Tok Gai Tod, those are still pretty good.

Il Bolognese
1010 12-15 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bangkok 10500
Google Maps
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TripAdvisor

Great pastas at this classic Italian eatery.

Bars, cocktails and views

Here's a selection of places I like to visit when I'm in the mood for a cocktail, music, views, etc.

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar - Arguably the best views over Sukhumvit in a hip stylish setting. I'd skip the actual cocktails though as they are overpriced and usually not very good, but it is worth going to for the live DJ while sipping on a glass of wine or a cold beer.   https://maps.app.goo.gl/eVLK3EmyCAo54cUd6

Tichuca Rooftop Bar - One of the newer skybars to open in central Bangkok and it's very popular for photos due to their luminescent chandelier. Drinks are decent, music varies, but overall worth checking out although making reservations is suggested although the line can move fast for entry or a table. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PREKD8DiykjMoap89

Mutual Bar - Not quite a skybar as it's only on the 4th floor, it does have a view of the nearby Phrom Phong BTS station.  This is a cozy local bar with sometimes excellent music and usually tasty and inventive cocktails that change often.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/aAmUVErKEZ57DZD89

WTF Gallery and Café - another low-key bar serving up excellent cocktails and small bites and has been around for many years. https://maps.app.goo.gl/EhRya9nr8YjgLjuj9

Black Cabin Bar Bangkok - Cool locals bar with some solid live music, food and cocktails. I'd stay clear of the food and cocktails and stick with beer or wine though. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UP9TJd6cZCZSwKVa8

I recently spent a month in Budapest and one of the first things I noticed was the popularity of prix fixe weekday lunch menus advertised around the city. After some online research to see which ones were worth going to, I realized that it would be impossible to visit them all in a month, or even figure out from online reviews which ones were tasty enough to warrant a visit. I'm sharing the list below to help fellow travelers and expats find delicious and affordable lunches, while being able to check the menus ahead of time to avoid wasted travel time. If you've gone to any of these restaurants, please comment and let me and others know which ones are most worth going to while in Budapest!

For each restaurant, I've noted their address, the link to their Google Maps page, and the link to their current daily menu to see what's being offered before you go. I use Google Translate to read the menus online if they're only in Hungarian before deciding which to visit. The Google Translate App will also let you translate menus in person using your phone's camera in real-time.  Most places offer a 2 or 3 course menu with prices in Hungarian Forints and update their menus weekly. Many will add on a 5-12% service charge. Most of the eateries are casual, but the pricier ones tend to be higher-end establishments where you should dress business casual to fit in.  A few include drinks although the majority do not, so keep that in mind when ordering if you're trying to stay within a budget. Almost all of the restaurants only offer these deals on weekdays. Happy eating!

If you'd like to see the entire list on Google Maps, use this link: Google Maps List

Fricska Gastropub

Address: Budapest, Dob u. 56-58, 1073

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Jawu7ym96bN7nLe57

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/FricskaGastropub/

2 course  - 2750

3 course - 2950

Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant

Review: Bistro-style cellar gastropub. Head waiters were professional, spoke excellent English and were ready with an English menu for the lunch set and daily specials. Not very busy at 12:15, but filled up quickly by 1PM, so it's a good idea to make a reservation. Complimentary country-style sourdough bread served with appetizer and main course. I started with a properly chopped and well flavored beef tartare minced with marinated olives and served with a balsamic vinegar reduction drizzled on salad garnish and lightly marinated watermelon chunks.  For the main I had the roast duck wrapped in a fried phyllo spring roll wrapper on top of a sweet potato puree with au jus, quick cooked sauerkraut and marinated grilled peach. A bite with a little of each was delicious. Dessert was a light cheese mousse with cookie crumble, peach slices and basil sorbet. Nice portion for lunch, in and out within an hour. Credit cards accepted, with no extra service charge but tips were appreciated. Casual dress is ok as most locals were wearing shorts and t-shirts. Overall, highly recommended lunch menu.

Csalogány 26

Address: Budapest, Csalogány u. 26, 1015

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mpGhmeuiYP5eHxqK7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/csalogany26/

3 course - 3100

Recommended by Andrea, Michelin Plate Restaurant

Bock Bisztró

Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49, 1073

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zqSfdmxrvHtTjKsH7

Menu: https://bockbisztropest.hu/hu/

3 course - 3600

4 course - 4700

Recommended by David, Michelin Plate Restaurant

Service Charge: 12%

Review: Friendly professional staff, speak English, menu prominently displayed over the bar directly in front of entrance in English and Hungarian with prices and options. Not too fussy for lunch, business casual seems to be the norm. Not too busy around 1pm on a Friday so not much need for reservations unless you have a large party. First course was a green bean soup with a few other vegetables, drizzled with dill oil, light and tasty. Bread served with appetizer was some of the best I've had in Hungary, served with a delicious smoked lardo spread. The tuna tartare was splendid, fresh and layered over a rocket salad with  a light wasabi vinaigrette. The roasted duck leg was also wonderful, not greasy and bursting with flavor, served over a potato cream with a few slices of roast potato and drizzled with duck au jus. The dessert was the only miss, consisting of bland cottage cheese curd balls served with some chopped fresh fruit. Otherwise, a very nice meal and highly recommended for lunch.

Mák Bistro

Address: Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 4, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LtXDeJQWuroPS4eh6

Menu: http://mak.hu/hu#menu

2 course - 4200

3 course - 4800

Recommended by Réka, Michelin Plate Restaurant

ZONA

Address: Budapest, Lánchíd u. 7, 1013

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Egb9BHzw2rgcppgc6

Menu: http://www.zonabudapest.com/kinalat.html#quick_lunch

2 course - 3390

3 course - 3950

2 course (appetizer and dessert) - 2690

Michelin Plate Restaurant

Olimpia étterem

Address: Budapest, Alpár u. 5, 1076

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/WFRq7HPhraHRdTzy5

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/olimpiaofficial/

2 course  - 3150

3 course - 3290

Michelin Plate Restaurant

St. Andrea Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 78, 1055

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Co7ysP8Pp6fuFFx2A

Menu: http://standreaborbar.hu/uzleti-ebed/

3 course (with glass of wine) - 4800

Michelin Plate Restaurant

Stand25 Bisztró

Address: Budapest, Hold u. 13, 1054

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Z145nQKS2KP72KHr9

Menu: https://stand25.hu/uploads/ebed.pdf

2 course  - 4500

3 course - 5400

Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant

Arany Kaviár Étterem

Address: Budapest, Ostrom u. 19, 1015

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1Jt3huWkyyjiMNRc8

Menu: https://aranykaviar.hu/en/arany-kaviar-restaurant/menu-2/

3 course - 6900

Michelin Plate Restaurant

Costes Downtown

Address: Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mZQvBnt5TmKF6MaX6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/costesdowntown/

3 course - 7900

4 course - 10900

5 course - 14500

Recommended by Liliane, Michelin Star restaurant

Société Budapest

Address: Budapest, Sas u. 15, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Hz1HensHHUBtayyZA

Menu: http://www.societebudapest.com/en/gastro/

2 course (with glass of wine or water) - 2750

3 course (with glass of wine or water)  - 3550

Recommended by Réka

HILDA Budapest

Address: Budapest, Nádor u. 5, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GEPr3MHP17wXYb8H8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/hildapest/menu/

2 course - 2450

3 course - 2800

Recommended by Paolo

Aum Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Flórián tér 6, 1033

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/asodFfvrDhG7XzjJ7

Menu: https://aumrestaurant.com/hu/#etlap

3 course - 3980

4 course - 4250

+ Lemonade - 650

Recommended by Réka

Review: Asian/Hungarian Fusion restaurant drawing from Chinese, Thai and Japanese flavors mixed with seasonal Hungarian ingredients. The location is a bit odd as it's in an old shopping center, but the head waiter was fantastic, friendly and explained the dishes in English, and the enclosed outdoor area was comfortable for lunch. The mini bao was close to a traditional Chinese bao filled with 5-spice braised beef, but the garnishes were more local, with the accompanying corn and parsley oil outstanding together. The fresh fruit cubes and preserves added a local Hungarian twist although the bao was delicious on it's own. For the soup I chose the Kaeng Som Moo, which is the name of a typical Thai soup, but the dish was really more of a Japanese shoyu ramen broth with fresh vegetables, noodles and sous-vide pork medallions reminiscent of Chinese roast pork, with a hint of spice. It was quite tasty and I enjoyed it once I got over the confusion from the name. The entree was a modern Hungarian take on Paprika Chicken, with rolled sous-vide chicken served skin-on and lightly seasoned, paprika sauce, parsley oil, raspberry sauce, sour cream , sous-vide egg whites and pickled mini carrots and squash. It was light and colorful, although I was hoping for more of an Asian approach to the dish and stronger flavors, so this was my least favorite. The dessert reminded me of a popular Thai dessert, except this one was made with jellied pumpkin strips topped with sour cherry cream and a poppy seed/dark chocolate crumble. I really liked it, and thought it was the best fusion dish among the 4 I tried. Overall, this was the most interesting meal I had this week and with some work on the dishes I can see this place becoming popular with diners that favor Asian flavors with modern presentations.

Service Charge: 0%

Gléda Vendéglő

Address: Budapest, Mikoviny u. 2, 1037

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6cCo1rLkcxQPYaCd6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/gledaobuda/

2 course - 2200

3 course - 2600

+ Bread - 400

Recommended by Réka

Kiosk Budapest

Address: Budapest, Március 15. tér 4, 1056

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Ec5oiDLHtjyZkYBo7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/kiosk.budapest/

2 course - 1950

3 course - 2350

Recommended by Angela

Paris Budapest Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 2, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qy9f1jdPjKqJPTy8A

Hours: 12pm - 4pm

Menu:  https://www.facebook.com/ParisBudapest/

2 course - 3400

3 course - 4100

Both include one bottle of still or sparkling water and one cup of tea or coffee.

Service charge: 12%

I55 American Bar and Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Alkotmány u. 20, 1054

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mmNQ8mfUKK4hxfmRA

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/i55americanrestaurant

2 course with soda - 1750

Service Charge: 10%

Review:   American-themed restaurant, plays a solid soundtrack of popular  American songs, has friendly English-speaking staff and serves tasty American dishes. I was brought the lunch menu once seated, ordered and had the lunch set  served within a few minutes. The soup I tried was made with white cheese and smoked sausage with fried tortilla strips, savory without being heavy. My main dish was an Italian-American style lasagna with a hearty beef ragu, crispy top layer of pasta with baked cheese, and a small layer of ricotta in the middle. The orange soda was also quite good, like a fresher version of Sunkist soda. Their lunch menu also lists a smaller version of a Chicago deep-dish pizza, which looked pretty authentic and other Americans have raved about. Overall, great choice for a tasty lunch that's not too heavy, and also cheaper/healthier than Burger King if you're craving American food.

Araz Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 42, 1074

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8b34sFN7VoFUrgCV7

Menu: https://www.araz.hu/

2 course - 1990

3 course - 2490

Japanika

Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 7, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Cvy1oCNkREJKQpy87

Menu: http://japanika.hu/wp-content/themes/japanika/images/business-menu-hu.jpg

2 course - 2590

Bisztró Most

Address: Budapest, Zichy Jenő u. 17, 1066

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/UyhpRT1hVGYhqQtJA

Menu: http://www.mostbisztro.hu/etlap/

https://www.facebook.com/mostbisztro/

2 course  - 1590

3 course - 1790

Review: Lunch menu posted prominently in English and Hungarian on the wall and in the menu, dishes don't change though. Casual restaurant and dress, serves Hungarian, European and some Indian dishes. I had a cup of goulash with a slice of bread as appetizer, which had a nice flavor although the broth was a bit light and vegetables/beef could have been cooked longer. Main was 3 pan fried bacon-wrapped chicken fillets, a little salty but freshly cooked and tasty with the blue cheese sauce and rice.  Chocolate brownie was more like a slightly dry chocolate cake with chocolate syrup, not worth ordering.  Kitchen is fast, outside area starts to fill up around 1pm but plenty of seating inside and out for about 300 people. Wait staff spoke English and were efficient. 10% service charge, and it looked like they offered free filtered water. Good for large groups and safe choices for tourists with enough menu options to make everyone happy.

La Perle Noire Restaurant & Lounge

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 111, 1063

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MW9MirTzx51sQm1t8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/laperlenoirebudapest

2 course  - 2900

3 course - 3900

BESTIA

Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 9, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zLp43fWxUk2JGEkN8

Menu: https://bestia.hu/

2 course - 2200

3 course - 2690

Mészár Steak Kitchen

Address: Budapest, Károlyi utca 11, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nWLCdiUW4NbijDZf7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/meszarsteak.kitchen/

2 course - 1875

3 course - 2320

Trattoria La Coppola

Address: Budapest, Károlyi utca 19, 1056

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fEfckEjZo2RUnZ5r7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/TrattoriaLaCoppola/

Pasta + espresso + water - 2190

Kolette Bistro

Address: Budapest, Károly krt. 26, 1052

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/RujsrYeUJXvhEd5C9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/KoletteBistro/

2 course - 1490

3 course  - 1690

Na'Pasta Bistro

Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 26, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Pp2BJPk1942cqMtz8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/napastabistro/

2 course - 1480

Hours: 12 - 2pm

Via Luna Étterem és Kávéház

Address: Budapest, Nagysándor József u. 1, 1054

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zftZgLme6bkbyZFR6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/ViaLunaRestaurant/

2 course - 1350

3 course  - 1680

Hours: 11am - 3pm

EZ IS BUDAI

Address: Budapest, Varsányi Irén u. 33, 1027

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/U3HQVvwEPoB1iix2A

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/ezisbudai/

2 course - 1690

Vakvarjú Restaurant - Paulay Ede location

Address: Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 7, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/RQwbpXH3dnksEzk27

Menu: https://pest.vakvarju.com/deli-menu/

2 course (with drink) - 1250

3 course (with drink) - 1650

Recommended by Krisztina

Vakvarjú Restaurant - RAM Colosseum location

Address: Budapest, Érem u. 2, 1116

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Cmrk2aD5kaQYpHJo7

Menu: https://ujlipot.vakvarju.com/deli-menu/

2 course (with drink) - 1250

3 course (with drink) - 1650

Recommended by Krisztina

Veranda Grill & Wine Étterem

Address: Budapest, Vendel u. 9, 1096

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1UWftj154HqGBeoV6

Menu: http://verandaetterem.hu/heti-menu/

2 course - 1390

+ Dessert - 490

Recommended by Peter

Kőleves Vendéglő

Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 41, 1075

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/m6fui4TTdQMVos1A7

Menu: https://kolevesvendeglo.hu/hu/frontpage/vendeglo/napiMenu

2 course (Vegetarian) -  1300

2 course (Normal) -  1450

+ Dessert - 490

Regős Vendéglő

Address: Budapest, Szófia u. 33, 1068

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MBHrCN9bZaGchdYw7

Menu: http://regosvendeglo.hu/

2 course - 1300

3 course  - 1700

400 Bar Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 52, 1075

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7wauo2Bxhex7Qnwp8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/400bar.hu/

3 course menu - 1490

Opus Jazz Club

Address: Budapest, Mátyás u. 8, 1093

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/2tKQtvZgeqKZvKF67

Menu: https://opusjazzclub.hu/en/menu

2 course - 1250

3 course - 1490

Sport Bisztró

Address: Budapest, Szőnyi út 2, 1142

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bbe1a2cMXwvt8dnTA

Menu: https://sportbisztro.hu/aktualis-menuink/

3 course -1490

Metropolitan Étterem

Address: Budapest, Kéthly Anna tér 1, 1077

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/YVMsgFkBBs5DNM3PA

Menu: https://cafemetropolitan.hu/  

2 course (Vegetarian) - 980

2 course (Normal) - 1050

Karcsi Vendéglő

Address: Budapest, Jókai u. 20, 1066

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/xdzVkCwNHYZ9K8wE9

Menu: http://karcsibacsivendeglo.com/letoltes/napi_menu.pdf

2 course menu - 1100

+ Drink - 220

Antré Étterem

Address: Budapest, Király u. 8, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/sG55fGfU1fjRuCFPA

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/antrebudapest/

2 course (with juice) - 2390

3 course (with juice and coffee) - 3150

Pesti Disznó

Address: Budapest, Nagymező u. 19, 1063

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VBKNfG3k4XJCXawV7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/PestiDiszno

2 course - 1490

3 course - 1990

Extra

Address: Budapest, Klauzál u. 15, 1072

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/aXrR7QauxyypAdi96

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/extrabudapest

3 course - 1190

Szelence Café Health Food Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Pauler u. 8, 1013

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1Uzs2qDfcE6YoztL9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/szelencecafe/

2 course - 1350

3 course - 2000

Darshan Udvar Étterem

Address: Budapest, Krúdy Gyula u. 7, 1088

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/936BJ23PdnyaHDVs8

Menu: https://www.darshan.hu/

Soup - 300

Main - 910-1180

Dessert - 300

Recommended by Melinda

Anytime Étterem és Kávézó

Address: Budapest, Bécsi út 136, 1037

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Ysseefuax2SG5Pm68

Menu: https://anytimecafe.hu/napi-menuk/

2 course (Vegetarian) - 1090

2 course (Normal) - 1290

3 course (weekend) - 2190

Bangkok Thai Étterem

Address: Budapest, Só u. 3, 1056

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/h35JN3uGDHa5ixSL7

Menu: https://www.thaietterem.hu/en/beverages.html#lunch-menu

2 course - 1500

Jelen Bisztro

Address: Budapest, Blaha Lujza tér 1, 1085

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/K2rx8cDQEnBGeoed6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/jelenbisztro

3 course - 1690

Iguana Mexican Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Zoltán u. 16, 1054

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/2rURNHiBeKr3SaY29

Menu: http://www.iguana.hu/

2 course - 1650

Elysée Bistro & Kávéház

Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 13-15, 1055

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hB1Xe3oDkRm1RgMs8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/elyseebistro/

2 course - 2190

Claro Bisztró

Address: Budapest, Ráday u. 35, 1092

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/QmW7xbNoMF58hddQ7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/clarobisztro/

2 course - 1200

3 course - 1500

Review: Popular casual spot for lunch with locals and tourists, almost everyone here for daily menu at lunch time. Tasty lentil soup with spicy sausage. Entree was homestyle penne arrabiata topped with a pan fried chicken breast and shredded mozzarella. Dessert was a small slice of bread pudding with berry sauce. Overall this place offers a quick, cheap meal similar to what you'd make at home, albeit mass produced for quick serving and consumption so not freshly made or hot. No service charge.

A KERT Bisztró

Address: Budapest, Thököly út 57b, 1146

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ax5HiEjJ9sqi4Gp5A

Menu: http://www.akertbisztro.hu/

2 course - 1950

3 course - 2400

+ Lemonade - 300

Kajahu Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Petőfi Sándor u. 11, 1052

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hTBSdv3Kptz7NZcr6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/kajahu/

3 course - 1490

Mantra Masala

Address: Budapest, Vörösmarty u. 31, 1064

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/2NHAYDAz3bZHfzbBA

1 curry with rice - 1200

2 curries with rice - 1500

Samosas - 400

Review: Great vegetarian Indian place for a quick meal. Friendly owner will describe the dishes, speaks English and Hungarian, serves delicious samosas and has 4 tasty curries available daily to choose from.  

Véndiák Étterem

Address: Budapest, Egyetem tér 5, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PbMxrXm4dN5oaxSr6

Menu: https://www.vendiaketterem.hu/heti_ajanlat

2 course (with drink) - 1590

Café Csiga

Address: Budapest, Vásár u. 2, 1084

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/HtH38JiFkfmFU4Dx8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/cafecsiga

Appetizer  - 500-600

Main - 1000-2000

Dessert - 500

Drink - 300

Ruben Étterem

Address: Budapest, Magyar u. 12-14, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nuheGavNnUTWfPn9A

Menu: http://www.rubenrestaurant.hu/napimenu

3 course - 1250

Gerlóczy Cafe

Address: Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 1, 1052

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/H3qd8hKHBs9SsAvi7

Menu: http://www.gerloczy.hu/

2 course (worker's lunch) - 2590

Tom George Budapest

Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 8, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FBT2VJi68vXgr4ZY7

Menu: https://www.tomgeorge.hu/en/#napiajanlat

2 course - 2600

KOLLÁZS - Brasserie & Bar

Address: Budapest, Széchenyi István tér, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/XdijW3qi3wVRk8NB6

Menu: http://kollazs.hu/

3 course - 3800

4 course - 4300

Blitz.Konyha

Address: Budapest, Madách Imre út 8, 1075

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3UCuqX2sr1RniDnJ6

3 course - 2250

Börze

Address: Budapest, Nádor u. 23, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6uUsjfuG7VQKL2YK7

Menu: http://borzeetterem.hu/

2 course - 1490

Pörc & Prézli Étterem

Address: Budapest, Lázár u. 1, 1065

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8B46Gk8reh9qJa6i9

Menu: http://www.porcesprezli.hu/hu/napi-menu

3 course (with drink) - 3990

Menza Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/B4bwnmf6i9PneRmv9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/menzarestaurant/

2 course - 1490

Café Vian

Address: Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 9, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MHnYV3Bk5vzqHcTQ7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/cafevianbistro/

2 course - 1460

+Dessert - 410

Bistro Fine

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 8, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hivCXDrpUzhjjpMc6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/bistrofine

2 course - 2650

3 course - 3450

Lecso Hungarian Fast Food

Address: Budapest, Szent István krt. 10, 1137

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/aa8hko55jTxjdpKj7

Menu: http://lecsogyorsetterem.hu/gyorsetterem-napi-menu/

2 course - 1250

Gettó Gulyás

Address: Budapest, Wesselényi u. 18, 1077

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bPGsUVDguy9bCY4u9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/gettogulyas/

3 course (with drink) - 1450

Review: Hungarian eatery in the Jewish district that's busy during lunch and dinner hours. Friendly English-speaking staff that had no problem with an expat ordering the daily lunch menu, although they failed to tell me it included a spritzer or syrup soda. The food was decent if a bit bland, with an adequate lunch portion to fill you up and get you on your way quickly. My lunch included a clear soup with potato chunks, beef stew with tarhonya(egg barley) and a slice of apple strudel. Credit cards accepted, casual dress is the norm here, no A/C so it was quite warm inside that day. Overall the lunch set was cheap, filling but not memorable.

Ristorante Krízia

Address: Budapest, Mozsár u. 12, 1066

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/s9rG8D8JXNbegvUK9

Menu: http://www.ristorantekrizia.hu/

3 course  - 1500

Magdalena Merlo Étterem

Address: Budapest, Király u. 59/b, 1072

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VVEyae1PabK8sXKPA

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/magdalenamerlorestaurant/

2 course - 1190

Aurum Bistro

Address: Budapest, Zrínyi u. 5, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cmDy4DtU8FLcWf6L7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/aurumbistro

2 course - 1250

3 course - 1640

Komédiás Kávéház

Address: Budapest, Nagymező u. 26, 1065

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fFrHx9byakdpZoXZ7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/komediaskavehaz/

2 course - 1290

Mátyás Pince Étterem

Address: Budapest, Március 15. tér 7, 1056

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/tq2qTK6U5FLr4YqdA

Menu: http://matyaspince.eu/menu/

2 course(with water or coffee) - 1350

Stex Ház

Address: Budapest, József krt. 55-57, 1085

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/kgR33vocpjpqd6S6A

Menu: https://www.stexhaz.hu/index.php/hu/etl/deli-ajanlat

https://www.facebook.com/stexhaz/

3 course - 1590

+ Pickles - 350

Fecske Presszo

Address: Budapest, Baross u. 10, 1088

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mDmQxhvMWuXVeVY17

Menu: http://fecskepresszo.com/heti-menu

Soup  - 300(small) 500 (large)

Main - 875

Dessert - 300

Divin Porcello

Address: Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 7, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1Z4NAVmgfAW5CDr39

Menu: https://divinporcello.hu/napi-menu

2 course - 1420

Sonka Arcok

Address: Budapest, Kecskeméti u. 2, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MzHswuGK81BuFvMK9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/sonkaarcok

2 course - 1550

3 course - 1750

Il Pastaio

Address: Budapest, Deák Ferenc u. 7, 1052

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/BwZpenkWGZELZddH8

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/IlPastaioBudapest

1 course - 1290

2 course - 1590

3 course - 1990

Urban betyár

Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 16-18, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/sfKegGMqWW4HktrP6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/urbanbetyar/?fref=ts

2 course - 1650

+ Dessert - 590

+ Coffee - 390

Budapest Barbecue Company

Address: Budapest, Szent István krt. 13, 1055

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/21UpHmqQhb4By2n18

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/budapestbarbecuecompany/

2 course(with soda) - 1750

+ Dessert - 490

Service Charge: 10%

Review: Large seating areas indoors and outside, servers spoke English and were efficient. I had to ask for the lunch menu since it's only in Hungarian and not offered to expats by default, but it was brought with a smile and offer to translate. Garlic cream soup with croutons and grated cheese had a light garlic flavor and was a medium thickness creamy cheese soup, tasty although croutons tasted stale. The pork chops were pan fried, with a slice of Monterrey jack cheese melted on top, plain but not too dry or overcooked, and still warm. Mashed potatoes were too blended, but seemed real and not from mix.  The Jack Daniels sauce was more of a thickened au jus and lacked the signature Jack Daniels sweet and smokey flavor I was expecting, but did help the flavor of the mash. Orange soda was good and a large glass served. Overall, cheap but not very exciting lunch menu, I55 down the street seems to do a better job at the same price.

Stika Gastropub

Address: Budapest, Dob u. 46/a, 1072

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/m3LRUsHTjio7ZgoL7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/stikabudapest/

2 course -1990

3 course - 2490

Monk's Bistrot

Address: Budapest, Piarista köz 1, 1052

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/m3tPmvAebLZWpqRZA

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/monksbistrot/

3 course - 2780

Central Cafe and Restaurant 1887

Address: Budapest, Károlyi utca 9, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8LjTZgFGomNzfAEW8

Menu: http://centralkavehaz.hu/en/friendly-lunch-menu/

2 course - 2450

3 course - 2990

Borssó Bistro

Address: Budapest, Királyi Pál u. 14, 1053

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/9T6Hh3yZaGULDBDe9

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/Borsso.Bistro/

http://www.borsso.hu/en/borsso-ebedre-menu

2 course - 3000

3 course - 4000

Frici Papa

Address: Budapest, Király u. 55, 1077

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Y8nHfh7zc4UWr7kGA

Menu: http://www.fricipapa.hu/

Appetizer - 500-700

Main - 1000-1200

Dessert  - 300-500

Haveli Indian Restaurant

Address: Budapest, Szinyei Merse u. 1, 1063

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/pRZCqKGq7iFG6spg8

Menu: http://www.haveli.hu/haveliindianrestaurant/heti-menu/

3 course (Non-Veg) - 1690

3 course (Veg) - 1490

Artusi Bistro

Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 32, 1075

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3AYju4XH1ubtcvePA

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/Artusibistro/

2 course - 1590

3 course - 2090

Salaam Bombay

Address:  Budapest, Mérleg u. 6, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Dki4zBRThgw8Hoyr6

Rice, Bread, Soup and 2 curries (Vegetarian) - 1850

Új Sipos Halászkert

Address: Budapest, Fő tér 6, 1033

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/HQiUX8wBsYEtcCJV7

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/ujsipos.hu

2 course - 1250

Gundel Étterem

Address: Budapest, Gundel Károly út 4, 1146

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1RJBLfckRhPkXop46

Menu: https://gundel.hu/en/menu/

3 course - 6500-7900

Soul Food

Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 32, 1075

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/DryncZmYEFtR9iUn6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/soulfoodbp/

Main course - 1490

+ Dessert - 390

Belvárosi Lugas Vendéglő

Address: Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 15/A, 1065

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/BCsRhB25WPGz9v4E6

Menu: http://lugas-etterem.com/etlap/

Tourist Menu - 12 Euro

Continental Menu - 12 Euro

Kiadó Kocsma

Address: Budapest, Jókai tér 3, 1061

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Xad322Fd3PsoppL8A

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/kiadokocsma

2 course - 1500

Kisharang Étkezde

Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 17, 1051

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/HdbU98aRjWjbhBAv9

Menu: https://kisharang.hu/

2 course menu - 1200

Szlovák Söröző

Address: Budapest, Bihari János u. 17, 1055

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Nj96yTSHbQr73p4x6

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/szlovak.etterem.sorozo/

2 course (with pickles) - 1200

Rajkot Palace

Address: Budapest, Nyáry Pál u. 9, 1056

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6ucZJCVib98D9wDk6

Vegetarian Thali - 1500

Non-Veg Thali - 1700

Bali's beaches and rugged cliffs greet your weary eyes just before landing at the airport in its capital city of Denpasar. Clearing immigration and customs is fairly efficient, in spite of the enormous number of flights constantly leaving and arriving at this fairly modern island airport. These details forewarn of exactly what you should understand foremost about Bali, and that is the simple fact that over the last few decades it has been developed into a massively successful tourist destination, with all the goods and evils entailed. As one of the world's most popular island destinations, the local tourism industry will do its best to part you from your money as soon as you step off your plane, usually with a warm smile and friendly conversation in English. Keep this in mind, and enjoy Bali's natural attractions and local flavors with a smile in place and a polite no to ward off touts and aggressive salespeople.

It's usually a good idea to arrange transport via your hotel from the airport and hire a driver for the course of your stay if you plan on moving around the island. In the popular southwestern coast of the island (Kuta area) there are usually many taxis roaming the streets, albeit the majority will not use a meter so good haggling skills are required. A good alternative for most locations is the use of the Grab or GoJek apps to find transport around Kuta and Denpasar areas, although they will not pick up from some areas that are controlled by local taxi mafia so be careful and move a few blocks away if you're too close to a taxi stand. If you're comfortable with driving in Southeast Asian islands, renting a motorcycle or car is a great alternative to explore the various areas of the island.

Popular Balinese Dishes

Babi Guling

Unlike the majority of Indonesia, the residents of Bali enjoy a variety of non-halaal foods. Their most celebrate dish is known as Babi Guling, which is a whole roasted pig prepared in a variety of ways and served with rice. Because of the heat and time it takes for roasting, you'll see the majority of these places open at night, although a few decent ones can be found daytime.

Nasi Campur

You will see most restaurants offering their version of nasi campur, which is an assortment of small dishes served with rice. The set usually includes a soup, a grilled skewer of minced meat, spicy sambal, some vegetables and another protein or curry. They are a great and cheap way to try different the different flavors popular in Indonesia.

Southwest Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Korobokan)

When many people think of Bali, they picture the gorgeous resorts and beachside often restaurants depicted in tourist photos of the island destination. Kuta is the beach town area that started it all, and remains ground zero for international tourists. This area also has a very large number of primarily Australian expats, so you're sure to find a great variety of dining and drinking options no matter what your country of origin. Just north of the Kuta section of the coast is the area called Seminyak, which is the more upscale and slightly quieter version of Kuta. If you want beaches, restaurants and more upscale nightlife, then Seminyak is where you're most likely want to stay. Kuta caters more towards the backpacker and college crowds, so expect rowdier (but cheaper) bars and restaurants in this area.

What to do:

• Go to the W Hotel where you can order drinks by the pool and enjoy the facilities.

• Watch sunset on the beach, but avoid places like La Plancha which are swarmed by people so they make you order a drink and entree during sunset hours.

• Paris Cat Jazz Club has live music most nights of the week, focusing on Jazz, chill place with a main lounge floor and a rooftop area with a nice breeze at night.

• 40 Thieves is Bali's only true cocktail bar sporting a speakeasy vibe above a Japanese restaurant. Their talented bartenders will help you choose from their creative proper cocktail.

• Bar di Bali is a chill hip-hop cocktail bar at the north end of Seminyak with staff that occasionally rap or dance with the clients.

• La Favela night club is consistently one of the most popular, but beware high prices and rough staff.

• Motel Mexicola can be amusing to watch drunk tourists and their vacation shenanigans.

Where to eat:

Babi Guling Bu Dayu
Babi Guling Bu Dayu serves up a great assortment of pork in different forms. Their dishes tend to be on the spicier side, and larger in quantity than other versions I tried. It's extremely popular, so food is always fresh and served warm, albeit with some delay at times due to takeout orders. You can and should order their babi guling combination with an order of the soup to fully enjoy the experience.

Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen
If you're staying around the Seminyak area and want some Babi Guling for breakfast, Warung Babi Gulin Pak Malen is an excellent choice, and my second favorite among the many I visited. They are open and busy during breakfast and lunch, with take-out boxes also a popular option. If you're nearby, buy one and snack on it later.

Made's Warung
Large and touristy but still satisfying, they server up a wide-range of local and international foods, with live music and performances(check their schedule by calling first). Their Nasi Campur was surprisingly good and their wait staff quite attentive.

Revolver Piccolo
Excellent little coffee shop

Crumb&Coaster
Opens early, great coffee and good breakfast options with cute decor and amazing staff.

Sisterfields
A popular choice for their Australian vibe and tasty fare. Can't go wrong with the burger and fries here, as well as the coffee.

Warung Souvlaki
If you get a craving for a souvlaki wrap, this one was actually pretty good.

Denpasar

Denpasar is the capital of Bali, and the Denpasar city area houses the majority of the island's government buildings and residences. This section of Bali houses a number of leafy residential areas and the island's more affluent local population. It's the part of Bali you'll want to stay in for government and business purposes, and has many nice restaurants and hip hangouts catering more towards locals.

Where to eat:

Warung Léko
Leko is a good choice if you're wandering around central Denpasar and want to cool off with air-conditioning while eating ribs, rice and spicy sambals. It's a local chain but a reliable one that is popular with locals who also order wild rice and stir-fried vegetables to go with their meats.

Warung Be Pasih
If you need to go to the Thai consulate in Denpasar, this place is nearby and a good option for lunch. They're most popular dishes seemed to be fish, sate and grilled chicken with rice and sambal.

Sanur

If you want a quiet beach-town experience with modern tourist conveniences, then Sanur is the part of Bali that you'll want to stay in. Sanur has a very long stretch of beach and boardwalk lined with hotels, restaurants and of course shops. Sanur is more family-oriented than Kuta/Seminyak, and much quieter at night with limited night-life aside from some beachside bars and restaurants. Sanur is also where most of the boat ferries depart from Bali to the Lombok/Gili and Lemgongan/Ceningan/Penida island groups.

What to do:

Sanur Beach
Multiple tour and water activity options offered along the boardwalk, with even more restaurants, shops and friendly touts. The beaches have some nice sandy parts to relax and soak up some sun as well as some rocky areas if you'd like to join the fisherman for some action.

Where to eat:

Warung Sanur Segar
Top 10 Trip Advisor Indo-mex beach shack worth a stop if you want a little California vibe mixed with Indonesian flavors. The owner/chef/waitress does everything herself, but she also uses excellent ingredients and prepares tasty and very inexpensive meals that are worth dropping by if you want a burrito or quesadilla.

Rasa Senang Restaurant
Good assortment of Indonesian dishes with an outside terrace to watch people strolling by on a nice night.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

A one hour ferry ride south of Bali will bring you to Nusa Lembonga island, part of the Nusa Penida island group. If you're looking for a more natural island experience with tourist comforts, than Lembongan may be more your style. This island has just started to develop in the last few years, so accommodations and infrastructure are still fairly basic. This also means much of island in undeveloped and offers more opportunity to get off the beaten path and enjoy the sights without being surrounded by luxury resorts. The best way to get around is to rent a motorcycle, as then you can also visit the adjacent island of Nusa Ceningan which is connected to Lembongan via a metal bridge. Take a ferry from Sanur and explore for a day trip. Book your tickets ahead of time and they will pick you up and drop you off from your hotel. You can certainly stay overnight but there isn't much happening on the island after dark.
https://foursquare.com/v/marlin-lembongan-cruiser/4fff98dce4b0b5d60d2bbcc4

What to see:

Yellow Bridge to Cenida
This links Lembongan to Cenida, and yes, it's two way traffic!

Devil's Tear(Lembongan)
Experience the fury of the ocean as it pounds the cliffs on the eastern coast of Lembongan.

Dream Beach(Lembongan)
Just around a bend of coast near Devil's Tear, Dream Beach looks like a small slice of island paradise.

Blue Lagoon(Cenida)
Well worth a visit to Cenida just for this. Hike around to see deep blue pools of water churned into frothing waves crashing onto limestone cliffs.

Where to eat:

Mahana Point(Cenida)
Dive off a cliff next to a small restaurant at the end of the island, then have a beer and watch surfers ride the rollers onto shore. Their special fried noodles with chicken was surprisingly good compared to many other places if you're hungry, but don't expect much beyond the staple Indonesian dishes of fried rice, noodles or chicken.
https://foursquare.com/v/mahana-jumping-point/52ee167c11d2a1340c37d34e

North/Central Bali (Ubud)

Ubud is definitely the cultural center and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Bali beyond it's resort life. There are hundreds of small and large temples scattered among the jungle hills of Bali's interior and Ubud is usually where most tourist's base their visit. There are no taxis or Grabs once you leave the main southern Bali area, so it's best to arrange local transport with a good driver that knows the area. Ubud's geography encourages you to get lost amidst temple destinations small and large, occasionally finding a perfect moment away from the tourist crowds.

What to do:

Pura Gunung Kawi
One of my favorites if you're up for a little physical exertion, as this temple is set in a hilly area which also had many less tourists than other ones I visited. The walk is rewarded with views of massive cliff carvings and temple grounds among rice terraces.

Tanah Lot
Sure it's popular and will have loads of people, but it's also fairly extensive. Walk along the clifftop boardwalk, buy a cold beer from a vendor and enjoy the sunset on the beach.

Goa Gajah
Interesting old temple with some pushy monks, but worth it once you escape into the temple grounds and their ancient trees.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Interesting zoo/attraction created to look like ancient temple grounds dedicated to monkeys. The monkeys are generally cute and well-behaved and it makes for some great pictures and nice walks through the jungle setting.
https://foursquare.com/v/sacred-monkey-forest-sanctuary/4c7364260e8cbfb7857509db

Sahadewa Barong Dance
Their night show was very entertaining and reasonably priced, a must-do since there isn't much else at night in Ubud.

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati
Since you're already in downtown Ubud, walk through it's courtyard and check out the impressive lotus ponds.
https://foursquare.com/v/pura-taman-kemuda-saraswati/4fcc950be4b0dc2779122215

Tegallalang Rice Terrace
A top tourist stop, it's nice if there aren't too many tourists at the time you visit and if it's a sunny day. Otherwise you can just take a picture from the top without climbing down and up the terrace walkways. Pura Gunung Kawi has some nice smaller rice terraces without the crowds.

Luwak Coffee Plantations
Coffee plantations/stores are another popular tourist trap in the area, but worth going to as a break from temples. They will give you samples of different types of coffee for free, and you can then order another coffee to savor while enjoying the view or buy items from their overpriced shop.

Mount Batur Viewpoint
A number of tourist-trap restaurants line the road that leads to Mount Batur, with a great view of the mountain and the lake at it's base. The food is generally edible but nothing special, overpriced and a bit bland to fit most tourists. The view is rather nice and worth a stop to enjoy for a bit.

Taman Ayun
Popular temple although I'd only stop by if it were on the way to another destination, not worth a stop on its own.

The Blanco Renaissance Museum
This museum is worth a visit if you're into surreal art, although I liked it more for the grounds and building than the art itself.

Tegenungan Waterfall
So-so small waterfalls, better to skip and spend more time elsewhere.

Where to eat:

Babi Guling Gung Cung
Opens around 11AM, solid Babi Guling near the heart of Ubud town.

Note: Use the links above to download a companion app for this post that contains all my recommendations for Chiang Mai with more useful information, links and photos!

Chiang Mai is the fifth largest city in Thailand, but its old town area remains charming and compact enough to make repeat visits enjoyable, in addition to the many natural and tourist attractions just outside the city.

While I love living in Bangkok, I also like an occasional escape to Chiang Mai to enjoy its laid-back vibe and forested mountain areas, especially during the "winter" months. I usually spend time in the old town area, then go to the Nimmanhaemin area just to the west, which offers more hip cafes, restaurants and galleries that are worth exploring. Going further west from the city are the mountain regions bordering the Chiang Mai valley, including the two most famous: Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon. Motorcycle drivers will especially enjoy the well-maintained roads winding their way through the peaks and valleys.

General Information

Anyone visiting Chiang Mai for the first time should read Wikitravel for a brief overview on its history, areas and tourist information. Foursquare and Tripadvisor can also be useful for choosing places and attractions, although you should sift through the reviews carefully depending on whether you want a more local or a more tourist-oriented experience. I'll link relevant pages under my suggestions so you can look at location, reviews and opening hours for each one.

Taxi options: On arrival, airport taxis have flat rate of 150 baht to anywhere in the old city region, but otherwise are not common in the region. Uber and Grab are more reliable and faster alternatives to tuk-tuks and songthaews(pickup trucks with benches used as buses) for transport, as well as cheaper in general unless you speak Thai and bargain well. Many people choose to rent a motorbike or car for their visits, as driving is generally much more doable here than in Bangkok.

Motorcycle rentals: Most of the larger rental agencies are on the ring road that circles old town, along with a few gas stations. You can also purchase gas from many local shops in 1L bottles, especially in rural areas where there are no gas stations at all. Most hotels will have a delivery arrangement with a local rental shop, which offers convenience for a slightly higher daily fee. Take pictures from all angles and test the brakes before accepting to avoid the occasional damaged bike repair scam, and be sure to fill it to the same gasoline level before returning. You should also have an international driving permit with you as there are often police checkpoints on the ring road and near the university. I've used Buddy Motorbike on north ring road a few times and haven't have any problems.

Eating

Lanna cuisine is distinct from other regions in Thailand, and tends to be less spicy and less sour, with more influence from Burmese flavors. Most traditional Lanna restaurants will sell an appetizer or meal set which will include 3-5 of the most popular typical dishes, making this a great choice for first-time visitors. Most of my suggestions for Lanna restaurants lean to more authentic local flavors, which may be too spicy/bold for some palates. Not all Lanna dishes are spicy, but if you're not a fan of chili then you should ask for milder versions of curries and stir-fries, and avoid most of the dips. For more details on popular Lanna dishes, you can read this page and this one.

Huen Muan Jai Restaurant

My long-time favorite for local Lanna cuisine, set in a nice old wooden house quite close to the old city, with English friendly menus and some English-speaking staff. Everything I've had there was good over multiple visits over the years and is a must-visit whenever I'm in Chiang Mai. Order the appetizer set to try their excellent Sai Oua(Lanna sausage), two Nampriks(spicy green chili and milder tomato dips served with veggies and pork rinds), fried fermented pork ribs and Geng Hang Lei(sweet braised pork belly curry). They close Wednesdays though, which is different from most restaurants in the area that close Sundays or Mondays. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Han Thung Chiang Mai (Cafe Nature)

My second favorite Lanna place, a little outside the main Chiang Mai area, but not far from Chiang Mai University. They have a huge menu of smaller portioned and cheap dishes so you can and should order many to try a little of everything. The menu has some English, and someone will usually be able to suggest their most popular dishes if you can't decide. They usually have ant egg dishes if you want to try something different(don't worry, they don't really taste like much, more like bland caviar). The main restaurant is actually the outdoor bamboo-covered areas behind the modern glass Cafe Nature coffee shop, but I think they will serve food in there as well if they are full outside or if it's too hot. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Khun Yay’s Khao Soi

My favorite local khao soi spot in chiang mai, just next to a wat on north ring road and set in the yard of their family home. Her beef khao soi is my favorite, but she also has chicken and pork versions, and all are very cheap. It's become quite popular among tourists and Thais, so you may have to wait for a table, but it's worth it. Other people rave about Khao Soi Mae Sai which is just next to Huen Muan Jai, but I think Khun Yay's is slightly better. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Warm Up Cafe

Chiang Mai university hotspot for dinner and drinks, Warm Up also has club music in the back room for partying later at night. Great food and drinks, good prices, an English friendly menu and huge dining area good for larger groups, all make this very popular every night, and packed on the weekends. It will be mostly Thai locals, but they usually have a cover band for 2 hours of English songs and another one for 2 hours of Thai songs, with some foreigners finding their way there to drink and eat. The food steers more towards Isaan and central Thai favorites although there are some Lanna dishes as well. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Tong Tem Toh

Another great place for Lanna cuisine in a wooden house setting found in the middle of the trendy Nimman area. They serve all the usual Lanna dishes along with other Isaan and Central Thai plates, among which the grilled fish and pork neck are crowd favorites. Many of their barbecue items are only available in the evening though, so stick to Lanna dishes like the appetizer platter, burmese pork belly curry or ant egg dishes if you go for lunch. It's gotten to be quite popular with locals and tourists, so you'll probably have to wait a bit if you come after 6pm, just make sure to get a queue number and menu so you can pre-order your dishes before being seated. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Fern Forest Cafe

This cafe offers an excellent assortment of dessert dishes, although their regular food menu was just ok. I loved their coconut cream cake which was not too sweet, and their french toast dessert was very tasty as well. The cafe is set in a pretty garden space, with a relaxed vibe that makes it a good choice for a break after walking around old town on a hot day. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

The Swan Burmese Cuisine

Cute place to try some Burmese(Myanmar) dishes such as the famous Myanmar tea leaf salad. Due to it's location in the old town area, it's a little touristy and slow when busy, but serves pretty good food when you want something a little different than Thai. Stick to the various salads and soups for their best dishes, although a few others like the Beef curry and Shan noodles were pretty good. You'll notice the influence of Burmese cuisine on many of the typical Lanna dishes, as they tend to slant more towards a light Indian flavor profile with less chili and more spices than Thai dishes. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Graph Cafe

This cafe is one of the originals from the Instagram-worthy cafe scene in Chiang Mai and continues to serve very good (and very pretty) coffee and desserts, although their original location is quite small and popular due to it's location in old town. They offer standard coffee choices done properly, as well as specializing in a number of cold brew and charcoal-activated creations. They have a new and much larger modern location with a food menu at One Nimman mall, near the start of Nimman road. Don't miss their cookies! [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Rock Me Burger

If you get tired of Thai food and want a good burger, this is a popular spot for dinner and drinks that serves great burgers. The menu is rather small and focuses on burgers, hot dogs and a few salads, so you should only come if you want a burger of some sort. Like most places in Thailand, they tend to go heavy on the mayo, and the Mac and Cheese is not great, but otherwise they do a great job with the various burger choices, french fries, onion rings and milkshakes. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Salsa Kitchen

Great Mexican/TexMex restaurant, especially for being in Thailand where the majority are pretty bad. I enjoyed their fresh-fried corn tortilla chips, guacamole and carnitas soft tacos, all are worth ordering. Most meals are served in large American-sized portions, especially if you order one of their tasty burrito lunch combinations. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Khao Soi Islam

This place is run by Muslim Thais, so no pork dishes, but their beef khao soi and mutton biryani were great. They have a much larger menu than most Khao Soi places, which tend to just serve that and the other popular Lanna noodle soup (Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao). Regardless, its best to stick to the chicken or beef khao soi, or one of the biryani dishes as the other choices I tried were average. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Sightseeing

Lanna Folklife Museum

Excellent modern museum focusing on the arts and crafts of the Lanna people. Small enough to enjoy in an hour, it has a nice variety of historic and modern examples from the Lanna culture with English explanations, as well as having wonderful air conditioning to cool off on a hot day. This museum is in the center of town, and has some other nice statues and buildings to look at while you're in the area. Across the street from the museum is an older museum on Chiang Mai history that can be skipped unless you're interested in the historical background of the region. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Tiger Kingdom

The only animal-themed attraction I really liked, they take good care of the animals. Unlike other infamous place in Thailand, the tigers are not drugged but do tend to nap in the daytime as with most nocturnal felines. All visits with tigers are timed and under personal supervision from handlers, so it's a rare opportunity to experience these magnificent felines up close and personal. If you’re lucky, they’ll have baby tigers you can feed and take pictures with. It's not cheap but definitely worth a visit. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Mon Cham Viewpoint

Worth a stop if you’re visiting the mountain temples, botanical gardens, tiger kingdom, etc with your own transport. This is close to all of those attractions and has a nice drive up past the royal project farms to a view of rice terraces and valleys, with hill tribe and local people selling some goods at the base of the topmost viewpoint. Next door is a wooden boxcar ride down a dirt road that's popular for children. Food/drink at the actual viewpoint restaurant aren't great, but it's ok for a snack/beer while you enjoy the view after wandering around for pictures. Food at the newer market/parking area just below the main viewpoint has better local menu choices, although English will be very limited. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Doi Suthep Attractions

There are many other attractions around the Doi Suthep area, of which the Chiang Mai Zoo, Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, Siam Insect Zoo and Mae Sae Waterfall are all worth at least one visit and I enjoyed these the most out of the many I've gone to in the area. There are also many other tourist-trap style attractions such as the Mae Sa Elephant camp or longneck hilltribe villages that I don't really recommend to everyone because of ethical/authenticity/value concerns. Do your research and visit what's best for you as they are all in the same general area.

Chiang Mai Walking Street

The main walking street market is only on Sunday evenings, starts at Thapae Gate and runs most of the way through the city when they close Rachadamnoen road to traffic. This market is great for local crafts, people watching, and snacking on food and drinks from local vendors. It is extremely popular and can get crowded, but you can leave by one of the many side roads if you don't want to traverse the whole thing.
[Foursquare, Tripadvisor] Saturday nights there is a smaller walking street on Wua Lai Road, starting near the South gate, that's similar to the Sunday market. [TripAdvisor]

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

If you want some souvenirs or snacks and you can't make the weekend night markets, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every night. Make sure to go inside the large main buildings and not only along the stalls on the street. Be sure to haggle here if you're going to shop, although I prefer the boutique shops scattered throughout the city for nicer quality souvenirs that are less generic. The inside area has a number of food vendors catering to Chinese and Indian tourists although I've found most of them not worth the prices. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Ploen Rudee Night Market is a newer night market across the street, although it's primarily food and drinks. It is worth stopping by for a beer as they usually have a good band around 7-9pm, but the food is mostly foreign and not very good so I'd generally avoid eating here. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Temples

There are hundreds of temples in the Chiang Mai area and seeing them all would keep you busy for weeks. The following four temples are the ones I enjoy most among the dozens in the old town area and are easily visited by walking around for an hour or two.

Wat Phra Singh Waramahavihan

This temple is one of the most visually impressive in the old town area. The temple houses an important Buddha statue: the Phra Buddha Sihing which gives the temple its name. Every year, during the Songkran festival, the statue is taken from wihan Lai Kham and carried through the streets of Chiang Mai in a religious procession during which the spectators honour the statue by sprinkling water over it. The whole temple complex underwent extensive renovations under the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai during the 1920s. Many of the buildings were again restored in 2002. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara

Built about 600 years ago, Wat Chedi Luang (temple of the royal stupa) is an impressive temple that once housed the precious Emerald Buddha (now in the royal palace in Bangkok). Wat Chedi Luang hosts monk chats every day, where tourists are invited to speak with monks (usually novices) and ask them anything about Buddhism or Thailand. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee was built more than 600 years ago and is situated on the north side of the moat surrounding the old part of the city. You'll notice a few differences from the many other temples in the city. The temple is aligned along a north-south axis - most Buddhist temples are orientated towards the east and the rising sun. The brickwork of the large chedi is left mostly bare, this in contrast to the, often recently, stuccoed chedis of other temples in Chiang Mai. Of note are the finely sculptured Nāgas and wooden temple façade. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Wat Inthakin

Wat Inthakin is a little visited temple in the heart of the old walled town of Chiang Mai, and is the temple where the city pillar was placed in 1296. The temple is also known as the Wat Sadue Muang, which translates to “temple of the city navel”, a reference to the spot in the center of town where the temple was built over 700 years ago.[Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

This temple is on Doi Suthep mountain outside the city,and is probably the most famous in the region. It's well worth at least one visit, although it's usually a bit crowded as a result of its fame. The view of the city valley is worth the trip up the mountain on a nice day, although the road is a bit steep and narrow in some places. If you're riding a motorcycle and have a passenger, drive carefully and make sure you have enough CCs for the climb as well as reliable brakes for the descent. [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]

Nightlife

The main foreigner/backpacker bar/club party area is centered around Zoe In Yellow [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]. This block also includes venues for live reggae/ska music at Root Rocks Reggae Bar and live metal/rock bands at Pentatonic Rock Bar, while Zoe is geared towards DJ/dance music in the middle. After this area closes at 12, most go to Spicy [Foursquare] nightclub on the ring road a few blocks away, which is EDM primarily. Spicy is worth going to if you want to keep partying, as there aren't really any other choices anymore after the recent military crackdowns. Spicy recently moved to a newer venue, so it's more organized and like a modern club instead of its previous sketchy, after-hours venue.

For indoor live cover bands with food and drink, head over to Warm Up Cafe with a younger Thai crowd. For a mellower night at an outdoor riverside venue, Riverside Bar & Restaurant and The Good View are both geared more towards an older tourist crowd. All of these have reasonable food and drink prices, with plenty of tables. Another popular bar for Jazz enthusiasts is North Gate Jazz Co-Op, which is more barebones and much smaller, but has excellent jazz jam bands most nights.

Trips near Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

If you have an extra day in Chiang Mai, a day trip to Chiang Rai is well worth the time to see it's two most famous attractions, the White Temple [Foursquare, TripAdvisor] and the Black House [Foursquare, TripAdvisor]. Both were created by famous Thai artists and are open year round to the public. Most tours from Chiang Mai will include both in their itinerary as well as a stop for lunch to enjoy the Lanna cuisine in Chiang Rai. If you hire a private tour or driver, from hotel or a website such as https://www.klook.com/, then you can go to one of the many restaurants along the Krok river to have a laid-back meal with a view. I enjoyed my lunch at Lulum Rimkok [Foursquare, TripAdvisor], and they had an English menu as well as an English-speaking manager when I went.

Pai

Pai is a small town in the mountains a few hours west of Chiang Mai. This was hugely popular among backpackers for many years and as such has become mostly a tourist town, without many of the charms it must have once possessed as a small rural Thai town. Even worse, the popularity of a recent Chinese movie featuring Pai and Chiang Mai has resulted in growing hordes of Chinese tours over the past few years, making it even less enjoyable as a holiday destination when you want to enjoy nature and a slower life. While there are many pretty natural areas surrounding the town, and a variety of trekking and rafting options, overall I don't think it's worth the long drive from Chiang Mai unless you want a stopover on the way to Mae Hong Son.