FARANG SES
French food

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Chiang Mai.

Tel: 053-888-888
Open daily 7-10pm.

MAHANAGA
Thai fusion food

431 Charoenraj Road, Fahaam, Chiang Mai.

Tel: 053-261-112
Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Sister to the Bangkok restaurant and similarly impressive physically, but this one has the added advantage of being right on the banks of the Ping River. (Prices are lower than in the Capital, as well.) “Fusion” here means the ingredients are authentically Thai, but the proportions, presentation and cooking methods borrow heavily from the West. It’s worth a visit if only for the unforgettable setting; in fact many customers come to drink and skip the food altogether.

HAGI
Japanese food

Corner of Damnernkasem Road and Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan.

Tel: 032-512-021-38
Open daily 3pm-10pm.

There are a few tables plus counter seating inside, but the best thing about Hagi is its pleasant outdoor atmosphere. A large rock fountain bubbles away in the center, and lantern-lit tables are scattered about the courtyard area, far enough away from each other that you can hold intimate conversations. For pre-dinner drinks, there is an outdoor bar with stools and a chillout-world music soundtrack. The two teppanyaki grills are the main attraction here, for people who need to be entertained, not just fed.

LET’S SEA
Thai/international food

83/155 Soi Talay 12, Khao Takiab-Hua-Hin Road.

Tel: 032-536-022
Open Sun-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-midnight.

The coolest place to chill in Hua Hin. Though officially a restaurant, most people go for reasons other than the food-the scene, the sea, the music, that huge lawn, the toilets-and hang out much longer than one meal hour. The recipes are home-style but the presentation is anything but, as with dishes like khao niao moo ping. One-plate dishes from 11am-5pm, then an expanded menu in the evening. Also a place for afternoon dessert and after-dinner drinks. Reservation are a must on weekends and especially during high season and long weekends.

LA BAGUETTE
Bakery

Woodlands Hotel, 164/1 moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Road.

Tel: 038-421-707
Open daily 8am-midnight.

This tiny café uses real French butter to make the most authentic French baked goods in Pattaya: huge airy, flaky croissants (get there early in the day if you want a sweet almost croissant), puff pastries, baguettes, etc. Other reasons to visit include excellent sandwiches, Belgian and other imported beers, cheap coffee, outdoor tables for smokers and the Royal Woodlands Chocolate Cake.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ
American food

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road.

Tel: 038-428-755-9
Open daily 11am-1am.

Over the top but the kind of consistent experience that is sometimes reassuring when you are on holiday in a strange place. As you would expect, huge portions of American culinary masterpieces like burgers, fries and shakes.

PHUJA NIRVANA
Asian/fusion food

1/F, Center Festival Phuket, 74-75 Vichitsongkram Road. Phuket Town.

Tel: 076-291-010
Open daily 11am-11pm.

Built at a cost of 100 million baht, this two-story, 4,000 square-meter space combines the cool minimalism of contemporary Asian design with the refined warmth of traditional Asian art and antiques. The upstairs dining area is divided into six rooms that represent each of the six Asian cuisines on offer: Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese and Indonesian/Malay. The Bar downstairs is a swish club-like space, offering a full range of cocktails and wines.

WATERMARK
Fusion/International/Thai food

Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina, 22/1 Thepkrasattri Road, Koh Keaw.

Tel: 076-239-730
Mobile: 081-737-6184
Open daily 10am-midnight.

One of Phuket’s busiest marinas is home to this crowded all-day restaurant and bar. With its contemporary décor and fancy yachts moored in front of you, the setting could be French Riviera.