By Terrace

As locations go, By Terrace ranks as one of the most centrally-located restaurants in all of Chiang Mai. Opened in January, the chilled out restaurant can be found at the intersection of Prapokklao Road and Rachadamnoen Road, which after consulting a map, is immediately apparent as being bang in the middle of the old city.

Friendly and relaxed is the best way to describe the atmosphere of this informal eatery, with ample seating in the cozy indoor area, and on the outdoor terrace, which makes for a great place to sit, have a bite to eat and enjoy a few drinks whilst watching the unhurried pace of the world go by. The focus of the menu is very much to have dishes which diners are familiar with, and can order without much effort. There is a decent balance between international and Thai fare, and caters for almost all tastes. Snacks such as the chicken burger and club sandwich are popular items, and of the Thai food, regularly ordered are the Pad Thai with shrimps, fried noodles with basil leaf, and stir fry chicken with cashew nuts.

Opened from 7am, By Terrace has managed to secure the patronage of many a local wanting an early breakfast, and is a perfect place for tourists to start their day, before visiting some of Chiang Mai's most famous landmarks, such as Three Kings Monument, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing located just a short stroll away from the restaurant. Alternatively, pop in for some lunch, an afternoon smoothie or fruit shake, or an evening tipple to round off your day.

X-Centre

Set in the beautiful environment of Mae Rim, the original Jungle Bungy Jump that seamlessly evolved to include Off Road Buggies, Trail Bikes, Go Karts, Paintball, and their latest adrenaline fuelled Zorb Ball, has recently refreshed itself with a quality sports bar and restaurant.

Originally the restaurant was built to serve people who wanted to hang out and settle their nerves after enjoying an extreme sport, and for those who came as part of a group not interested in participating in any of the activities. Over time though the restaurant has grown organically and today serves locals full breakfasts from 9am, and lunches that are in the main made up of fine Thai food, with a small selection of burgers and sandwiches. Khao Soi, fried rice with Indian curry, Penang curry and chicken and cashew nuts are choice items, but the smoothies are the most popular things on the menu. Invented by the X-Centre's fun- loving owners, recommended are the watermelon punch made up of watermelon, lemon and pineapple, 'C' Love composed of pineapple, orange juice and honey, and the Snow White, consisting of banana, cantaloupe, milk and honey.

Ice creams here make for wonderful desserts and coffee lovers will be impressed by the quality mokador blend of coffee bean that is used in all the coffees. Given the verdant surrounds, lively atmosphere and quality food and drinks, it is no wonder that the restaurant has become a booming business in its own right.