Chiang Mai’s only classic French restaurant just got even better

“My father couldn't find a restaurant he was happy with in Chiang Mai, which is why he made his own,” commented Ajava-Riddhi Diskul while explaining the origins of the restaurant. “After spending decades living in France, Germany and England, he absorbed a taste for fine French cuisine and wanted to share it with the city.” 

Second generation owner of Le Crystal and son, Diskul shares his fathers passion for French food – a self-described “sexy” and “charming” cuisine that comes with history, stories and devoted fans.

With this love for the classics, the food at Le Crystal combines classic French flavours with a modernist presentation. Their menu is also recognised by numerous awards, including Thailand’s Tatler Dining Award for Best French Restaurant on no less than ten occasions. 

The menu, daily live swing band and colonial architecture combine to reflect their classic vision, while dishes are served in traditional ways, complete with white gloves and cloches that, when polished, reflect the backdrop of the river Ping on which the restaurant sits. 

Using traditional French techniques and a mixture of local and imported products, dishes are artfully curated to bring both flavour and beauty to each plate. 

The chef’s expertly crafted set menu, which changes every four months to match available produce, comes with a handful of classics and a range of seasonally inspired dishes. Diskul remarks that “classic is sometimes better, especially in a world of experimental gels and foams.” 

“We prefer to stay timeless, something increasingly hard to find in the city,” he continued, noting that that in itself is an experience that you can’t get elsewhere in the city. 

The restaurant's two set menus also make for an affordable entry point into the world of fine French dining, starting at just B1,500 net for a four course set meal of an appetizer, soup, main and dessert (B2,400 if paired with wine). An alternative that uses finer ingredients is also available for B2,500 net – both a steal for the amount of food served.

The plating looks great when shared to Instagram and they’re not shy on the portions too. No tiny fine dining servings here – expect generous bowls of lobster soup to juicy, thick lamb chops with rosemary sauce and extravagant, boozy desserts cooked tableside with a flair of flammable performance.

Those more adventurous or initiated into the world of eating French can turn their gaze to the a la carte menu, complete with escargots a la Bourguignonne, black summer truffle soup served in an espresso cup, and giant, succulent pan fried tiger prawns. 

Starting this year, their World Buffet opens the menu to guests who prefer sampling a lot of dishes without the commitment of a set menu. The garden buffet includes unlimited quality steaks, foie gras, fresh oysters, caviar, sashimi, salads and seafood – priced at just B2,000 net per person, every last Saturday of the month. 

No French restaurant is without its selection of wines, curated over the two decades to bring the best French wines to the table. Their selection of Bordeaux wines is one of the largest in the city, with many hard to find labels that are worth the visit alone. 

Half bottles of wine are also served, something rarely found in other restaurants but one of their best sellers – great for those who drive or if your table is divided between red and white drinkers. 

Ajava-Riddhi Diskul is absolutely right; there is no other place quite like Le Crystal in Chiang Mai – and all for the right reasons. The food is served generously and, when you stick to the set menu options, promises not to break the bank. 

Their additional festive menus, from Christmas to Valentine’s, Songkran to Loy Kratong, make return visits always surprising, while their wait staff who have been with them from the beginning continue to provide silver service without a hitch. 

Although perfect for dates, romantic dinners and birthday treats (the restaurant is well equipped to go above and beyond with the right hints and forewarning), there’s really no need for an excuse other than you’re craving French cuisine that's classic, creamy and deliciously complex. 

Open 5-10pm every day. Reserve online via their website or call 084-177-6599, 053-218-059. Live music 6.30-9.30pm, except Sundays.