International restaurants in Thailand apart from it’s own long known culinary traditions, have vowed to give the taste of their flavors to the world. Bangkok and major tourist-friendly provinces like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya have evolved into culinary hubs where global flavors thrive.
The influx of expatriates, tourists, and a growing upper-middle-class Thai population eager to explore new tastes has fueled this transformation. Japanese, Korean, Italian, and French cuisines are among the most favored by Thai locals, while American diners, Indian curries, and Middle Eastern kebabs also enjoy strong demand.
What makes international restaurants flourish in Thailand is not just their exotic menus but how they adapt—blending authentic techniques with Thai preferences, sourcing local ingredients, and offering unforgettable ambiance. In this blog, we unveil the most famous international restaurants in Thailand, province by province.
🍽️ Most Famous International Restaurants in Thailand (by Province)
1. Blue by Alain Ducasse – Bangkok
- Cuisine: French fine dining
- Location: ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Bangkok
- How to Go from Central Bangkok: BTS Gold Line to ICONSIAM
- Why Popular: Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse brings haute French cuisine to the Chao Phraya River with stunning riverfront views.
- Chain?: Part of Ducasse Paris
- Specialties: Lobster medallion, foie gras, and French cheese selection
- Opened in Thailand: 2019
- Owner: Ducasse Paris (Alain Ducasse)
2. Zuma – Bangkok
- Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese Izakaya
- Location: The St. Regis Bangkok, Ratchadamri Rd
- How to Go from Central Bangkok: BTS Ratchadamri Station (walk 1 min)
- Why Popular: Fusion of modern Japanese design, sushi bar, and robata grill
- Chain?: Global chain with branches in London, New York, Dubai, etc.
- Specialties: Miso-marinated black cod, Wagyu tataki
- Opened in Thailand: 2011
- Owner: Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney
3. Pizzeria Limoncello – Bangkok
- Cuisine: Authentic Italian
- Location: Sukhumvit Soi 11
- How to Go from Bangkok: BTS Nana Station (walk 5 min)
- Why Popular: Long-standing expat favorite with wood-fired pizzas and family-style dining
- Chain?: No, independent
- Specialties: Prosciutto pizza, lasagna, tiramisu
- Opened in Thailand: Early 2000s
- Owner: Gennaro Rosato (Italy)
4. La Gritta – Phuket
- Cuisine: Italian Fine Dining
- Location: Amari Phuket, Patong Beach
- How to Go from Bangkok: Flight to Phuket, then 45 min drive to Patong
- Why Popular: Romantic sunset dinners, sea-facing terrace
- Chain?: Part of Amari Resorts
- Specialties: Lobster linguine, risotto porcini
- Opened in Thailand: ~2010
- Owner: ONYX Hospitality Group
5. Benihana – Pattaya
- Cuisine: Japanese Teppanyaki
- Location: Avani Pattaya Resort
- How to Go from Bangkok: 2-hour drive or bus/train to Pattaya, 10-min walk from Pattaya Beach
- Why Popular: Live teppanyaki shows, family-friendly ambiance
- Chain?: Yes, US-based global chain
- Specialties: Hibachi steak, shrimp fried rice
- Opened in Thailand: First opened in Bangkok, then expanded
- Owner: Minor International (Thailand license)
6. El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse – Bangkok & Pattaya
- Cuisine: South American – Argentinian
- Locations: Bangkok (Sukhumvit Soi 19 & 11), Pattaya Beach Road
- How to Go: BTS Asok/Nana, or drive to Pattaya
- Why Popular: Premium steaks, rustic decor, wine pairings
- Chain?: Regional chain (Vietnam, Thailand)
- Specialties: Ribeye steak, chimichurri sauce
- Opened in Thailand: 2011
- Owner: Martin Klein (Austria)
7. Indian Hut – Bangkok
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Location: Surawong Road, Silom
- How to Go: BTS Chong Nonsi or Sala Daeng, short walk
- Why Popular: Upscale Indian, Bollywood décor, fusion options
- Chain?: Independent
- Specialties: Butter chicken, garlic naan, biryani
- Opened in Thailand: 1995
- Owner: Sanjeev Puri
8. Tandoori Flames – Chiang Mai
- Cuisine: Indian/Nepalese
- Location: Night Bazaar Area
- How to Go from Bangkok: Flight or overnight train to Chiang Mai
- Why Popular: Budget-friendly yet authentic Indian meals
- Chain?: Independent
- Specialties: Thali plates, paneer tikka
- Opened in Thailand: 2016
- Owner: Ganesh Tamang
9. The Duke’s – Chiang Mai
- Cuisine: American BBQ and Pizza
- Location: Multiple, incl. near Ping River and Maya Mall
- How to Go: Same as above
- Why Popular: Hearty portions, family-friendly, huge menu
- Chain?: Independent
- Specialties: Ribs, burgers, giant pizzas
- Opened in Thailand: 2003
- Owner: David Ankey (USA)
10. Ali Baba – Pattaya
- Cuisine: Mughlai Indian
- Location: Central Pattaya Rd
- How to Go from Bangkok: Bus/car to Pattaya
- Why Popular: Regal interior with Indian architecture, heavy use of spices
- Chain?: Independent
- Specialties: Mutton rogan josh, keema naan
- Opened in Thailand: 2000
- Owner: Shahid Ali
🛣️ How to Reach These International Restaurants from Bangkok
- By Flight: Chiang Mai, Phuket – 1–1.5 hours
- By Train/Bus/Van: Pattaya – 2 hours | Hua Hin – 3.5 hours | Chiang Mai – Overnight train
- By Car/Taxi: Within Bangkok and nearby cities like Nonthaburi or Samut Prakan
🍴 Why International Restaurants in Thailand Thrive
The rise of international restaurants in Thailand reflects the country’s growing openness to global culinary culture. In cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, international eateries are not just tourist traps—they are part of the mainstream food scene. Thai locals, especially younger generations and urban professionals, enjoy experimenting with global flavors. Whether it’s sushi from Japan, pasta from Italy, tacos from Mexico, or falafel from the Middle East, the demand continues to grow.
Furthermore, the presence of expat communities, digital nomads, and international students supports the growth of these restaurants. Many of the best international restaurants in Thailand are run by foreign chefs who maintain authentic cooking methods while sourcing fresh ingredients locally. This blend of authenticity and adaptation is what sets them apart.
🌏 Types of International Cuisine Popular in Thailand
Among the most popular types of international restaurants in Thailand are:
- Japanese and Korean: Sushi, ramen, Korean BBQ, and bibimbap are highly appreciated by Thai diners. Brands like Zuma and Gyu-Kaku thrive here.
- Italian: Pizza and pasta dominate menus at places like Pizzeria Limoncello in Bangkok and La Gritta in Phuket.
- French Fine Dining: Bangkok is home to several Michelin-starred French restaurants such as Blue by Alain Ducasse.
- Indian: Both Northern and Southern Indian food has a strong base, with places like Indian Hut and Ali Baba becoming household names.
- American and Mexican: From ribs to burritos, restaurants like The Duke’s in Chiang Mai cater to expats and locals alike.
