You have booked your chilled vacation to Khao Yai and now you are looking for some ideas for a romantic or relaxed dinner. You’ve come to the right place. I have visited Khao Yai twice, staying first at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yaifor just one night and then at Hotel MYS for six nights. Let’s review the restaurants which I visited during my trips to Khao Yai, sorted alphabetically and then ranked in order of preference.
1) Cha La Restaurant and Bar at Hotel MYS
The same restaurant used for breakfast at Hotel MYS in Khao Yai, where I stayed for six nights, Cha La Restaurant and Bar serves a basic dinner menu but full of delicious choices. Given that I wanted to explore different dining options around Khao Yai, I only had dinner at the hotel on the evening that I arrived to Khao Yai.
Sitting outside in the cool Khao Yai air, or inside where it’s a little cozier, Cha La Restaurant has a relaxed yet classy vibe. Serving good pizzas, tasty burgers and a wide choice of cocktails, you will enjoy your evening meal. The dress code is relaxed and informal, complemented by the fine presentation of the food. If you ask nicely, they will even make you an Irish coffee despite it not being one of the options presented on the menu.
Do yourself a favor and visit Cha La Restaurant and Bar while you are in Khao Yai, if only to admire, while you are waiting for your food, the magnificence of Hotel MYS’s swimming pool. Perhaps enjoy an evening cocktail at their bar right under the pool before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
You could even consider booking your accommodation at Hotel MYS, in which case Cha La Restaurant and Bar will be a short walk from your villa.
Reservations for Cha La Restaurant and Bar, Khao Yai: Not Required
Dress Code for Cha La Restaurant and Bar, Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 5 of 7
Find Cha La Restaurant and Bar on Google Maps.
2) The Chocolate Factory, Khao Yai
The Chocolate Factory is one of Khao Yai’s most popular and indulgent stops, combining handmade chocolate, stylish dining and a countryside setting, right alongside the main road that runs through Khao Yai. With both outside and inside dining options, the restaurant venue feels more like a European café than a typical Thai restaurant, with modern architecture and large windows overlooking green surroundings. Serving a basic dinner menu with fresh ingredients, you have plenty of options from which to choose. You may even want to indulge in one of their tasty cakes.
I selected something light, the pumpkin salad. The menu extends beyond sweets, with well-presented Western and Thai dishes that make it a comfortable spot for lunch or an afternoon break. Chocolate lovers will appreciate the variety of pralines, cakes and rich hot chocolate, all crafted with clear attention to quality.
After enjoying the cool Khao Yai evening, I then wandered into the restaurant and discovered a whole new level downstairs. On the lower level, visitors can watch chocolate being made, browse a wide selection of handmade chocolates and desserts and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.
The Chocolate Factory is especially popular with couples and families, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you stop in for dessert or a full meal, it is an easy and enjoyable addition to any Khao Yai dining itinerary. The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai is probably best for a quick dinner rather than a lingering romantic evening, but it was well worth the visit when I was in Khao Yai.
Reservations for The Chocolate Factory, Khao Yai: Not Required
Dress Code for The Chocolate Factory, Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 4 of 7
Find The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai on Google Maps.
3) Kuni Kuni at Dusit D2 Hotel
One of the most romantic dining destinations in Khao Yai, perhaps you will feel like a nesting eagle when you visit Kuni Kuni for dinner. Located alongside the Dusit D2 Hotel in Khao Yai, and with stunning views over the surrounding mountains, Kuni Kuni will be a highlight of your dining choices in Khao Yai.
Kuni Kuni is a charming and modern dining destination that perfectly complements the region’s world-class wineries and natural attractions. Perched on an elevated platform, accessible by an elevator, this restaurant blends sleek, modern design with relaxed countryside vibes, making it a favorite stop for travelers and locals alike.
The atmosphere at Kuni Kuni is both stylish and welcoming. The key attraction of the restaurant is its outdoor yet covered seating around the edge of the platform with views over the countryside. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to take some photos before heading to dinner. Order some cocktails and watch the sun go down before selecting from the extensive menu. I started with the ‘Kuni Mulled Wine’ cocktail, consisting of mulled red wine, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, star anise and orange.
With indoor seating that feels refined, and the outdoor, narrow dining tables that invite guests to linger over drinks and conversation, you can choose a table based on how adventurous you are feeling. Large windows and shaded terraces offer views of the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the green hills beyond.
On the menu, you’ll find a creative mix of Japanese-inspired dishes and Western favorites, all presented with attention to detail and quality ingredients. Signature items include perfectly seared steaks, delicate sashimi, fresh salads and house-made desserts that showcase seasonal flavors. The beverage list complements the food beautifully, with a curated selection of wines from the local Khao Yai region and well-crafted cocktails.
Whether you’re stopping for lunch after wine tasting or planning a leisurely dinner as the sun sets, Kuni Kuni offers a memorable culinary experience that reflects Khao Yai’s evolving food scene. It’s a place to enjoy excellent food, great wines and stylish yet relaxed hospitality.
I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Kuni Kuni. For a restaurant of its location, unique vibe and good food, the prices were very reasonable, coming in at around 1,200 baht per person.
Make sure to make a reservation at Kuni Kuni, specifying whether you would like a table inside or outside.
Reservations for Kuni Kuni Khao Yai: Required, book Kuni Kuni in Khao Yai
Dress Code for Kuni Kuni Khao Yai: Smart Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 2 of 7
Find Kuni Kuni Khao Yai on Google Maps.
4) Lamaya, Khao Yai
When I was planning my visit, I came across Lamaya Restaurant Khao Yai and was immediately fascinated by the over-the-top design, funky lighting and large statue that is the centerpiece of the restaurant. I knew that Lamaya had to be included as one of the dining choices in Khao Yai.
Right alongside the main road that runs through Khao Yai, and very close to Hotel MYS, Lamaya is ideally situated for great views towards the surrounding mountains, especially if you elect to sit on the upper level of the restaurant.
With a Balinese design and a jungle theme, Lamaya Khao Yai presents many photo opportunities for your Instagram reel. With an extensive menu of both cocktails and food, you will be spoiled for choice as you settle into your evening meal, ideally arriving just before sunset to capture the best photos of the restaurant during golden hour.
I ordered a couple of cocktails to get the evening underway, before heading off with my tripod to capture some photos around the restaurant. The lovely waitress even invited me into the nightclub area of the restaurant to see just how beautifully the whole dining and entertainment concept was designed.
Lamaya Khao Yai operates as a restaurant during the day and into the early evening, transforming into an exciting jungle club with vibrant light shows, music and entertainment later in the evening. While perhaps not ideally suited for a romantic dinner, Lamaya will enthrall you with its design. Having returned from taking too many photos, I enjoyed yet another cocktail and my dinner of five sausages and salad.
It should be noted that when I was looking to make a reservation for Lamaya using a link from Google Maps, I was asked to pay a deposit. I preferred not to do that. Upon arriving in Khao Yai I just visited the restaurant without a reservation, taking a chance that this would be OK, which it was. If this is what you also prefer to do, arrive early and request a table and you should be fine.
Lamaya Khao Yai is the favorite restaurant that I visited in Khao Yai, if only for the unique design and colorful lighting that complements the cocktails and food. Make sure to include Lamaya on your dining itinerary when in Khao Yai.
Reservations for Lamaya Khao Yai: Perhaps, see above
Dress Code for Lamaya Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 1 of 7
Find Lamaya Khao Yai on Google Maps.
5) Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai
I stayed at the Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai for just one night on my first visit to Khao Yai, electing to eat at the Italian restaurant on the property. Situated about 40 minutes from Hotel MYS where I stayed on my second visit to Khao Yai, this restaurant is perhaps not ideally suited to a drive of that distance if you also choose to stay at Hotel MYS.
Serving traditional Italian food, and with great views over the resort and the golf course, what you should do is arrive early and enjoy a few cocktails at the hotel before heading to dinner. That way you can truly appreciate the atmosphere at the hotel and perhaps consider staying at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai for your next visit to Khao Yai.
The restaurant is ideal for a chilled romantic dinner, especially with the serenity of the resort. Consider this Italian restaurant when you are in Khao Yai.
Reservations for Italian restaurant at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai: Possibly
Dress Code for Italian restaurant at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 6 of 7, but only due to the distance from where I stayed on my second visit to Khao Yai
Find Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai on Google Maps.
6) Prime 19 Restaurant, Khao Yai
Prime 19 restaurant in Khao Yai is an ideal destination for steak lovers visiting Thailand’s most celebrated wine region. Alongside the main road that runs through Khao Yai, this upscale restaurant is known for its premium cuts of meat, refined service and stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a world-class steak dinner after a day of exploring Khao Yai National Park, Prime 19 delivers an enjoyable dining experience.
Prime 19’s menu focuses on expertly prepared grilled steaks, sourced from high-quality cuts and seasoned with care. Accompaniments like truffle mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and house sauces elevate the experience, while the extensive wine list perfectly complements each dish, pulling from both local Khao Yai producers and international selections. Pizzas and other options are also available.
With an extensive wine collection, proudly displayed right around the restaurant and in a small room towards the back, you will be spoiled for choice as to which wine you should try with your evening meal. For dinner, I selected a starter of burrata salad, a gourmet presentation featuring a ball of burrata cheese served over a bed of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes and finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle. For the main course I had my traditional Hawaiian pizza with extra anchovies.
For travelers seeking a sophisticated dining experience in Khao Yai that highlights premium cuisine and local wine culture, Prime 19 is a must-visit stop. Though not as romantic perhaps as some of the other restaurants mentioned in this blog post, Prime 19 will make sure you are well fed before you head off the next day to further explore Khao Yai.
Reservations for Prime 19, Khao Yai: Ideally but not essential. I messaged Prime 19 on Facebook Messenger to make my reservation.
Dress Code for Prime 19, Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 3 of 7
Find Prime 19 Khao Yai on Google Maps.
7) Roma Restaurant, Khao Yai
Roma restaurant in Khao Yai was my least favorite restaurant that I visited. The restaurant feels large and impersonal, too large for the number of people that I guess would visit the restaurant each evening.
Situated on the main road that runs through Khao Yai, Roma serves both Thai food and western dishes, focusing more on Italian style food. For a simple and easy dinner in Khao Yai, Roma could be a good choice, but the atmosphere was not great with there being too many empty seats. No-one was sitting outside, especially given the early evening chill.
I doubt I would return to Roma when I am next in Khao Yai, preferring to try a different restaurant, perhaps a local Thai restaurant or another one of the many restaurant choices in Khao Yai.
Reservations for Roma, Khao Yai: Not Required
Dress Code for Prime 19, Khao Yai: Casual
Ranking of the restaurants I visited: Number 7 of 7
Conclusion
During my two visits to Khao Yai, I first stayed at the Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai for just one night and then atHotel MYS for six nights.
Book your accommodation at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai.
Book your accommodation at Hotel MYS Khao Yai.
Otherwise consider one of the other hotels in Khao Yai by clicking in the box below.
Consider reading other posts on Thailand by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in October 2025)