Amazing find 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤩🤩 - What a find!! So pleased a friend recommended and shared details of the restaurant and the farm to table concept and each dish carefully choreographed by this amazing chef James !!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

A beautiful creative delicious dining experience! - My husband and I were delighted to discover this restaurant. The staff and atmosphere were very pleasant and our lunch was so creative and delicious! We will definitely be back!

Farran Adria has reincarnated as Chef James at Ikigai in Chiangmai, Thailand - Chef James presents with quirky creativity and passion dishes at a level unheralded until now, especially in Asia. Only fresh, local ingredients from selected environmentally-sensitive suppliers make it to the... read more Ikigai kitchen, where Chef James and his highly trained and equally creative team collaborate on producing combinations of tastes and visual presentation that wow the senses in unheard of and delightfully surprising ways.
The special dessert experience in a special, separate room is not to be missed.
(We learned from a trusted source that they are developing a special ‘airborne dessert’ only served before in a certain famous Chicago restaurant.)

Come to Chiang Mai ... for Ikigai's Amazing Food! - Are you looking for a Michelin-star experience (taken to the next level!), in a warm and inviting atmosphere, with high-quality local food, a chef who caters to dietary restrictions and... read more preferences … all for less than $30?! Welcome to IKIGAI!!! We had heard great things about Chef James … but the reality far exceeded the reputation (which is rare to find these days). You arrive at what looks like (and actually is) a Thai-style home, walk through a relaxing garden, step inside and see an amazing collection of vintage Japanese knives to your left (yes, you can buy them and the prices are super affordable). In front and to the right are two dining tables and a culinary library (where you can borrow some of Chef James’ books). This is a relaxed place to eat, perfect for friends and families with kids, where you can watch the amazing work in the kitchen. You then walk through the kitchen (nothing hidden here!), up the stairs and to a more formal dining room, with relaxing warm lights and the chef’s story drawn artistically on the walls. The maître d comes and takes your drink order. As we started our dining experience at 10.30am, we opted for cappuccinos (perfectly done) and a fresh-made lemonade (delicious!). Then the experience of your life beings … Dish after amazing dish arrive. All artistically plated. But it’s not just about looks. You take a bite and … wow. You’re blown away. Another bite and … you get another layer of taste which leaves you without words. We live in France and so have eaten at Michelin-star restaurants. Ikigai is better. The next dish comes and you start to think that you’re in an art gallery. Again … delicious. And yet totally different. This is not a one-taste chef but an experienced and skilled chef who has the courage to explore new cuisines, new flavors, new ways to create art and delicious dishes with whatever local foods he can find (and create himself ... including one of the best home-made tofus I've ever had). Our dining companion grew up in Japan … and so Chef James created a number of Japanese-inspired dishes for us! Just … WOW!!! The pictures don’t do the food justice. Tasting is believing. This is not pretentious food which tastes like it’s been made 1000s of times (and so devoid of any passion). This is food from a chef who wants to take you on a journey … to open up your senses … to show you what’s possible … to transport you to local fields, as well as foreign lands. With each plate. If you love to cook, THIS is the place to come for inspiration. It’s like taking a Masterclass in haute cuisine. Want to know and learn about the what and how? Unlike most Michelin-star restaurants (which guard their secrets and work behind doors), if you want to know and learn more … just go to the kitchen and watch the magic (and ask the chef)! We had originally planned to stay for a quick brunch, then head out to explore the area, but wound up enjoying a leisurely 3+ hour meal (until we couldn’t eat anymore). And, because we took advantage of the Long Lunch Saturday, we then came back again in the evening for yet more amazing, creative dishes!!! Ikigai is a must-do experience if you come to Chiang Mai. One which we look forward to enjoying … again and again and again 😊

To Live with Meaning - In Japanese, ikigai means to live with meaning, purpose, and joy. At Ikigai the restaurant in Chiang Mai, you’ll find more than a beautifully designed restaurant with stunningly... read more delicious food. You’ll discover that every ingredient in every dish—and every piece of furniture and every artwork—has a story and a meaning. After dinner, have a chat with Chef-owner James who will share with you the philosophy behind the restaurant and his life, as well as the myriad passion projects that he is engaged with that support sustainability, artistry, and humanity. You’ll come away with a nourished body and an enlivened soul.

Fantastic - Fantastic friendly welcome food was amazing and great value I would highly recommend. Food looked too good to eat but we managed.

Wonderful evening - Amazing food and service I could not recommend this restaurant enough. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The atmosphere was also very relaxing.

LKiGAI RESTAURANT - This is not an ordinary restaurant, it’s a unique experience! Each course is special and has meaning. I’ve never seen anything similar. The mix of spices, textures, and tastes are... read more exceptional. The service is impeccable, you feel spoiled and pampered! This is a several hour dinner where you cannot wait to see and eat the next entree. It’s impossible not to be amazed from the moment you sit down in this incredible atmosphere where the food is healthy and delicious. Five star all the way! IKIGAI RESTAURANT 1. Stay active: Don’t retire 2. Take it slow 3. Don’t fill your stomach 4. Surround yourself with good friends 5. Get in shops for your next birthday 6. Smile 7. Reconnect with nature 8. Give thanks 9. Live in the moment 10. Follow your IKIGAI IKIGAI (n.) a Japanese concept literally translates a “reason for being”; a reason to get up in the morning, to enjoy the meaning of life- passion, purpose, meaning one lives for.

Memories were made here - This was special - a supremely creative and responsible vegetarian and vegan menu accompanied by affable and passionate service by James and his local team. Highlights included warm walnut hummus,... read more purple potato gnocchi and pumpkin creme brûlée with monk fruit. However, the Hiyayakko tofu was unlike anything I have eaten before. Sublime and truly memorable. Thank you.