Definitely a hidden jewel in Chiang Mai - Finding this hidden jewel on a Friday evening was a challenge, but worth the effort. The food was excellent and very good value for money. A... read more nice selection of vegetarian starters followed by meat or fish mains for those who don’t want to stick to vegetarian. The food has a “clean” taste, simple but effective flavours and was cooked and presented with loving care. The decor is understated and done with very good taste. We appreciated the coherence of the overall concept of ikigai which shone through the whole dining experience.

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

Best value for money, excellent service and a unique & special experience!  - Last night was my 3rd visit to Ikigai with friends. Just love this place! Great location with a cosy stylish atmosphere. Each dish is a work of art, elegant and... read more absolutely delicious. James prides himself in obtaining the best organic ingredients (some of which are grown on his farm) and because the dishes are not huge portions there is very little waste. He is a talented creative master!

Innovative and diverse array of dishes to challenge and stimulate the food pallet for anyone. - Incredible selection and innovation of food. A truly diverse and fascinating array of small fine-dining style dishes that give a unique culinary delight. Nothing else quite like it in Chiang... read more Mai in my view. James, the chef has an extremely distinguished background but will chat with anyone and engage in thought-provoking conversation. All-in-all, a very special experience. We went for the long lunch and were blown away by the dishes that just kept coming. Then came desert which was just as good, if not better!

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.

An Amazing Dining Experience - We had the long lunch and it was truly an experience!!! James and his team kept bringing dish after dish of the most amazing food which was beautifully plated.... read more Not only is James a fabulous chef but he is also very warm and entertaining. He would come out and chat between courses and really made us feel like we welcome. I can't wait to go back. Thanks James and team for an outstanding dining experience!

Ikigai: A Culinary Masterpiece Rooted in Nature and Artistry - Ikigai in Chiang Mai is nothing short of spectacular, and its owner, James Noble, is truly one of a kind. His holistic approach to fine dining continuously leaves me in... read more awe. The food is not only creative but a true sensory experience—each dish is a work of art that satisfies on every level. The venue and ambiance are equally unique, showcasing James’ remarkable talent for creating spaces that feel perfectly tailored for memorable evenings with friends and family. What sets Ikigai apart is the way its menu is inspired by nature itself. James allows Mother Nature to dictate the ingredients, crafting each meal based on what she offers. This commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients results in dishes that are always exciting and full of life. I eagerly await my next visit to Ikigai—it can’t come soon enough. For anyone seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, I highly recommend this gem. You won’t be disappointed!

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 😊

Exceptional dining!  - We had the most fabulous Sunday lunch at Ikigai!
It's called the White Menu which is somewhat ironic as the food was an explosion of delightful colour and flavours. The... read more dishes are prepared with quality ingredients, straight from their own farm, but also with passion and a large helping of tlc!
An exceptional meal!
Loved it!