Pern's Mediterranean Restaurant, Chiang Mai: Review. Tapas, Moussaka, Pasta, Red Wine and English Ale
To celebrate two years of being together, Andy and I treated ourselves to a fancy meal at Pern's Mediterranean Restaurant, Chiang Mai.
We left feeling full, tipsy and happy.
We started with about six tapas and four pinxtos (small pieces of bread with toppings). After realising that this wasn't enough for a meal, we ordered lamb moussaka and wild mushroom linguine. All washed down with lots of house red wine and London Pride Ale. Wow.
Honestly, though they were quite nice, I probably wouldn't bother with the pinxtos again. Everything else we had was amazing. Andy thought the tapas were the best part of the meal, they were so good.
Before the mains were served, we were given the most amazing rosemary bread I've ever put into my bread-hole. The moussaka was filling and had plenty of lamb mince and lots of subtle flavours. Andy's pasta was mushroomy and creamy and came with garlic bread, win.
Something for vegetarians
The menu is mostly a meat-eaters one, though there were some options for Andy the vegetarian - mostly pasta dishes and a few of the pinxtos and tapas, including super tasty patatas bravas and creamy garlic mushrooms.
Ordering tapas is a breeze. Once you have decided what you'd like to eat, tick your choices on the paper menu provided and hand it to the waiter. I would recommend the spicy patatas bravas and breaded prawns. Check out the tapas menu here.
Before the mains were served, we were given the most amazing rosemary bread I've ever put into my bread-hole. The moussaka was filling and had plenty of lamb mince and lots of subtle flavours. Andy's pasta was mushroomy and creamy and came with garlic bread, win.
Something for vegetarians
The menu is mostly a meat-eaters one, though there were some options for Andy the vegetarian - mostly pasta dishes and a few of the pinxtos and tapas, including super tasty patatas bravas and creamy garlic mushrooms.
How to order
Ordering tapas is a breeze. Once you have decided what you'd like to eat, tick your choices on the paper menu provided and hand it to the waiter. I would recommend the spicy patatas bravas and breaded prawns. Check out the tapas menu here.
Order everything else as you usually would.
Staff and Atmosphere
The staff were really, really friendly. The owner (an English guy called Brian, pictured) came and talked to us without it feeling awkward, as did the waitress and a waiter. In fact I loved chatting to them! They remembered our names when they said goodbye and seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. The waitress and waiter helped a couple at a different table decide where to go on a night out in Chiang Mai and were very thorough and gave many recommendations and directions. The Thai staff speak really good English.
Pern's is Mediterranean-ey, warm and welcoming with lots of orange, red and yellow. The chairs are comfortable and the tables look lovely (and had tablecloths and flowers and everything!).
I really liked the hats hanging above the bar and the painting of the flamenco dancer on the wall.
You can sit at the tables or a bar stool. It seems like people go to Pern's to drink - they have various beers, ales and lagers and lots of wine.
Essential Information about Pern's Restaurant
Location / directions26/5-6 Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, 50300
It's near Kad Suan Kaew. Print this card to give to your tuk tuk or red car driver.
Map
Website - book online and first time customers get a free glass of wine.
Telephone
086 111 7766 - definitely book a table (except you can't book tables on Wednesday nights). If it's your first visit, mention the free glass of wine deal and they'll give it to you.
Price
Definitely one of the more expensive restaurants in Chiang Mai, but it is fantastic. Our bill for two came to 1,400 baht including a tip. For us, Pern's is a special occasion place - worth the splurge for a treat.
Special Nights
Wednesdays = half price wine and 10% of draft beer.
Thursdays = free pinxtos with draft beer.
Fridays = Steak Night. Free glass of wine with your steak.
Charity Work
Pern's Restaurant helps Burmese people by hosting fundraising events, conducting emergency appeals for clothes, blankets and food and sponsor Burmese children to help them get an education. Look at their photographs of Burmese refugees and their charity work here.
