Introduction
I recently visited the Italian restaurant & wine bar “Why Not?”, located a short distance down a side street from the main Nimmanhaemin Road in the heart of Chiang Mai. I’m here to share my review.
About the Italian restaurant & wine bar “Why Not?” in Chiang Mai
The Italian restaurant & wine bar “Why Not?” is situated just off the main Nimmanhaemin Road in central Chiang Mai, down a small side street. I believe the street is Nimmanhaemin Soi 11.
Nimmanhaemin Road is a main street, approximately 1.6 km long. Along the main road and within its various sois (alleys), you’ll find a vibrant mix of雑貨屋 (various goods shops), clothing boutiques, restaurants, and hotels, making it a popular area for strolling and shopping.
At the entrance of “Why Not?”, there’s a covered outdoor seating area and an outdoor cooking station, offering a pleasant, open-air, Western-style ambiance. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a spacious interior that feels very comfortable. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant can accommodate around 150 people, making it quite large.
Menu at “Why Not?” (Photos, Prices, Reviews)
I ordered the “Caesar Salad” (220 THB+). The romaine lettuce was fresh, and it was dressed with an anchovy sauce. The cheese was also good, making it a delicious start. My expectations were high for the next dishes.
I also tried two kinds of “Olives” (60 THB+ each). Both the green olives and the mixed ones were tasty.
Next, I had the “Rigatoni Carbonara” (240 THB+). Rigatoni, which resembles large penne, was cooked perfectly al dente, providing a satisfying chew. The carbonara sauce coated the pasta beautifully, making it incredibly delicious. This dish could easily be a signature item at a typical Italian restaurant, but “Why Not?” had even more delicious offerings.
I also ordered the “Margherita Pizza” (250 THB+). It was a classic Margherita, and it was delicious. While I’ve enjoyed pizzas at “Kenny’s BKK” and “Peppina” in Phrom Phong, to find a Margherita of comparable quality at this price in Chiang Mai is truly impressive.
They have a considerable selection of wines. I chose a white wine priced at 950 THB+, which seemed to offer good value.
Recommendation Score for “Why Not?”
To be helpful, I’ll assign a score similar to Tabelog (Japan’s top restaurant-review site). I personally estimate the Italian restaurant & wine bar “Why Not?” in Chiang Mai to be equivalent to a 3.9 on Tabelog. I’ll note this down for reference.
All the dishes were quite delicious, and the fact that you can enjoy them all at Chiang Mai prices is a major plus. Prices are about 20% lower than in Bangkok. The pizza and pasta were particularly good, and the wine selection was also excellent. The spacious setting was comfortable, making it a restaurant I could enjoy visiting many times.
Conclusion
The Italian restaurant & wine bar “Why Not?” in Chiang Mai is a classic establishment where you can enjoy delicious and affordable Italian cuisine. The Chiang Mai pricing is truly remarkable.
| Name | Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar “Why Not?” |
| Category | Italian Restaurant, Wine Bar, Pizzeria |
| Budget | 600–800 THB+ (1 dish, 1/2 bottle of wine) |
| Business Hours | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays until 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM) |
| Access | Chiang Mai, Nimmanhaemin Soi 11 |
| Phone Number | 05-328-9262 |
| Address | 14 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 11, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai |
| Web | https://whynotchiangmai.com/ |
