While Thai food needs little introduction, these popular dishes are must-try while you visit Thailand. The below list spans everything from staple
backpacker favourites to Thai classics. Although some of them may sound familiar, don’t be surprised if they taste nothing like what you usually find
back home.
- MANTRA RESTAURANT & BAR NORTH PATTAYA
Mantra is a dynamic and stylish restaurant with a show kitchen concept and individually themed dining spaces. The
interiors blend oriental art and a sophisticated colour scheme. Taking centre stage, the cooking stations are like open
theatres where chefs whip up tasty Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Mediterranean fare to order. The Moroccanthemed bar with a walk-through wine cellar is ideal for enjoying pre- and post-dinner drinks. Read More…
2. MOOM AROI NAKLUA
Arguably the biggest and the most popular Thai seafood eatery in Pattaya, Moom Aroi (translating as ‘delicious
corner’) is a two-storey restaurant with a seaside frontage. Popular dishes include stir-fried curry crab, seafood papaya
salad, tom yam goong, stir-fried squid with salted egg yolk – all are delicious. Moom Aroi gets very busy every
evening and especially during the weekend, so reservation is highly recommended. Read More…
3. VOLTERRA SOUTH PATTAYA
Tucked away in a soi behind the Walking Street, Voterra is a local favourite and the place to go for a delectable Italian
meal. The Tuscan owner and chef has decades of culinary experience under his belt and ensures that the flavours stay
fresh and original. Try some of the homemade specialties, such as spaghetti tratoria, pizza margherita and wild boar
with black olive, with a selection of fine wine from Tuscany.
4. PREECHA SEAFOOD NA JOMTIEN
There’s not much to the décor or atmosphere here, but this Thai-style seaside restaurant whips up some of the tastiest
seafood in town. Walk through the aquarium section at the entrance and the restaurant opens out to the ocean, with a
terrace jutting out over the water. Don’t miss the signature dishes, including chili salt mantis shrimp, baked scallops
and blue crab som tam. Most of the diners are Thai – a good indicator of truly Thai tastes.
5. BRUNO’S JOMTIEN
The renowned Bruno’s has been a favourite dining out venue for locals and holidaymakers since 1996, offering classy
European cuisine along with local popular fare. Signature dishes include pan-seared scallops, parmesan cream soup
and twice-cooked Australian lamb rack. The walk-in wine cellar showcases an extensive selection of labels, mostly
from the Old World, and a handful of top-shelf labels from across the globe.
6. AU BON COIN NORTH PATTAYA
Set inside a two-storey house, this establishment serves up a range of hearty French fare. The décor has a rustic feel,
with wood paneling, red marble counter and big glass windows, which all serves well to enhance the atmosphere. The
a-la-carte and daily special menus feature the classics – onion soup, stuffed mussels, Nicoise salad, boeuf bourguignon
– and delicacies such as duck foie gras and rabbit stew.
7. CABBAGES AND CONDOMS JOMTIEN
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant is the most unique restaurant in Pattaya with stunning ocean views from elevated
decking and a wide-ranging menu to keep the whole family happy. The restaurant is part of a wider social project
started in the 1980s to help educate the country about family planning (hence the name), but it is done in an
entertaining way and is not seedy or serious. Read More…
8. HOPF BREW HOUSE CENTRAL PATTAYA
This restaurant and bar is the very best of its kind in Pattaya, serving down-to-earth European favourites and is suitable
for the whole family. Come here to enjoy delicious stone-baked pizzas or their legendary German-inspired pork
knuckle and wiener sausages. Hopf Brew House is easy to find on Beach Road in Central Pattaya and brews a range of
delicious beers at its own micro brewery. Read More…
