Pattaya — Where to Eat, What to Try, Prices
Pattaya is a popular resort city on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, known for its beaches, nightlife, and diverse cuisine. From street stalls with cheap and delicious food to seafood restaurants with ocean views — Pattaya offers many culinary experiences. In this article, we'll tell you about the best places to eat in Pattaya, share tips on choosing restaurants, and help you navigate the variety of offerings in the resort.
Top 5 Restaurants in Pattaya
1. Mantra Restaurant & Bar
An elegant restaurant with ocean views, offering Thai and international cuisine. The restaurant is located in the center of Pattaya and is famous for its seafood dishes and refined cocktails. Especially popular for romantic dinners and special occasions.
What to definitely try:
- Tom Yum Goong — classic spicy soup with shrimp
- Grilled Seafood — fresh seafood cooked on the grill
- Green Curry — green curry with chicken
- Mango Sticky Rice — traditional dessert
Mantra is not just a restaurant, it's a culinary journey. Here, every dish is prepared with attention to detail and served with elegance.
2. Rimpa Lapin
A restaurant on a cliff with stunning ocean views. Rimpa Lapin offers Thai cuisine in a romantic setting. Especially popular for sunset dinners, when the sun sets behind the horizon. The restaurant has an open terrace and live music in the evenings.
Restaurant features:
- Stunning ocean views
- Romantic atmosphere
- Moderate prices with high quality
- Especially good seafood dishes
3. The Glass House
A modern beach restaurant with an open terrace. The Glass House offers Thai and international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Especially popular for beach lunches and dinners.
4. Cabbages & Condoms
A unique restaurant with an interesting concept. All proceeds go to charity, and the interior is decorated with items made from condoms. The restaurant offers traditional Thai cuisine and is especially popular among tourists.
5. Jomtien Boathouse
A beach restaurant in Jomtien with ocean views. Jomtien Boathouse offers fresh seafood and Thai cuisine. Especially popular for sunset dinners and romantic evenings.
Street Food in Pattaya
Street food is the heart of Pattaya, and here it's at its finest. The resort offers many street stalls where you can try authentic Thai food at affordable prices. Be sure to try Som Tam Thai — spicy green papaya salad, which is especially popular in Pattaya.
Best places for street food:
-
Thepprasit Night Market — a large night market operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Here you can find everything: from traditional Thai dishes to seafood and desserts. Prices from 50 to 200 baht.
-
Walking Street — a famous street with many restaurants, bars, and street stalls. Especially popular in the evening and at night. Here you can try diverse food and enjoy the nightlife.
-
Jomtien Night Market — a market on Jomtien Beach with many street stalls. Stalls with seafood and Thai food are especially popular. Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
-
Street stalls along the beach — many stalls offer diverse food at affordable prices. Stalls with grilled chicken, Pad Thai, and seafood are especially popular.
Street food in Pattaya is not only cheap but also incredibly tasty. Local chefs know the secrets of cooking dishes passed down from generation to generation.
Popular Dishes in Pattaya
Several classic Thai dishes are prepared especially well in Pattaya. Be sure to try Som Tam Thai — spicy green papaya salad, which is especially popular in Pattaya. Also don't miss Gai Yang — Thai grilled chicken, which is a popular dish in the resort.
Top 5 Dishes to Try in Pattaya:
- Som Tam Thai — spicy green papaya salad with tomatoes and peanuts
- Gai Yang — Thai grilled chicken with sauces
- Khao Pad — fried rice with egg and meat
- Pad Kra Pao — basil with meat and rice
- Moo Ping — grilled pork skewers
Seafood in Pattaya
Pattaya is famous for its seafood, which is especially fresh thanks to its proximity to the ocean. Beach restaurants offer diverse seafood dishes, from simple to refined.
Best places for seafood:
-
Beach restaurants in Jomtien — many restaurants offer fresh seafood with ocean views. Restaurants are especially popular for sunset dinners.
-
Restaurants in the Naklua area — an area north of Pattaya with many seafood restaurants. Especially popular among locals.
-
Street stalls with seafood — at night markets you can find stalls with grilled seafood. Prices from 100 to 300 baht.
Best Areas for Food in Pattaya
Central Pattaya
The central area with many restaurants, cafes, and street stalls. Here you can find both expensive restaurants and street food. Walking Street with its nightlife and diverse food is especially popular.
Jomtien Beach
A more peaceful area with beach restaurants. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood and Thai cuisine in a more relaxed atmosphere than in central Pattaya.
Naklua Area
An area north of Pattaya with many seafood restaurants. Especially popular among locals and tourists seeking authentic taste.
Tips for Tourists
-
Try street food — it's cheaper (50-100 baht) and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare dishes every day and know all the secrets.
-
Try seafood — Pattaya is famous for its seafood, which is especially fresh thanks to its proximity to the ocean.
-
Visit night markets — Thepprasit Night Market and Jomtien Night Market offer huge variety of food and entertainment.
-
Try Som Tam — spicy green papaya salad is especially popular in Pattaya and is an excellent choice in hot weather.
-
Use FoodSensAI — our AI assistant will help you find the best places near you, taking into account your preferences and budget.
-
Try Gai Yang — Thai grilled chicken is a popular dish in the resort and is especially tasty at street stalls.
Conclusion
Pattaya is a resort city with diverse cuisine, where everyone will find something to their liking. From street food for 50 baht to refined restaurants with ocean views — everyone will find something here. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and try new things. Thai cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, and Pattaya is the perfect place to discover all its diversity. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident!
