Pattaya Beach Dining

From curbside cuisine and greasy burgers to five-star gourmet, Pattaya has it all. The range of food available here is as diverse as the people who flock here. As easily as you can mingle with Europeans, Russians, Middle Eastern people, Americans, Asians and of course Thais in Pattaya, you can enjoy food originating from their homelands. Everything from schnitzel, falafels and kebabs, to British pub grub, homely Italian pasta and fresh seafood can be found in the city's eclectic restaurants, many of which are run by expats who've set up shop here and brought their culinary know-how with them.

There's a lot of competition for your business so prices are generally very competitive. Fast food, like every corner of the modern world these days, is also widely available. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Subway are all in attendance. Try the Royal City Garden shopping mall (Beach Road) for your processed food fix.

A tad surprising considering the numbers living in shorts and vests here is that there are many excellent upscale restaurants featuring starched tablecloths and immaculate service alongside superb cuisine. Expect to pay accordingly though (read Patttaya's Best Restaurant Reviews for information about where to find top cuisine). Pattaya's many five-star hotels are a great choice. Try the Cantonese cuisine at the 'The Peak'in the Dusit Resort Pattaya. It's on the top floor of the hotel and has a breathtaking view across the bay. The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel is also a great choice. The doyenne of Pattaya's luxury hotels has no less than ten unique restaurants, including The Maharani (mouthwatering Indian cuisine), Larn Thong (authentic Thai) and Rossini (superior Italian). In fact, you'll find that pretty much every hotel worth its salt has a restaurant serving decent cuisine in an affable setting.

Another great, as well as educational option in Pattaya is street food. Choose carefully (ideally somewhere busy where the food is cooked freshly in front of you), and you can enjoy exotic cuisine in a no-frills al fresco setting 'and usually for less than 50 baht! Roaming vendors and temporary stalls sell noodles, grilled meats, seafood, fresh fruit and other oddities all across town.

Where to Eat in Pattaya Beach Area

With something new to eat every few steps, just walking around usually stirs up many mouthwatering ideas. These are by no means the final word, but it's always helpful to have some suggestions:

Try Ali Baba for excellent Indian tandoori cuisine (Central Pattaya Road, opposite Nova Lodge Hotel)

Alt Heidelberg: sausage and sauerkraut on Beach road (273 Beach Road)

Bob's Burger: big burgers! (South Pattaya Road)

Cafe New Orleans: Cajun ribs and a good wine list (Soi Pattayaland 2)

Head to renowned Bruno's for classy French cuisine and an extensive wine-list (Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road)

Ciao: fresh pasta, homely atmosphere. (Walking St 03871 0805)

Food Wave: Stylish international food court with views out to sea (third floor Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road)

Henry J. Beans: Pricey Tex-Mex but excellent steaks (Beach Road, near Amari Orchid Resort)

Hopf Brew House: Great pasta, Neapolitan pizzas and home-brewed German beer (219 Beach Rd)

Laughing Cow: Decent steakhouse (Second Road, between Soi 7 and 8)

Lobster Pot: Lobster and seafood (228 Walking Street)

Mantra: Mouthwatering Japanese, Indian, Thai or Mediterranean in this hip, stylish restaurant and bar (North Beach Road, near Amari Orchid Resort)

The Montien Hotel: Great value Mediterranean, BBQ & Seafood or International theme buffets in a luxurious resort setting. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings respectively (Beach or Second Road, just north of Central Pattaya Road)

Nam Sing Restaurant: Bird's Nest and, if you're a controversialist, Shark Fin Soup (Second Road)

Pak Boong Loi Faa: Flying vegetables at this popular Thai restaurant aimed at Thais (North Road)

PIC Kitchen: Divine traditional Thai cuisine while seated on teak wood floors inside a classic Thai pavilion (255 Soi 5)

Rosie O'Grady's: Fine Pub grub including fish and chips, plus Thai, curries and Italian (Soi 7)

Siam Elephant : Traditional Thai cuisine served in a ravishing al fresco setting (Siam Bayshore Hotel, Walking Street)

Stone Oven: Gorgeous French baguettes, Danish pastries and more rise from within this café's imported Italian stone ovens (Beach Road, corner of Soi 6)

Subway: Devour a foot-long sandwich at these four locations (South Pattaya Road near Walking Street, Beach Road, Second Road opposite Soi 1, Central Pattaya Road on Carrefour ground floor)

Sugar Hut: A classic Thai restaurant useful for making an impression 'and the food's good too! (Thappraya Rd, towards Jomtien Beach 0385 1686)

Toscana: Green gardened beachfront trattoria with antipasti, pasta, pizza and more 'all mama's finest! (Beach Road, between Soi 6/1 and Soi Tropicana)

Vientiene Kitchen (Lao, Thai): Great seafood at low prices served Thai and Lao style outdoors. (Pattaya Second Rd)

Morning After Revivers

For those who can't handle noodles for breakfast, especially with a hangover, there's an alternative. Pattaya Beach offers lots of good places to help you get into recovery mode, from great British fry-ups to top-grade bagels and gourmet coffee.

Baywatch Café: Excellent breakfasts, reliable coffee and beach views (325/6 Beach Road)

Greg's Kitchen: Enjoy a full English fry-up and quick service, all day! (22 Second Road, opposite Soi 6)

Rosie O'Grady's: Their Superman Breakfast is the ultimate hangover cure-all (Soi 7)

Au Bon Pain:Quality bagels, croissants and sandwiches at a reasonable price (Royal Garden Plaza, ground floor)

Shenanigans: Excellent full English breakfast alongside the morning papers. Free Cappuccino refills (218 Second Road)

Pig and Whistle: Gargantuan English breakfasts in an authentic British pub with comfy sofas (Soi 7, Beach Road)