By Mark Bentley
Pattaya is an exciting city by night
Pattaya is an exciting city by night

Pattaya sees its fair share of visitors as well as having a considerable expat population, ensuring the city has no shortage of demand for good eating and drinking venues. Western consumer demand aside, let’s not forget that food and drink play an essential role in Thai culture and that the locals were taking care of their own dining needs long before establishments catering to outsiders began to pop up.

Such places still exist and have not lost their share of the market to tourist-oriented bars and restaurants; rather the city’s selection of venues has increased significantly so that customers in Pattaya can now choose between traditional fare at economic Thai prices or a mix of higher priced international and Thai food at venues geared towards overseas visitors.

Few hotels offer anything other than breakfast as part of their packages, leaving most visitors seeking somewhere to dine at both lunch and dinner times. Lunch, for many, can be a relatively cheap and simple affair; a sandwich, a salad, some spring rolls or a plate of French fries. However, for those wanting to tuck into something a little heartier, there are plenty of options available.

Holidaymakers favouring English fare will find the Queen Victoria Inn on soi 6 a good bet at lunchtime, with traditional favourites such as ploughman's lunch and shepherd's pie gracing the menu. Equally attractive for a midday slap-up is Pat’s Restaurant on soi 3, where roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are up for grabs, alongside classics such as fish and chips and pie and chips.
Lunch or dinner al fresco is a popular option
Lunch or dinner al fresco is a popular option

For lunch with a more American flavour, head to Bob's BBQ & Grill, holder of the official record for the world’s largest cheeseburger and dishing up smaller versions of the same along with barbecued ribs and authentic Texas wagon wheel burgers. The City Grill restaurant on Walking street provides typical but tasty fast food fare along the hot dog and burger lines, while Subway on Pattaya Klang road dishes up some impressive chunky sandwiches.

As the afternoon draws on and sunset approaches, holidaymakers head out for evening meals. Choices are abundant, covering all budgets and tastes. It’s really a matter of what you’re in the mood for and how much you are willing to pay.

If it’s traditional Thai food that takes your fancy, then venues such as Somsak on soi 1 and Baan Thai on Central road present authentic cuisine at both ends of the price scale (the former being the cheaper). Adam & Eve’s at Sabai Jai Village on Sukumvit road and PIC Kitchen on soi 5 both offer good quality Thai food which can be enjoyed to the accompaniment of live entertainment at various restaurants. Recommended restaurants.

Going international for dinner is a good option for visitors needing a change from the intensity of Thai food, and with venues offering English, Belgian, French, Scandinavian, Mexican, Italian, German, Indian and Japanese cuisine, there’s certainly no shortage of choice.

A good bet for French food is Au Bon Coin on soi 5.