Since settling in Pattaya back in 1997, food has become more than just sustenance — it’s how I connect with the city. With two decades of hospitality experience, I approach every bite with the eye of a seasoned insider and the heart of someone who still gets excited over grilled chicken skewers at the night market or a velvety mousse from my own kitchen.

Food here is flavour, fellowship, and ritual. After a demanding week in Pattaya real estate, I celebrate with a good meal — either at a local gem or behind my own stovetop. Sundays? Sacred. That’s when I slow down, knead bread, stir sauces, and savour the stillness as much as the taste.

Pattaya food vendor - who fills expat empty stomach with soul and spices.

Street Food: Flavor with Familiarity

Pattaya’s street food culture has evolved, but never lost its soul. Soi Buakhao and Thepprasit Night Market are sensory playgrounds — the sizzle of satay, the clatter of woks, the zing of fresh som tum.

My must‑haves:

  • Pad Thai — Find the stall near Chaiyaphruek Road. Seasoned wok. Generous peanuts.
  • Som Tum — Spicy, zesty, and perfect with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
  • Satay Skewers — Smoky, creamy peanut sauce. Finger‑licking mandatory.
  • Gai Tod (Fried Chicken) — Crispy perfection near local schools.
  • Tom Yum — Prawns, lemongrass, chili — a layered explosion of flavour.
  • Mango Sticky Rice — Sweet, salty coconut bliss in a foam container.

Insider tips:

  • Trust long queues — locals always know best.
  • Bring tissues and sanitizer.
  • Be adventurous — the best bites often come from the boldest decisions.
  • Walk, don’t drive — you’ll see more, smell more, discover more.

For a cultural side dish to your culinary adventures, see Thai Food Porn: A Love Story That Never Cooled Down.

Sunday Brunch: A Gourmet Ritual Worth Chasing

Bangkok’s hotel brunches may be unmatched, but Pattaya has rising contenders.

Reliable picks:

  • Courtyard by Marriott Pattaya
  • Dusit Hotel Pattaya — thoughtful service, refined atmosphere, and well‑executed menus.

Exceptional escape:

  • PARADISO at Sunplay Bangsaray — fresh burrata, porchetta, prosecco — all under a breezy terrace with hillside views. It’s not just brunch — it’s a micro‑vacation.

Seafood BBQ buffets? They’re popular, sure — but I remain unapologetically loyal to slow‑roasted meats, glazed ham, and chargrilled lamb.

Fine Dining: Elegance with Heart

Pattaya’s fine dining isn’t flashy — it’s soulful. Less about theatrics, more about craftsmanship and passion.

My curated favourites:

  • Café des Amis — culinary artistry and the largest gin collection I know.
  • Casa Pascal — quietly elegant, consistently excellent.
  • Harlan’s Bar & Restaurant — Michelin‑trained precision and global flair.
  • Au Bon Coin — classic French charm with sentimental depth.
  • The Globe Hotel (Soi 7) — ambitious, skillful, and one to watch.
  • Ristorante Da Marco — the Italian heartbeat of Swiss Sabai.
  • Café Blu (Arcadia Beach) — same pedigree, approachable prices.

For more on how lifestyle and location intertwine in Pattaya, read What Area in Pattaya Has My Name Written on It?.

Global Grub & Steaks: Pattaya’s Passport to Flavor

Italian Gems: Osteria Sendi, Fusillo, Prego, Trattoria Toscana, Marco’s, Paradiso, Gian’s — and for deep‑pocket luxury, Castello Di Bellagio. Steak Spots: El Gaucho, Patrick's, Beefeater, Dirty Ranch, American BBQ & Grill, Flame, Longhorn, and soon — El Harlan. Indian Standouts: Alibaba Tandoori, Indian By Nature, Masala Twist.

A Few Wild Cards:

  • Don Pepe Tapas Bar — Spanish flair and great for socialising.
  • Das‑Berliner Bistro — German comfort food at its best.
  • HOPS Brew House — great beer and pizza by Enzo.
  • Grillicious by Beirut — Lebanese delicacies worth discovering.
  • Shanghai Restaurant — no frills, just flavour.
  • Nicky's on Buakhao — Pattaya’s breakfast best deal.

Thai Delicacies: Always Worth the Wander

From humble homes to rustic gardens:

  • Baan Kaeng Homemade Thai
  • À La Campagne (Somtum Villa)
  • Praneat
  • MAYs Pattaya

For fresh seafood? Head to Baan Amphur or Bangsaray. Saltwater air makes everything taste better.

After‑Dinner Drinks: The Nightcap is Sacred

Whether it’s classy or cozy:

  • Darkness Bar
  • Empire Luxury Private Club

There are countless more… but I need to switch gears and get back to property valuations. If you’re curious how Pattaya’s lifestyle scene complements its property market, see Pattaya: The Clear‑Cut Choice for Expats on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.

Written by Mr. KC Cuijpers, Managing Director & CEO of Town & Country Property — a real estate veteran and unapologetic foodie. Whether weighing investment opportunities or weighing ingredients for a Sunday roast, he approaches both with clarity, passion, and a refined taste.
With having just two goals in life: To eat and to lose weight.