8 Best Restaurants in Pattaya, The Gulf Coast Beaches

Belying Pattaya's slightly unsophisticated reputation, this fine dining haven oozes Gallic class. Tucked away in a residential district between Pattaya and Jomtien, it's something of a romantic refuge. And the food helps to elevate proceedings with choice offerings including premium steaks and showstoppers such as Japanese scallops with black pudding and cauliflower puree and lamb shank spiced with paprika, chili, and cumin.

The concept—one familiar to western visitors, especially those from North America—is not exactly authentic to Japan or any country for that matter. But Benihana's take on Japanese-style teppanyaki has proved to be an enduring formula. The template is followed to a tee at its Pattaya outlet with flamboyant chefs cooking up a storm before diners' eyes. 

Pattaya's reputation as a top spot for sampling seafood is given fresh impetus at this lively restaurant. The venue is open daily for lunch, but it comes alive on weekend nights when gourmands flock to its seafood buffet, which is a kingly affair starring superfresh morsels served in an underwater-inspired space popping with eclectic artworks. 

Regulars pack the room at this elegant Indian restaurant, which honors Pattaya's bountiful seafood supply with such dishes as a comforting fish curry and a crab masala special that's an absolute must when it's available. Service is attentive but never overbearing, living up to the awards this local favorite has earned since it opened in 2004.

It's not all about the atmosphere at this lively venue: the kitchen is no slouch in the creativity department. Simplicity is key to your enjoyment, with choice cuts of meat and prime local produce getting top billing. Highlights include rotisserie chicken and wood-fired pizza. The nightly live music and array of beers on tap also help to provide uplift.

For a different side of Pattaya, head north of the city to this beautiful, romantic seafood restaurant that sits right on the waterfront. The almost exclusively Thai clientele enjoys hand-picked lobster, tiger prawns, crab, oysters, and fish amid shimmering pools, palm trees, and sweeping bay views.

At the southern end of Pattaya Beach Road is one of the city's best places for seafood. A huge array of freshly caught fish is laid out on blocks of ice at the entrance; point to what you want, explain how you'd like it cooked (most people prefer grilled), and ask for some fried rice on the side for a flawless meal.

This sleek, modern restaurant overlooking the Dusit Thani resort's expansive pool and shimmering Pattaya Bay offers an "international skewers" concept with a wide variety of Chinese, Thai, and Western takes on grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables on skewers.