Chon Buri is a coastal province on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, best known for the resort city of Pattaya and its string of sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. The province blends vibrant beach tourism with industrial heritage, traditional fishing villages, and lush tropical landscapes just 80 km from Bangkok.
Chon Buri's culinary identity is dominated by ultra-fresh Gulf of Thailand seafood, from whole grilled fish and claypot crab to live dancing shrimp and giant tiger prawns. Pattaya's international tourist base has also produced an exceptional range of European, Japanese, Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants, while local markets in Na Kluea and Bang Saen serve the most authentic Central Thai dishes. The province is famous province-wide for tamarind candy, fermented shrimp paste (kapi), dried squid and fresh oysters from the Gulf.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Chon Buri.
Poo Pad Pong Karee
Stir-fried crab with yellow curry powder and egg — the defining Pattaya dish
Where to try: Moom Aroi or Somboon Seafood
Price: $14–22
Poo Ob (Claypot Crab)
Whole crab steamed in a clay pot with glass noodles and broth — a local classic
Where to try: Somsak Pu Ob, South Pattaya
Price: $8–12
Goong Ten (Dancing Shrimp)
Live tiny shrimp served in spicy lime dressing — unique to Si Racha area
Where to try: Si Racha waterfront restaurants
Price: $6–10
Khao Soi
Northern-style coconut curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top
Where to try: Thong Dee Restaurant
Price: $3–5
Grilled Squid (Pla Muk Yang)
Whole fresh squid grilled over charcoal with sweet chili sauce — perfect beach snack
Where to try: Night markets and beachfront stalls
Price: $2–5
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Ripe mango over glutinous rice with coconut cream — quintessential Thai dessert
Where to try: Night Bazaar food court and markets
Price: $1.50–3
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nang Nual Restaurant
One of Pattaya's most iconic seafood institutions, open since 1986, serving exceptional fresh catches in an open-air setting by the sea at South Pattaya. Beloved by locals and visitors for consistently excellent grilled fish, crab and shell dishes.
Known for: Iconic Pattaya seafood restaurant with 35+ years of history
214-10 Moo 10, Beach Road, South Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
Moom Aroi
A beloved seafood restaurant on the North Pattaya seafront near Na Kluea market, celebrated for outstanding fresh crab curry and whole grilled fish at reasonable prices. A favorite with Thai visitors seeking authentic local-style seafood.
Known for: Famous for fresh crab curry and whole fish dishes
Naklua Soi 16, Na Kluea, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150
Mantra Restaurant & Bar
Pattaya's most ambitious fine-dining venue, housed in a dramatic open-air space on the Amari Hotel beachfront, divided into nine food stations covering Indian tandoor, Japanese sushi, Italian pasta, Chinese dim sum and more under one theatrical roof.
Known for: Nine world cuisine stations in one dramatic open-air venue
240 Pattaya Beach Road (Amari Hotel), Chon Buri 20150
Glass House Restaurant
An upscale open-air restaurant perched over the sea at Jomtien Beach, renowned for romantic sunset dining, fresh seafood platters and Thai contemporary dishes with stunning Gulf views.
Known for: Sunset seafood dining over the sea
279 Moo 4, Jomtien Beach Road, Chon Buri 20250
Rim Talay Restaurant
A lively open-air restaurant on stilts over the water at Jomtien, popular for generous portions of grilled seafood, somtam (papaya salad) and iced seafood trays at local-friendly prices.
Known for: Seafood dining on stilts over the water
Jomtien Beach Road, Soi 5, Chon Buri 20260
Bruno's Restaurant & Wine Bar
A longstanding Pattaya institution run by Swiss owner Bruno, serving refined European cuisine with an extensive wine cellar. Known for consistent quality, a cozy atmosphere and outstanding fondue and raclette dishes.
Known for: Swiss fine dining with outstanding wine list
306/63 Chateau Dale, Thappraya Road, Chon Buri 20150
Somsak Pu Ob (Crab Claypot)
A legendary no-frills local eatery in South Pattaya serving claypot crab cooked in broth with glass noodles — a dish locals have been queuing for decades. Rough-and-ready setting but extraordinary flavor.
Known for: Famous for claypot crab — a Pattaya classic since the 1970s
Soi Post Office, South Pattaya Road, Chon Buri 20150
Lan Pho Na Kluea Seafood Market
A sprawling open-air seafood market-restaurant at Na Kluea where you choose your fresh catch from market stalls, then have it cooked to order at adjacent cooking stalls. Ultra-fresh, ultra-local and very affordable.
Known for: Choose your seafood fresh from the market then have it cooked
Lan Pho Park, Na Kluea Road, Na Kluea, Chon Buri 20150
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Thai
Jomtien Boathouse
A charming waterfront restaurant at Jomtien Beach set in a renovated wooden boathouse with a lovely sea-breeze terrace. Serves a well-rounded menu of Thai classics and Western comfort food at affordable prices.
Known for: Laid-back beachfront dining with Thai and Western menu
Moo 4, Jomtien Beach Road, Chon Buri 20260
Pattaya Beer Garden
A huge open-air beer garden on Pattaya Beach Road popular with both tourists and locals for cold Chang beer, live music, bar snacks and Thai-Western food at very reasonable prices. The social hub of central Pattaya.
Known for: Huge beachside beer garden with live music nightly
Pattaya Beach Road (opposite Central Festival), Chon Buri 20150
MK Gold Suki Pattaya
The upscale branch of Thailand's most popular sukiyaki chain, offering individual hotpot cooking at the table with premium seafood, vegetables and dipping sauces in a clean, air-conditioned environment.
Known for: Premium individual hotpot with fresh seafood
Central Festival Pattaya, Pattaya Beach Road, Chon Buri 20150
Siam Kitchen
A clean, friendly Thai restaurant in Central Pattaya beloved by Thai families and budget-conscious visitors for excellent khao man gai (chicken rice), pad thai and curries at street-food prices in a comfortable sit-down environment.
Known for: Authentic Thai comfort food at local prices
Pattaya Central Road, Soi 5, Chon Buri 20150
Pattaya Night Bazaar Food Court
A sprawling indoor-outdoor food court at the Pattaya Night Bazaar shopping complex, offering dozens of stalls selling grilled meats, pad thai, mango sticky rice, fresh fruit shakes and local Thai snacks at night-market prices.
Known for: Widest variety of Thai street food under one roof
Pattaya 2nd Road, Pattaya Night Bazaar, Chon Buri 20150
Dee Dee Restaurant
A local favorite in Naklua serving authentic Central Thai cuisine in an unassuming setting, with excellent larb, grilled river fish and regional curries that rarely appear on tourist menus. Frequented almost exclusively by Thai diners.
Known for: Authentic regional Thai food away from the tourist trail
Naklua Road Soi 18, Na Kluea, Chon Buri 20150
Si Racha Goong Ten (Dancing Shrimp)
A famous Si Racha restaurant known for its jumping live shrimp served in a spicy Thai dressing — a local delicacy that travelers often make a special trip to Si Racha to try. The rest of the fresh seafood menu is equally outstanding.
Known for: Famous for live dancing shrimp dish unique to Si Racha
Main pier road, Si Racha, Chon Buri 20110
Ruen Thai Restaurant
A beautifully presented traditional Thai restaurant in a historic teak house near North Pattaya, with nightly classical Thai dance performances accompanying an authentic royal Thai cuisine menu — an excellent cultural dining experience.
Known for: Cultural Thai dining with classical dance performances
485/3 Moo 10, Pattaya 2nd Road, Chon Buri 20150
Oasis Bar & Restaurant
A popular pool-bar restaurant at Jomtien Beach with a relaxed daytime vibe, good cocktails, decent Thai food and a beach view. The perfect spot for a long lunch or sundowner with live acoustic music on weekends.
Known for: Relaxed beachside dining with live music on weekends
Jomtien Beach Road, opposite Soi 5, Chon Buri 20260
Somboon Seafood Pattaya
The Pattaya branch of Bangkok's legendary seafood chain, renowned throughout Thailand for its signature crab fried with yellow curry powder and eggs. High-quality consistent cooking with a lively family-friendly atmosphere.
Known for: Famous chain known for yellow curry crab
Pattaya-Naklua Road, Central Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
Cha Cha Moon
An intimate fine-dining restaurant in Central Pattaya offering creative Thai-inspired tasting menus using premium local ingredients, with a curated Thai wine and craft spirit pairing program.
Known for: Creative modern Thai tasting menu with local ingredient focus
Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 13, Chon Buri 20150
True Coffee Pattaya
A popular Thai coffee chain location in Central Pattaya with strong espresso drinks, Thai-style iced coffees, fresh fruit smoothies and light snacks. Great for working on a laptop in air-conditioned comfort.
Known for: Thai chain café with strong coffee and digital nomad-friendly seating
Central Festival, Pattaya Beach Road, Chon Buri 20150
Thong Dee Pattaya
An excellent value Thai restaurant near Soi Buakhao specializing in Northern Thai dishes not commonly found in tourist-facing menus — nam prik noom (green chili dip), khao soi (curry noodles) and sai oua (herb sausage).
Known for: Authentic Northern Thai cuisine with hard-to-find regional dishes
Soi Buakhao, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150
Pattaya Seafood BBQ Night Market
A large night market near Thepprasit Road where vendors set up grills after dark selling grilled seafood, marinated meats, corn, satay and tropical desserts in a lively outdoor environment at very low prices.
Known for: Largest street seafood BBQ market in Pattaya
Thepprasit Road area, South Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
TupTim Thai Restaurant (Bang Saen)
A well-regarded local Thai restaurant at Bang Saen beach serving the region's beloved ruam mit (mixed seafood salad), fresh grilled fish and classic central Thai dishes. Extremely popular with Bangkok day-trippers at weekends.
Known for: The go-to seafood restaurant on Bang Saen beach
Bang Saen Beach Road, Saen Suk, Mueang Chon Buri, Chon Buri 20131
Cabbages & Condoms Pattaya
The Pattaya branch of Thailand's famous social enterprise restaurant chain, run by the Population & Community Development Association, serving excellent Thai food in quirky condom-themed décor. Profits support community health programs.
Known for: Dine well and support community health — quirky décor and great Thai food
Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
French
Café des Amis
A charming French-run café in South Pattaya serving proper espresso, freshly baked croissants, quiches and European breakfast sets. A peaceful oasis from the tourist bustle, popular with French and Belgian expats.
Known for: Authentic French bakery with genuine espresso
Soi Yodsak (Soi Khao Noi), South Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
La Baguette
A popular French bakery and café near Pattaya 2nd Road serving freshly baked baguettes, pain au chocolat, quiches, salads and excellent coffee. The best morning stop for those seeking European-quality baked goods.
Known for: Best French-style bakery in Pattaya
Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 13/2, Chon Buri 20150
Fast Food
McDonald's Central Pattaya
Central Pattaya's 24-hour McDonald's on the Beach Road, reliably serving familiar burgers and Thai-specific menu items like samurai pork burgers and corn cups. Convenient for early mornings or late nights.
Known for: Thailand-exclusive menu items alongside global classics
Pattaya Beach Road, Central Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
Greek
Zante Taverna
A cheerful Greek taverna in Central Pattaya serving moussaka, gyros, souvlaki and Greek salads in a blue-and-white setting with ouzo and retsina available. Run by a Greek family and a consistent favorite among European visitors.
Known for: Authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Pattaya
Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 11, Chon Buri 20150
Indian
Ali Baba Indian & Middle Eastern
A long-established Indian and Middle Eastern restaurant on Pattaya 2nd Road offering freshly baked naan from a clay tandoor oven, authentic curries, shawarma and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Popular with South Asian visitors.
Known for: Best Indian and Middle Eastern food in Pattaya
1/7 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Road, Chon Buri 20150
Indonesian
Mata Hari Restaurant
Pattaya's only dedicated Indonesian restaurant, serving authentic nasi goreng, rendang, satay and gado-gado in a relaxed Southeast Asian setting. Popular with Indonesian tourists and expats.
Known for: Only authentic Indonesian restaurant in Pattaya
Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
International
Horizon Rooftop Restaurant
The spectacular restaurant and bar on the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya offering 360° views of the city and Gulf. Serves premium international cuisine with outstanding cocktails at sunset — one of Pattaya's most memorable dining experiences.
Known for: 360° panoramic views from 34th floor — best sunset views in Pattaya
333/101 Pattaya Beach Road (Hilton), Chon Buri 20150
International Bbq
After Beach Bar & Grill
A beachside restaurant at Jomtien with a large wood-fired grill, outdoor seating in the sea breeze and a menu of BBQ meats, burgers, fresh salads and cocktails. Great for long lazy lunches watching the beach.
Known for: Wood-fired BBQ with beachside seating at Jomtien
Jomtien Beach Road (between Soi 3 and 4), Chon Buri 20260
International Grill
The Grill House
A popular expat-friendly grill restaurant on Pattaya 2nd Road with an excellent steaks, burgers, BBQ ribs and a comprehensive drinks menu. Known for consistent quality, large portions and a lively social atmosphere.
Known for: Best-value steaks and BBQ in Pattaya
Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 11, Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150
Japanese
Yamaha Restaurant
A well-regarded Japanese restaurant in Central Pattaya with a sushi bar, teppanyaki counter and extensive Japanese menu catering to Pattaya's large Japanese visitor community. Reliable, authentic and consistently busy.
Known for: Authentic Japanese with teppanyaki and sushi bar
Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 13, Chon Buri 20150
Seafood
Lobster Pot Restaurant
An upscale seafood-focused restaurant near South Pattaya pier with live lobsters in display tanks, premium imported seafood and an extensive wine list. Perfect for special occasions in a relaxed but elegant atmosphere.
Known for: Live lobster tanks and premium imported seafood
228 South Pattaya Beach Road, Chon Buri 20150
Food tours & tastings in Chon Buri
Eat your way through Chon Buri with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Chon BuriWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork on bamboo skewers grilled over charcoal, served with sticky rice
Find it at: Morning market stalls throughout Pattaya
Roti Banana
Flaky flatbread with banana filling cooked on hot griddle, drizzled with condensed milk
Find it at: Walking Street and night markets
Pad Thai cart
Fresh-made pad thai noodles cooked to order on portable wok stalls
Find it at: Pattaya 2nd Road evening stalls
Kanom Krok (Coconut Rice Cakes)
Half-sphere coconut rice pancakes in cast iron pans — sweet, crispy outside, soft inside
Find it at: Thepprasit Night Market
Fresh Fruit with Salt Chili
Sliced green mango, guava and jicama served with salt-sugar-chili powder dip
Find it at: Beach road vendors throughout Pattaya
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Thepprasit Night Market
Pattaya's largest night market with 200+ food stalls — the best street food in the city
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Fri–Sun
Lan Pho Na Kluea Market
North Pattaya's premier seafood market-restaurant where you select live seafood for cooking
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Jomtien Complex Night Market
Smaller night market near Jomtien Beach with good local food stalls and a quieter crowd
Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM daily
Nong Mon Market (Chon Buri City)
A massive weekend market in Chon Buri city selling preserved seafood, regional snacks and produce
Hours: Sat–Sun 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Point at seafood at market stalls to select your own catch, then choose your cooking method
Always ask for 'mai phet' (not spicy) if you can't handle heat — Thai chili is very strong
Lunch at Na Kluea market is excellent value — same quality as tourist restaurants at half the price
7-Eleven convenience stores sell cheap Thai ready meals, sandwiches and fresh coffee
Restaurant A/C can be extreme — bring a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian Thai food available but less common than in Bangkok; look for 'jeh' (vegan Buddhist) restaurants, especially near temples. Most markets will have vegetarian options on request.
- Halal
- Several halal Thai and Middle Eastern restaurants along Pattaya 2nd Road and near the mosque on Soi Khao Noi. Ali Baba is fully halal certified.
- Gluten free
- Thai cuisine is mostly naturally gluten-free (rice-based); however soy sauce contains gluten. Specify 'not soy sauce' when ordering. Most seafood dishes are naturally GF.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3–8 per meal | Street food stalls, night markets and food courts — pad thai, rice dishes, fresh grilled seafood |
| Mid-range | $12–25 per meal | Sit-down restaurants including seafood meals with beer |
| Upscale | $50+ per meal | Fine dining at Mantra, Horizon Rooftop, Glass House or Lobster Pot |