Best Restaurants in Chon Buri 2025
Explore the culinary scene of Chon Buri - from local favorites to fine dining.
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
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of Chon Buri.
Poo Pad Pong Karee
Stir-fried crab with yellow curry powder and egg — the defining Pattaya dish
Poo Ob (Claypot Crab)
Whole crab steamed in a clay pot with glass noodles and broth — a local classic
Goong Ten (Dancing Shrimp)
Live tiny shrimp served in spicy lime dressing — unique to Si Racha area
Khao Soi
Northern-style coconut curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top
Grilled Squid (Pla Muk Yang)
Whole fresh squid grilled over charcoal with sweet chili sauce — perfect beach snack
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Ripe mango over glutinous rice with coconut cream — quintessential Thai dessert
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Chon Buri.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Thai Seafood Cuisine
Nang Nual Restaurant
Moom Aroi
Rim Talay Restaurant
Somsak Pu Ob (Crab Claypot)
Lan Pho Na Kluea Seafood Market
Si Racha Goong Ten (Dancing Shrimp)
Somboon Seafood Pattaya
International / Fusion Cuisine
Mantra Restaurant & Bar
Thai / International Cuisine
Glass House Restaurant
Jomtien Boathouse
Pattaya Beer Garden
Oasis Bar & Restaurant
European / Swiss Cuisine
Bruno's Restaurant & Wine Bar
International Grill Cuisine
The Grill House
International Cuisine
Horizon Rooftop Restaurant
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork on bamboo skewers grilled over charcoal, served with sticky rice
Roti Banana
Flaky flatbread with banana filling cooked on hot griddle, drizzled with condensed milk
Pad Thai cart
Fresh-made pad thai noodles cooked to order on portable wok stalls
Kanom Krok (Coconut Rice Cakes)
Half-sphere coconut rice pancakes in cast iron pans — sweet, crispy outside, soft inside
Fresh Fruit with Salt Chili
Sliced green mango, guava and jicama served with salt-sugar-chili powder dip
Food Markets
Thepprasit Night Market
Pattaya's largest night market with 200+ food stalls — the best street food in the city
Lan Pho Na Kluea Market
North Pattaya's premier seafood market-restaurant where you select live seafood for cooking
Jomtien Complex Night Market
Smaller night market near Jomtien Beach with good local food stalls and a quieter crowd
Nong Mon Market (Chon Buri City)
A massive weekend market in Chon Buri city selling preserved seafood, regional snacks and produce
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
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
Dietary Information
{'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.
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