Where a Restaurant Owner Eats in Pattaya

I run restaurants myself, so people often ask where I eat when I'm not at my own places. Here are my go-to spots in Pattaya, and what I look for in any restaurant.

Marco's: my favourite Italian in Pattaya

Marco's is an Italian restaurant on Thappraya Road. I like the pizza and I like the pasta, but the thing I'd single out is the dessert trio: three or four miniature desserts, such as a chocolate mousse and a little crème brûlée. It's a really nice touch.

It's also very well managed, and it's owner-operated. That's often a major advantage. In my experience, a lot of the most successful restaurants in Pattaya are run by their owners.

Gooseberries: where I go for a steak

Gooseberries in Pratumnak is my go-to for a steak. It's owned by a friend of mine, Kenneth. The restaurant is only about a year old, but Kenneth is a chef himself and has plenty of experience, and it shows.

Where do I eat Thai food in Pattaya?

Honestly, I don't eat much Thai food here. I like it, but almost every restaurant in Pattaya has Western options too, and I always go for those. Most of my Thai food is eaten when I'm travelling around the country and end up somewhere more remote.

If I do want Thai food in Pattaya, I'd head up Pratumnak Hill towards Cosy Beach, to places like The Forest by the Sky or The Sky Gallery.

How to tell if a restaurant is good

As a restaurant owner, these are the three things I notice.

1. Cleanliness. First impressions count. Look up at the light bulbs and the fans. If you can see dust, the place could be better.

2. The staff. Watch their attitude. Do they look happy at work, or overworked and tired? If they look worn out, that can be a sign something is going on behind the scenes.

3. The food meets expectations. When the meal arrives, is it well presented and what you'd expect? It doesn't have to be first-class food. If you go into a pub, you expect pub food. What matters is that your expectations are met.

For what eating out costs as part of everyday life here, see Is Pattaya Expensive?, and for the business side of restaurants, read starting or buying a business in Pattaya.

New to Thai food? Read what to try first.