Once primarily famed for its nightlife, Pattaya has blossomed into a vibrant destination welcoming travellers from all walks of life — from adventurous families to discerning food enthusiasts. With enhanced safety measures, smart urban upgrades, and a blossoming cultural calendar, now is the ideal time to rediscover Pattaya’s renewed allure, beautifully captured through the exceptional dining experiences at Meliá Pattaya Hotel.
Meliá Pattaya sets a new standard in urban resort dining by blending wellness with bold, sustainable culinary creativity. The rooftop Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar offers sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand alongside Cantonese and Sichuan dishes designed to nourish both body and soul.
Executive Chef Thaneht Naovarat leads a passionate team crafting signature plates such as steamed Chonburi fish with ginger and lime, double-boiled herbal soups infused with locally grown Thai herbs, and Sichuan Mala free-range chicken salad featuring Northern Thai greens. These dishes reflect the hotel’s dedication to sourcing ingredients from Chonburi fishermen and farmers, alongside organic produce from Royal Project farms supporting sustainable agriculture.
Wellness is woven through the Yitong experience, where expertly mixed cocktails and mocktails—like the gin-based “Kuaile De” with goji berry and honey—complement the delicate flavours of the menu. The interior blends contemporary design inspired by traditional calligraphy with intimate “wellness alcoves” for relaxed, private dining.
Beyond Yitong, Meliá Pattaya’s culinary portfolio boasts DEN, a groundbreaking Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant paying homage to nearby “Little Japanese Town” Si Racha; Sanehh Sarae, offering fresh seafood and authentic Thai cuisine inspired by the coastal village of Bang Saray; and Lay Beach Club, serving Mediterranean seafood paella, burrata, and revitalising seaside cocktails just steps from the sand.
Sustainability is central to the hotel’s ethos, evident in its emphasis on waste reduction, responsible ingredient sourcing, and increased plant-based options. General Manager Javier Gimeno notes, “Every meal at Yitong centres on wellness. We aim to deliver nourishing dining experiences that respect tradition while innovating with modern techniques, all in support of our local community.”
Pattaya itself is flourishing, shedding its previous party-town image to welcome a broader spectrum of visitors. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet champions comprehensive improvements in infrastructure, public safety, and the adoption of smart technologies such as AI-driven traffic management powered by the “Pattaya Connect” app.
These efforts have helped the city attract over 11 million Thai visitors in early 2025 alone. A lively calendar filled with festivals like the International Fireworks and Jazz Festivals further enhances Pattaya’s cultural profile.
Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches like Jomtien and Coral Island, explore cultural landmarks such as the Sanctuary of Truth, and browse bustling markets teeming with local crafts and flavours. Opportunities for water sports and wellness experiences blend seamlessly with the city’s renewed urban vibrancy, solidifying Pattaya’s status as a versatile and compelling destination.
Together, Meliá Pattaya’s culinary innovation and Pattaya’s citywide transformation form a captivating narrative: one that honours the destination’s heritage while embracing an inclusive, sophisticated future.
Experience Pattaya not merely as a location but as an immersive journey — where every taste, sight, and sound tells a story of renewal and warmth.
DEN introduces Pattaya to Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine.
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