This week it was a trip to one of the latest boutique hotels in Pattaya – the 4 star Nova Platinum on Pratamnak Road – to experience what signature restaurant Zia has to offer.  Here at the chic Nova Platinum, under the helm of Executive Chef Anantakorn Lambualoy, the cuisine at Zia is truly international.  Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a wonderful array of snacks, light meals and main courses inside the air cooled restaurant or eat al fresco on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool. 

This vibrant area near equally pulsating Walking Street is dominated by Russian, Indian and Middle Eastern businesses.  Therefore, adding to the excellent international flavour of the menu, Chef Anantakorn has deliberately created a selection of ethnic recipes to please the tastes of guests from these various countries.   For such a quality 4 star venue, prices are phenomenally reasonable.   

Snacks include Calamari Fritters (150 baht) to 200 baht for New Zealand Mussels Rockefeller (with Spinach and Cheese).  Salads from 190 baht for a classic Caesar. Soups are all 120 baht – with distinctive recipes such as Zucchini with Parmesan, and Roasted Carrot and Ginger.   Light meals start at 150 baht for Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich (with Fries),  to 290 baht for the popular Platinum Burger topped with Onion, Bacon, Fried Egg and Brie Cheese.  Chef Anantakorn has a passion for Pasta and especially for his freshly created Pizzas.  Pasta (from 150 baht) includes Spaghetti, Penne, Linguine and Fettuccini – made with either Egg base, Squid Ink, Whole-Wheat or Spinach.  Pizza starts at 250 baht for BBQ and Smoked Chicken to 350 baht for Pizza Pescatore with Brandy sauteed Seafood and Mozzarella.  Thai dishes are plentiful from 120 baht for sun-dried Pork.  The classic hot and sour Prawn Soup, (Tom Yam Khung) is 140 baht.

Main course dishes from 290 baht for Grilled Duck Breast in Orange Peppercorn Sauce to 600 baht for imported Lamb Chops in Red Wine Sauce.  With Fish dishes baked Cod with Raisins and Tomatoes (320 baht) and grilled Salmon in Raspberry Sauce at 400 baht.  Australian Beef Steak (600 baht) or local ‘A’ grade Tenderloin at 400 baht.   Specialty dishes include Vegetarian Calzone (180 baht) or Veggie Burger (150 baht).   Indian delights such as Methi Murg (280 baht) Masala Chicken Curry with Methi (Fenugreek) and Lamb Masala Curry (400 baht).  Russian dishes incorporate Beef Stroganoff (350 baht) with Butter Noodles.  With Turkish delight Izmir Kofte (meatballs) at 300 baht. From Lebanon comes Laban Immo – Lamb Stew with Yoghurt (390 baht). 

Our meal consisted of an excellent spicy Pizza Nova (280 baht) with Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Chili, Roast Garlic, Mozzarella and Fried Egg.  Then to an old favourite - Fish and Chips (200 baht); a satisfying dish of battered Dory fillet and Fries.  After this was Herb Crusted Pork Fillet (290 baht) with Red Wine and Balsamic reduction.  Two Thai specialties followed, stir-fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts (140 baht), and Pad Pong Karee Goong (250 baht) Fried Prawns in Yellow Curry Sauce.

An excellent variety of wines are available from Cranswick Winery in Australia.

Each Saturday, from 6pm there’s a first class BBQ buffet at 490 baht per person.

Open every day from 6am to 10.30pm. All prices quoted are subject to taxes.  Telephone: 038 711 345.