This beautifully decorated chic restaurant, which seats 180 guests, is set on two levels with an imaginative combination of glass structures and exotic oriental features placed around the cavernous room. There are also a number of private dining rooms for functions and private parties.  But before entering this wonderful hall of gastronomy we were invited by the friendly Social Director, Khun Nik to savour the entertainment and relaxation of the lounge bar decorated in the Amari signature colours of red and black.  Here the decor is a mix of oriental furniture with a hanging bed settled in one corner and an exotic ‘opium den’ setting at the opposite side of the room where one can sit with a pre-dinner drink and chat with fellow diners.   Before going into the restaurant we were taken by Operations Manager, Mr. Geev Bahrampoori to visit the nearby walk in wine room with an impressive list of over 300 bottles of international wine, including bottles of a rare Bordeaux priced at a mere 24,000 baht.  Then in the main restaurant one is transported as one is about to take a journey around the world with a total of seven individual open kitchens each with a separate culinary theme all supervised by Executive Chef Supachai. There is Japanese with a delicious selection of sushi, sashimi and tempura dishes priced from 80 baht to 650 for a large mixed platter.  Chinese with a wonderful selection of Peking Duck Rolls, Dim Sum and wok fried meat dishes around 280 baht. Indian cuisine is covered with tandoori and tikka specialties. Western food is represented with pasta and pizza at the Wood Fired Pizza Oven, imported steaks at the Lava Stone Grill and live seafood and fish from the Fish and Seafood Tank.  Authentic Thai food is prepared at the Charcoal Grill.  We started our ba

nquet with a Mantra Quintetto.  This included a fabulous selection of Carpaccio of ahi tuna, Parma ham, excellent pan-fried foie gras, a light and cheesy parmesan souffle & grilled vegetables.  Shredded lamb with garlic and chili sauce. California Roll.  A very colourful and tasty BBQ Pork tower with cucumber, apple sticks & Mantra Sauce.

- This was followed by a freshly prepared Sushi & Sashimi Platter with a premium selection of imported fish and seafood and delicious deep-fried prawns with sweet horseradish sauce. Plus a fine BBQ selection with duck, crispy pork & BBQ pork and finally a juicy medium rare grain-fed Australian rib eye beef steak.

For dessert we were tempted by the Mantra Special for 4.  This comprised of Tiramisu Zuccotto, frozen margarita roll, a dreamy dark chocolate truffle mousse, lemongrass & pandan, cr่me brulee, cheesecake, white chocolate & yogurt mousse cake and Passion fruit cream cone with mixed berry salad.  A gastronomic experience if ever there was one.   Here at the Mantra it seems anything is possible, the sky is the limit.  Highly recommended.  The Mantra Restaurant & Bar  240 Moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Road is open from 5.00pm until 1.00am.  Special Sunday Brunch from 11.00am until 3.00pm for 950 baht.   Telephone: 03-842-959.