It was a return visit this week to one of the most prestigious restaurants in Pattaya; it is none other than the amazing Mantra Restaurant and Bar located in front of the Amari Orchid Resort on North Pattaya Beach Road.    

Beautifully decorated in red and black on two levels with creative glass structures and outstanding features placed around the spacious room, the Mantra remains a truly stunningly stylish and inspired place to dine in luxurious comfort.   The Mantra staff welcomes guests to take a trip around the world to choose dishes from a collection of several individual open themed kitchens.  Each one offering top quality and skillfully presented cuisine from Japan, China, Italy, India and the West, all courtesy of Executive Chef  Kai-Uwe Klenz.

The Japanese kitchen presents a super variety of Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura dishes priced from 110 baht for individual dishes such as Cucumber Rolls to 1,300 baht for a platter with an assortment of premium Sushi and Sashimi dishes.   There is also a Japanese Set Menu at 1,600 baht.

Talking of set menus, Mantra offers a range of set Wine Dine Menus.  There is “Mantra Discovery” at 1,600 baht per person, combining a variety of different cuisines.  Plus the “Wine Dinner” menu at 2,999 baht per person with a selection of fine international wines accompanying mostly Western classic dishes finished off with Dessert, Cheese and Dow’s Ruby Port.

Back to the main menu with a visit to China where the Chinese kitchen offers a mouthwatering choice of appetizers such as Dim Sum Dumplings and Peking Duck Rolls around 240 baht to 520 baht for BBQ Duck and Pork Salad.  Main course dishes start at 320 baht for crispy BBQ Pork Belly with Maple Syrup, to 1,400 baht for Snow Fish cooked with vegetables, herbs and black Mushrooms.   Moving to India with Tandoor and Tikka specialty dishes ranging from 290 baht for Chicken Tikka to 650 baht for Tandoori Lamb Chops and 740 baht for King Prawns.

Western dishes include Pasta from 380 baht and freshly baked Pizza from the Wood Fired Pizza Oven from 310 baht for classic Margherita to 610 baht for The Mediterranean with Artichoke, Goat Cheese and Basil Pesto.   Meat and Fish dishes include Braised Lamb Shank and Cod Saltimbocca both at 880 baht.

Australian grain fed steak is found at the Lava Stone Grill from 990 baht for Sirloin to 1,300 baht for Rib Eye.  A Mantra signature dish is the Surf and Turf for two at 4,600 baht with Tenderloin, Lamb Chop, Maine Lobster and King Prawns.  

For Seafood and Fish lovers there is a live selection at the Fish and Seafood Tank at various prices including Maine Lobster at 490 baht per 100 grams and a dozen Fine de Claire Oysters at 1,300 baht.    Salads from 190 baht for Spicy Mushroom and Herb to 490 baht for Belgian Endive, Fennel, Pear and Guava, plus delicious Soups such as Tom Yum Khung (260 baht) and Shark Fin Soup at 1,100 baht.

We began with a house specialty, the Mantra Quintetto (980 baht). A platter of Carpaccio of Ahi Tuna, Parma Ham and Melon, excellent pan-fried Foie Gras, a light cheesy Parmesan Souffle and grilled Vegetables.  Then arrived a few Chinese delights, deep fried Prawns with Sweet Horseradish Sauce (450 baht) and shredded Lamb with Garlic and Chili Sauce (470 baht). This was followed by an Indian favourite, Tandoori Chicken (290 baht) and from the West and a super fillet of grilled Snow Fish, Mushroom Crusted with Green Asparagus and Passion Fruit Butter Sauce (1,200 baht).

All the dishes were beautifully presented and better still – they all tasted great!

This was indeed another first class culinary experience! Highly recommended!  Mantra is open from 5pm until 1am.  Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm!  Prices quoted do not include Taxes.  Telephone: 038 418 418.