Pad Lay - Thai Seafood & Brunch
Tucked just off the busy stretch of Soi Buakhao in central Pattaya, this small but highly regarded Thai seafood restaurant punches well above its weight. With only around five or six tables in a narrow space, it operates more like a neighbourhood gem than a polished dining room — yet the kitchen consistently delivers seafood dishes that draw repeat visitors. The Pad Pong Karee Talay is a particular standout, praised for its plump, fresh seafood and well-balanced sauce, while river prawns served with rice and fresh lemon juice have also earned strong praise from diners. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, with staff frequently noted for their friendliness and attentiveness. Food arrives quickly despite the compact setup, and the kitchen handles spice levels to order. The menu leans firmly into traditional Thai seafood cooking without veering into fusion territory, making it a reliable choice for travellers seeking straightforward, quality Thai flavours. Good to know: The restaurant opens at 1:00 PM daily and stays open until 11:30 PM, making it better suited to late lunch, dinner, or an evening meal rather than a morning brunch, despite the brunch reference in the name. Given the limited seating, arriving early in the evening or during off-peak hours is advisable to avoid a wait. Check the website at padlaypattaya.com for any updates before visiting.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pad Lay - Thai Seafood & Brunch, round out your day in Pattaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wow, the seafood here is next level. We had the Pad Pong Karee and the seafood was so plump and fresh. The balance between the sauce and the juicy veggies was just perfect. honestly, it's impressive how they keep the ingredients so fresh while packing in so much flavor. We also got the Seafood Tray. You can pick your spice level, and the portions are huge, the shrimp and mussels were massive! If you want a meal where every bite tastes like quality, don't skip this place. 10/10 recommendation!
Great little spot. Unassuming from the outside just off a busy road. Fantastically friendly staff. The best so far in Pattaya :). Spice level on point for what we expected with medium. Taste fresh. Food arrived quickly drinks good Fairly priced.
this place feels like a small Cafe but its really a small but very humble resturant that is able to turn out great thai food. I am amazed at how little space there is with about 5/6 tables and a narrow kitchen. this place can rival any big resturant kitchen and beat them all out. the atmosphere is very simple, quiet, and homey. awesome place to have a nice drink or a meal. o man...the crab pad thai? see attached picture..so much crab and this would easily cost 4/5 times back in the states. the flavor for all the meals unmatched back in the state. puts every thai restuarant back in the state to shame. also the pad thai eggroll rocked! and the sauces for the steamed Bass was on fire! absolutely delicious. I will be back!
Location Info
331, 3 Soi Buakhao, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand+66 64 575 0860padlaypattaya.com/Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: June – October (rainy, rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minibus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (~1.5 hrs). Bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai (~2 hrs). No direct train.
Getting around
- •Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes)
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Ferry to Koh Larn island