A Night at Mata Hari

[TotallyOz]

I had the fortune to eat at this great restaurant for the first time since the move. They are on the road the leads to the beach from Pattaya. The restaurant is directly next door to Manhattan's. I have heard the food was excellent and wanted to give it a try.

 

I ordered the tomato soup which was very good and I ordered the Salmon with vegetables. Both were very tasty, presented very beautifully and delightful to eat. The service was good and the waiters were always ready to help out. All in all a very enjoyable dining experience.

 

The only thing I didn't like was the desert. I ordered the Creme Brulee. It was nothing special and although it was not bad, it was not worth the money they charged for it.

 

My friend had the escargot, a soup, salad and steak. He had the cheesecake and enjoyed it. He said his meal was also very good.

 

The cost for 2 was 2,000 baht. They did not include a service charge so we added it at the end.

 

They are doing the street directly in front of the hotel and they have more work to do with it. That leaves the restaurant very little parking space out front. I am sure the owners were not expecting that when they put in such a nice facility.

 

The restaurant was delightful, had beautiful flowers and nice decoration. The owner did drop by our table to be sure all was OK and it was.

 

All in all, if you are looking for a nice place that is slightly more expensive than your typical Pattaya meal but done with a nice touch of class, give the Mata Hari a try. I really enjoyed it.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I have eaten there a couple of times and was thoroughly pleased with the ambience, service and food. It is not a cheap place to eat, but one of the best in Pattaya, in my opinion.

[Guest]

I have eaten there a couple of times and was thoroughly pleased with the ambience, service and food. It is not a cheap place to eat, but one of the best in Pattaya, in my opinion.

 

Next to your kitchen, I would have to agree.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Next to your kitchen, I would have to agree.

 

 

[Guest George]

In my opinion, the Mata Hari is the best restaurant in Pattaya. Although not cheap as you say lvdkeyes, it is certainly not expensive either, especially in comparison to other restaurants of the same class. Speaking of class, in my opinion Khun Louie is in one all of his own and sets the standards for all the other top end restaurateur's to follow.

 

No matter whether you are a long standing customer, or one that is making his first visit, you will find that Khun Louie will always find time to visit your table to inquire if everything is OK with your meal and is, to your satisfaction.

 

As pointed out above by GT and lvdkeyes, the staff are absolutely superb and the service provided by them in my opinion, is also second to no other restaurant. They are never intrusive by hovering over you, but instead as should be the case, when you require assistance, they magically appear at your table before you have a chance to beckon them. From the maître d', down to the newest bus boy, the English spoken by them is also superb and of a far higher standard than any other restaurant I know of, either in Pattaya or Bangkok.

 

Unlike you GT, I love the Crème brûlée and it is my choice for desert on most of my visits to the Mata Hari. I love the way the sugar crust on top, is burnt only moments before it comes to your table. Last night whilst dining at the Mata Hari, surprisingly for me, I chose Tiramisù for the first time, as it is not something I would normally choose for desert and found it to be delicious.

 

Being aware of how cynical some forum members can be, I hope that no one believes this review of the Mata Hari by me, is biased in anyway, as there is absolutely no reason on my part for it to be so. The restaurant is now in it's 14th year and the main reason that it has been able to keep it's reputation and place, as arguably the best restaurant in town, is because of the amazing consistency it has been able to maintain in all that time.

 

Any reader here not having tried the Mata Hari yet, I recommend that you do so, as I am certain you will be pleasantly surprised at the overall cost of your meal, as well as the very pleasant dining experience you will have. By the way, no problems if you wish to take your Thai b/f with you, as there are some excellent and very reasonably priced Thai dishes on the menu as well as farang ones.

 

I do advise that you make a reservation if you do intend to dine there, which you can do so by telephoning 038 259 799. I can also advise that the Mata Hari is closed every Monday.

 

Rather than give a list of dishes you can enjoy at the Mata hari, for those interested in this, I have included a link below to the Mata Hari Website:

 

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

George.

 

http://www.mataharirestaurant.com/?p=index

[Guest TOQ]

Damn, Come on now George, why dont you tell us how you really feel.

 

BTW, the lamb chops are excellant

 

 

john

[Guest George]

Damn, Come on now George, why dont you tell us how you really feel.

 

BTW, the lamb chops are excellant

john

 

I agree John, I must stop holding back when giving my opinion about either a place or a person. Being on forums such as this one, is helping me more with each passing day to overcome my shyness and introverted personality. Who knows, one day I may be able to make a post that is as equally as outspoken in what it has to say, as those of Pattaya Male's are.

 

 

Choc Dee Mr Lewis Sir, I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

 

George.

[Guest gay_grampa]

I agreed wholeheartedly with all the comments regarding the quality of Mata Hari. The quality of the food, staff, décor, ambiance, is difficult to better anywhere in Pattaya.

As for price – yes it is a little more expensive than some Pattaya restaurants but look at how much more you get. Also, compare how much a similar dining experience would cost in your own country and you will see what value for money you are getting (Gay Thailand’s dinner was Baht1000/head (20 pounds UK) Where can you eat in UK for 20 pounds these days?)

As for the host Louis, he sets the standard that I wish so many other restaurant owners would aspire to. He visits every table but knows exactly how long to stay and when to move on; leaving you to enjoy your meal.

 

[Up2u]

Another vote for the Mata Hari.