Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Phetburi> Location: Cha-am

Cha-am

Aree Restaurant - The only Indian Restaurant in Cha-am
225/52 Ruamchit Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (05) 047 1136;(06) 058 9658;

The only Indian Restaurant in town, and a good one at that. It offers the usual assortment of Indian meals along with. good roti, nan, chapatti, paratha and yoghurt drinks. And there's a selection of burgers and pasta, so you can bring your unadventurous friends along.
Type of Food: Indian /
Opening Hours: 08:00-24:00

Baan Pleng - A Thai version of a road house
238/2 Naranthip Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi

The Thai version of a road house, with a great band playing Thai and Western rock and roll, two sets nightly, at 21:00 and 23:00. The large interior has a second floor balcony with good views of the band almost everywhere you sit. Thai tourists will be in here partying hardy on any given night, drinking to excess and scarfing down Thai-style bar food, ordered off the extensive menu. Falangs are a bit of a rarity, so you'll attract attention (most of it good, but ladies keep an eye on your purse). Friendly Thais will often offer you a drink from their own glass, a very gracious compliment, so take a sip, saliva be damned. Otherwise, just bring the glass up to your lips and tilt your head back as if to drink, and this will signal that you're grateful and not being rude. Prices are little higher than elsewhere, but not too bad, and there's no cover. Recommended.
Type of Food: Thai /

Bella Pizza - 30 years pizza-making experience
234/40-42 Ruamchit Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (032) 470 980;

Bella Pizza's Thai owner has been making pizza for 30 years, 20 of those in Sweden, and he really knows his stuff. The thin crust and deliciously tart tomato sauce are a welcome departure from the thick, sweet pizza available in most of Asia. English and Swedish are spoken by some of the staff.
Type of Food: International / Pizza /
Opening Hours: High season 11:00-23:00 low season 17:00-23:00

Crawfords Irish Bar and Restaurant - A popular and indispensable fixture in Cha-am
252/6 Chao Lai Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (032) 471 774;

Crawfords opened in 2005, but it has quickly become a popular and indispensable fixture in Cha-am. It's run by Irish-born master chef, John Hayes. The bar itself is small, but there's ample seating al fresco in the attractive walled garden area, and plenty more tables inside for over-flow during the frequent special events. Crawfords is a great place to ask around if you're looking to scare up fellow passengers to rent a van for a visa run, or for general information about what's going on in Cha-am. Imported bottled beers, ample western food and live music make Crawfords a good place to opt out of Thailand for an evening.
Type of Food: International /

Frendz Cafe - Daily specials, very good food
234/67 Ruamchit Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (032) 433 219;

Frendz Cafe quickly carved out a solid niche for itself, thanks to the quality of the food. Cheryl, the English-born owner abandoned the notion of a fixed menu in favour of daily specials, including roast pork, beef, or lamb dinners, spaghetti and meatballs, Texas chilli, chicken tikka, or whatever else strikes her fancy on a given day. If you plan to eat dinner here, it's best to stop by earlier in the day and reserve your dish and designate a time--she usually sells out before six o'clock. Open from 07:00 until whenever Cheryl kicks everyone out.
Type of Food: International /

Khao Mawk Gai - Soul-satisfying Muslim fare
74 Naranthip Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi

Curried chicken, falling off the bone, with yellow rice and currants, spicy ox-tail soup with juicy chunks of meat in a savory herb broth, beef satay skewers, dried beef and fried chicken round off the limited but lovingly-prepared daily menu. Order it 'mai pet' unless you're hardcore. Hard to find but worth the effort. Look for the star and crescent emblem on one of the street-carts with seating, south side of Naranthip Rd, half-way between Petchakasem Rd and the train station. Friendly owner speaks English.
Opening Hours: 10:00-16:00, closed Saturday

Leelawadee Terrace - Fairly authentic Japanese food
220 Ruamchit Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi

An anomaly in Cha-am--fairly authentic Japanese food. It's the only spot in town for sushi, and while connoisseurs will find the quality and variety middling, it still hits the spot. In addition to sushi and sashimi, there are entrees grilled, riced, and teriyaki-ed. There's some western food, including decent pizza, but check out Bella Pizza for the real thing.
Type of Food: International / Japanese /
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-23:00

Mai Ru Restaurant -
104/14 Chao Lai Rd, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (01) 255 8203;

Mai Ru has a wery pleasant garden seating under huge umbrellas and offers everything from Thai snacks to German favourites. The Thai chef has a way with falang food, so the quality is a little better than other restaurants offering similar fare. Mai Ru is also a great place for cheap cocktails.
Type of Food: International / Thai /

Shylae Seafood - Fair prices, good food, fast and friendly service
Fishing village, Cha-am - Phetburi
Tel: (032) 47 2343;

Tourists usually wind up at Krua Med Sai Seafood, the restaurant located just before you enter the Fishing Village. The seaview is great, but the service slow and lack-lustre, and prices are higher for foreigners. Try any of the places in the fishing village for a fair deal and equal quality. A notable establishment is Shylae Seafood. The prices are fair, the food good, and the service fast and friendly. The owner is a young law student who speaks English quite well. The tables give you a good view of the Gulf and the harbour at the same time. To get there, take Ruamjit Rd through the fishing village and turn right at the harbour. It's at the end on the right.
Type of Food: Seafood / Thai /
Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00

The Chicken Coop Restaurant. - Family atmosphere
East side of the Plaza, all the way at the end, Cha-am - Phetburi

Offering Western, Thai and reasonably tasty Mexican food. Nice bar, and something of a family atmosphere, ironically, since they also run the pole dancing club next door. Welcome to Thailand.
Type of Food: International / Mexican /