Linda’s restaurant in Jomtien (opposite the Jomtien Complex) has been in business for almost 12 years, making it one of the standout restaurants in Pattaya/Jomtien. Whilst it has much in the menu as Norwegian items (because Linda spent many years in Norway running her own restaurant there), there are also the more ‘usual’ European items, plus seafood and Thai.
For anyone who does not know the location, Linda’s restaurant is very easy to find, being on the left hand side of Thappraya Road heading towards the “Hanuman” statue and opposite Jomtien Complex. (BTW, the statue is actually not Hanuman, but of Machanu, the son of Hanuman! Hanuman did not have a fish tail – go and check.)
Linda’s Restaurant is large being a triple shophouse with seating for 200 people, with a covered al fresco verandah outside for those who wish to smoke. Inside, in air-conditioned comfort, there are comfortable chairs and decent sized tables, with white starched napery. Along the back wall is the cocktail bar, and you are looked after by very attentive service staff in maroon uniforms. Linda herself is also touring the tables most nights to ensure customer satisfaction.
We told Linda we wished to sample some of her dishes, and ones that we had not eaten on previous visits, including private business deals with people in the area. (Everyone knows Linda’s)
As the dining out team was three on that evening, Linda arranged for three of each item with salmon, mussels and mozzarella amongst the appetizers, and mains with a mixed grill, salmon steak and a Norwegian cod dish (Bacalao) and desserts including Crème brulee, chocolate mousse and an apple cake.
The Duo of Norwegian salmon (B. 295) was very pleasant, and I drizzled some lemon juice over it which made it excellent for my taste.
The Mozzarella Caprese (B. 280) was followed by White wine poached blue mussels (B. 360) and this was the dish of the night in my judging. Plump and juicy and smooth taste.
The archetypical Mixed grill (B. 495) was the first of the mains to the table. The spare ribs had the meat just falling off the bone and the crispy pork added even more flavor.
The next item was a Pan-fried salmon (B. 595) which came in British style with a boiled potato and tartar sauce, which was a treat for native English speakers.
As a contrast, Linda then presented us with the very Norwegian Bacalao (B. 580), with dry salted cod fish with olives and garlic and NZ green shells with cayenne pepper and tomato sauce.
Linda also fed us with three different desserts (all around B. 220-230), but Miss Terry was too full, but my guests certainly polished them all off with no complaints.
It was a very easy tasting, and we washed everything down with a bottle of white (served at the correct temperature) and a very interesting shiraz from the Poker Face label (2012 vintage). By the way, if you want something different in water, Linda has the Voss brand made from melting Norwegian ice (I believe, but it could be a good sales pitch).)
Whatever, we can recommend Linda’s as being a very good restaurant with some different (Norwegian) dishes and very reasonable pricing. Do try.
Linda’s Restaurant, 315/177-180 Moo 12, opposite the Jomtien Complex. Thappraya Road, Jomtien. Open seven days from 7.30 a.m. until late. Tel: Reservations: 038 252 726, www.lindasrestaurant.com, street-side parking. Email [email protected]. GPS 12.901655 N 100.869.
