Sometimes we can forget that a restaurant can produce far more than dishes than just in one cuisine. One of these is Linda’s Restaurant, known for its Norwegian dishes, Linda having spent some years in Scandinavia, but as we were to find out, Linda is multicultural.
Linda’s restaurant is on lower Thappraya Road on the left hand side after the Thepprasit junction and opposite the Jomtien Complex. It is large, a triple shophouse with seating for 200 patrons.
So how does a Hong Kong born lady end up in Pattaya known for her Scandinavian restaurant? Via a long journey from Asia to Norway, dish washing, and right the way through to being a chef in her own right. Assisting her these days is a Japanese chef (Kato) who also worked in Norway and even published a Norwegian cook book!
Linda’s Restaurant is large being a triple shop-house 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. Linda herself is also touring the tables most nights to ensure customer satisfaction.
The décor has changed and the lighting as well. Much more romantic
On our review evening, we were given cold towels by the very charming service girls when we sat, an auspicious start.
The beverage choices are plentiful and very reasonable price-wise, so take your time to absorb the menu with a cold white.
Linda’s menu deserves some of your time, as it is very comprehensive. After the breakfasts (yes, at long last a real breakfast that is open by 7.30) covering a European style as well as Norwegian.
Appetizers (B. 80-330) are also universal in the cuisine, with such items as Parma ham with melon for a bit of Italy.
Pizzas are another Italian item (B. 295-395) and Linda’s are well known in Pattaya, with a 4 Seasons at the top end.
There was a Specials menu on the table as well with Norwegian Pork Stew for B. 195 (more on that later).
By the time we arrived at the Mains (Fish and Meat), there were still more items to peruse, plus a complete Thai menu (not just Thai staples).
So how did we get on? Despite my desire to try the other cuisines, Norwegian was my dish of the evening and was the Norwegian Pork stew. Simple and very nourishing.
Linda’s Pepper Steak was my second choice, very tender being served on a hot plate.
We did have the 4 Seasons thin and crispy pizza and it was as good as we were told it would be, by other diners.
Well worth a trip to lower Thappraya Road, Linda’s (Multicultural) Restaurant is a most pleasant venue, which we have no hesitation in recommending. 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. Telephone Reservations: 038 252 726, www.lindasrestaurant.com, street-side parking. Email [email protected]. GPS 12.901655 N 100.869.