It had been a while since Mick and I had dined at Mata Hari and quite honestly we’d forgotten how good it is.   We started ‘mmming’ at the  appetisers and didn’t stop till we were in the car and on our way home.    So many things make Mata Hari one of Pattaya’s best loved restaurants:  the menu is broad and generous, the kitchen produces the most delicious food, the décor is classy and elegant and the prices are more than reasonable. This bastion of good eating is under the baton of the loquacious Louis Voll who continues to pioneer his food philosophy of quality, consistency and value for money while his wife Chef Jackie rules the kitchen with unswerving commitment making this legendary gustatory partnership a formidable team.

Our evening started with a glass of the house Sauvignon Blanc while we chatted to Louis and perused the menu.  Louis hails from The Netherlands and this is reflected in a sprinkling of  his national dishes such as bitterballen, and Dutch green pea soup,  but on the whole the menu is European in temperament plus an extensive choice of Thai cuisine.  All of the west’s holy trinity, i.e.  foie gras,  caviar and oysters are featured on the menu and we couldn’t resist ordering two of them.    Terrine of foie gras was requested  and also half a dozen oysters (farmed caviar is also available at B.2,600 for 30 grms should that be your fondness.   

A hundred years ago oysters were the pigeons of the sea,  now of course they are highly prized and considered not only a gourmet treat but an aphrodisiatic to boot!   Oh, but my terrine de foie gras was sheer  nirvana, orgasmic in its silky, buttery taste which literally just melted away on the tongue in a most incredible way.   Mick has has loved oysters for a long time and his appreciation of these gourmet bivalves is huge.  Here at Mata Hari they were serving Washington Baron Point which have an excellent reputation for a deep-cupped Pacific oyster with a creamy, briny essence.  Murmurs of pleasure greeted their arrival and continued until each was slurped and savoured to the end. 

Other appetisers include beef or salmon carpaccio, scallops on creamed spinach and grilled cheese, the famous oysters Kilpatrick (grilled and prepared with bacon and Worcestershire sauce), Mediterranean fish soup (B.180), white bait fritters (B.290), the celebrated Jamon Iberico (B.450), and the Dutch smoked eel (B.390) to name a few to get your taste buds jumping.

We were now imbibing an excellent Pinot Noire “Hob Nob” which with its modern full body and plum and blackberry aromas perfectly fitted the bill.  The wine list is far-reaching with excellent vintages from around the world to suit all tastes and pockets.  Temperature controlled cabinets insures the wine arrives at table in perfect order. 

Our main courses were then served;  grilled lamb cutlets with fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil and pan fried crab crusted red snapper fillets.  Mick had chosen sautéed potatoes and vegetables to accompany the lamb while I had requested mashed potatoes and salad.  The snapper although encrusted in a delicious crisp crab overcoat was basically left to speak for itself and it spoke volumes.  It was fresh, vibrant and sensational accompanied by a salad of creativity, crunch and vibrant variety.  The lamb melted under the knife and the tower of sautéed potatoes received praise and kudos for its tremendous taste and execution. 

Meat lovers can order the Australian T-bone, rib-eye or  fillet steak and the signature dish of fillet steak “Mata Hari’ (with chicken liver pate, mushrooms and green asparagus) is always a best seller.  There are always some specials on the menu so do enquire, on the night we visited white asparagus soup (B.190) and fresh ravioli stuffed with crab were on offer. 

Mick and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at Mata Hari and ate a truly stunning meal.  On so many levels Mata Hari is a special place: the food is top notch, cooked with a light hand and an elegant touch, the staff are wonderful combining the skill of silver service with a smile and the ambiance laid back but with just the right amount of finesse.   After reading this review if you think it sounds like a rave – that’s because it is exactly that!   Treat yourself and visit soon.

Open  daily except Mondays from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm.  Bar opens at 4.00 pm.  Located on Theppraya Road in the Nirvana Place Condo (corner of Soi 15), Pattaya.  Tel: (038) 259 799 or visit mataharirestaurant.com.  Reservations recommended.