Imagine a restaurant by the beach in Thailand and everything that comes with one. The striped loungers set in honey-coloured sand, the cool ocean breeze in the scorching heat, and of course, great cocktails, coffee, or whatever your poison is. To ensure you have some of each, here’s our guide to the best ocean views with a smell of coffee.

The Sky Gallery

The panoramic sunset views at the Sky Gallery draw a large crowd, and you see that instantly when you arrive at the restaurant. Set on the Pattaya Bay overlooking the Ko Lan island, it’s a family-owned, open-air restaurant and beach bar and has lots of beach bean bags, loungers, and a big patio. Best of all, whether you’re sitting inside or outside, you’ll always have views of nothing but the sky — you’ll feel invited by nature. And they have some of the best coffee in Pattaya.

Address: 400/488 M.12 Pratamnuk Road, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150
How to get there: a car from Red Planet Pattaya takes around 15 minutes
How are they open: every day 8am – 12am
Phone number: 092-821-8588

The Chocolate Factory

As if a place called the Chocolate Factory didn’t put you under the spell, this restaurant/patisserie is the real-life counterpart of Willie Wonka’s brainchild. And if it smells of chocolate, they have it. There is, naturally, lip-smacking hand-crafted chocolate, dessert pizzas, decadent cake creations, and if you lack the sweet tooth, they also have the freshest local seafood and international favourites. What’s the view? It sits on a rocky clifftop with endless views of the sea and a quiet beach.

Address: 12 soi Rajchawaroon, Pattaya City, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150
Opening hours: every day 10am – 10pm
Phone number: 092-467-8884

Coffee Break

Sitting on the Phra Tamnak mountain is Coffee Break, where the views are like the views you would imagine if you were looking for the perfect background for your next Instagram post. Coffee and drinks are cheap, the taste is great, and you’re there for the experience — it comes before taste anyway.

Where is it: Phra Tamnak, Pattaya City, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150
How are they open: every day 9am – 9pm