Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar
We are fortunate to live in a city where dining options are plentiful, yet one of the newest additions, Yitong, manages to fill a unique culinary niche. In a prime location at the very heart of Pattaya, atop the stunning Meliá Hotel, it offers an authentic destination for Chinese cuisine, while also welcoming those less familiar with its regional diversity. We visited on a Saturday evening for the Kitchen Party, where an impressive spread of Cantonese and Sichuan specialities was presented alongside more familiar favourites.
Yitong’s Grand Kitchen Party
From the moment we stepped inside the lofty, high ceilings, panoramic views of Pattaya’s skyline, and a striking central bar told us we would be in for a special experience. The décor is refined, with subtle Chinese design elements. The artistic hangings suspended above the spacious seating allowed for a feeling of cosy, intimate dining with still retaining an impressive sense of occasion. A live trio provided just the right atmosphere and their smooth jazz standards were played at just the right volume to still allow for conversation.
Yitong’s menu is extensive and our journey began with enticingly blue underlit oysters and plump king prawns that were fresh and extremely tasty. The artistry of the hand-pulled noodles was another highlight, watching the chef at work was hypnotic. Finally I broke my gaze and my camera away to choose from the array of steam dumpling sauces. I opted for beef with chilli, which struck a perfect balance of heat and tenderness.
Of course, I could not resist ordering the Peking Duck, a signature dish at Yitong. This long-time favourite of mine was everything I hoped for: succulent meat wrapped in delicate pancakes with the traditional accompaniments of spring onion, cucumber, and Hoisin sauce. Here, it is carefully prepared for you allowing for even more time to circle the floor and explore the range of less familiar specialities. The Dim Table for example, with dumplings and buns hand-crafted daily included new varieties for me that were sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Yitong goes far beyond the typical offerings of an overseas Chinese restaurant. It delivers on an authenticity to resonate with Chinese travellers seeking a taste of home. I loved it because it also introduced me to some new and exciting flavours. Another defining feature of Yitong is its service. Throughout our meal, the staff were attentive without being intrusive, efficient yet genuinely friendly. This thoughtful hospitality, combined with the restaurant’s elegant ambiance, created a dining experience that felt both memorable and worth repeating.
MELIÃ HOTELS & RESORTS
In Pattaya’s competitive dining scene, with a price of 1,500 ++ Yitong is well-positioned to succeed by staying true to the essence of Chinese cooking while adapting to the diverse preferences of an international community.
📞 +66 033 168 555 🌐 www.melia.com [email protected]
📍 Meliá Hotel 370 Moo 9, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Pattaya
