Patara – Best Thai

With a view of the first district’s St Peter’s church from the window, this place is as plush as the Pope’s slippers. And some would suggest its interior, resembling a mix between a nightclub/casino, is of the same questionable taste as the pope’s slippers. But don’t let your eyes leave your table and you won’t be disappointed with this high-end international chain, Patara.
There is an emphasis on the ‘fine’ in their claim to offering “fine Thai cuisine.” The funky, yet elegant food presentation, the attentive seamless service and the authentically different (and successfully so) play on traditional Thai recipes makes dining here an experience.
Opt for one of the 5 course set menus (only after 6pm) that offer an impressive array of dishes made up of locally sourced, organic produce weaved throughout. The most expensive (€ 67 per person), the Discover Thailand menu, boasts an incredibly complex tapestry of tastes, composed of skillfully spiced dishes, like the traditional spicy Thai lemongrass soup. The pan-seared scallops and wild catch prawns with mushrooms in a Tom yum reduction sauce inspired immediate silence as we went into culinary shock; same goes for the steamed sea bass filet sautéed in a light lime and chili broth. Throw in about an extra € 25 per person and you’ll be served wine carefully selected to complement each individual course.
It’s more cosy upstairs along the large cushioned black sofa bench seats.  The outside terrace in the warmer months also makes for a quiet and pleasant place just off the busy Graben boulevard to devour one of the vibrant curries.