Yupins restaurant is in Jomtien Complex. This center was abandoned for many years, however it has become a busy hub of restaurants and bars (of all persuasions) in the past two years.
The Dining Out team reviewed Yupins last year and we gave this boutique restaurant full marks. This was following their expanding the dining area with increased number of diners which the diminutive Yupin had taken in her stride. The question this time was to see if that very high standard could be maintained.
The menu is simple and easy to peruse, with plenty of quality photographs. Even non-English speakers know what they are going to get. While reading, take in the décor, complete with Viennese masks and a ‘rogues gallery’. There is even a chiming “Big Ben” (small Ben). I have always said that food should be fun.
The wine selection is amazing. Choices from all over the viticulture world including Australia, Italy France, and Chile. What makes the selections even more amazing is they are all under B. 1,500 with the majority just around B. 1,000. We selected an Australian Chardonnay, served at the correct temperature. The sommelier knows his wines. We took the Yalumba at B. 1095. Even a Stonefish and a Wolf Blass was B. only 1295.
The new expansion to the restaurant has been most successful and literally doubles the seating. It is still, however, a small restaurant, and I do suggest you book.
Madame began with one of my favorites, being sizzling garlic prawns. These come on a sizzling plate cooked in butter with chopped garlic. Beware, they are sizzling hot to the table, and are marvelous. Use some bread to mop up the garlicky butter.
I began with some fresh Fin de Claire French oysters flown in that day. None were suffering from jet-lag and a half a dozen was a wonderful starter, all calling “Bonjour Madame.” The language is one thing the French do well.
One of the Junior tasters had ordered Spaghetti Carbonara, which came on a large dinner plate, and a spoon in the utensils. How many restaurants forget this important item? A lot.
The second Junior taster went for the Angus Beef complete with its side dish of vegetables. The meat was cooked to perfection and was a large portion as well. No complaints from that side of the table.
Madame also went the meat was with a roasted lamb and potatoes on the side. This time no complaints on this side of the table. She likes lamb and it was obvious from the empty plate that she liked Yupin’s version of it too.
For me, I decided to try the chicken breast with Dijon mustard (B. 310). The fillets were so large (and there were two of them) that I enquired to ensure these were the standard portions and not some reviewer special.
What could we say other than Well Done Yupin! Great food, fun ambience and not only had Yupins maintained their standards, but even improved on the total concept, something which is difficult to imagine. If you haven’t tried Yupins, then you must. It is undoubtedly one of the top restaurants in Pattaya and great value for money. Please note, the oysters fly in from France and are Saturdays only (cheap plane seats at the weekend?).
Yupins, 413/42 Jomtien Complex, Thappraya Road. Parking inside the complex, or plenty street-side (best suggestion). Be aware that the top end of Thappraya is a favorite spot for police check points. For those who travel with GPS, the coordinates are 12.901719, 100.869066 (not that you really need coordinates to find Thappraya Road). Open six days 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. closed Wednesday. www.yupins.com, telephone 038 250 394 (best to book).
