Against all advice from all you knowledgeable people on this forum I have decided to go to Pattaya for 3 weeks in March, yes I have spent time in Phuket and Koh Samui and know what they offer but circumstance has it that I am locked into this because of family commitments in Bangkok. I would be most grateful for any advice on where I can enjoy some nice meals with no particular preference re the cusine. I eat anything. (foodwise).
Regards

There is no shortage of places to eat at in Pattaya. You can get a big plate of fried rice from around 35 to 45 baht from a small private restaurant on side sois. You can eat in other restaurants like Kiss and Boat Bakery restaurants which are very reasonably priced. (On Pattaya Sai Song.)

Villa Market Supermarket, Foodland Supermarket and Tops Supermarket have in store restaurants serving Western and Asian foods for cheap. Lots of malls in Pattaya. They have food courts and also have all sorts of restaurants from McDonalds, Burger Kings and Kentucky chicken places on up to fancy sit down restaurants.

Even if you are in an expensive hotel with expensive meals you can also eat at cheaper hotel dining areas. Some hotels have "all you can eat buffets" that are open to the public. Sawasdee Hotels, Lek Hotel, Apex Hotel, Diana Inn Hotel and Bella Express are just a few places with buffets starting at 150 baht or less.

Of course if your particular choices are usually expensive meals (probably anything over 150 baht) you have several places to accommodate you.
Dining Guide - Pattaya Restaurants and Dining Information | PattayaCity.com - Pattaya

You will not starve in Pattaya unless you glue your mouth shut! You can also pick up instant coffee, bread and sandwich meats in the local supermarkets and make your own snacks. Plenty of Seven Eleven type stores all around Pattaya.

Unless you have a hotel way on the outskirts of Pattaya City the local transportation is only 10 baht. If you parked yourself further out in Jomtien or Naklua you may have to pay more to get to Pattaya City area where most of everything is. But even in some remote areas you will find a little gem of a restaurant to eat simple Thai meals at.

Map.
Pattaya : Map of Pattaya City by Thaiways

If your hotel does not have a pool you can sometimes pay to use another hotel's pool. Also, on top of the Mike Mall, Pattaya Sai Song and Beach Road, there is a pool you can rent time at. Since you have 3 weeks to kill why not take in a movie at one of the 3 movie theaters. (Big C, Festival Mall and Avenue Mall theaters run current releases at good prices in modern theater settings.)


Have fun.

Many thanks your quick and informative response, I will be in South Pattaya next to the Siam Bayshore, so should be able to use your information.
Many thanks

Pattaya Sai Song goes North and Beach Road goes South. Transportation is only 10 baht with baht buses.

Your hotel is in the Walking Street area. To go North walk up to the beginning of Walking Street and go to Sai Song. Wave a moving Baht bus over, do not talk to driver just hop on, push button, buzzer to stop truck and pay 10 baht to driver. Always have coins and small bills when using baht buses. If they are parked avoid them and engage a moving baht bus. To return to Walking Street use Beach Road, it is one-way.
Pattaya : Map of Pattaya City by Thaiways

From your hotel the Bali Hai pier is real close. You can take the ferry boat ride to Koh Larn if you want. Price is only 30 baht. The ride alone is worth the price.