Restaurants in Phuket
The fantastic Thai food is definitely one of the reasons why so many visitors come to Thailand every year and restaurants in Phuket certainly are showcases of the country’s wonderful food. Every Thai is a gourmet in their heart and eating is a big part of Thai social life, bringing family and friends together.
Phuket restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets, from simple street side noodle carts and grill stalls to five star restaurants with spectacular ocean views. Visitors wishing to experience the ‘real’ Thai lifestyle should definitely sample some of the ubiquitous ‘street food’ on offer. Phuket seafood is among the best in the world and many favourite dishes include shrimp, crab or fresh fish. Other popular Thai dishes are Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour shrimp soup, Gaeng Kiew Wan, sweet and spicy green curry, Goong Tord Gratiem Prik Thai, deep fried tiger prawns with garlic and pepper and Goong Makham, fried prawns with Tamarind sauce.
In addition to regional food from the South of Thailand, including plenty of seafood, thick spicy curries with a Malay influence, the Restaurants in Phuket offer a wide range of international food, with plenty of Italian, French, American, German, Chinese, Japanese and other restaurants from around the globe.
Being a tourist island, Phuket has no shortage of fine dining options concentrated near the beaches, especially Patong. Award-winning Thai and international chefs offer traditional and fusion dishes in tastefully decorated environments. International restaurants are generally more expensive than Thai restaurants.
Budget Guide:
$ dishes less than 100b; quart of beer 60-80b; shot of whiskey 80-90b; cocktails 100 b
$$ dishes 100-250b; quart of beer 80-100b; shot of whiskey 100b; cocktails 125-150b
$$$ dishes 250b+; quart of beer 100b+; shot of whiskey 120b+; cocktails THB 150b+
$$$$ first class international restaurants with meals in excess of 400b
There are countless restaurants in Phuket, but these are favourites among Thais and foreigners alike.
Patong Restaurants
Kata and Karon Restaurants
Surin Beach restaurants
Bangtao and Layan Restaurants
Phuket International restaurants:
W Wine Bar and Bistro: (Phuket Town/Chalong) attached to the Wine Connection, this bistro serves a wide selection of meat and cheese plates as well as excellent entrées. Fisherman Way Business Centre, Chalong. $$$
Green Man Pub and Restaurant: (Phuket Town/Chalong) this traditional British Pub serves excellent food and a good selection of imported beers. A regular Sunday roast and special holiday set menus are also offered. 82/15 Moo 4, Patak Road, Chalong (076) 281445. $$, +66 (0) 76 281445
Khanasutra: (Phuket Town) cuisine from all the regions of India, good atmosphere, good value. 18-20 Takua-Pa Road, Phuket City. $$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76-256192
The Family: (Phuket Town/Chalong) excellent selection of Mediterranean food, including hummus, shawarma and falafel. Special bulk menu for sailors. Chalong Circle, $$
Salvatore’s: (Phuket town) authentic Italian food including a separate menu of wood-fired pizza, good service, good selection of cigars. 15 Ratsada Road. $$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 225 958
La Tavern: (Rawai) two French chefs serve up five star cuisine at a very reasonable price. The house wines are some of the best in Phuket. $$+
Buffalo Steak House: (Patong, Kata, Karon) New Zealand imported meat, good portions, three locations. + 66 (0) 76 340855. $$$
Zen: (Phuket Town, Karon, Patong) with three locations and a wide variety of Japanese food, including a great sushi menu. Central Festival, Phuket City, Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort, Karon, Swiss Palm Beach Resort Hotel, Patong. $$
Upmarket Thai Restaurants in Phuket:
The Natural Restaurant (Phuket Town) top quality Thai food, multi-level seating, interesting décor. 62/5 Soi Phutorn Bangkok Road, Phuket City. $+ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 224287
Ban Klung Jinda: (Phuket Town) set in a beautiful old house, excellent traditional Siam Spice Thai cuisine. 158 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City. $$+ Tel: +66 (0) 76 221777
Ban Rim Pa: (Patong) stylish setting with piano bar, beautiful view, award-winning Thai food and wine cellar. 223 Kalim Beach Road, Patong (076) 340789, $$$, Tel: +66 (0) 76 340789.
Tom Yum Gung: (Kata) located at the bottom of the hill in Kata, specializing in spicy and sour Thai soup. $$
Banana Corner: (Rawai) charming outdoor seating and top quality Thai food at reasonable prices. Service can be a bit slow. 43/37 Saiyuan Road, Moo 1, Rawai $+ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 289045
Lunch Restaurants in Phuket:
Mae Porn Seafoods: (Phuket Town) a good selection of stir fries and curries, very friendly service, closed on Sundays. 50/52 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City. $
Steak Samkong: (Phuket Town) mixed western and Thai menu, great steak specials. 367/26-28 Yaowarat Rd, Phuket City. $ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 217190
Flints-One Bakery: (Chalong) a wide variety of fresh baked breads and very good sandwich and pizza menu. 19/23 Moo 8 Chao Fa East Rd, Chalong $+ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 289210
Molly Malone’s: (Patong) right on the main strip in Patong, traditional Irish ‘Pub Grub’, live music at night. 68 Thaweewong, Patong. $$+ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 292 771
Oasis Restaurant: (Nai Harn) a quiet little hole-in-the-wall with great sandwiches, grilled chicken and a popular all day breakfast. Nai Harn. $
Patong Restaurants - Phuket
Joe’s Downstairs/Da Maurizio: perhaps the best view on the island - these establishments are linked via a staircase leading down to a private beach. Joe’s serves tapas at very high prices, and Da Maurizio offers a private chef service with personalized menus at an equally high price. $$$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 344254
Fuji: this great chain of Japanese restaurants sees a good turnover - food is always fresh and great value set meals are served during lunch and dinner - the newest branch to open is found at the Jung Ceylon shopping centre. $$
Da Mario: a discreet but popular venue with great home-cooked style pasta without fuss. Fresh seafood and home-made pasta add to the charm of this unpretentious Italian restaurant located at the southern end of Patong near CNN hotel (en route to Karon). $$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 398056
Savoey: Very popular with tourist and features both indoor and outdoor sitting areas - rather good Thai food and seafood - cooked to the style you prefer - found along Patong Beach Road. $$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 341171-4
Floyd’s: located in the Burasari hotel - this restaurant is the first Keith Floyd restaurant outside Australia - great food but rather pricey. $$$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 292929
Lim’s: tucked away on a hill in the area of Kalim - this little restaurant serves Thai food in a modern setting - the restaurant is small but dramatic in design with art pieces on the walls. $$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 344834
Kata and Karon Restaurants - Phuket
Joe Cool’s: is this truly "the worst restaurant with the worst food" or were its creators having a laugh when naming the restaurant? There’s only one way to find out. Located at the newly open Ramada hotel in Karon.
Ratri Jazztaurant: located on hill with panoramic views of Kata and Karon Bay - this hilltop restaurant is tastefully decorated and owned by a lovely Thai guy by the name of Jay - great music and atmosphere. $$ Tel: 076 333538
Joe’s South: the Kata branch of Joe’s Downstairs is located in Kata Gardens just opposite the not-to-be-missed Mon Tri’s Kitchen - the menu is the same as the branch in Patong. $$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 285385
Mom Tri’s Kitchen: truly the restaurant with the best view, this establishment is found in Villa Royale, a boutique resort once the private residence of its creator - the acclaimed Mom Tri Devakul - one of Thailand’s most respected architects - great food with an equally impressive wine list. $$$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 333569
Boathouse: enjoying absolute beach frontage, this is a perfect sunset cocktail spot with a well-thought-out menu - located along Kata Beach Road. $$$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 330015-7
Surin Beach restaurants
Taste: the new kid on the block - this restaurant on the Surin strip is a stone’s throw from the sea, and here innovative international cuisine is served. Specialties include: pork belly slowed-cooked in a broth flavoured with anise and topped with spring onions and coriander - this westernized re-creation of the traditional Malaysian dish - Bah Koot Tay is as delicious as the orginal version. Other items include: Nepalese curry, duck with orange sauce, prawns on toast, and the best chocolate mousse on the island. $$
Twin Brothers: very good fresh seafood and pizzas served in a relaxing beachside hut - best to visit in the day and enjoy the view of waves and sea. $$
Twin Palms: the best brunch on the island - the smorgasbord include fresh oysters, roast beef, mash, sushi, cheeses, and strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce - plus a bottle of complimentary white wine to kick-start your Sunday. $$$$
Bangtao and Layan Restaurants - Phuket
Little India: run by a young Indian chef who whips up the finest Indian cuisine from this small, but efficient restaurant found at the entrance of Laguna - you really must try their kormas and naan. $$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 270673
Capri: fantastic pastas and pizzas, great salads and the best desserts on this side of the island - their panna cotta and chocolate ice cream are delicious! Also found at the entrance of Laguna, the Capri is great value for money as the quality of food is always consistent and service is quick and efficient. $$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 345280, 076 34 5196
Supper Club: Sean Powers - the owner of the joint is a great character. Be entertained in this warm and tastefully decorated restaurant where the rich and famous dine during their stay on the island. Kate Moss and Hugh Grant are regulars wherever they are on the island. $$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 270936
North Phuket restaurants - Phuket
Indigo Pearl Resort: Rivet and Rebar (Naiyang Beach) brand new and different - this re-branded resort boasts two different dining experiences in their dramatic and modern restaurants - Rivet and Rebar.. $$$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 327 006
Trisara Resort: the restaurant in this uber luxurious establishment enjoys the best setting to enjoy a highly civilized evening of cocktails followed by a meal that is made to your specifications. You can choose whatever you like from their extensive menu, add your own twists, and the chef will prepare it as you like it to be prepared. $$$$ Tel: + 66 (0) 76 310100
Laem Som Seafood: (northeast of the island) this restaurant on stilts overlooks the Phang Nga Bay and serves a good selection of seafood at unbeatable prices. Serving a local clientele, you hardly see foreigners in this unpretentious establishment where you can have a great feed of 4-5 dishes of fresh prawns, snapper, and other seafood for less than 800 THB. $
Marriott’s Siam Deli: (Marriott’s Resort) this delicatessen is one of the island’s best spots to load up on a fridge full of goodies - there is a wide selection of imported cheeses and hams, as well as olive oils and freshly baked breads. Fantastic breakfast spot if you are in the neighbourhood. $$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 270140
Phuket Town restaurants
Siam Indigo: beautifully restored shop house serves a good grill in an elegant setting. This restaurant doubles up as a gallery where there are beautiful pieces of art on display. Near the Kasikorn bank in Phuket Town, on the street perpendicular to Salvatore’s. $$$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 256 697
Salvatore’s: the best calamari and ceasar salad served in a homely and comfortable setting - the menu comprises traditional Italian fare, but all items are cooked to perfection - if you don’t mind the rather kitsch décor, this restaurant is arguably one of the best Italian joints on the island. $$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 225958
Dibuk: authentic French cuisine in an environment imbued with old-world charm - located in a hundred-year-old shop house, the restaurant serves fantastic pate and steaks. $$$ Tel: +66 (0) 76 258148
The Mangosteen Restaurant: (Rawai) featuring a tempered underground wine cellar and a blend of Asian and international cuisines. 99/4 Moo 7, Soi Mangosteen, Rawai, $$$ Tel +66 (0)76 289399.
Updated and correct: November 2008
Traveller tale: Romantic dining & wining on Phuket
Gastronomists in Phuket will be delighted as the island represents a wide range of Thai as well as international restaurants...more
