Restaurants in Phuket
Cuisine is definitely one of the highlights of a Thailand visit and Phuket restaurants are among the country’s best. Whether you’re looking forward to authentic Thai food or multi-national dishes at very affordable prices, the menus in Phuket are a mouth watering delight. Part of the luxury when visiting Phuket is the chance to enjoy lazy long afternoon lunches and dine in the finest restaurants by night.
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 offering 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, Russian, Arabic and other cuisines 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 and dishes are generally more expensive than Thai restaurants, but a satisfying meal for two, including a couple of beers might cost less than 20 euros.
Budget Guide:
$ dishes less than 100b; pint of beer 60-80b; shot of whiskey 80-90b; cocktails 100 b
$$ dishes 100-250b; pint of beer 80-100b; shot of whiskey 100b; cocktails 125-150b
$$$ dishes 250b+; pint of beer 100b+; shot of whiskey 120b+; cocktails THB 150b+
$$$$ first class international restaurants with meals in excess of 400b
There are countless restaurants in Phuket, but these are favourites among Thais and foreigners alike.
Patong Restaurants
Kata and Karon Restaurants
Surin Beach restaurants
Bangtao and Layan Restaurants
Phuket International restaurants:
W Wine Bar and Bistro: (Phuket Town/Chalong) attached to the Wine Connection, this bistro serves a wide selection of meat and cheese plates as well as excellent entrées. Fisherman Way Business Centre, Chalong. 19/55 Chao Fa Rd., Fishermanway Business Center, Chalong, (076) 282 411-2, info@wineconnection.co.th $$$
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. 2/15 Moo 4, Patak Rd., Chalong, (076) 281 445, info@the-green-man.net $$
Khanasutra: (Phuket Town) cuisine from all the regions of India, good atmosphere, good value. 18-20, Takua-Pa Rd., Talad Nua, (076) 256 192, billychima@hotmail.com $$
The Family: (Phuket Town/Chalong) excellent selection of Mediterranean food, including hummus, shawarma and falafel. Special bulk menu for sailors. Chalong Circle, $$
Salvatore’s: (Phuket town) authentic Italian food including a separate menu of wood-fired pizza, good service, good selection of cigars. 5 Rasada Rd., Talad Yai, (076)-225 958, info@salvatorestaurant.com $$$
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. $$+
La Gaetana: (Phuket town) Small, intimate Italian restaurant run by the ever-attentive Gianni. Excellent food. Often booked solid, so call before you go. 352 Phuket Road, Phuket Town. (076) 250 523. $$$
Buffalo Steak House: (Patong, Kata, Karon) New Zealand imported meat, good portions, three locations. 58/7-8 Bangla Rd., Soi Patong Resort, Patong Beach, (076) 340 855. $$$
Zen: (Phuket Town, Karon, Patong) with three locations and a wide variety of Japanese food, including a great sushi menu. Central Festival, Phuket City, Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort, Karon, Swiss Palm Beach Resort Hotel, Patong. 74-75 Vichitsongklam Rd., (076) 249 734 $$
Upmarket Thai Restaurants in Phuket:
The Natural Restaurant (Phuket Town) top quality Thai food, multi-level seating, interesting décor. 62/5 Soi Phutorn Bangkok Rd., (076) 224 287 $+
Baan Klung Jinda: (Phuket Town) set in a beautiful old house, excellent traditional Siam Spice Thai cuisine. 158 Yaowarat Rd., (076) 221 777, dine@baanklung.com $$+
Baan Rim Pa: (Patong) stylish setting with piano bar, beautiful view, award-winning Thai food and wine cellar. 223 Kalim Beach Rd., Patong, (076) 340 789, info@baanrimpa.com $$$
Tom Yum Gung: (Kata) located at the bottom of the hill in Kata, specializing in spicy and sour Thai soup. $$
Banana Corner: (Rawai) charming outdoor seating and top quality Thai food at reasonable prices. Service can be a bit slow. 43/47 Saiyuan Rd., Moo 1, Rawai, (076) 289 045, yingbanana@yahoo.com $+
Lunch Restaurants in Phuket:
Mae Porn Seafoods: (Phuket Town) a good selection of stir fries and curries, very friendly service, closed on Sundays. 50/52 Phang Nga Rd., (076) 212 106 $
Steak Samkong: (Phuket Town) mixed western and Thai menu, great steak and sausages specials, with big coffee menu. 367/26-28 Yaowarat Rd., Talad Yai, (076) 217 190 $
Flints-One Bakery: (Chalong) a wide variety of fresh baked breads and very good sandwich and pizza menu. 8/1 Vised Rd., Moo 3, Rawai, (076) 289 210 $+
Molly Malone’s: (Patong) right on the main strip in Patong, traditional Irish ‘Pub Grub’, Guinness on tap, and live music at night . 94/1 Thaweewong Rd., Patong Beach, (076) 292 771 SS+
Oasis Restaurant: (Nai Harn) a quiet little hole-in-the-wall with great sandwiches, grilled chicken and a popular all day breakfast. Nai Harn. $
Chili Thai restaurant: recommended to us by numerous locals, perfect for a Phuket Town lunch, but open until 9pm, they serve a tasty and non-touristy priced menu of Thai and international food in an unpretentious atmosphere. 33/1 Thepkasatri Rd., Moo 2, Ko Kaeo, (076) 239 728 (just before Patong turnoff, down small soi) $
Lemon Grass: a favourite with smart Thais, as it has a great nibbles menu (no Thai drinks without eating as well). A choice of al fresco dining or aircon rooms. Dibuk Rd. $$
Raya Restaurant: (Nai Harn) family-run restaurant in an old wooden house. Very good value for money, as the food is excellent. Another favourite with the locals – this is one of the places Tourism Authority of Thailand officials take guests to. Dibuk Rd. $$
Maimorn Seafood & Karaoke: A sprawling garden restaurant that can accommodate a couple of hundred diners. Excellent service and authentic Thai seafood. The karaoke is confined to soundproofed aircon rooms, so no one will be put out if you sing off-key. Next to the bus station on Phang Nga Rd. $$
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. 223/3 Prabaramee Rd., (076) 618 245, info@joesdownstairs.com $$$$
Fuji: this great chain of Japanese restaurants sees a good turnover - food is always fresh and great value set meals are served during lunch and dinner - the newest branch to open is found at the Jung Ceylon shopping centre. $$
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). 526-19/20 Soi Islandia, Patak Rd., (076) 398 056, info@damariothai.com $$$
Savoey: Very popular with tourist and features both indoor and outdoor sitting areas - rather good Thai food and seafood - cooked to the style you prefer - found along Patong Beach Road. 136 Thaweewong Rd., Patong Beach, (076) 341 171, info@ savoeyseafood.com $$$
Floyd’s: located in the Burasari hotel - this restaurant is the first Keith Floyd restaurant outside Australia - great food but rather pricey. 18/110 Ruamjai Rd., Patong, (076) 292 929, contact@burasari.com $$$$
Lim’s: tucked away on a hill in the area of Kalim - this little restaurant serves Thai food in a modern setting - the restaurant is small but dramatic in design with art pieces on the walls. Good for celeb spotting. 28 Phrabaramee Rd., Soi 7, Kalim Beach, (076) 344 834, info@limsphuket.com $$
Hung Fat’s: extravagant, eye-popping design and a fine Asian fusion menu, plus one of the best – if not the best – sound systems on the island (rumoured to have cost as much as the restaurant itself). A venue for art events and deejay nights. 314 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, Tel: +66(0) 7629 0288, $$$$.
Kata and Karon Restaurants - Phuket
Joe Cool’s: is this truly "the worst restaurant with the worst food" or were its creators having a laugh when naming the restaurant? There’s only one way to find out. Located at the newly open Ramada hotel in Karon. 568 Patak Rd., Karon, (076) 396 666 Ext. 6802, gm@ramadaphuket.com $$
Ratri Jazztaurant: located on hill with panoramic views of Kata and Karon Bay - this hilltop restaurant is tastefully decorated and has great live jazz and atmosphere. Kata Hill, Phuket, (076) 333 538, info@ratrijazztaurant.com $$
Cappanina: no views – it’s at the end of a soi of Kata Beach Road – but very popular for the excellent Italian food and pizzas from a wood-fired oven. Often packed, so call before going. 30/9 Kata Rd, Tel: +66 (0) 76 284318, $$.
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. Kata Gardens, Kata Noi Rd., Kata Noi, (076) 285 285 $$
Mom Tri’s Boathouse: enjoying absolute beach frontage, this is a perfect sunset cocktail spot with a well-thought-out menu - located along Kata Beach Road. Kata Beach, (076) 330 015-7, info@boathousephuket.com $$$$
Mom Tri’s Kitchen: truly the restaurant with the best view, this establishment is found in Villa Royale, a boutique resort once the private residence of its creator - the acclaimed Mom Tri Devakul - one of Thailand’s most respected architects - great food with an equally impressive wine list. 12 Kata Noi Rd., Kata, (076) 333 569, info@momtriphuket.com $$$$
Surin Beach restaurants
Taste: the new kid on the block - this restaurant on the Surin strip is a stone’s throw from the sea, and here innovative international cuisine is served. Specialties include: pork belly slowed-cooked in a broth flavoured with anise and topped with spring onions and coriander - this westernized re-creation of the traditional Malaysian dish - Bah Koot Tay is as delicious as the original version. Other items include: Nepalese curry, duck with orange sauce, prawns on toast, and the best chocolate mousse on the island. (076) 270 090, info@tastesurinbeach.com. $$
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. $$
Twin Palms: the best brunch on the island - the smorgasbord include fresh oysters, roast beef, mash, sushi, cheeses, and strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce - plus a bottle of complimentary white wine to kick-start your Sunday. 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Rd., Cherng Talay, (076) 316 500, orientalspoon@twinpalms-phuket.com $$$$
Catch Beach Club: open air restaurant and chic event venue on a boardwalk right next to the beach. Deep, soft sofas, sun shades, massage beds. Owned by Twin Palms, so superb food and prices to match. In the evening, often the scene of big social events or deejay nights with dancing in the sand. North end of Surin Beach, +66 (0) 76 316516, book@catchbeachclub.com, $$$$
Bangtao and Layan Restaurants - Phuket
Little India: run by a young Indian chef who whips up the finest Indian cuisine from this small, but efficient restaurant found at the entrance of Laguna - you really must try their kormas and naan. 394 Moo 1, Cherng Talay, Thalang, (076) 270 673, $$$
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. 06/17-18 Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Surin Beach, (076) 270 597-8, info@phuket-capri-hotel.com $$
Supper Club: Sean Power - the owner of the joint is a great character. Be entertained in this warm and tastefully decorated restaurant where the rich and famous dine during their stay on the island. Kate Moss and Hugh Grant are regulars wherever they are on the island. sland, includes deejay and jazz nights. Luguna Complex, Bang Tao, (076) 270 936, info@supperclubphuket.com $$$
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. Nai Yang Beach and National Park, (076) 327 006, info@indigo-pearl.com $$$$
Trisara Resort: the restaurant in this uber luxurious establishment enjoys the best setting to enjoy a highly civilized evening of cocktails followed by a meal that is made to your specifications. You can choose whatever you like from their extensive menu, add your own twists, and the chef will prepare it as you like it to be prepared. 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherng Talay, Thalang, (076) 310 100, reservations@trisara.com $$$$
Laem Som Seafood: (northeast of the island) this restaurant on stilts overlooks the Phang Nga Bay and serves a good selection of seafood at unbeatable prices. Serving a local clientele, you hardly see foreigners in this unpretentious establishment where you can have a great feed of 4-5 dishes of fresh prawns, snapper, and other seafood for less than 800 THB. $
Marriott’s Siam Deli: (Marriott’s Resort) this delicatessen is one of the island’s best spots to load up on a fridge full of goodies - there is a wide selection of imported cheeses and hams, as well as olive oils and freshly baked breads. Fantastic breakfast spot if you are in the neighbourhood. 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, (076) 338 000 $$$
Phuket Town restaurants
Siam Indigo: beautifully restored shop house serves a good grill and Asian fusion dishes 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. 8, Phang Nga Rd., (076) 256 697, sales@siamindigo.com $$$$
Salvatore’s: the best calamari and ceasar salad served in a homely and comfortable setting - the menu comprises traditional Italian fare, but all items are cooked to perfection - if you don’t mind the rather kitsch décor, this restaurant is arguably one of the best Italian joints on the island. $$$ 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. 69 Dibuk Rd., Talad Nua, (076) 258 148, nok@dibukrestaurant.com $$$
The Mangosteen Restaurant: (Rawai) featuring a tempered underground wine cellar and a blend of Asian and international cuisines. 99/4 Moo 7, Soi Mangosteen, (076) 289 399, restaurant@mangosteen-phuket.com $$$
East Phuket
Gitano: A bit out of the way, but worth a visit if you are on your way back from a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay from the Bang Rong pier. Asian fusion at very reasonable prices, bright, quirky decoration and – a big plus for families – a kids’ room with cartoons on the TV, huge cushions and games, all free to use. One mile east of the Heroines Monument. $$ 08 1892 2419.
Piang Prai: Two-story open-sided octagon next to the lake at the entrance to Bang Pae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Friendly family establishment with excellent Thai food and an extensive coffee menu. A good stop after a tough day riding elephants and exploring the jungle. $$
Lakeside Restaurant: Wooden place with grass roof, on stilts over a lake. Uncomfortable chairs, but excellent Thai food and owner Neung makes probably the best fish ‘n’ chips on Phuket. Rent a rod from the restaurant and catch your own lunch from the lake. On the left, about three kilometers from the Heroines Monument, heading east.: 0 8 5471 3621, $$
Updated and correct: January 2010
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
