Dive into Phuket’s freshest catches at these top 5 seafood restaurants
Aside from its beautiful coast, Phuket is also popular for its exceptional cuisine, and in particular, its world-renowned seafood. Nestled in the heart of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is home to a diverse array of fish and shellfish that are prized for their succulent texture and delicate flavours. From spicy tom yum soup to crispy soft-shell crab and succulent grilled prawns, the island’s seafood scene has something to satisfy every taste and craving.
So if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top seafood restaurants in Phuket, where you can indulge in the freshest catches from the Andaman Sea. Let’s dive into the world of Phuket’s seafood and discover the best of what this island has to offer!
Laem Hin Seafood
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 21:00
Address: 90/11 Moo 7, Soi Ban Laem Hin, Thepkrasattri Road Mueang Phuket, Phuket
Indulge in the savoury taste of the Andaman Sea with Phuket’s top seafood restaurants. Laem Hin Seafood is a seafood haven, located at the pier with picturesque views of Phuket’s east coast and Coconut Island. Laem Hin’s success comes from their excellence in serving very fresh seafood, delivered directly by local fishermen and kept alive in large tanks you can see in the kitchen area.
Savour the freshly caught fish and prawns, paired with steaming jasmine rice and delectable sauces like the fish sauce and tamarind sauce. Not only that, but the restaurant also offers authentic seafood dishes. These include Sea Grapes Seaweed Salad, Stir-fried Manchurian Wild Rice with Shrimp, and Green Taro Stalk Sour Soup with Trevally.
As you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll be impressed with its size, mostly built on an immense wooden terrace on the east coast of the island. Although the setting above the water is charming, it may not be the perfect romantic spot. However, if you come at 6 pm, the restaurant is pleasantly quiet and breezy, with a red, orange, and pink sky, creating a relaxing atmosphere, especially if you can secure a table on the pier.
KanEang @ Pier
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 23:00
Address: 44 1 Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130, Thailand
As you step into Kan Eang@Pier, you are transported to a seafood wonderland that has been delighting patrons for years. Located in the heart of Chalong Bay, this restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor dining areas with magnificent views of the marina. Kan eang, which means ‘easy-going’ in Thai, perfectly describes the relaxed atmosphere here.
Visitors flock to Kan Eang@Pier for an unforgettable dining experience that rivals Phuket’s top tourist attractions. The restaurant’s décor is a masterful blend of wood and glass, and there’s ample seating for up to 500 people. The outdoor dining area sits under towering hoo gwang and tamarind trees. The indoor salas, on the other hand, are tastefully decorated with air conditioning and thatched roofs.
The views at Kan Eang@Pier are truly breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of Chalong Bay and its surrounding islands. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the restaurant’s clever and chic décor. For a lighter meal, there’s also a breakfast outlet/café that serves up stunning views.
Kan Eang@Pier specializes in classic Chinese-Thai seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The menu features some unusual but delicious offerings, such as deep-fried freshwater weed with shrimp in batter and stir-fried chicken in an edible taro basket. The baked Phuket lobster in butter is a particular standout. You’ll also love the seafood basket with grilled tiger prawns, jackfish, crab, and squid.
Laem Sai Seafood
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 – 20:30
Address: 330 ถนนนํ้าตกโตนใทร Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Come and savour the freshest seafood at Laem Sai Seafood, an authentic oceanfront restaurant in Phuket that offers a mouth-watering selection of Thai delicacies. Indulge in their all-time favourites such as Thai Stir-fried Prawns in Tamarind Sauce, Steamed Fish with Lime and Garlic, and Spicy Seafood Soup, made with the freshest ingredients.
Laem Sai Seafood offers a vast selection of seafood dishes at the right price, typical of Phuket’s cuisine. The menu includes blue crabs, shells, big prawns, grouper, sea bass, and red snapper fish cooked in various ways, such as lime sauce, soya sauce, steamed, or deep-fried. The prices are per kilo (500 or 600 baht per kilo), so it’s a bit of a guess, but the quality is unbeatable.
In addition to the classic seafood dishes, Laem Sai Seafood offers a variety of delicious Thai soups to discover. Don’t miss out on the famous Tom Yam and Tom Ka. But if you want to try something a little different, Po Taek, a spicy clear soup with fish, squid, and shrimp is a must try. The menu also features the weird-looking horseshoe crab salad (Yam Kai Mangda Tally), a favourite of many.
Chaiyo Seafood Restaurant
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 – 22:30
Address: 25/2 ซอยเมืองทอง-เขาขาด ถนนศักดิเดช Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
As you approach Chaiyo Seafood Restaurant, located by a canal on Phuket’s serene east coast, you’ll notice wooden salas and a cool air-conditioned room. The restaurant keeps their seafood fresh in underwater cages, ensuring the highest quality for your dining pleasure. Kao Kad Road, halfway between Chalong and Phuket Town, is where you’ll find Chaiyo Seafood. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend lunch or dinner, as it’s close to Phuket town yet surrounded by mangroves.
Once you cross the narrow wooden bridge, you’ll be greeted with the stunning riverside view. You should definitely sit in the open-air room and feel the refreshing breeze while enjoying your meal. Why lock yourself up in an aircon room when you can have a unique dining experience by the mangroves? Chaiyo Seafood recently added thatched salas wooden house, but these face the pond and aren’t as lovely as the riverside view.
The menu is extensive and illustrated, making it easier to choose your dish. One standout option is the black crab, also known as “Poo Dam”, which requires skill and patience to eat due to its hard shell. Alternatively, guests can opt for the sweeter and easier-to-eat blue crab or indulge in some tiger prawns or lobster.
Bang Pae Seafood
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 20:30
Address: 2CP8+M37, Soi Bang Toei, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Bangpae Seafood is a hidden gem on the east coast of Phuket, nestled near Bangpae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The restaurant boasts a stunning backdrop of mangroves and the open sea, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely Sunday lunch.
Recently awarded a ‘Bib Gourmand’ rating in the Phuket Michelin Guide, Bangpae Seafood serves up an impressive selection of seasonally-inspired seafood dishes and traditional Phuket cuisine. It’s no surprise that this local establishment is a favourite among Thais, expats, and even some tourists.
While it may not be the easiest place to find, the journey is worth it for the warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and picturesque setting. Situated on the right-hand side of the road, about 9 km from the Heroines’ Monument towards Ao Por Pier, the restaurant is a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the standout dishes at Bangpae Seafood is the blue crab, which is cooked to perfection and served at a leisurely pace, allowing diners to savour every bite. Other popular menu items include the tom yum talay, deep-fried tempura shrimp, and stir-fried vegetables with cashew nuts. Fresh oysters with local herbs are also a must-try for seafood lovers.
No matter which of these top seafood restaurants you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a delicious and memorable meal. So don’t hesitate – dive into the fresh catches from the Andaman Sea and discover the best of Phuket’s seafood scene.
