The best restaurants in Phuket you need to try in 2024
Laid-back tropical vibes, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking natural beauty are always a given in Phuket. And so is mouthwatering food! This island is home to a plethora of amazing restaurants that serve delectable cuisine in a relaxed setting. You may find practically anything here, whether you want to try authentic Thai cuisine or popular international fare. However, with so many options, deciding which restaurant is worth your time and money can be difficult. Thus, to help you with your search, here are some of the restaurants you must try in Phuket!
Top 10 must-try restaurants in Phuket
From fine dining restaurants to quaint local shops, here are some of the best restaurants in Phuket you have to try.
Blue Elephant Phuket
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30 to 22.00
Address: Blue Elephant Phuket, 96 Krabi, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.
Blue Elephant is one of the most well-known names in Thai cuisine. They offer a rich and fascinating combination of flavours once uniquely created for the Royal Palace. Each dish on the restaurant’s vast and original menu is richly flavoured and wonderfully presented. Make sure to try their Seng Wa Goong Pla Duk Foo, which is a Royal Thai dish with shrimp as the main ingredient. Besides the food, the design of the restaurant is beautiful as well. It’s based in a splendid old Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion that used to belong to a governor. This adds a new dimension to fine dining, as the opulent old mansion adds a luxurious touch. Finally, Blue Elephant offers cooking classes, allowing you to learn more about the art of Royal Thai cuisine.
Jaras Restaurant
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.00 to 22.00
Address: Intercontinental Phuket Resort, 333, 333/3 Moo 3, Kamala Beach, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150.
Located on the ground floor of the InterContinental Phuket Resort is Jarat Restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant in a chic setting with views of Kamala Beach. The menu features creative and modern Thai dishes crafted with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen in Phuket. Set menus and à la carte options are available as well. The beverage options are also extensive; you can pick from a variety of cocktails, wines, international craft beers, Thai teas and Thai coffees. One of the recommendations by the outlet chef, Chef Nui, himself, is the Choo Chii Goong, which is a traditional Thai curry, with tiger prawns and kaffir lime leaves, which is a delicious ‘zero waste’ menu. Visit Jaras, and savor the best contemporary Southern Thai dishes as you overlook the beautiful Kamala beach.
Sam’s Steaks and Grill
Opening Hours: Daily, 18.00 to 22.30
Address: Holiday Inn Phuket Resort, 52 Thaweewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150.
Sam’s Steaks and Grill is a classy steakhouse that offers some of the best steaks and grilled meats in Thailand. The menu includes a wide range of delicacies and classic European dishes that are prepared by a professional chef and his team. Besides the top cuts of Wagyu beef and prime steaks imported from Australia, there are also racks of lamb, salmon, and lobster on the menu. You should also try their popular dessert, crepes Suzette with vanilla ice cream, which is prepared and cooked at your table. The restaurant has classy decor, refined ambience, and fantastic service, making it the perfect place for a special dinner.
Black Ginger
Opening Hours: Daily, 17.30 to 23.00
Address: The Slate Resort, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110.
Set in the middle of a small lake inside the Slate Resort on Bangtao Beach, the Black Ginger is an excellent Thai restaurant with a magical setting. Once you arrive in the area, a raft will take you across flame-lit waters to the restaurant, where you can enjoy mouthwatering traditional Thai dishes with modern twists. We recommend the Tom Yum, Som Tam, Panaeng curry and Crispy Prawns with battered cha-plu leaves. Black Ginger’s speciality, Poh Pia Sod Phuket, is another must-try. The design of the restaurant, combined with the excellent cuisine, will give you an exceptional dining experience.
Red Duck Rawai
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 14.00 to 23.00
Address: Red Duck Phuket, 86, 136 Road 10 Tambon Rawai, Muang Phuket 83130.
The Red Duck Restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for high-quality and fresh Thai cuisine in Phuket. Every dish on their menu is as good as it looks – cooked to perfection and served with style. Some of the most recommended meals are papaya salad, tom yam, fried rice, spring rolls, masaman curry, and chicken satay. They also offer vegetarian food and thus cater to various diets. While the restaurant might be small, they serve their food in generous portions. In addition, it’s very cosy, with personal touches that you might not find in larger restaurants.
The Pad Thai Shop
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 08.00 to 17.00
Address: The Pad Thai Shop, 12 Tambon Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100.
If you’re looking for old-fashioned Pad Thai in an authentic local shop instead of a fancy meal, then you should try the Pad Thai Shop. Located on the side of a back road of Karon Beach, the restaurant is small and modest, but don’t let the size fool you. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in and has mastered the art of Pad Thai, so whether you love this Thai national dish or you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. However, besides Pad Thai, they also offer several other delicious dishes, such as Pad See Ew and Beef Noodle Soup.
La Gaetana – Italian Restaurant
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 12.00 – 14.00 and 18.00 to 22.00 / Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 18.00 – 22.00
Address: La Gaetana – Italian Restaurant, 352 Phuket Rd, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000.
La Gaetana is one of the best Italian restaurants in Phuket. This family-run restaurant might be small, but it has received a ‘Michelin Plate’ rating from the Michelin Guide for Phuket, which is a sign of excellent food. Here, you can try an array of classic Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on Southern-influenced classics. The pasta, limoncello, and gelato are made in-house, and they have a great selection of wine as well. In addition to the excellent cuisine, La Gaetana also has a very cosy and warm atmosphere, with artistic decor and hints of colour. The combination of the food and the atmosphere is enough to make it a must-try restaurant in Phuket.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.00 – 22.00
Address: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi, Muang, Phuket 83100.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen Royale in Kata Noi Beach is one of the longest-established restaurants in Phuket. It’s also one of the first places on the island to serve authentic Thai cuisine, which is why it’s a must-try restaurant in Phuket. Today, their extensive menu has everything from traditional cuisine to fusion creations. One of the most popular dishes on the menu, and one you shouldn’t miss, is the Phuket tuna ‘Provençal’ with carrot puree, roast yellow pepper, and cherry tomato ketchup.
All of the dishes are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. With over 750 labels and a skilled and seasoned sommelier, the wine cellar of Mom Tri’s Kitchen is another great reason why this restaurant is a staple. In addition, the decor is just as pleasant as the food. It’s set on a small cliff with stunning sea views, allowing you to enjoy some fantastic food in a divine setting.
Acqua Restaurant
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 17.30 to 23.00
Address: Acqua Restaurant Phuket, 324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Beach, Patong, Phuket 83100.
Acqua is another must-try restaurant in Phuket. Located in Kalim Beach, just outside Patong Beach, this award-winning Italian restaurant offers excellent views of the Andaman Sea. The restaurant has an aesthetically pleasing design, with clean lines and futuristic decor, making your dining experience feel even more exclusive. Each dish on the menu is beautifully crafted by Chef Alessandro and his team. Furthermore, all menus are immaculately presented, so you can enjoy both visual and culinary treats. Don’t miss out on their Yellowfin Tuna and Swordfish Carpaccio with Pantelleria capers and cherry tomatoes.
Semi Di Tsubu
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 17.00 to 22.00, Friday to Saturday, 17.00 to 00.00
Address: Semi Di Tsubu, 8/44 Moo3 Cherngtalay Thalang Surin, Phuket 83110.
Prepare to be treated to an extraordinary dining experience as Semi Di Tsubu marries two of the most beloved culinary traditions: Japanese and Italian. This culinary fusion creates a delicious, one-of-a-kind menu that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
Savour the finest raw fish, scrumptious homemade pasta and noodles, and a splendid selection of charcoal-grilled meats, fish, and vegetables from the robatayaki grill. And, of course, no gastronomic voyage is complete without a sweet finish – let your palate dance with delectable desserts that will leave you wanting more. The restaurant serves both an a la carte menu as well as a tasting menu, so you can try a variety of dishes in one meal.
These restaurants offer different menus in different settings, but they share one thing in common: they will delight your taste buds. However, if it’s seafood you’re looking for, check out our article on the Best Seafood Restaurants in Phuket.
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