Best Restaurants in Phuket

Thailand is famous for its delicious and affordable food that contributes greatly to ensuring a low cost of living. While the street food can be fantastic, there are other more formal eateries where you can find mind-blowing local and continental cuisine.

Raya

Situated to the east of Phuket Old town, Raya is famous for its local cuisine. From its delectable slow-cooked pork belly stew to its fabulous crab curry, the restaurant receives orders from both far and wide, even reportedly sending dishes by air to loyal customers in Bangkok.

A recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, it is often considered the best cuisine Phuket has to offer. Its owner and head chef, Khun Kulab, has trained several top chefs and hosted many top dignitaries including prime ministers, royalty, and movie stars.

Bampot Kitchen and Bar

For a more continental or European experience, try this modern bistro located near Bangtao Beach. Spacious yet tastefully decorated, the ambience here is welcoming and refreshing. It is considered a delightful alternative to the dominant Thai cuisine. Fresh seasonal ingredients mean the menu changes with time but always delivers delicious flavours.

Owned by a Scot, this is one of the best places to try some haute cuisine like scotch quail eggs with mustard, rock lobster scampi, seared duck breast, and Wagyu ribeye. All this at an affordable price and in a casual, friendly setting that has made it popular amongst locals and travellers alike.

Acqua

Acqua is as famous for its tasty Italian cuisine as it is for its views of the Andaman sea. Located in the hills between Patong and Kata, Acqua is a top choice for those that enjoy fine dining. While there is no strict dress code, patrons do make an effort to put their best foot forward. The décor adheres to a black and white theme that gives it a sophisticated and futuristic air.

The restaurant sources the best and freshest ingredients from a variety of locations around the world including French oysters, Japanese Wagyu beef, and American lobster. Some of its most famous signature dishes include the sous vide cooked octopus salad, pan-fried scallops with foie gras, and wood fire-roasted suckling pig. It is also famous for having an impressive wine cellar that includes over 450 labels.

Blue Elephant

This is a restaurant brand well known to fans of Thai cuisine. Located in a former governor’s mansion built in Sino-Portuguese style, its grounds host not just the restaurant, but also banquet areas, kitchens, and sales zones. The restaurant uses the freshest locally sourced vegetables, meats, and seafood to create meticulously constructed dishes that are a reflection of the best authentic Royal Thai cuisine on the island.

There is an abundance of flavours and generous portions to indulge in. Consider trying the Tom Kha Black Chicken, Doi Kum Eggplant Salad, or Fried Shrimp dumplings. You can choose to have dishes prepared in traditional or fusion Thai style. Blue Elephant also hosts a cooking school where anyone interested in learning the fine art of Royal Thai cuisine can learn more.