While hoards of international tourists continue to flock to the pristine coastline, rainforested landscape and exotically alluring nightlife of Thailand’s largest island, fine dining in Phuket Province has become an extremely popular pastime, thanks to a scintillating smorgasbord of menu options. If you’re staying in a luxury villa in Phuket, you may want to venture further than your own private chef and dining room.
The combination of impeccable local Thai service, the drawcard location for international chefs and an abundance of flavours so fresh they take your tastebuds on an unforgettable journey of epicurean delights has helped make Phuket your number one holiday destination for 2017.
Foodies, beware! With not a shelf-bought curry mix in sight and Phuket’s ability to provide mouthwatering cuisine with a languorous lifestyle, you’ll never want to leave this heavenly tropical island.
1. Palm Seaside Restaurant, Lounge & Bar
– Choeng Thale, Thalang District
For the ultimate in dining experiences, spoil yourself and loved ones with a decadent afternoon at the waters edge at Palm Seaside Restaurant, Lounge & Bar. Laze away your spare time in this idyllic location, indulging in a chilled glass of rose or exciting cocktail concoctions attentively prepared by experienced mixologists as you enjoy the vista on the deck overlooking Bang Tao Bay and the fisherman’s cove nearby. Ideal for a romantic dinner or late business lunch, the restaurant serves freshly prepared steamed or barbecued seafood with an exceptional range of traditional Thai and beautifully prepared and presented international menu compilations to tempt you. Enjoy a late supper overlooking the twinkling waters, with last orders taken at 11pm.
2. Amanpuri
– Pansea Beach
Can’t decide where to dine tonight? The Amanpuri Resort in Phuket provides a cornucopia of experiences and flavours to rival the best in the Phuket fine dining scene. Choose from one of four exceptional restaurants, whereby creative flare, internationally influenced authenticity and farm-to-fork locally sourced produce are the key to the high standards of service. The Thai Restaurant at Amanpuri takes local cuisine to the next level with a twice-daily delivery of fresh coconut cream being a standout. Smooth aromatic curries are made from freshly ground ingredients, while seafood straight from the Andaman Sea makes for a highly satisfying meal. Under the guidance of Japanese chef, Nama fine dining restaurant offers fresh Japanese cuisine with produce sourced from markets in Osaka and Kyoto. Nama is a celebration of Japan’s culinary artistry. A hot sunset destination is The Beach Club at Amanpuri with its appealing informal dining inspired by the Mediterranean. The South American Restaurant is inspired by traditional Mexican street food and celebrates the vibrant Latin-American food culture. An ideal addition for the local Phuket climate, the restaurant serves fresh raw and vegan food complemented by fiery cocktails handcrafted from South American classics, such as rum, tequila and mescal.
3. Le Versace Restaurant Lounge Bar
– Patong
Boasting the elevated position of being the highest open-air restaurant in Patong, Le Versace is everything you imagine when you hear the name. Extravagant styling and verve in bucketloads make this an unforgettable dining experience. French chef Alain Carre uses his knowledge of Gallic cuisine to decadent appeal, while the stylised European furniture and spectacular views over Patong Bay make this three-storey extravagance definitely worth a visit – especially at sunset.
4. Silk Restaurant & Bar
– Kamala Beach
For distinguished dining in Kamala Beach, Silk offers a wonderful plethora of dining and drinking experiences that will take you from day to night. Choose air-conditioned comfort or balmy alfresco dining. Enjoy happy hour drinks and fresh barbecued food around the pool or take in the exquisite signatures dishes at the formal restaurant at the Andara Resort & Villas in Kamala. Timber flooring and contemporary styling, along with the soaring ceilings and full-length glass windows allow plentiful vistas across the Andaman, while you are seated in comfort awaiting your culinary delights underneath the ornate oversized bronze and silk hanging lanterns.
5. Seafood At Trisara
– Naithon Beach
This spectacular award-winning seafood restaurant offers meals like your Thai mamma would make – if you had one. Recipes passed down from generations with authentic design and fragrant fresh flavours will melt in your mouth. A bonus is the oceanfront setting for this esteemed dining experience at the Trisara Resort in Naithon Beach. While the local flavours are a highlight, you can’t go past this sultry and stylish frontrunner on the northwestern Phuket coastline.
6. Breeze
– Cape Yamu
Settled in a private peninsula in Phang Nga Bay on Phuket’s southern tip, Breeze offers an exquisite vista, beautiful contemporary styling and a 5-star appeal like no other. The passionate chefs have come together to offer a new take on brunch with a Long Lazy Sunday menu to tempt anyone with plenty of time to while away. The ever-evolving menu, breezy setting and contemporary cocktails – perfect for sunset drinks – make this your next dinner destination in Phuket.
7. The Boathouse Phuket
– Kata Beach
The stunning charm and 5-star elegance of The Boathouse is magnetic to sunseekers the world over. Located in an enchanting cove at the southern end of the beach, the romantic appeal of this exquisite restaurant and bar can’t be ignored. Choose from Boathouse Wine & Grill for outstanding degustation meals or the Sunset Lounge & Beachfront Bar for a lingering late lunch or evening starter to enjoy exceptional delicacies of local and international cuisine.
8. The Cove
– Ao Yon Beach, Cape Panwa
Indulge your senses at this appealing beachfront bar and restaurant, with the DJs best chilled beats, enticing views of the ocean and the tide lapping your toes. One of the most stunning secluded beaches in Phuket, Ao Yon has “beachside lazing” written all over it. The Cove is helmed by a knowledgeable, friendly and well-travelled Hungarian couple, who are happy to share their recommendations for signature cocktails and meals. Serving mostly European food and steaks, you’ll find some seafood starters too good to refuse, such as barbecued peppered Japanese sashimi-grade tuna steaks or the salt and pepper squid.
9. Acqua Restaurant
– Kalim Bay, Patong
Acqua Restaurant in Kalim Bay in Phuket excels at beautiful food. Not only is the menu filled with mouthwatering creations, you’ll find Instagram-worthy appeal in the food presentation as well. A well-heralded, award-winning restaurant that boasts aesthetically pleasing design, spectacular ocean views and the passionate dedication of international head chef, well-travelled restaurateur and Sardinian native Alessandro Frau. Acqua is an unmissable experience offering everything you need for an exceptional fine dining event. Definitely one to tick off your list!
9. Blue Elephant
– Phuket Town
For an authentic Thai dining experience, you cannot go past the Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion, Phuket Restaurant & Cooking School. This richly inspiring restaurant is filled with local history and a palette of sumptuous traditions in preparing local Thai produce in the most exceptional ways. You’ll be met by startling delicacies with flavours so vibrant they explode the senses. Located in a more than century-old landmark, the elegant Sino-Portuguese Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion offers a relaxing atmosphere and scenic surrounds. The tastes of Royal Thai cuisine are unmatched in this restaurant offering humble Thai food with lots of local flare.
With so much wonderful produce, impressive cooking credentials and amazing vibrant tastes on offer, all that is left for you to do when staying in one of our private luxury Thailand villas is to book a driver then begin your epicurean feast & adventure.
-Words by Jennifer McCarthy
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