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Love it or hate it, Phuket continues to be one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. This enormous island is home to its fair share of overcrowded beaches but beautiful stretches of sand can still be found. These are 10 of our favorite dining spots in Phuket. Read the original version of this updated article here.

© Luke Ma/Flickr

Kopitiam by Wilai

Cafe, Restaurant, Asian, Thai

Kopitiam by Wilai is an unassuming little restaurant that offers an affordable menu of Chinese and Thai cuisine. This restaurant prides itself on creating an ‘old Phuket’ atmosphere, decorated with simple wooden chairs and photos of the island from decades ago, along with splashes of Chinese-inspired red- and-gold colours. Some of the most popular dishes include the noodles sautéed with egg, sea bass, and prawns; and the Phuket-style salad with tofu, boiled egg, crispy noodles, and a sweet-and-spicy dressing. Any of their delicious dishes pair well with one of the restaurant’s unusual drinks, such as chrysanthemum juice, butterfly pea flower drink, or ginger iced tea made with fresh ginger.

Breeze at Cape Yamu

Breeze is a sophisticated restaurant-lounge located at the sleek Cape Yamu development in Phang Nga Bay. The restaurant’s name comes from its design, a free-flowing open-air concept arranged to create a sense of stillness. The unique space enhances the French, Japanese, and Thai-inspired dishes prepared by Chef Cheryl Johnson. Johnson combines imported and locally sourced ingredients to create subtly flavoured dishes like duck confit salad; and homemade beef chili. The restaurant’s brunch is particularly popular, with menu highlights including roasted pork belly with apple caramel; and coddled eggs with chorizo, pepper oil, and potatoes.

Breeze at Cape Yamu, 224 Moo 7 | Pa Khlok, Phuket, Thailand, +66 81 271 2320

Courtesy Breeze at Cape Yamu

Suay Restaurant

There’s a true emphasis on all things healthy at Suay, but what has really made this restaurant famous is its unique interpretation of traditional Isan food, which is the cuisine of Northeastern Thailand. Try the braised beef and tomato clear soup; and the grilled sea scallops. For drinks, there are a number of excellent teas and cocktails available, along with a variety of fresh shakes and juices. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with elegant green and white colours emphasised both inside and out.

Suay Restaurant, 50/2 Takuapha Rd. | Talad Nuea, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand, +66 87 888 6990

Courtesy Suay Restaurant

Acqua Restaurant

Restaurant, Italian

Italian-born head chef Alessandro is the mastermind behind Acqua Restaurant’s imaginative Italian dishes. The menu varies slightly depending on the seasonal ingredients available, typically featuring an array of wood-fired pizzas, and pastas, as well as meat and seafood dishes. Expect experimental creations like Maine lobster a la Rossini, with pan fried duck liver, and grilled bread crouton; or ravioli cappellacci stuffed with pumpkin and sage, served with gorgonzola sauce. The restaurant’s chic yet unpretentious interior sets the stage for a unique dining experience.

Boathouse Wine & Grill

Boathouse Wine & Grill is known for its well-prepared international menu and knowledgeable staff. Home to one of the biggest wine cellars in Phuket, the restaurant’s staff recommend perfect wine pairings for the restaurant’s menu of seafood, pastas, pizzas, and Thai favourites. Although the restaurant is part of Boathouse Guesthouse, guests and non-guests alike are free to enjoy its French and Thai dishes, along with beautiful beachfront views. As an added bonus, the restaurant offers complimentary pick-ups and drops-off from numerous locations around the island.

Boathouse Wine & Grill, 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand, + 66 76 330 015

Chino @ Café Gallery

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee

From the décor to the food, it’s clear that the staff at Chino @ Café Gallery deeply care about each customer’s experience. The ambiance is laid-back, decorated with cool grey tones and wooden furnishings, while plants, eclectic knickknacks and photos add character to the interior. The café is known for offering some of the island’s best coffee, along with delicious Thai dishes that range from tom yam goong and Thai green curry, to mango sticky rice and Thai-style tuna omelets. In addition to being a popular lunch spot, the free Wi-Fi makes this cafe a prime location for travelers to catch-up on emails while enjoying a coffee.

Mom Tri's Kitchen

Hotel

Part of the Mom Tri’s Villa Royal, Mom Tri’s Kitchen offers a menu of consistently well-prepared Thai and international favourites. Located above Kata Noi Beach, diners can enjoy panoramic views of the sea while savouring goong lai prik khing (baked tiger prawns, topped with red curry and crab sauce, and served with vegetables); or the three cheese soufflé made with brie, gruyere, parmesan, and spring onion. The diverse menu is complemented by the restaurant’s outstanding selection of more than 750 wine labels. Happy Hour takes place from 6-7 p.m., the perfect time to catch a spectacular sunset.

Saffron at Banyan Tree Phuket

One of several restaurants found at the Banyan Tree Phuket, Saffron is known for serving authentic Thai food in an elegant, upscale setting. Thanks to the efforts of attentive executive chef, David Hamilton, Saffron offers an impressive menu of Thai dishes, including green curry, Massaman, satay skewers and snake head fish with black pepper. The interior features warm tones and a romantic ambiance that invites diners to linger over wine or coffee after finishing their meals.

Saffron at Banyan Tree Phuket, 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, Phuket, Thailand, +66 76 324 374

Siam Indigo

Siam Indigo exudes a relaxed hipness that makes it the perfect place to enjoy an evening with a few friends, and perhaps even make a few more in the process. The owner is French, the staff are Thai, and the fusion of these two cultures creates a rich and interesting atmosphere. The restaurant is set in a historic Phuket shophouse and decorated with local artwork. The modern Thai menu is constantly changing, with daily specials based on the freshest produce available at the market. If diners aren’t satisfied with the menu selections, the restaurant’s accommodating chef is always willing to grill meat or seafood according to their preferences.

Siam Indigo, 8 Phang Na Road | Ampur Muang, Talad Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand, +66 076256697

Taste Restaurant

Situated a few feet from shore, Taste Restaurant offers an eclectic menu of Thai, Japanese and Swedish dishes created by Chef Martin Ostlind. Menu highlights include the BBQ pulled pork sliders; and the camembert cheese bruschetta with tomato jam. With a spacious interior that can accommodate up to 135 people, the restaurant’s atmosphere is almost always lively and completed by an excellent music selection, plus walls decorated with mix-media artwork created by emerging Thai artists.

Taste Restaurant, Surin Beach 3, Choeng Thale, Phuket, Thailand, +66 76 270 090

Courtesy Taste Restaurant

About the author

Jessica Dawdy is a serial expat who has been slowly working her way around the world since 2011. She’s lived in 7 different countries, doing everything from painting houses to teaching English. Catch up with her travel stories and expat adventures at Ways of Wanderers.

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