Best Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket is not only beaches with white sand and turquoise water, but also a true paradise for food lovers. The island offers incredible culinary diversity: from luxurious restaurants with ocean views to street stalls with the most authentic Thai food. In this article, we'll tell you about the best places to enjoy Thai cuisine in Phuket, share tips on choosing restaurants, and help you navigate the variety of options.

Top 5 Restaurants in Phuket

1. Blue Elephant Phuket

Located in a historic colonial-era building, Blue Elephant offers refined Thai cuisine in an elegant setting. The restaurant is located in Phuket's old town and is famous for its classic dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. The restaurant's interior transports visitors to the atmosphere of old Thailand, and the dishes impress with their authenticity and sophistication.

What to definitely try:

• Tom Yum Goong — spicy soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and coconut milk
• Pad Thai — famous stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken
• Green Curry — green curry with chicken and Thai basil

Blue Elephant is not just a restaurant, it's a culinary journey into the history of Thai cuisine. Here, every dish tells its own story.

2. Raya Restaurant

A family restaurant that has been operating since 1959, it is one of the oldest establishments in Phuket. Here they serve traditional dishes of southern Thailand in an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the old town and preserves the atmosphere of old Phuket with its Chinese-Portuguese heritage.

Restaurant features:

• Family recipes passed down from generation to generation
• Cozy atmosphere of old Phuket with antique furniture
• Moderate prices with high-quality dishes
• Especially good seafood dishes

3. Baan Rim Pa

A restaurant with a stunning ocean view, located on a cliff above Patong Beach. Baan Rim Pa offers refined Thai cuisine in a romantic setting. An ideal place for dinner at sunset, when the sun sets behind the horizon, painting the sky in orange and pink tones.

4. One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

An authentic restaurant in the old town, specializing in traditional Thai cuisine. Especially known for its seafood dishes and local delicacies. The restaurant is popular among both tourists and locals, which speaks to its quality.

5. Ka Jok See

A unique restaurant-bar in the old town, combining excellent cuisine with live music and atmosphere. Especially popular among those who want not only to dine but also to spend the evening in a fun company. The dishes here are prepared according to family recipes and are distinguished by their authenticity.

Street Food in Phuket

Street food is the heart of Thai cuisine, and Phuket is no exception. The island's night markets offer incredible variety of dishes at affordable prices. Be sure to try Pad Thai — the most popular Thai dish, which is prepared especially tasty and cheap at street stalls.

Best Night Markets in Phuket:

• Weekend Market (Naka Market) — operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Huge selection of dishes, from traditional Thai to Chinese and Muslim delicacies. Prices from 50 to 150 baht per serving.

• Chillva Market — a modern market with live music and diverse food. Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Here you can find both traditional Thai dishes and modern interpretations. Thai ingredient burgers and cocktails are especially popular.

• Malin Plaza — a popular dinner spot, especially among tourists. Open daily from 6:00 PM to midnight. Here you can try fresh seafood grilled and traditional Thai dishes.

Street food in Phuket is not only cheap but also incredibly tasty. Local chefs know the secrets of cooking dishes passed down from generation to generation.

Popular Dishes in Phuket

In Phuket, several classic Thai dishes are prepared especially well. Be sure to try Tom Yum Goong — spicy shrimp soup, which is the hallmark of Thai cuisine. Also don't miss Som Tam — spicy green papaya salad, which is especially popular in hot weather.

Top 5 Dishes to Try in Phuket:

1. Pad Thai — stir-fried rice noodles with egg, shrimp, or chicken
2. Tom Yum Goong — spicy soup with shrimp and coconut milk
3. Green Curry — green curry with chicken and Thai basil
4. Som Tam — spicy green papaya salad with tomatoes and peanuts
5. Khao Man Gai — steamed chicken with rice

Best Areas for Food in Phuket

Patong

The most touristy area with many restaurants for every taste and budget. Here you can find both expensive restaurants with ocean views and street stalls with cheap and tasty food. Bangla Road is especially popular, where many restaurants and bars are concentrated.

Phuket Old Town

Here you'll find authentic restaurants and cafes with local atmosphere. Many establishments are located in historic buildings and offer traditional Thai cuisine. Restaurants specializing in Chinese-Thai dishes, reflecting the cultural heritage of the island, are especially interesting.

Kata and Karon

More peaceful beach areas with good seafood restaurants. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood grilled in a more relaxed atmosphere than in Patong. Restaurants here often have terraces with ocean views.

Tips for Tourists

1. Try Pad Thai on the street — it's cheaper (50-80 baht) and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare this dish every day and know all the secrets of its preparation.

2. Don't be afraid of spicy food, but start small — Thai cuisine can be very spicy. If the dish is too spicy, ask for "mai phet" (not spicy) or "phet nit noi" (a little spicy).

3. Always carry water with you — especially if you're not used to spicy food. Spicy food can cause discomfort, and water will help relieve it.

4. Use FoodSensAI — our AI assistant will help you find the best places near you, taking into account your preferences and budget. Just say what you're looking for and get personalized recommendations.

5. Try local markets — they open early in the morning and offer fresh produce and ready-made dishes. This is a great way to get acquainted with local cuisine and culture.

6. Don't miss breakfast — Thai breakfast can be very hearty and tasty. Try Khao Tom (rice soup) or Jok (rice porridge) with various additions.

Conclusion

Phuket offers incredible culinary diversity. From street food for 50 baht to fine dining restaurants with ocean views — everyone will find something to their liking. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and try new things. Thai cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, and Phuket is the perfect place to discover all its diversity. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident!