7 Best Restaurants in Phuket and the Andaman Coast, Thailand

At the top of the cape, overlooking the isolated bay, Taste is one of Phuket’s finest restaurants, with a romantic al fresco setting. Chef Martin and his team pride themselves on preparing classic international dishes with a local twist, like the soft-shell crab burger, lamb tenderloin, and Thai twice-cooked pork cheek.

For a change of pace from Thai food, head to this Italian restaurant specializing in seafood and Sicilian specialities. Dishes are presented with flair and the busy dining room is a lively backdrop. The restaurant is decorated in black and white, features an outstanding wine list and the signature degustation menus.

Just about 2 km north of Patong and perched over the water, the magnificent Baan Rim Pa Thai restaurant is laid out over several levels to showcase the stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Elegant teak and silk decor, a piano and cocktail bar, and excellent Thai food make this one of Phuket’s premier dining establishments. The wine cellar is impressive, too.

Although now just one among many superb venues, Catch remains the standard-bearer for beach clubs on the island. In its former location on Surin Beach, this gleaming white, St. Tropez–style lounge drew Phuket's rich—and occasionally famous—with its DJ beats, imported Champagne and fine-dining tapas. The government-led beach cleanup a few years back saw them lose their prime location, but they simply upped sticks and moved to Bang Thao Beach a few miles up the coast. Today the formula continues to pack them in—it's not to everyone's taste, but there's no denying Catch's allure of sun, sand, and style.

An Italian bar-ristorante is the last in the trio of Patong's cliff restaurants. Dining is just above a secluded beach. Try pizza, fettuccine, ravioli, and other Italian traditions, or opt for fresh seafood baked in a wood-burning oven. The restaurant prides itself on its use of exclusively organic ingredients.

Churrasco (Brazilian grilled meat) is the specialty at the Mövenpick resort's restaurant, with a terrace overlooking Karon Beach and sunset views that make dining here delightful. The space is large but still manages to be atmospheric, with discreet background music and friendly staff. 

This stylish restaurant in the Holiday Inn Resort serves prime cuts of imported beef prepared with notable French flair and elegantly presented. The atmosphere is peaceful, away from the crowds on Patong's busy streets.