8 Best Restaurants in Phuket and the Andaman Coast, Thailand

This is one of the most popular beach bar/restaurants in Koh Lanta, mostly owing to its vibrant owner, Otto, a been-there, done-that, rocker-hippie-type with an infectious joie de vivre. It's open all day, serving delicious, fruity cocktails and a variety of barbecued meats (burgers have a following) and salads. Otto also has few basic bungalows backed away from the beach.

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.

There are plenty of restaurants along the beach, serving international dishes and Thai classics, but this one is a step above. The seafood here is superb, especially the barracuda fillet. 

As the name suggests, this is the place to come for high-quality imported cuts served with delicious sauces and sides, though the seafood is top quality, too. Fresh lobster bisque, perfectly grilled tuna steak, and white snapper in butter-and-garlic cream sauce are all good non-meat options. The efficient service adds to the lively atmosphere.

On the eastern end of Tonsai Beach, Hippies serves a mixture of international food, from burgers and steaks to pasta and pizza. The staff at both the restaurant and seaside bar are friendly. Once the sun sets, this is the most happening beach bar in Tonsai, with people dancing on the sand, a large projector screening music concerts, and regular fire shows.

This delightful sea view restaurant in Lanta Old Town is known for its fresh seafood and Thai cuisine, but also serves great burgers and has a separate vegetarian menu. The staff are quick to recommend favorite Thai dishes, in particular the tamarind prawns and the tart pomelo salad. Great atmosphere and wonderful location. 

With tables facing out to the horizon, and fresh, flavorful seafood and fish barbecues, this is an idyllic spot for dinner by the beach. It's a simple but charming restaurant; the food certainly attracts a loyal clientele, but the service can be slow.

You can take a cooking class organized by Roi Thai, which also teaches the traditional art of fruit and vegetable carving.

In the heart of the action, this bar–cafe is the kind of place you just want to keep coming back to. The menu is a mix of Thai classics and Tex-Mex favorites and there's live music most nights. The Chicken Burritos are highly recommended.