48 Best Restaurants in Phuket and the Andaman Coast, Thailand

This roadside shack has a sign in Thai that says "Southern food is supposed to be spicy"---so you can be assured that there is no toning the spice down here. There are also tamer Thai dishes for the faint of heart, but this is where to try authentically fiery po taek (clear seafood soup), a turmeric-and-chili-heavy dry curry called kua kling, and the homemade chili dips.

Phuket’s first Michelin-starred restaurant has a buzzy open kitchen that sends out unusual Thai ingredients presented in very un-Thai ways, like a cured squid pastrami. Chefs are chatty, service is flawless, and the culinary experience is unlike any other on the island. Arrive before sunset to enjoy a welcome drink in the sitting rooms downstairs before taking in the uninterrupted view of the sea through the kitchen windows.

There is a young generation of chefs in Phuket looking at ways to give the food they grew up with a modern spin, and Mond Kunghae is one of those who is leading the way. In a renovated shophouse around the corner from where he went to school, the chef—who also has a loyal following from a turn he did on a popular TV cooking show—sends out dishes like squid ink gaeng som (sour curry) that capture authentic southern flavors in innovative ways. Sit at the bar to take in the action.

Pick your fresh seafood live or order lon (coconut seafood dip) and hor mok (curried seafood steamed in banana leaves) from the extensive menu at this restaurant nestled under a wooden canopy. You can sit right on the water's edge, but larger parties might prefer booking the upstairs terrace. Keep in mind that there is no air-conditioning here.

From the outside, this restaurant looks like a standard, wooden Thai beach restaurant, but the creative cooking elevates it from the ordinary. Sizzling "hot pan" dishes of seafood in coconut cream, stir-fried morning glory, and sweet-and-sour shrimp are delicious. Specials, such as duck curry served in a hollowed-out pineapple, change daily and augment the already extensive menu.

Located on the edge of a farm built on what was once an open-air tin quarry, Jampa is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on using every part of every ingredient in delicious creative ways. Look for grilled fruits, vegetables, and meats with homemade chutneys and sambals, all locally sourced. You can even take a jar of their own pesto home with you.

The walls of this unique restaurant--café in the heart of the architecturally quaint Old Town are lined with vintage black-and-white images of Phuket, which pretty much reflect the kind of food served here—old-school Thai-Chinese fare. Signature dishes are inspired by family recipes, and include bak kut teh (a pungent pork-bone broth), mee sua pad (noodles with seafood and spices), and the crispy noodle and egg salad. Ice teas like Butterfly Pea Flower and lime are especially good for cooling your insides on a hot day, while a variety of smoothies and good coffee strained in a cloth bag are also worth a try.

For a delicious snack, buy some of the creamy homemade pepper cookies or crunchy caramel peanuts to take with you.

At this cozy casual restaurant, two chefs churn out their personal spins on southern Thai dishes. The atmosphere and the offerings are youthful and fun, with craft beers and Massaman curry simmered with a splash of wine—but most importantly, it’s deliciously true to the flavor of the south.

In the heart of Phuket's Old Town, this beloved restaurant is in a historical Sino-Thai mansion, built in the early 20th century by a rich tin-mining family. Authentic Phuket dishes are the specialty here; try the yellow crab curry with rice noodles or the whole red snapper with roasted garlic. The charming decor is traditional Thai, with a nod to Phuket's multicultural influences, and the atmosphere is as much part of the experience as the outstanding food. 

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. Dishes are presented with flair and the busy black-and-white dining room is a lively backdrop. Features include an extensive à la carte menu, outstanding wines, and a signature degustation menu. For a simpler meal, pick one of the homemade pastas or a wood-fired pizza.

Just about 2 km north of Patong and perched over the water, Baan Rim Pa is a beloved institution, laid out over several levels to showcase the stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Alfresco dining, a piano and cocktail bar, and a range of classic Thai dishes make this one of Phuket’s perennial favorites.

If you find yourself craving European dishes like pizza, schnitzel, and gyros, this is one of the best places in town. The portions are large, the atmosphere is casual, and the prices are affordable.

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.

This bohemian-chic café in Phuket's Old Town is part of a wave of creative venues that focuses on excellent coffee and baked goods. It's also home to a design bookshop, as well as an exhibition arts space, and there's an upstairs film room, where indie flicks are played from time to time. While away the day in the company of Phuket's artsy set, a relaxed bunch of Thais who mostly absconded from Bangkok in search of exactly this type of vibe.

Right on the beach, this open-air café is popular for its boho-chic vibe, unique decor, and excellent food. The menu features freshly brewed Italian coffee, classic Thai dishes such as green curry with jumbo prawns, international fare such as pasta and pizza, and a wide range of imported and local beers, as well as tropical cocktails. The café is the beach club of the Emerald Krabi Beach Resort. 

Championship baristas pull specialty coffee drinks and serve homemade cakes and pastries at this bright little spot in the heart of Phuket's Old Town. They also sell freshly roasted coffee beans and coffee accessories.

As the name suggests, this is the place to come for quality imported black angus and Wagyu served with delicious sauces and sides, though the seafood---like the perfectly grilled tuna steaks---are top notch, too. The efficient service adds to the lively atmosphere.

Although now just one among many superb venues, Catch remains the standard-bearer for beach clubs on the island. With DJ beats, an eclectic menu of tapas, sushi, and pastas, and imported champagne, it may not be to everyone's taste---but there's no denying Catch's allure of sun, sand, and style.

The scent of freshly ground espresso greets you as you enter this lovely café next to one end of the weekly Sunday Walking Street. In addition to light meals, coffee, and desserts there are souvenirs made with natural materials, notebooks, and postcards.

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.

This is one of those quintessential backpacker-friendly cafés with a laid-back vibe, eclectic seating (including beanbags and hammocks), and all kinds of comfort food. Try the tuna wasabi sub, the DK veggie samosas in puff pastry, or a burger.

There are two kitchens, and two cuisines—Thai and Western—but the Fat Monkey is best known and loved for its large juicy burgers. It's a pleasant place for a meal, with a pretty garden.

Although this sleek café sells delicious baked goods like orange cinnamon rolls and croissants, it's the ice cream—made on-site in a variety of unique and delicious flavors—that really draws the crowd. Try the Tom Yum Kung ice cream for a real taste of Thailand or more traditional with Almond Espresso.

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.

Get a seat at a palm-shaded table next to the seawall, order some delicious grilled fish, and enjoy---though be sure that your waiter understands whether you want yours served phet (spicy hot) or mai phet (not spicy). Succulent and sweet crab should be a part of any meal here. Big posters at the entrance explain some of the featured dishes in English.

For a remarkably pleasant meal of pizza and pasta taking in the sea views, it's hard to do better than this rustic beach club and restaurant with an open-air design. The seafood is sustainably caught by local fishermen. 

For over 40 years, the locals have loved this spot for the radna—a noodle dish served with pork or chicken and a thick gravy—as well as the grilled pork or chicken satay, radish cakes, and varieties of fried rice. It's so popular that there's often a line for a table.

There's not much to this casual restaurant, but their renditions of Thai dishes are very tasty and come at great prices. Seafood options are recommended, including the signature Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp or any of the spicy curries.

This artsy store sells funky designer souvenirs and serves traditional Thai food and international snacks. Locals love the kaya (coconut jam) toast.