Cover A vibrant culinary wonder hidden away on the island of Phuket (Photo: Dara Restuarant)
A vibrant culinary wonder hidden away on the island of Phuket (Photo: Dara Restuarant)
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Tatler+
Phuket may be famed for its pristine beaches, but it’s also a culinary haven where traditional Thai flavours meet world-class culinary techniques
Thailand's largest island, Phuket, is not just about beautiful beaches — it's also a destination for foodies from around the world. With a vibrant culinary scene that seamlessly blends traditional Thai flavours with international cooking techniques, from secluded restaurants to exotic treehouse dining experiences, Phuket is a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
Tatler has selected the most outstanding restaurants in Phuket, each offering cuisine that beautifully captures the essence of Thainess while injecting creativity to elevate both flavours and dining experiences. Whether you're craving the boldness of Southern Thai cuisine, meticulously aged steaks, Japanese omakase, or exquisite cocktails at the extraordinary Observatory Deck, the island invites you to experience Phuket in a deeper way than ever before.
Read more: Revealing the list of 20 best restaurants in Thailand, Tatler Best Thailand 2025
Tamarind Restaurant
Above Tamarind Restaurant Thai food served in a contemporary style on the beach in Phuket
Above Chef Nok combines local wisdom with creativity, transforming it into a menu that is both familiar and refreshingly new
Tamarind Restaurant Thai food served in a contemporary style on the beach in Phuket
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Indulge in a creative Thai culinary journey amidst the tranquility of Ao Makham Bay at Tamarind Restaurant, where traditional Southern Thai recipes meet world-class cooking techniques, especially those rooted in French cuisine. At the helm is Chef Nok, a young yet seasoned Phuket-born chef whose inspiration runs deep.
Chef Nok masterfully blends local wisdom with international flair, crafting dishes that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. From the spicy comfort of Tom Yum Goong to the luxurious innovation of Tom Yum Lobster Paella. Each plate is a contemporary interpretation of Thai cuisine that remains deeply respectful of its cultural roots.
Tatler Tip
Tamarind Restaurant champions sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally, using authentic Thai spices, and supporting organic farmers and local fishermen—striking a thoughtful balance between bold flavor and environmental responsibility.
Tamarind Restaurant
Address: 44/5 Village No. 8 Sakdidet Road, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +6676 602 500
Read more: Spice up your life: A Phuket flavourful journey at Tamarind
Age Restaurant
Above Complete the meal with a selection of over 60 wines, spanning celebrated vintages and New World labels
Above AGE's Parmigiana, Chef Nicola Pandolfo Testino's secret recipe (Please check)
Complete the meal with a selection of over 60 wines, spanning celebrated vintages and New World labels
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Anantara Layan Phuket invites guests to savour carefully cured fine meats, fresh local seafood, and expertly crafted dishes. At Age, every meal is an experience, guided by Chef Nicola Pandolfo Testino, who upholds the philosophy of "simplicity"—using just four to five main ingredients to highlight natural tastes and the harmony between them.
With unique aging techniques, both meat and fish are elevated to reveal exceptional depth and complexity. Each cut is meticulously aged to perfection, offering bold yet refined profiles. Complement your meal with a curated selection of over 60 wines, spanning celebrated vintages and New World labels, or explore new tastes with one of the restaurant's signature cocktails.
Tatler Tip
Don't miss AGE's Parmigiana, a special recipe by Chef Nicola Pandolfo Testino. This signature dish combines the smoky richness of Josper-grilled eggplant with a 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano sauce and delicately smoked ricotta
Age Restaurant
Address: Soi Layan 4, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, +6676 317 200
Read more: Age: Where culinary artistry meets Andaman allure
Dara Cuisine
Above At night, the Dara's Observatory Deck opens to welcome the breeze and sky
Above A menu that takes you back to the roots of Thai cuisine while also being contemporary
At night, the Dara's Observatory Deck opens to welcome the breeze and sky
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Tucked away in a quiet corner of Anantara Layan Phuket's private lagoon lies Dara, a contemporary Thai restaurant and destination for foodies fascinated by Thai culture and the beauty of the night sky. Here, Chef Hong, at the heart of the kitchen, embraces a simple yet elegant philosophy. He uses the finest local ingredients and prepares dishes with an understanding of the authentic tastes of Southern Thailand. The menu takes guests back to the roots of Thai cuisine, yet with an exciting contemporary twist.
Lunch is enlivened by laughter from a hands-on Thai cooking class where guests can prepare their own dishes, as Chef Hong and his team showcase the spiciness, herbaceous notes and meticulous attention to detail in each creation. As night falls, Dara opens its Observatory Deck to welcome the breeze and sky, where guests sip constellation-inspired cocktails for a romantic evening.
Tatler Tip
Don't miss the "DARA Spicy Rice Salad" served with crispy puffer fish and mixed berry sauce. This dish combines sour, salty, and fragrant elements in traditional southern style, but with a creative contemporary presentation that reflects both its name and the location that inspired the restaurant.
Dara Cuisine Phuket
Address: 68 Village No. 6, Soi Had Layan 4, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, +6676 317 200
Read more: Experience stargazing and Thai dinner at Dara Cuisine Phuket
Tree House
Above Tree House, an Omakase restaurant on Mai Khao Beach at Anantara Phuket Villas
Above The chef presents a meticulous Omakase menu in every bite
Tree House, an Omakase restaurant on Mai Khao Beach at Anantara Phuket Villas
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Surrounded by the roots of an ancient banyan tree, the path to Tree House is like a journey into a mystical land, where 360-degree views of tropical gardens and tranquil lagoons welcome guests for a memorable evening. Perched on Mai Khao Beach at Anantara Phuket Villas, Tree House is one of Phuket’s most exclusive omakase destinations.
In this enchanting setting, chefs deliver a meticulously curated omakase experience, where every bite is a study in precision, artistry, and seasonal freshness. Ingredients are handled with delicate mastery, transforming each course into a moment of refined indulgence.
Tatler Tip
Elevate your evening with a curated selection of premium sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails, thoughtfully paired to enhance the flavours of your omakase journey.
Tree House
Address: 888 Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, +6676 336 100 or +6676 336 188
Read more: Savour omakase excellence at Tree House
Bua Bar
Above Bua Bar welcomes guests with warmth and a sense of privacy
Above A cocktail menu celebrating the purity of “Bua” is full of meaning
Bua Bar welcomes guests with warmth and a sense of privacy
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Gracefully blooming like a lotus over still waters, Bua is an oasis of tranquility at the heart of Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. More than just a poolside bar, it’s a sensorial escape where nature meets the art of cocktail craftsmanship.
As the sun sets, golden rays dance across the water while the gentle sounds of contemporary jazz enrich the atmosphere. Bua welcomes guests with warmth and a sense of intimacy, offering an exceptional selection of fine white spirits — gin, rum, tequila, and more. The highlight is a thoughtfully curated menu of 12 signature cocktails, each inspired by a unique story or artwork, crafted to reflect the purity and poetic essence of “Bua,” a name rich with meaning.
Tatler Tip
Bua Bar is your perfect evening hideaway, unwind to soft jazz melodies and sip on signature cocktails in a setting of refined serenity.
Bua Bar
Address: 888 Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, +6676 336 100 or +6676 336 188
Read more: Bua Bar: Lagoon-side libations at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Ta Khai
Above Step into traditional island life with a serene fishing village atmosphere, embraced by nature
Above Menus crafted by a passionate husband-and-wife duo are rooted in Southern Thai traditions and guided by a Zero Waste concept
Step into traditional island life with a serene fishing village atmosphere, embraced by nature
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Ta Khai is a Thai seafood restaurant that transports visitors to traditional island life in a natural fishing village setting. The restaurant's structure features old wood and recycled materials, with an open-air pavilion offering long tables for family-style dining. This is complemented by an open kitchen and live cooking stations that allow guests to observe the culinary process up close. Driven by the Zero Waste concept, the restaurant attends to every step in preserving the environment by composting food scraps and kitchen ingredients into valuable organic fertilizer.
The name Ta Khai means "fishing net," reflecting the daily freshness of ingredients from local fishermen, supplemented by vegetables from the kitchen garden behind the restaurant and a fish pond inspired by Phuket's fresh markets. The menu is helmed by Chefs “Nun” Rotkaew and Sangchan “Yai” Suttitummanon, a husband and wife team passionate about southern Thai cuisine. They serve traditional dishes such as Phuket spring rolls, Moo Hong, and Khanom Thuai.
Tatler Tip
Beneath an old banyan tree by the sea, guests can sip signature cocktails made in clay pots, such as the Galangal Negroni, Tom Yum Moscow Mule, or Sweet Basil Mojito, completing the evening with a truly maritime ambiance.
