10 Best Thai Restaurants in Phuket

Mom Tri's Kitchen at Villa Royale is a fine-dining experience with one of the finest wine cellars in the country, yet you can enjoy down-home and expertly prepared Thai food here. Simple dishes such as som tam (green papaya salad) are lovingly rendered with delicate flavours and fine textures. Their fish dishes are among the must-tries in Phuket.

One Chun Café & Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a preference for southern dishes at affordable prices and in the relaxed atmosphere of vintage décor. Located on Thepkasattri Road’s last section in Phuket Old Town, One Chun is set in a historical building that dates back to early 20th century. When it comes to food, there's no doubt that One Chun is among the hailed Thai restaurants in Phuket as its daily high-level of occupancy – mainly of whom are locals – really speaks for itself. 

The most popular dish here is crab meat curry in coconut milk – blending the sweet soft taste of coconut with the slow-burning effects of curry in addition to the freshness and typical taste of crab meat is indeed a winner.

Known more for its nightly party atmosphere, Ka Jok See actually serves up well-prepared Thai dishes in portions fit for sharing. One of the longest-running establishments on the island, expect dishes based on traditional Thai recipes with a few twists here and there. You’ll have to reserve ahead at Ka Jok See, due to its popularity.

Raya Restaurant is a good example of Phuket’s Old Town charm with its Sino-Portuguese architecture. Along Dibuk, Thalang and Phang Nga roads downtown you'll see beautiful examples of restored shop-houses. Raya is a great example and is also among the most recommended Thai restaurants in Phuket.

Signature dishes include a sensational crabmeat curry served with rice vermicelli, caramelised and braised pork belly, spicy Phuket prawns, deep-fried sea bass with shallots and red chillies in tamarind and lemongrass sauce.

Seafood is the speciality at Kan Eang@Pier and many visitors make a beeline to it to experience the genuine tangs of the coconut-husk-fired grills. The menu is massive and features dishes that you may not have heard of before; fortunately, the experienced wait staff can talk you through the many options. Popular items include fresh crab, squid in garlic, and a host of shellfish to choose from.

Pan Yaah Restaurant offers one of the best views of Patong Bay and the town itself, with fantastic Thai food as an added bonus. It's located in Kalim, about 1 km north of Patong along the scenic beach road heading up to Kamala Beach. Established for many years, Pan Yaah is a great little place for romantic and intimate sunset and evening dining.

The restaurant is largely made of dark wood with a fan-cooled terrace overlooking the sea. It's set above large granite rocks and diners can hear the surf breaking below – a very impressive combination.

Tamachart Restaurant in Phuket Town has got to be the most unusual, out-of-the-ordinary eatery this side of Phuket. It’s been going for what seems like forever now and is a tremendously popular spot for expats and locals alike as well as being a welcome oddity for visitors.

The word tamachart translates into English as ‘natural’ and many people in Phuket use the English word when discussing this unusually fitted out Thai-Chinese eating place.

Blue Elephant specialises in Royal Thai cuisine – a rich and exotic combination of flavours once uniquely created for the Royal Palace that has recently grown popular because of the global spread of Thai cooking. It’s located in a splendid, old Chinese-colonial style mansion near the heart of the old quarter of Phuket Town.

One of Phuket’s finest all-around dining experiences, Baan Rim Pa is a teakwood house overlooking Patong Bay and serves Thai cuisine with panache. With a fantastic wine selection, an elegant wait staff, traditional dishes served on crisp white tablecloths, Baan Rim Pa is years away from budget Thai eateries.

The whole idea behind Baan Rim Pa is to invite diners to sample Royal Thai Cuisine in regal surroundings. It succeeds well, added with the seaside location that puts the whole experience into overdrive.