Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world. The country is popular for its liveliness, beautiful islands, inexpensive shopping experiences, rich heritage and culture, and deep roots in religion. Whether you’re in Thailand for a religious ceremony or interested in enjoying the nightlife, parties, shopping, or resorts, you’ll need one thing to keep you going—food! And what better way to experience Thailand than with authentic Thai cuisine?
In this article, we’ve chosen the best of the best Thai restaurants in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and one of the top attractions in the country.
Where Is Phuket In Thailand?
Phuket is located in the magnificent Andaman Sea, in the southern part of Thailand. Surrounded by smaller islands and filled with different cities and villages, Phuket is an exciting place to visit. Phuket Town, the capital city, is an embodiment of history and culture. While Patong is the life of the party, Rawai houses ports and Muay Thai enthusiasts, while Chalong is the ex-pats’ home and is popular for the Wat Chalong temple and more.
The list is endless in Phuket, but there is always something for everyone, and it is the same when it comes to the fantastic Thai food! Whatever taste, budget, and atmosphere you’re looking for while indulging in Thai food, Phuket has the perfect Thai restaurant for you. We’ll tease you with a bit of information about Thai cuisine before we dive right into the list!
Thai Cuisine: What’s So Special About It?
Thai food is a flavorful blend of aromatic spices and seasonal ingredients, sometimes with meat and seafood, and sometimes solely vegetarian or vegan. Taking bits and pieces from its neighboring countries, Northern Thai food is a concoction of ingredients and cooking methods from Laos, Burma, and China, and the dishes rely extensively on vegetables and herbs. They also prefer sticky rice instead of the soft-boiled long-grain preferred by their southern counterparts. The only similarity is that rice is a common accompaniment for most meals in Thailand, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Southern Thai cuisine takes elements from Malaysian and Javanese cuisine, where the food is spicier and thicker with more use of coconut milk, unlike the north, where they use meat broth or stock instead. There are also many exotic Thai food items created carefully in the courthouses of the past and known as royal Thai cuisine, which is another extremely loved and interesting part of Thai cuisine. Regardless of where you are in Thailand, the food is delicious, and that is a given. Check out the dishes below before you head to the amazing restaurants on our list.
Popular Thai Dishes
The list below has excellent Thai food, loved by all locals, ex-pats, and tourists alike. Rice, vermicelli noodles, spicy pastes, and pickled vegetables are some of the common ingredients and condiments used in or accompanying the main meal.
The Best Recommended Thai Restaurants In Phuket
Choosing the best Thai restaurants in Phuket is a hard challenge, especially when Thai restaurants flood every nook and corner of the island. That’s why we’ve curated this list of restaurants serving great local food, so dive right in and pick your favorite restaurant!
#1 Three Monkeys Restaurant
This unique, local restaurant is known for its ambiance first and its amazing Thai food right behind. This is a hidden gem in Phuket Town, nestled between trees, serving great food along with a rooftop restaurant with a spectacular view and Wonderland, the lower deck restaurant with live music and a lovely vibe. The Southern Thai food is highly recommended by all customers, and fan favorites are the smoked ribs, fried fish, and crispy duck maki rolls. Prices are slightly on the higher end, but the dishes served, service, and atmosphere are worth the price.
Location
105 Moo 4, Chaofah Rd., Wichit, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
#2 Bucha Gallery And Restaurant
This family-owned fine dining restaurant serves Instagrammable food, plated and presented appetizingly. They have an extensive menu for Thai food, all curated with authentic Thai and amazing family recipes that are out of this world. Every item on the menu is a large portion and is scrumptious. When you top it off with great service and a refined ambiance, the high prices don’t seem too bad at all! Bucha Gallery’s customers are notorious for returning to indulge in more Thai food at the restaurant.
Location
26/156, Chao Fah, Tawan Tok Road, Chalong, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#3 Takeing Thai Restaurant
If you’re willing to splurge a little while indulging in the most delicious Thai food, Takeing is the perfect place for you. The crab meat curry, pomelo salad, spicy Phuket prawns in tamarind, deep-fried sea bass, crispy pork, and mango sticky rice with a side of coconut ice cream are absolute killers at the restaurant. The panoramic and stunning sunset view and the impeccable service are the cherries on top of the great experience at Takeing Thai Restaurant.
Location
555, Moo 3, Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, Mai Khao.
Open Hours
Open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
#4 Tang Toh
This stylish restaurant has a great ambiance and a large selection of mouthwatering Thai delicacies. The fried fish and crab omelet are some of the great accompaniments to full meals, all served in large portions, leaving customers happy and satisfied. The lovely service and reasonable prices make Tang Toh a great choice, especially after a quick visit to the Wat Chalong temple or a refreshing swim at Chalong Beach.
Location
Tang Toh, Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
#5 Khanom Jeen Saphan Hin
The restaurant has a simple but welcoming atmosphere and serves great Thai dishes at good value for money. Affordable prices don’t reduce the quality at Khanom Jeen Saphan Hin, and you can expect an explosion of amazing Thai flavors in all the curries, Namprik and other condiments, desserts, and more. Overall, the restaurant is a great spot, set up nicely with good food and service to keep returning to without leaving a dent in your wallet.
Location
66, 2 Phuket Road, Talat Yai, Mueang.
Open Hours
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
#6 Kan Eang at Pier
Looking for a romantic lunch by the sea with some splendid and genuinely Thai food? Your dreams will come true at Kan Eang. The delicious crab curry, grilled Phuket, lobster, and tiger prawns basked in wine sauce are die-hard favorites at the restaurant. If seafood is your love language, the fantastic Thai food here will not disappoint. Prices are quite high, so save this for a special occasion.
Location
44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road, Chalong, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
#7 Mountain Breeze Cafe and Restaurant
Located close to the popular Big Buddha and boasting a panoramic view, Mountain Breeze is a true testament to its name. The great atmosphere from the view is only enhanced by the impeccable service and wonderful Thai cuisine served at quite reasonable prices. Tam Zur Poo Pla La, som tam Thai (green papaya salad), Thai green curry, and Ma Ma Song Kurng (seafood noodle soup) are popular dishes served at Mountain Breeze and something you must try out!
Location
93/19, Soi Yot Sa-ne 1, Chalong, Mueang.
Open Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#8 Khun Jeed Yod Pak
This open-air, spacious restaurant is a comfortable spot serving delicious Thai food in Phuket for very cheap prices. The Thai coconut milk custard, fried crab meat, pork steak, clams, noodles with gravy (rad na), and fried noodles (pad see ew) are favorites that delight the taste buds at this Michelin Guide-recommended Thai restaurant. Eat and enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine to your heart’s content without worrying about having to break the bank.
Location
69, Phang nga Road, Talat Yai, Mueang.
Open Hours
Open Thursday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
#8 PORTOSINO Restaurant
The restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, but the Thai cuisine stands out for its authenticity and is a flavor-packed experience. Customers rave about the massaman curry, pad thai, and stir-fried meat, along with the vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Prices are slightly on the higher end, but the atmosphere, service, and delicious food at this stunning restaurant are worth it.
Location
38, Soi Luangphochuain 1, Karon Beach, Karon.
Open Hours
Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
#9 Thong Dee: The Kathu Brasserie
Only a few minutes drive from the popular Patong Beach, Thong Dee is one step ahead of the famous 5-star restaurants in Phuket, serving scrumptious food at half the price. The ambient restaurant has a relaxed and classy atmosphere with great service and a wide selection of succulent Thai food. They also have a Sunday Roast, so if you’re looking for a mix of all cuisines, Thong Dee is a great choice!
Location
Soi Bangthong, 110/25, Moo 7, Kathu.
Open Hours
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-10 p.m.
#10 Tunk-ka Cafe
This cute cafe is a 42-year-old spot, serving some of the best Thai cuisines in Phuket. Located on the hill at the Monkey ViewPoint, the cafe has a stunning view of the Big Buddha and the beautiful island of Phuket. The cafe has a large menu to choose from, with scrumptious Thai delicacies ranging from starters to desserts. Prices are quite high, but you receive what you pay for from this hidden gem perched on top of a mountain, amidst lush greenery.
Location
Khosimbi Road, Rang Hill, Ratsada, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
#11 One Chun Cafe and Restaurant
One Chun is a vintage-decorated cafe and restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide. The setting is part of a colonial old house in the heart of Phuket Town and is a very atmospheric but traditional little spot, great for indulging in local Thai cuisine. The signature crab curry is the highlight at One Chun and the best of its seafood selection. The service is very impressive, and the prices are reasonable too, making One Chun Cafe and Restaurant a superb choice to keep spoiling yourself with great seafood Thai dishes.
Location
8/1, Thepkrasattri Road, Talat Yai, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#12 Bang Pae Seafood
This Thai restaurant is a peaceful hidden gem, serving amazing Thai dishes, along with some vegetarian-friendly options too. It’s in an out-of-the-way location, which you need to search a bit for and can be harder to find at night because it is literally right up against mangroves at the edge of the sea. But the search is worth the effort for the stunning view enhanced by the fresh local seafood that keeps you craving more.
Don’t be misled by the name, as there are way more options than just seafood. However, we do recommend going for fresh and authentic seafood because it is some of the best in Phuket at reasonable prices. The wonderful atmosphere, mouthwatering food, and attentive service make Bang Pae Seafood a must-visit.
Location
66, Moo 3, Mai-Pa Khlok, Pa Khlok.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
#13 Raya Restaurant Phuket
This cozy Thai restaurant is a converted Sino-Portuguese old house with a classic vibe. Prices are slightly higher than at other local restaurants, but the service, ambiance, and great Thai food are well worth it. The crab meat curry served with rice vermicelli, braised pork belly, tom yam seafood, deep-fried chicken with lemongrass, deep-fried fish with tamarind sauce, pad thai, mango sticky rice, and stir-fried water bamboo shoots with prawns are just some of the amazing dishes from the wide selection at Raya. This is also a Michelin Guide-awarded restaurant in Thailand, open to and loved by locals, ex-pats, and tourists.
Location
48, New Dibuk Road, Phuket Old Town, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#14 Siam Thai and Seafood Restaurant
Siam Thai, often quoted as being the best location in Patong Beach for Thai food, is an extremely inclusive restaurant. They serve many vegetarian-friendly, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Their pad thai, garlic pepper lobster, Penang curry, stir-fried chicken with rice, and papaya salad are created with high-quality ingredients and are to die for. Siam Thai’s prices and service are also top-notch, so you can keep returning until you’re tired of it.
Location
64/40, Soi Kebsap, Thaweewong Road, Patong.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Indulge In Authentic Thai Cuisine In Phuket!
The list is a compilation of both budget-friendly and high-end Thai restaurants with an enjoyable atmosphere and good service because we believe those factors enhance the taste of the food too. There are many other restaurants like Blue Elephant Phuket, Tu Kab Khao, Mee Ton Poe, and more that are very popular Thai restaurants that are commonly on all lists, so we left them out, but you can try them out too. Every part of Phuket is filled with splendid restaurants serving amazing local food for various preferences, so don’t worry and start packing to indulge in the best of Thai cuisine in Phuket.
FAQs
The mango sticky rice pudding is a famous Thai dessert both locally and internationally.
Traditionally, the Thai cuisine falls under four not so strict categories. They are boiled foods spicy salads, pounded foods, and curries called tom, yam, tam and gaeng in Thai, respectively.
