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Thai restaurants in Phuket
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Best Thai restaurants in Phuket

8 Thai tables worth the trip in Phuket, Thailand — what they cost, what to order and how early to book.

Thai cooking balances sour, salt, sweet and heat in every dish. Ask for the kitchen's own level of spice rather than the tourist setting if you want it as intended.

In Phuket the Thai list is led by PRU in Cherngtalay, Thalang (One MICHELIN Star, THB 5,500 - 8,500 / USD 150 - 230 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Khao Tom Haeng Go Bancha at THB 60 - 150 / USD 2 - 4 is the value pick.

  1. 1.

    PRU

    One MICHELIN Star

    Modern European with Thai Influence · Cherngtalay, Thalang · THB 5,500 - 8,500 / USD 150 - 230

    Jimmy Ophorst

    Located within Trisara resort, PRU stands for 'Plant. Referment. Understand.' showcasing a farm-to-table philosophy with ingredients sourced from its own organic farm and local purveyors. Chef Jimmy Ophorst crafts refined dishes that highlight natural flavors and sustainable practices, presented in an elegant, serene setting overlooking the resort's lush gardens.

    Order: The 'Pru's Garden' dish; Andaman Sea Crab served with fermented cabbage and sea succulents.

  2. 2.

    Hom

    One MICHELIN Star

    Contemporary Thai · Phuket Old Town · THB 4,500 - 7,000 / USD 125 - 190

    Luca Piscazzi

    Situated within The Pavilions Phuket, Hom offers a distinct culinary journey rooted in ancestral cooking techniques, particularly fermentation and open-fire cooking. Chef Luca Piscazzi, with a fine-dining background, reinterprets regional Thai flavors with modern precision and artistic plating. The dining experience is intimate and deeply immersive, focusing on natural elements.

    Order: Fermented seafood creations; dishes featuring local ingredients cooked over open flames.

  3. 3.

    Nitan

    MICHELIN Selected

    Contemporary Thai · Phuket Old Town · THB 2,500 - 4,000 / USD 70 - 110

    Kongwut Chaiwongkachon

    Nitan, meaning 'story' in Thai, offers a creative narrative through its contemporary Thai cuisine. Chef Kongwut takes inspiration from traditional recipes and local ingredients, presenting them with modern techniques and artistic flair. The restaurant's decor is elegant and understated, providing a sophisticated backdrop for an innovative culinary exploration of Thai heritage.

    Order: Andaman Lobster with yellow curry foam; 'Pla Duk Foo' (crispy catfish salad) reinvented.

  4. 4.

    Blue Elephant Phuket

    MICHELIN Selected

    Royal Thai · Phuket Old Town · THB 1,800 - 3,500 / USD 50 - 95

    Nooror Somany Steppe

    Housed in a magnificent Sino-Portuguese mansion, Blue Elephant offers a taste of refined Royal Thai cuisine, blending ancient recipes with modern presentation. Chef Nooror, a pioneer of Thai fine dining, emphasizes organic ingredients from the royal projects. The opulent setting provides an immersive cultural and gastronomic experience in Phuket's historic heart.

    Order: Massaman Lamb Curry; 'Pla Nueng Ma Now' (steamed fish with lime and chili).

  5. 5.

    One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

    Bib Gourmand

    Southern Thai · Phuket Old Town · THB 300 - 800 / USD 8 - 22

    A bustling, charming eatery filled with vintage collectibles, One Chun is celebrated for its authentic and intensely flavorful Southern Thai dishes. It's a favorite among locals and tourists for its vibrant, spicy curries and classic stir-fries, offering a genuine taste of regional home cooking in a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.

    Order: Crab Meat Curry with Rice Vermicelli ('Gaeng Pu Bai Cha Plu'); Stir-fried Sator Beans with Prawns.

  6. 6.

    Raya Restaurant

    Bib Gourmand

    Southern Thai · Phuket Old Town · THB 350 - 900 / USD 10 - 25

    Another venerable institution in Phuket Town, Raya is set in a beautiful, old Sino-Portuguese house. It's renowned for its traditional Southern Thai recipes passed down through generations, served in a relaxed, homely environment. The rich, aromatic curries and fresh seafood dishes here are emblematic of Phuket's culinary heritage.

    Order: Crab Meat Curry with Rice Vermicelli ('Gaeng Pu Bai Cha Plu'); 'Moo Hong' (stewed pork belly).

  7. 7.

    Chai Talay

    Bib Gourmand

    Seafood & Thai · Rawai · THB 400 - 1,200 / USD 11 - 33

    Situated right on the beach, Chai Talay offers a delightful al fresco dining experience with fresh, locally sourced seafood. Guests can choose their seafood directly from tanks, which is then prepared to their liking, usually grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with traditional Thai flavors. The ambiance is relaxed and perfect for enjoying the sea breeze.

    Order: Grilled whole fish with chili-lime sauce; Steamed Prawns with garlic and butter.

  8. 8.

    Khao Tom Haeng Go Bancha

    Bib Gourmand

    Thai Rice Soup · Phuket Old Town · THB 60 - 150 / USD 2 - 4

    A legendary breakfast and late-night spot, 'Go Bancha' specializes in 'Khao Tom Haeng' – a dry version of rice soup. It's a comforting bowl of rice topped with various meats, offal, and a rich, savory broth on the side, accompanied by crispy pork rinds. Simple, authentic, and incredibly satisfying, reflecting local street food culture.

    Order: Khao Tom Haeng with mixed pork offal and crispy pork belly.

Booking a Thai table in Phuket

  • · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants like PRU or Jampa, booking 2-4 months in advance is advisable, especially for weekend evenings or peak season to secure your preferred date and time.
  • · Many high-end establishments require a deposit or credit card guarantee for reservations, which may be non-refundable if cancelled within a short notice period. Always check their specific cancellation policy.
  • · Consider booking a lunch seating at fine-dining restaurants; it often offers a similar culinary experience at a more accessible price point than dinner, sometimes with special tasting menus.
  • · Be mindful of no-show policies. Restaurants may charge a fee for missed reservations without prior cancellation, especially given the demand for tables at top-tier venues in Phuket.

And the local dishes in Phuket

Massaman Curry

A rich, mild, and slightly sweet Thai curry with Persian influences. Typically made with chicken or beef, potatoes, peanuts, and coconut milk, it’s a fragrant and comforting dish. Find excellent versions at local eateries in Phuket Town, often served with steamed jasmine rice, offering a creamy, savory balance of flavors.

Tom Yum Goong

This iconic hot and sour shrimp soup is a staple of Thai cuisine. Infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce, it boasts a complex, aromatic flavor profile. Enjoy it fresh at seafood restaurants along the coast, where the quality of the shrimp truly shines, offering a zesty and spicy experience.

Pad See Ew

A popular stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and a dark soy sauce. It’s known for its smoky flavor and slightly sweet, savory profile. This comforting dish is widely available at street food stalls and local restaurants across Phuket, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal any time of day.

Moo Hong

A classic Phuket dish of braised pork belly, slow-cooked in a rich sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. The pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Often found in traditional Phuket Town restaurants, it's a savory, aromatic comfort food best enjoyed with steamed rice, showcasing the island's unique culinary heritage.

Seven days in Phuket

Pair these Thai tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.

Read the Phuket travel guide