The Best Restaurants in Phuket and Phuket Nightlife

Last Updated on February 18, 2020 by Tia

So you booked your holidays to Phuket. Hooray! If you are a food lover like me, I am sure you are wondering; what are the best restaurants in Phuket? In this article, I will be listing my favorite best restaurants in Phuket and the recommendations of Phuket Nightlife! There is such an endless choice of food in Phuket that it can get overwhelming! As a result, it is not always easy to figure out the best places to eat.

So if you are looking for finger-licking good food and drinks in Phuket, read on!

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Dinner Attire!

No dream holiday is complete without some excellent food and a few memorable nights exploring the local night scene. After all, holidays are where we feel free to indulge a little bit.. and Phuket, does not disappoint.

Prepare yourself for a fascinating culinary journey, cultural awakening and unforgettable nights all of which will shape your Phuket Travels to be the best ones yet.

Table of Contents

Phuket Nightlife – Top Bars and Nightclubs

Party with Ladyboys in their element at Simons Cabaret Show

Although there no shortage of ladyboys all over Thailand, Simon’s Cabaret gives you the opportunity to enjoy them in their full extravagant glory.

Simon’s is a stylish and luxurious venue that seats over 600 people and has staged a funny, original and sparkling show that has been successful since its opening of 1991. Definitely, one to provide an entertaining evening away from the chaos of Patong Beach and Bangla Road.

A night full of singing, comedy and all things glitter from Phuket’s Finest Cabaret Bar.

If you can’t beat em’ join ’em – Bangla Road Phuket

Bangla road- aka the Thai version on Ayia Napa Cyprus and the undisputed king of all Phuket nightlife.

Bangla road is essentially a long stretch of road filled to the brim with beer bars, Live Music Acts, cabarets, nightclubs, and go-go bars.

How cheesy is it you ask? VERY I say.

But even if you aren’t a fan of all things cheesy, a visit to Bangla Road is like an initiation ritual to Phuket. Have a drink in a bar, then move on to the next and indulge in my favorite sport when abroad- people watching. It’s so funny that back home, I never care about what anyone is doing, but when abroad I am literally fascinated by all the chaotic cultural and racial mix-up.

Check out the guy selling cooked scorpions on a stick. The street vendors selling cigarettes as a front and all things illegal on the sly. The ladyboys in thongs and feathers advertising cabaret shows.

The pole dancers, the tourists, the lights.. this is Bangla Road. Enjoy!

Thailand local Delicacies – Scorpions on a stick!

Illuzion Nightclub

Jason Derulo, Ja Rule, and Nicki Romero are just some of the dozens of artists performing at illuzion NightClub.

We had an absolute blast at Illuzion – the music was incredible, the place was packed full of party-goers and the club performers were great too.

Essentially, it is a swanky, luxurious club, the staff is in uniform, the drinks are expensive (for Thai Standards) but you can get in wearing your flip flops and no makeup.

If this was Cyprus, the bouncer would probably laugh in your face! Gotta love Thailand.

Z1MPLEX Mixology Laboratory

Z1MPLEX Mixology Laboratory Phuket specializes in one thing: serving shots.

This mixology bar has been elevated to a place of fine art. Orders go through an Ipad that is given to each customer, and drinks are carefully and skillfully crafted in front of your eyes.

The concept of Z1mplex is to celebrate the art of mixology, and the blending of different drinks to make new and exciting drinks.

Prepare to be impressed by the huge amount of thought and technical ability that goes into the design of each shots.

Opening Hours: 21:00 – 01:00

Location: On Phang Nga Road

Tel: + 66 (0)84 003 6664

Best Restaurants in Phuket – Amazing Culinary experiences

Have the steak of you lives at Sams Steakhouse and Grill

Hands down, the best steak I have ever had in Thailand and in my top 5 dining experiences in all my travels.

When I first got the recommendation to Sam’s Steakhouse I didn’t think much of it and certainly did not expect to find such a quality dining experience. But after visiting it is now my top choice of best restaurants in Phuket.

You see, Sam’s is a lot more than a simple steakhouse. It’s fine dining without being pretentious.

Take the name for example – which is so misleading as it makes you think of a ranch which couldn’t be further from the truth!

The salads are prepared in front of your table and the complimentary scotch egg (and a quails egg at that) is a lovely touch. A beautiful high-end restaurant, housed in the premises of the Holiday Inn Hotel Resort in Patong beach, Sam’s is decorated beautifully and rather elegantly.

The venue provides both indoor and outdoor seating but only sits 50 so retains that intimate and exclusive feel.

The fact that it is housed in the Holiday Inn makes it rather hard to spot – unless you have heard of it, you wouldn’t just stumble on it!

The wine list is extensive and exclusive and one of the top in Phuket. The staff extremely well trained and pay close attention to detail and the food is out of this world!

A beautifully thought out menu with steak playing the primary role. A relatively expensive dining experience that’s worth every penny.

Delicious!

best restaurants in Phuket -Best Steak in Phuket

Quip Sky Bar

Quip Sky Bar is a rooftop bar with an artistic touch to the old city of Phuket as well as some pretty impressive views and a rather unusual line-up of lobster dishes.

Located on the 5th floor of the Quip Bed & Breakfast, this bar carries the hotel’s quirky and flamboyant style while providing a great spot to enjoy breezy evenings some good lobster dishes, refreshing drinks, and a view to die for.

Location: 5th Floor, Quip Bed & Breakfast Opening Hours: 16:00 – 24:00

Tel: +66 (0)7 635 5052, +66 (0)84 246 2222

Dine like a Royal at Mom Tris Kitchen

Where else can you say that you have dined in the same table as one previously owned by the Thai Royal Family?

A luxurious, award-winning restaurant, Mom Tris is set above the rocks of Kata Noi Beach, providing Panoramic Views in a peaceful and romantic setting. If you are looking into the best restaurants in Phuket, this one cannot be missed!

The Resort of Mom Tris along with this restaurant was owned by members of the Royal Thai Holiday. Mom Tris has an extensive Asian and Modern menu and offers more than 750 labels of wine (has also won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past 7 years)

Tip: Mom Tris is an expensive restaurant (expect to pay 2.500 baht for dinner for two with wine) and although definitely worth it – opt to go for lunch instead of dinner if you want to save some THB!

The views are far more spectacular during the day and you can take advantage of the much cheaper fixed price lunch menu! So you take in the full experience and views at a cheaper price. Win-Win

Opening Hours: 7:00 – 23:00

Address: 12 Kata Noi Road, Phuket 83100

Tel: +66 (0)76 333 568

best restaurants in Phuket -Mom Tris Fine Dining

Sample gourmet Italian Cuisine at the La Gritta Restaurant

This Restaurant features a great contemporary design throughout its two distinct areas:

La Gritta, which is the restaurant itself and includes both indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor dining areas; and La Gritta Terrace – a partially open-air lounge bar.

With stunning views over Patong Bay, it is a unique location for a special gourmet dining experience accompanied by the soft sound of the waves. Its beautifully authentic Italian menu and wine list give La Gritta a place amongst the best restaurants in Phuket.

Bliss.

Location: in Amari Phuket Resort at the southern end of Patong Beach

Tel: +66 (0)76 292 697

Opening Hours: From 10:00 – midnight

best restaurants in Phuket – Italian Food

Bambot Kitchen and Bar

A Modern European restaurant creating unique dishes drawing inspiration from a fusion of European cuisines. Essentially, this is a gourmet menu in a fun and casual environment to put anyone at ease.

In Bambot, you will enjoy a culinary journey from delicate appetizers, fruity aperitifs, and excellent desserts.

To find it, head to the entrance of the Laguna resort of Bangtao Beach.

Location: 19/1 Moo 1, Lagoon Road, Cherngtalay, Bangtao

Tel: +66 (0)93 586 9828

Opening Hours: 17:00 – 23:00

best restaurants in Phuket – European Food

Unbeatable Seafood and local Delicacies at Kan Eang

Eating a ton of seafood in Thailand is a must. I am personally obsessed with seafood of any kind, so Kan Eang definitely has a place amongst the best restaurants in Phuket! And what better place than the Kan Eang@Pier – which specializes in seafood and local delicacies. Located right on the shore of Chalong Bay, it features both indoor and outdoor dining areas with great views of the marina in a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. ‘Kan eang’ roughly translates as ‘easy-going’ and you feel that vibe! For or a large restaurant dealing with so many people on a daily basis, the atmosphere at Kan Eang still stays somewhat laid back and relaxed.

Outdoor customers dine under the tamarind trees and indoor diners can choose between the air-conditioned and open-sided indoors.

Location: Chalong Pier

Tel: +66 (0)76 381 212

Opening Hours: 10:30am – 23:00pm

Genuine Thai Food with Authentically low Thai Prices

Suay

A quality restaurant in downtown Phuket, Suay is a simple, yet effective Thai restaurant that is big on taste and small on the wallet. The cheap prices alone give this a spot amongst the best restaurant in Phuket!

Chef Tammasak keeps things uncomplicated and unpretentious – delivering top-class food at reasonable prices so it’s not surprising that the place is so busy with that kind of thinking!

Location: 50/2 Takuapa Road

Tel: +66 (0)87 888 6990

Opening Hours: 17:00 till 24:00

best restaurants in Phuket – Thai Food Medley

Raya

Simply THE Thai restaurant in Phuket Town. Set in a renovated mansion this restaurant serves a delicious and utterly genuine local cuisine that blows everyone’s mind.

A favorite of celebrities and politicians alike, for their love in creating authentic delicious Thai food. Not to be missed!

Location: 48 New Dibuk Road, Phuket Old Town

Tel: +66 (0)7 621 8155, +66(0)7 623 2236

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Western Food Done Right at the EAT Bar and Grill Phuket

Feeling ”homesick” for some real western food? Head to Eat, for a delicious menu full of grilled meat options, a large selection of drinks and some pretty reasonable prices.

The plates are presented beautifully and the highly trained staff keen to explain your many options of imported meats and provide quality recommendations.

Address: 250 1, Thanon Patak, Karon (A short walk from Karon Beach)

Tel: +66 (0)85 292 5652

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 – late, closed on Sundays

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants In Phuket

best restaurants in Phuket, colorful vegan bowl

The Vegan Table

This restaurant only opened in 2018 in Phuket Town. The menu consists of a varied selection of both Asian and western vegan dishes, fresh juices and healthy drinks.

Dishes like the smoked tofu summer rolls, fried mushrooms, sourdough toast with avocado, mushrooms and balsamic reduction and homemade soup in a bread bowl are all in high demand. Definitely a strong competitor in the best restaurants in Phuket; for the vegan menu alone!

The indoor dining room inside is air-conditioned (not always seen in Thailand!)

Location:106 Rassada Rd, Phuket, Thailand

Tel: +66-76223667

Opening Hours : Tue-Sun 8:00am-8:00pm

Eat Greens Cafe

Easily accessible and centrally located, this fully vegan cafe is inside Central Phuket mall. The menu consists of yummy Buddha bowls, wraps, salads, all-day breakfasts, and vegan desserts.

Location: 314, 3rd Floor, Central Phuket Mall, 199 Moo 4, Vichit, Phuket, Thailand

+66N/a

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30am-10:00pm

best restaurants in Phuket, vegan food

Atsumi Raw Cafe

The menu here offers a selection of raw food, various nut milk, smoothies, desserts, and juices.

This is an all Vegan cafe except for honey.

Location: 99/1 Moo 7, Wiset Rd, Rawai, Phuket, Thailand

Tel: +6676289224

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Thai Street food

street food vendor preparing vegetables

It won’t take you long to realize that street food is a way of life in all of Thailand.

If you love to experience the culture during your travels and to save money on food, the Thai street food scene will be a dream come true.

Much like Greek Cuisine, Thai food is plentiful, colorful and delicious. From curries and noodles to salads and soups! Then from dumplings and spring rolls to sticky rice and mango pudding…you could spend weeks sampling Thai cuisine.

Thai Street Food

But it doesn’t come without its subtle risks. A whopping 50% of people visiting Thailand will get sick.

Much like the ”Delhi Belly” although I call it the ”Thai Double Trouble”. This does not necessarily mean that everyone will get sick from street food – I for example only got sick once during my month in Thailand and the culprit was a mango smoothie at a 5-star beach bar!

You can get sick from the water, from food going off in the warm and humid environment, from flies sitting on unattended food, from alcohol and so on.

But as street food goes, I do have some advice

Observe. Take your time to choose the right vendor. If there is no line – leave. If there are only tourists ordering- leave! Find a vendor that has a long queue of both tourists and locals. Observe them for 5 minutes, how they cook and clean their station and things like: Are there any flies sitting on cooked food? Did the cook wipe their nose?If so, get out pronto and your belly will thank you.
Watch your food being cooked. Avoid bigger vendors that will bring cooked food from the back. That food might have been sitting there for hours!Choose one where you can see them cook right in front of your eyes.

Thai Street Food vendor plating a bowl of noodles

Thai Street Food – The Gorgeous Noodles

Avoid Drinks containing water and Ice

Aka – smoothies ( i know better now). We do not have the antibodies for that!
Only eat fruits and veg that can be peeled in front of your eyes

This is important not only for stomach problems and general misery but also to avoid contracting Hepatitis A.

Bananas and mangoes are both super popular in Phuket- and are both safe to consume and delicious.

My recommended Street Food Carts in Phuket

Wok Street Food
Kitti Duck Noodle

Congrats! You have come to the end of this delicious article and the third segment of the Phuket Series! I hope you have enjoyed my Best Restaurants in Phuket Article, and i cant wait to hear all about your travels!

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