City dining guide
31 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.
Beyond an entrance surrounded by lush foliage, the modest yet inviting space has just a handful of tables, contributing to a relaxed vibe. Dishes are made to order using produce bought at dawn – think rich, fiercely aromatic Southern Thai curries. Spice levels can be dialled down upon request. There's no English menu, but the welcome is warm and the authentic Phuket food speaks for itself, which explains the queues of loyal locals and savvy travellers!
Honouring Phuket town classics beneath the leafy canopy of an old mayom tree, this humble eatery focus on quality. From the short menu, we recommend the local fish, deep fried and topped with a fragrant curry paste. A nice spot for authentic local cuisine.
This family-run gem serves comforting classics, from aromatic Khao Tom porridge to a secret-recipe Chinese brown soup with various toppings. Weekend specials include braised pork ribs and chicken with fermented soybeans. Adding a twist, they serve sandwiches filled with distinctly flavoured kaya. The perfect balance of casual dining and unique culinary delights is complemented by charming local Thai-Chinese decor.
Merging the owner's fashion design flair and passion for fine fare, One Chun offers a vintage-toned dining experience in a 19C building. Diners still enjoy the family recipes, which have been passed down the generations. Among the specialties is a spicy yet refreshing dish with boiled shrimp and shrimp paste, perfectly balancing the salty and sour notes. Be sure to try "Mu Hong" for its bold flavours and soft, tender pork belly.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Phuket's Old Town, One Chun offers a distinctive Peranakan colonial ambiance. The Southern Thai cuisine receives mixed reviews; while some praise the flavorful curries and high-quality ingredients, others criticize inconsistent food quality, excessive fat content, and rare instances of food poisoning. Service is a major point of contention, ranging from attentive and efficient to slow and disorganized, with complaints about long waits and poor management. Although it holds a Bib Gourmand recognition, experiences vary significantly. The atmosphere is generally appreciated for its vintage charm, but the overall dining experience depends heavily on timing and specific staff interactions.
Suitable for diners seeking a unique vintage atmosphere who can tolerate variable service; visit during off-peak hours.
Soft, crispy, non-oily roti emerge from a huge charcoal pan. At this 70-year-old Halal breakfast spot, they're shaped, fried and served in the blink of an eye and served with tender beef or chicken curry. The sweeter roti with banana and egg has no added sugar.
One of the oldest food shops in Phuket, now run by the second generation, offers the freshest seafood, all prepared à la minute. The chef's impressive wok skills shine through in every dish, with highlights like the aromatic Tom Yam seafood soup and deep-fried squid with garlic and pepper.
For over five years, Sunee’s street food stall has been renowned for its Khanom A Pong—delicious coconut crepes. Cooked in mini woks over charcoal, the crepes are unique for their light, crispy shell and soft centre—a perfect balance of sweetness and creamy coconut. Be sure to arrive early at this beloved stall to experience these irresistible snacks.
The menu changes every month in this intriguing restaurant. Regular options range from home-made pastas to a signature seafood dish, plus specials that are cleverly curated to showcase Chef Tom's latest culinary creations. The chef artfully prepares his dishes, blending quality ingredients to tantalise the taste buds. And thanks to the ever-changing selection of handpicked wines, there's always something different to sip with your meal.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Phuket City, Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen offers contemporary European cuisine blending Thai and French influences. Reviews highlight exceptional food quality, praising fresh ingredients and precise seasoning in dishes like beef tartare and coconut ice cream. The atmosphere is described as modern and pleasant, with generally attentive service. However, some guests reported issues with reservation management, inconsistent meal pacing, and occasional unfriendly staff behavior. While most feedback is positive, noting the food aligns with Michelin recommendations, potential visitors should be aware of isolated service inconsistencies.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality Thai-French fusion cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-22:00
Having grown up working in his family's food business, Chef Buriphat always wanted to do something special with their recipes. Over the last few years, he has realised that vision, impressing diners with his honest interpretation of traditional Southern Thai-Peranakan cuisine. Check out the delicious stir-fried pork belly with herbs and sweet dark soy sauce, and be sure to try the pork rib soup with tofu and salted fish.
The constantly busy Go Benz has been serving popular dishes, including their speciality pork with peppery broth and rolled rice noodles, for over 20 years – and it’s easy to see why it’s quite such a popular spot. Many of the dishes often sell out, like the fragrant dry boiled rice with crispy pork and tender pork offal. Also well worth ordering is the crispy pork with sweet soy sauce, which is seasoned wonderfully and has a lovely charcoal-grilled crust.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Go Benz in Phuket City is a popular spot known for its dried rice porridge and pork organ soup, holding repeated Michelin recognition. Food quality is generally praised for its texture and flavor, though some reviews note inconsistencies such as excessive saltiness, lukewarm dishes, or reduced portions. Service and ambiance reflect its high popularity; queues are common, and meal pacing can be slow during peak times. While many find the experience worthwhile, others consider the value mediocre given the prices and occasional service lapses. It suits travelers seeking authentic local street food who do not mind crowds and potential waits.
Ideal for adventurous eaters willing to queue for authentic flavors.
The legacy of the original roadside stall lives on, thanks to the owner's granddaughter. Famous for its boiled rice with fish, this humble restaurant also serves a variety of other home-style dishes that are worth trying. The quality is clear in these bold-flavoured plates. The deep-fried meatballs, made to a family recipe, are a great start to the meal and go well with the fresh fish menu, which is cooked in a traditional Phuket style.
For over 35 years, the locals have flocked to Roti Chaofa for Thai-Muslim breakfasts, curries and Thai-style chicken biryani. The crisp, golden-brown rotis with a fluffy inner, are nicely salted and enjoyed with sweets or savouries. The tangy, juicy Beef Massaman curry is delightful.
Customers with a sweet tooth and fans of deep-fried goodness line up here from 6am to get their daily fix. The deep-fried Patongko (dough sticks) and salapao are freshly prepared; the crunchy fries are golden-brown. It’s all very tasty; even without the dipping sauces.
Set in a charming white house with a leafy façade, Chom Chan blends modern Sino-Portuguese design with antique touches. The traditional Phuket-style Southern Thai cuisine drawn from family recipes is perfect for sharing. Standout dishes, such as orange curry soup with barramundi belly and green taro stems, deliver tangy, tamarind-led sourness balanced by gentle sweetness. Bold, playful flavours shine in this cosy setting, where a meal is easy on the wallet.
TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Ban Sam Kong, Chom Chan specializes in authentic Southern Thai cuisine. Reviews consistently praise the high quality of fresh ingredients and dishes such as shrimp paste crab, sour curry, and ginger sea bass. Service is noted as friendly and helpful with recommendations. The atmosphere is quiet and clean, offering convenient parking suitable for families. While a minority of reviews mention pacing or value concerns, the restaurant maintains an average rating of 5.0/5 and is regarded as a standout local dining option in Phuket.
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Southern Thai flavors and family dining.
‘Heh’ is an expression of curiosity, according to the chef-owner who leads a youthful and creative kitchen. The aim is to bring Melbourne to the Andaman, combining quality ingredients from the Andaman Sea with Australian imports. The chef injects excitement into the unique menu without ever overcomplicating it. The menu is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavours, cooked to order. The place feels relaxed but still has a bit of style, ideal for anyone who enjoys a mix of Asian and Western ideas.
WebsiteIn Old Phuket Town, a red sign sits above the white façade; its Thai name in gold lettering declares: Delicious. The plump beef balls are packed with flavour; beef slices tender; bone broth fragrant; and the soft noodles are perfectly cooked. Arrive early for lunch before it runs out.
With seating for just 20, at tables and the counter, this intimate spot explores Southern Thai cuisine with almost exclusively local ingredients. The six- to eight-course menu highlights herbs, seafood and spice – think Krabi fish curry and frog's legs with fermented rice noodles. The torch ginger features prominently in many courses and pairs beautifully in each one. Low-intervention wines pair seamlessly with the bold flavours.
WebsiteThis outlet with a red-brown zinc roof offers a menu of both individual and sharing dishes, with nicely balanced flavours. Despite its humble guise, Sang Ka Sri attracts a crowd, so be prepared to wait for a table before enjoying the fresh squid with herbs and tangy dressing.
This shop serving loba, a traditional snack of pork offal fritters, is testament to Hokkien influence on Phuket's cuisine. The menu also includes non-greasy bites such as bean sprout pancakes, fried spring rolls, fried tofu cubes and pork satay. Or try the comforting herbal pork rib soup.
From humble origins as a small shop with a zinc roof, it’s now one of the most popular seafood restaurants with a comfortable interior and Chinese décor. Chef-owner Go Ang cooks the entire southern Thai menu. The blue swimming crab, horseshoe crab and mantis shrimp are sourced daily from 5 markets. The steamed crab with tangy seafood dip and fried mantis shrimp with garlic are delightful, while the Southern Thai spicy sour soup with seabass is also a must-try.
It may be tiny, with 6 tables, but La Gaetana, decorated like an Italian house in warm colours, provides a warm welcome and is big on charm. They import most ingredients from Italy and make the sourdough, pasta, gelato and limoncello in-house. Chef Gianni cooks the fettucine with tomato sauce and crab meat using his family recipe from Campania. The menu is largely influenced by such southern classics. As Gianni takes a summer holiday each year, call ahead first.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Phuket City, La Gaetana is an Italian restaurant praised for its authentic cuisine and intimate atmosphere. Based on 80 reviews averaging 4.5/5, guests frequently highlight the high food quality, warm hospitality, and rustic decor reminiscent of Southern Italy. The dining experience is described as personal, with owners engaging directly with patrons. However, mixed feedback notes inconsistencies in service, with some customers reporting rude or arrogant behavior from the owner, particularly regarding reservations. While many view it as a hidden gem offering exceptional culinary experiences, others found the service lacking. It caters to those seeking genuine Italian fare in a cozy, small-scale setting.
Recommended for travelers seeking authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting.
There is always a queue in front of this small shop. The mainstay on the menu is seafood. Dishes are carefully prepared by the owner, and the fresh prawns are a must. Check the whiteboard for the daily catch.
🕐 Mo-Sa 17:30-21:00
In its third generation of family ownership, this is one of Phuket’s best Hokkien-style fried noodle joints. Its charm is conjured up by a concoction of special flavours, the sounds of the wok and charcoal smells. Order the yellow hokkien noodles with an extra egg for a creamier texture.
Since 1982, this family-run spot has been serving flavoursome O Tao, a stir-fried dish found only in Phuket. Made with seafood and battered taro, O Tao is cooked over a charcoal flame and boasts a combination of soft, gooey and crispy textures. They are well-balanced here, and the smoky aroma from the charcoal also helps to elevate the dish. Other options available include a fried crispy seafood omelette that is well worth ordering.
It has been crafting meticulous shrimp noodle bowls for over a decade. Tom yum and original shrimp flavour noodles, available as wet and dry options, come with the perfect number of condiments. Pork wontons are the standout! For intense flavour, try the dry tom yum noodles.
If you're near Gorjan Bridge, consider this simple family-run eatery. Every dish is rife with rich flavours, and many are created from their own recipes. The owner is poised to cook your food to order, which ensures a personalised dining experience.
To reach this floating restaurant near Ko Maphrao, take a 5-min boat ride across sparkling waters reflecting the sunshine. Onboard, panoramic views, a gentle breeze and uber-fresh seafood await. The distance from sea to plate couldn’t be shorter. Start with a freshly picked coconut before tucking into delicious southern and central Thai seafood. The grouper soup with Chinese soybean paste and stir-fried black tiger prawns with salt and chilli are highlights.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located on Maprao Island, Kruvit Raft offers a unique floating dining experience where guests select fresh seafood for on-site preparation. While many appreciate the novelty and generally fresh ingredients, reviews highlight significant inconsistencies. Positive aspects include the distinctive atmosphere and straightforward service. However, negative feedback cites issues such as inconsistent food quality, overly sweet dishes, small portions, and poor hygiene in facilities. Some visitors reported food poisoning and rude service. The experience is considered worth trying for its uniqueness, but potential diners should be aware of variable standards and the rustic nature of the floating structure.
Suitable for adventurous diners seeking novelty who can tolerate rustic conditions, with managed expectations regarding consistency.
Chef Suthee, a former 5-star hotel chef, uses expertise to produce simple southern Thai fare that’s packed with flavour. The crab meat curry with betel leaves and southern Thai sour curry with fresh local fish and pineapple get our nod of approval.
Grandma Chian opened this Hokkien restaurant in 1952. Her great-great grandchildren have stayed loyal to her recipes and proudly exhibit her cooking utensils. Serving Phuket favourites, the Mee Sapam, stir-fried Hokkien noodles with seafood, is great. The stir-fried oysters with crispy egg roll are beautifully crafted with beansprouts, kale and a tasty chilli sauce.
WebsiteAfter a decade as a musician with a side gig of cooking for bandmates, these days Somphop finds himself enjoying daily walks through the market for fresh catches of the day and hand-cutting them for various southern Thai dishes served at his small, casual restaurant. Braised fish in salted soybean sauce; prawns with salted eggs and acacia; and wok-fried pork featuring the tender, succulent ‘armpit cut’ between the picnic shoulder and belly are not to be missed.
🕐 Mo-Su 11:00-20:30
Southern recipes, affordable prices and down-to-earth hospitality – this is why locals pack out this family-run business at lunch and dinner. Their family recipes pack great intensity. The Phuketian stir-fried pork rump with salt is lovely, with tender meat and lip-smacking pork skin.