Baan Khunta Resort

Krua Luang Ten makes for an unusual setting with its tables arranged on sand-covered floors. Check the whiteboard for the specials, which often feature the catch of the day and seasonal ingredients. The dishes masterfully balance robust Southern Thai flavours for authentic spiciness, and the complimentary vegetables come with tai pla sauce. N.B. The restaurant is closed on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of the month.

Basic furnishings and modest dish presentations belie the skill behind their precisely cooked recipes, which are made to order. Specialising in authentic Southern Thai seafood, they source the day's catch for dishes such as red grouper with bitter melon, and simple stir-fried melinjo leaves with fresh prawns. Their home-made curries use local Phang-nga ingredients. The wall of celebrity photos attests to its popularity.

Established for over 35 years, the restaurant has fostered a close connection with local fishermen, ensuring the delivery of a diverse selection of fresh seafood. The open-air main dining area exudes the charm of an old Thai-Chinese eatery. Popular among divers returning from Mu Ko Similan, the intense flavours authentically represent local cuisine, with generously sized dishes. Standouts include the stir-fried crab with lime and the southern curry featuring river snails and wild betel leaves.

At a breezy, rustic location with a laid-back tropical atmosphere and modern edge, this seafood-forward restaurant serves fresh, mostly live catch in à la carte dishes that showcase natural flavours. The daily specials board highlights the day's top picks. Don't miss the aromatic shrimp-coconut soup with melinjo leaves or the turmeric-marinated grilled giant trevally, a rare local fish. Honest, warm service rounds off this relaxed, seaside-style experience.

(The restaurant is temporarily closed.) Opened in December 2023, Simon Rogan's first Thailand venture, Aulis, is based on a 'chef's table' concept. The multi-course tasting menu presents native ingredients, many sourced from Thailand and local grower collaborations. Begin with an amuse-bouche over drinks in the lounge, then take a seat in front of the open kitchen to watch the chefs precisely plate farm-to-table fare imbued with Rogan's signature flair. The non-alcoholic pairing is also worth trying.

A local favourite in Takua Pa, popular for its flavoursome halal breakfast and beautifully aromatic and rich slow-cooked beef and goat curries. The clear beef soup made to order arrives piping hot. Dishes also come in smaller portions – perfect for sampling a variety of options.

The signature pork leg, which is stewed for 6 hours, has a spicy, charcoal flavour – the tasty recipe comes from the chef-owner’s Chinese great grandfather. Photos of visiting royals confirm its prestige; one of the most popular places among the Sino-Portuguese buildings of the old town.