Golden Horizon Villa

Popular with Thai celebrities and prominent politicians, this eatery tucked away in a tiny alley in Thalang deserves its excellent reputation. The chefs source quality local ingredients to produce intensely flavoured dishes that encapsulate the essence of Phuket. Highlights include stir-fried banana stalk with plump shrimps and shrimp paste, and melt-in-your-mouth steamed pork belly with their signature southern Thai budu dipping sauce. Booking and ordering in advance are a must.

The Thai chef-owner draws superb flavour from a wood-fired oven, turning out Neapolitan pies with puffy, char-flecked Canotto rims and airy bases. The menu ranges from homemade pasta and creamy risotto to prime grilled meats, seafood and crisp salads, including green bowls. The braised seabass with clams is light, fresh and aromatic. Dine in the cool, air-conditioned room or on the leafy terrace; both suit laid-back gatherings among friends or family.

Jampa continues its dialogue with nature through ingredients grown and gathered close to home. À la carte is available throughout the day, but the exquisitely prepared Jampa Experience at lunchtime is highly recommended, featuring complex natural flavours that evolve with the seasons. For a unique lakeside experience on Saturdays, Hideaway’s four-course lunch, cooked over a wood fire, both tantalises the taste buds and educates diners on mindful practices. A plant-forward menu is also offered as a thoughtful vegetarian option.

The acronym of ‘sassy, unique, authentic and yummy’ may sound kitsch, but the airy and bright interior with its Portuguese-tiled floor is anything but. Outdoor seating with garden and live music is equally pleasant. Owner-chef Tammasak skilfully updates Thai food with modern techniques and artsy presentation. Dishes, including the signature grilled lemongrass lamb chops with papaya salsa, are seasoned with bold but well-judged spicing. Also try the crab cakes with Sriracha chili aioli and mango chutney.

Nitan, or ’determination’ in Thai, may refer to the chef’s aim of creating a real gastronomic experience. This is most evident in the tasting menu and wine pairing, where quality seasonal and local ingredients inform the cooking. Contemporary techniques are used to prepare classic Southern Thai dishes, with well-balanced flavours and a dash of creativity. The restaurant has a warm vibe and is minimally decorated, with wooden furniture and a window into the kitchen.