A guide to food and drink in Phuket

Dinner and a party at Ka Jok See

The price for the all you can eat buffet at this seemingly unassuming Thai restaurant may look high, but once you’ve enjoyed the authentic food the tables get pushed to the walls and it becomes clear what you’re really paying for.

From live music to limbo dancers and drag shows, this is what you call dinner and a show! The cabaret act goes on late into the evening, while free flowing mojito shots are passed around unabashedly. This is one of Phuket’s most popular restaurants, so you best book ahead.

Sizzling romance at Sizzle Rooftop

Romance is the aim of the game at this rooftop grill. Located close to Patong Beach on the west coast of Phuket, Sizzle is perfectly placed to watch the sun set over the sea with a good glass of wine and a delicious meal.

As expected from a grill house, the meat dishes are the highlight here, with the melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye steak and mixed grill being particular favourites. The restaurant also excels at fresh seafood, as the jumbo tiger prawns and oysters are a real treat.

Unbeatable burgers at Green Tamarind Kitchen

This western style restaurant serves the best burgers on the island, so if you fancy a change from Thai food, this is a safe bet. You’ll find Green Tamarind Kitchen in Rawai in the south, obvious from the charcoal grill filled with beef patties right at the entrance.

The classic combination of bacon and blue cheese is one of the most popular burgers on offer, and is perfect combined with a side of French fries and a milkshake. For the really brave, take on the double trouble burger — huge is not an exaggeration.

Eat on the beach at The Cove

Set on the south end of the island, this hidden gem serves a varied menu in a spectacular location — the views are almost as good as the food. What’s more, a mixture of traditional Thai and European dishes means there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy a delicious meal of fresh, punchy salt and pepper squid, or savour one of the best pizzas in town whilst listening to the waves lap at the sea. The wood fired catch of the day is a popular choice, too.

Grandeur at Blue Elephant

Housed in an impressive former governor’s mansion, this Thai restaurant is the perfect venue for a special occasion. Lavishly decorated and elegantly lit, Blue Elephant is a true Phuket classic.

With a menu befitting the grand setting, the real star here is the seafood. The chilli and lemongrass seabass combines flavour with kick, while the crab curry also gets rave reviews.

Exploring Phuket's Delicacies

Thailand is well known for exquisitely flavoured curries and fragrant rice dishes. Of course, you won’t struggle to find a curry house on holidays to Phuket, serving up traditional Thai food both to locals and tourists. Meanwhile, noodle and fish-based soups pack in loads of Thai flavours like lemongrass, a favourite dish being Tom Yam Goong.

Phuket itself has won a reputation for seafood. In fact, you can’t leave the island without trying a dish containing succulent king prawn or chilli squid. Being such an international island also means you’ll find some old favourites with an Asian twist, including Sunday lunches and pizzas.