A Food Lover’s Guide: 7 Top Restaurants Near Phuket

A top restaurant in Phuket combines culinary identity, consistent execution, warm hospitality and a clear sense of place. Many beloved venues succeed by celebrating local ingredients, family recipes and time-tested techniques.

1. Khao Tom Dibuk

Cuisine focus: Thai rice soup and local dishes

Khao Tom Dibuk is a casual, bustling favourite in Phuket Town, celebrated for comforting rice soups and local plates. Broths are simmered gently to highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Ambience: Casual and lively 

Budget: £ to ££

Reservation: Walk-in recommended at peak times

Signature dish: Khao Tom with minced pork and fresh seafood

2. Chuan Chim

Cuisine focus: Classic Thai street-kitchen flavours

Chuan Chim is prized for bold, spicy wok-seared plates, piquant salads and noodle dishes that balance heat, herbs and freshness. The no-frills setting lets the cooking take centre stage.

Ambience: No-frills

Budget: £

Reservation: Walk-in; expect queues at dinner

Signature dish: Stir-fried clams with chilli and basil

3. One Chun

Cuisine focus: Southern Thai cuisine

Located in Phuket Old Town, One Chun serves rich southern curries, fresh seafood and family-style sharing platters. The heritage-style setting adds charm to a lively dining experience.

Ambience: Lively, heritage-inspired

Budget: ££

Reservation: Recommended for evenings and weekends

Signature dish: Southern-style crab curry with coconut milk

4. Roti Thaew Nam

Cuisine focus: Roti and Thai-Muslim breakfast favourites

Roti Thaew Nam is legendary for hand-stretched roti served with curry, condensed milk or banana. It is a morning institution and a must-visit for authentic Phuket breakfast flavours.

Ambience: Casual, morning-focused

Budget: £

Reservation: Walk-in; arrive before mid-morning

Signature dish: Classic roti with chicken curry

5. Surf and Turf by Soul Kitchen

Cuisine focus: European and Thai fusion with seafood focus

This cosy bistro fuses European technique with Thai ingredients. Expect seasonal seafood, tapas-style starters and sharing plates in an intimate setting that suits couples and small groups.

Ambience: Modern and intimate

Budget: ££ to £££

Reservation: Recommended on weekends

Signature dish: Grilled seabass with Thai herb dressing

6. PRU Restaurant

Cuisine focus: Farm-to-table tasting menu

PRU is a leader in sustainable gastronomy, with menus inspired by seasonal, local produce. The restaurant’s philosophy emphasises plant-first sourcing and close relationships with producers.

Ambience: Calm and contemporary

Budget: ££££

Reservation: Essential; book in advance

Signature dish: Local seafood tasting platter with foraged herbs

7. Acqua

Cuisine focus: Italian fine dining

Acqua brings refined Italian cooking to Phuket’s coast. Expect fresh pasta, refined seafood dishes and a polished dining experience suitable for special occasions.

Ambience: Elegant and coastal

Budget: £££ to ££££

Reservation: Recommended for evenings

Signature dish: Tagliolini with lobster and citrus butter

Best times: November to March for dry weather and beachfront dining; May to October for quieter, off-peak visits

Reservations: Essential for PRU and recommended for Acqua and Surf and Turf; casual MICHELIN spots often accept walk-ins

Transport: Phuket Town and Old Town are walkable; allow extra time for beach areas at sunset

Dietary notes: Fine-dining venues typically accommodate dietary requests with advance notice

These seven restaurants showcase Phuket’s culinary diversity, from casual breakfast counters to Michelin-recognised fine dining. Pair a tasting menu at PRU or Acqua with local favourites like One Chun, Khao Tom Dibuk, or Roti Thaew Nam to experience the full spectrum of flavours, textures, and cultural richness that make Phuket one of Asia’s most exciting dining destinations.