Stylish or Street? – Eat On The Beach Phuket

Stylish or Street - Eat On The Beach - Phuket’s Best Seaside Restaurants

Stylish or Street? – Eat on The Beach by Amy Bensema

The island of Phuket has a little bit of something for everyone. Perhaps most well known for its beaches, Phuket is gaining a reputation as a top foodie destination. Although in recent years, has seen the decline of restaurants on or right beside the beach, which were both a bone on contention with some and a relief to other.

Still, there are places that have survived the changes or sprouted mysteriously (in true Phuket style) The great thing is that sophisticated diners and foodies, still have a range of choices when it comes to seaside restaurants. Whether it be a traditional Thai salad showcasing simple, local cuisine or an elegant setting boasting superb views, Phuket’s seaside restaurants offer up fresh local seafood as well as outstanding gourmet fare. 

STYLISH EAT ON THE BEACH 

Phuket’s Iconic Seaside Restaurants
Tired of seafood but still looking for an outstanding seaside dining experience? To be honest, Phuket has some rather fantastic restaurants which offer not only stunning views but also romantic locations to watch the island’s magical sunsets.

Without a doubt, one of Phuket’s most iconic seaside restaurants is Baan Rim Pa. The award-winning restaurant is located in Patong and offers stunning seascapes and a total fine dining experience. Baan Rim Pa specializes in Royal Thai Cuisine and boasts breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. A truly beautiful restaurant, dining at Baan Rim Pa is a classy experience that features some of the very best food and wine that Phuket has to offer.

Towering high above the bay below, Kata Rocks showcases some of Phuket’s most breathtaking views in a trendy setting. Kata Rocks is chic and features an eclectic menu that mixes Thai cuisine, international fare and Mediterranean favorites. Well known for its legendary events and parties, an evening at Kata Rocks is a delicious culinary experience accompanied by smooth tunes, creative cocktails and out of this world sunsets.

Located at the southern edge of Patong in the Amari Phuket, La Gritta Italian Restaurant is one of Phuket’s most romantic restaurants. A complete fine dining experience, La Gritta Italian Restaurant allows patrons to dine on gourmet Italian cuisine under the stars. Relax as the sea breeze flows through the air, and enjoy memorable cuisine. La Gritta Italian Restaurant opens daily at 10:00am and closes at midnight. Reservations are recommended.

 

STREET EAT ON THE BEACH 

Fresh Seafood and Sea Views
While in Phuket, it would be a shame to miss out on the abundance of fresh seafood that the island has to offer. Choices range from simple to exquisite, however, each dining experience is unique to its establishment. For those looking for mid-range seafood options, the beaches along Phuket’s southern and western coasts feature Thai-style bamboo huts with the catch of the day on display. Often pricing per kilo when it comes to shellfish, these mid-range establishments are as authentic as one can get. Some of Phuket’s most famous mid-range seafood restaurants include:

Mor Mudong Restaurant
Tucked away in Chalong, Mor Mudong Restaurant is situated in the middle of a mangrove tree forest. It is one of Phuket’s most rustic restaurants and serves a varied menu of seafood favorites, racks of chicken and barbecued pork dishes. Open daily from 10:00am until 21:30pm, Mor Mudong Restaurant can be found on Soi Palai.

Rawai Seafood Market
Located adjacent to Rawai Beach, next to the pier in the Sea Gypsy Village, the Rawai Seafood Market showcases a variety of fresh seafood to purchase. Cook at home or dine in one of the restaurant stalls where the staff is happy to prepare your purchase to your liking, for a small fee of course!

It is important to barter in the Rawai Seafood Market. Remember to smile and be polite, and note that a few catch phrases in Thai will get you a cheaper price. The Rawai Seafood Market opens at 11:00am daily and most of the restaurants close by 21:00pm.

 

Floating Restaurants
To reach Phuket’s floating restaurants, head to the east coast of the island and hop in a long tail boat at Laem Hin Pier. In a few short minutes, you’ll reach Koh Maprao and a fun, quality dining experience. Located on the water, the floating restaurants are a must-do while in Phuket. The collection of restaurants are fairly priced and offer fresh seafood as well as the usual Thai fare. The floating restaurants are favored by locals, and are a great spot to eat rain or shine.

Dining seaside in Phuket is never a problem and the island offers a wide variety of restaurants to suit all budgets and price points. Whether you choose a traditional Thai experience in a mid-range restaurant or splurge on an evening of fine dining, you are sure not to be disappointed.