Rutic Eatery & Bar Patong Beach Phuket

Phuket Foodies Review – Rustic

I wouldn’t quite say it was eclectic, as Batik runners lie on wooden tables, French-Moroccan tiles line the floor, retro paraphernalia sit isolated on glass shelves and a single Genie lamp stands on a table beside an Italian wine cabinet. Rustic – Eatery & Bar (in decore) is clearly showing it’s age of only 5 months of operating; confused and a little awkward. But the foundation of the odd decorative choices is where the potential lies. The half brick exposed walls, wooden furniture and open, yet multi layered spaces creates a homely charm. And even more charming are the owner and operators, Chef Nikola Lesar and Chef Mook; partners in life and business. Their eagerness for their “baby” to grow is met with such enthusiasm, it’s downright contagious.

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Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

This overzealousness and passion translates into their cuisine. The Gazpacho was incredibly refreshing although lacking a pinch of sea salt for that extra ‘pop! The Salmon itself was cooked to perfection but came out like a circus had been through it, lots of fanfare but not enough focus. A rich creamy sauce with almonds, heavily herb crusted salmon and fruity, leafy salad, each element alone – fantastic, but together in constant battle.

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Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

Their signature Porchetta dish was more in-line with high quality, rustic-takes-on-contemporary cuisine and the white pizza (new menu item) with scallops and asparagus was technically excellent, but again fell a little flat on flavour and seasoning. Strangely, what wasn’t offered yet I insisted on trying was their homemade pappardelle with Italian sausage, and suffice to say it was probably close to best pasta I’ve had in Phuket. We also enjoyed their generous servings of cold cuts, although the cheese is in dire need of variety.

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Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

The adorable, Chef Mook was almost hopping out of her skin for us to try her sweets. Fresh from Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School, it wasn’t a surprise to be served macaroons but a rather awkward “Rustic” menu item They were a little on the chewy side. Humidity in Thailand is definitely not your friend.

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

The moment I wondered “why didn’t they stick with dishes in theme, humble European with local ingredients”? She brought out the lava cake with mango and I literally ate my words. Once again, one of the best desserts I’ve had in Phuket. The churros were also amazingly light and moreish.

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

I’m already thinking about my next visit, because although Rustic Eatery has an equal amount of misses to hits, it’s only a matter of time they will be dominating and possibly even pioneering the food scene in Phuket, like Bampot has somehow managed. Simplify, pull it back, take away a bit of the fluff and elevate what makes Rustic truly rustic.

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket
34 Thaveewong rd. , Patong Beach
83150 Ban Patong
Tel: 076 344 838
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 12:00AM