RUSTIC – Eatery & Bar Phuket
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.

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.

Rustic Eatery & Bar Phuket BangkokFoodies
Their signature Porchetta dish was more in-line with high quality, rustic-takes-on-contempora

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