Papazula Restaurant, Bar & Live Music
Cool Vibes After Dark in Phuket Old Town
Papazula is a lively bar, restaurant and live music venue on Phuket Road, right on the edge of Phuket Old Town.
Located opposite Casa Blanca Hotel and just a few steps from the Sunday Walking Street area, it is an easy place to combine with an evening exploring the historic centre. Behind its wooden porch-style frontage, Papazula opens into a surprisingly spacious venue spread over two floors, with a stage, bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the canal.
The restaurant serves a mixture of Turkish, Thai and international dishes, while live bands perform every evening. With its distinctive décor and relaxed atmosphere, Papazula is particularly suited to those looking for dinner followed by drinks and live music rather than simply a quick meal.
Decor and Atmosphere
Papazula has a distinctive, slightly quirky atmosphere that combines a relaxed bar setting with plenty of vintage and music-themed decoration. The main indoor area occupies two levels, with a stage at the front, a long bar and a mezzanine overlooking the room. Vintage radios, gramophone horns, guitars, portraits and other decorative pieces give the interior plenty of character, while comfortable seating and warm lighting create a casual atmosphere.
At the back, a wooden outdoor terrace extends over the canal, providing a more open and quieter alternative to the main room. This area is particularly pleasant if you want to enjoy a drink and conversation before the music gets going. Overall, Papazula feels more like a lived-in music bar than a polished restaurant.
What to Eat & Drink at Papazula
Papazula's menu covers a surprisingly wide range, with Turkish dishes sitting alongside Thai and international favourites. Turkish specialities include mezze, hummus, haydari, pide and several grilled kebabs, while the wider menu offers pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, seafood and Thai dishes. The drinks list includes beers, wines, cocktails and spirits, making it easy to stay for the evening.
I went to Papazula for dinner and found the food perfectly good, but nothing particularly amazing. My main reservation is the price: in my opinion, everything felt a little overpriced for what you get, particularly compared with other restaurants in Phuket Town. So while the food is unlikely to be the main reason I would return, it works well enough when combined with the atmosphere and live music.
Live Music and Other Things to Know
Live music is probably Papazula's main attraction, with a different band or lineup performing every night. The programme covers rock, blues, pop and acoustic music, with performances generally starting in the evening and continuing until around 11:30 pm. Rather than having a single resident band every night, Papazula hosts a rotating selection of local and visiting musicians, so the style can vary from one evening to another.
The venue also stays open until midnight, making it a convenient place to continue the night after the music finishes. Papazula is open daily from noon to midnight and is suitable for both drinks and dinner. If live music is your main reason for visiting, it is worth checking the current programme before heading there, as the bands and schedules can change.
Papazula Photos
Papazula Location Map
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
Last visit & photos: Papazula — 18 September 2026
