Phuket Town Best Restaurants
Where to Eat in Phuket Town
Phuket Town is one of the island's best destinations for food lovers, offering everything from award-winning Southern Thai cuisine and elegant fine dining to authentic local eateries and lively night markets.
Influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Thai traditions, the town's culinary scene reflects Phuket's rich multicultural heritage. Whether you're looking for traditional recipes passed down through generations, homemade Italian dishes, healthy cafés, or affordable street food, you'll find an impressive variety within a compact area.
Many of the town's best restaurants are housed in beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese buildings, adding charm and character to the dining experience. From romantic dinners and family meals to quick local lunches, Phuket Town has something to satisfy every taste and budget. Here are some of my favourites restaurants you shouldn't miss during your visit.
Blue Elephant Phuket
Housed inside the beautifully restored former Governor's Mansion, Blue Elephant Phuket is one of the island's most prestigious restaurants. The elegant colonial building provides a magnificent setting for refined Royal Thai cuisine, where traditional recipes are elevated with premium ingredients and artistic presentation. Signature dishes include rich Southern curries, fragrant seafood specialties, and beautifully crafted desserts.
In addition to its fine dining experience, Blue Elephant is internationally renowned for its cooking school, where visitors can learn authentic Thai recipes from experienced chefs. The restaurant's lush gardens, historic architecture, and impeccable service make it a favourite for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Cuisine: Royal Thai, Fine Dining
Location: 96 Krabi Road, Phuket Old Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +66 76 354 355
La Gaetana
La Gaetana has earned a reputation as one of Phuket's finest Italian restaurants. This intimate family-run establishment serves authentic Italian cuisine prepared with imported ingredients and homemade recipes. The menu features fresh pasta, seafood, premium meats, and an excellent wine selection, all complemented by warm, personalised service.
Unlike many tourist-oriented Italian restaurants, La Gaetana focuses on quality over quantity, creating dishes that reflect the traditions of southern Italy. Its cosy atmosphere and consistently high standards have made it a favourite among locals, expatriates, and returning visitors for many years. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the high season.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 352 Phuket Road, Phuket Town
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Wednesday)
Phone:+66 81 397 1227
Raya Restaurant
Located in a charming Sino-Portuguese mansion in the heart of Phuket Old Town, Raya Restaurant is one of the island's most famous places to enjoy authentic Southern Thai cuisine. Open for decades, it is particularly renowned for preserving traditional Phuket recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The menu includes local favourites such as crab meat curry with rice noodles, stir-fried melinjo leaves with egg, Phuket-style pork belly, and fresh seafood prepared with bold Southern flavours. Despite its popularity, Raya maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.
For anyone wishing to discover Phuket's culinary heritage, Raya is considered an essential dining experience.
Cuisine: Southern Thai, Phuket Cuisine
Location: 48/1 Dibuk Road, Phuket Old Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone:+66 76 218 155
The Cook
The Cook is one of my favorite restaurants in Phuket. We have been eating there regularly as a family for over 20 years. Although the restaurant is simple in appearance, its quality and value have earned it an excellent reputation among visitors looking for authentic Thai food and western delicacies without the premium prices.
The extensive menu includes favourites such as pad Thai, stir-fried basil, tom yum soup, and a great choice of western dishes including club sandwiches and burgers (try their beef-cheese-egg burger it is to die for). The restaurant is also famous for its “Thai-style” pizzas prepared with rice flour; they even have a selection of Thai style pizza, with basil chicken or green curry. Friendly service, quick preparation, and consistently good food make it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner after exploring Phuket Old Town.
Cuisine: Thai and International
Location: 101 Phang Nga Road, Phuket Old Town
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Monday)
Phone: +66 62 541 1598
Phuket Town Night Markets
Phuket Town's night markets are among the island's best places to sample authentic local cuisine at affordable prices. Rather than a single restaurant, they offer hundreds of food stalls serving freshly prepared Thai dishes, Southern Phuket specialities, seafood, desserts, and international street food.
Naka Weekend Market is the largest, with an enormous selection of grilled seafood, satay, noodles, tropical fruit, and local snacks. The Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town combines excellent food with live performances and a lively atmosphere set among the historic Sino-Portuguese buildings. Chillva Market attracts a younger crowd with trendy food stalls, live music, and colourful container-style shops, while Indy Market offers a smaller and more local experience.
Visiting at least one of these markets is one of the best ways to experience Phuket's vibrant street food culture.
Cuisine: Thai Street Food, Seafood, International
Locations & Opening Hours:
Naka Weekend Market: Saturday & Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Walking Street Market: Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Chillva Market: Monday to Saturday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Indy Market: Wednesday to Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
We Café Samkong
We Café Samkong is one of Phuket Town's most popular healthy cafés, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional Thai restaurants. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, the café sources many of its vegetables and herbs from its own organic farm, ensuring fresh ingredients in every dish. The bright, modern interior and relaxed atmosphere make it an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
The menu features a wide variety of salads, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, and Thai dishes, alongside freshly squeezed juices, coffee, and homemade desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available, making it a favourite among health-conscious diners.
Whether you're looking for a nutritious meal before exploring Phuket Town or a quiet place to relax with a coffee, We Café offers fresh flavours and consistently friendly service.
Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian, Café
Location: 113/5 Hongyokutis Rd, Samkong, Phuket Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone: +66 82 418 3555
Bollywood Restaurant
Bollywood Restaurant is one of Phuket Town's best-known Indian restaurants, serving authentic North Indian cuisine in a welcoming and family-friendly setting. The extensive menu includes traditional favourites prepared with aromatic spices, quality ingredients, and recipes inspired by classic Indian cooking.
Guests can enjoy a wide selection of curries, tandoori dishes, biryanis, freshly baked naan bread, and vegetarian specialties, with spice levels that can be adjusted to suit every palate. Friendly service and generous portions have helped the restaurant build a loyal following among both locals and visitors.
Whether you're craving a rich butter chicken, a fragrant lamb curry, or a vegetarian feast, Bollywood offers a satisfying dining experience that brings the flavours of India to the heart of Phuket Town.
Cuisine: Indian
Location: 46/7 Bangyai, Wichit, Phuket Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +66 88 961 8979
Flavor Restaurant
Flavor Restaurant is a contemporary dining venue that combines Thai hospitality with an international menu in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Popular with locals, business travellers, and visitors alike, it serves a varied selection of Thai classics alongside Western favourites, making it an excellent choice for groups with different tastes.
The menu includes grilled meats, seafood, pasta, burgers, salads, and traditional Thai dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and attractive presentation. The restaurant's modern décor, attentive service, and comfortable seating create an inviting setting for both casual meals and evening dinners.
Its convenient location near the centre of Phuket Town also makes Flavor Restaurant a practical stop after sightseeing or shopping.
Cuisine: Thai & International
Location: 161 Phang Nga Road, Phuket Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +66 98 014 6963
Amore Mexican Tapas & Bar
Amore Mexican Tapas & Bar brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to the heart of Phuket Old Town. Located in a charming Sino-Portuguese shophouse on Phang Nga Road, this lively restaurant combines colourful décor, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service to create an inviting place for lunch, dinner, or evening drinks.
The menu features a wide selection of authentic Mexican favourites, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, and homemade guacamole, all prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Guests can also enjoy Mexican-inspired tapas, handcrafted cocktails, margaritas, and a variety of beers, making it a popular spot to unwind after exploring the Old Town.
Whether you're craving a casual meal or a fun evening with friends, Amore Mexican Tapas & Bar offers a refreshing alternative to Thai cuisine while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Cuisine: Mexican, Tapas
Location: 88 Phang Nga Road, Phuket Old Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +66 93 578 4987
Kota Khao Mun Khai
Opened in 1969, Kota Khao Mun Khai is one of Phuket Town's best-known local eateries, specialising in khao man khai, Thailand's version of Hainanese chicken rice. Although the menu is simple, the restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its perfectly cooked chicken, fragrant rice, flavourful broth, and signature dipping sauce.
The chicken is served tender and juicy over rice cooked in chicken stock, accompanied by cucumber slices and a comforting bowl of clear soup. Guests can choose between steamed or crispy fried chicken, while additional side dishes are also available. Fast service, affordable prices, and consistently high quality make it a favourite lunch spot for locals.
For visitors wishing to experience one of Thailand's most beloved everyday dishes, Kota Khao Man Khai offers an authentic and satisfying meal without any frills.
Cuisine: Thai, Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: 16/18 Soi Surin, Phuket Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (or until sold out)
Phone: +66 76 212 816
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.
