Phuket's west coast overflows with dining options, and between the resorts and back-alley café s visitors are spoiled for choice. The local culinary scene was affected by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, and their influence still resonates today.As expected, seafood is what this island community does best. The same varieties of fresh-caught fish turn up in tom yum koong (a spicy sour shrimp soup) as well as authentic Mediterranean dishes prepared by expatriate chefs. Cashew nuts and pineapple are grown on the island and feature prominently on local menus.
Many of the finest dining affairs are inside the major resorts, especially in the Laguna Bay area. These restaurants are some of the priciest, but their splendid views and service are well worth the expense.
Patong has led the local tourism sector for decades, and it still boasts the greatest selection of eateries. Diners can choose from swanky restaurants inside grand shopping centers or more spirited café s near the beach. More often than not, menus in this area lean toward Thai or Italian cuisine.
Karon and the accompanying Kata Beach host a more affordable dining district with fewer upscale options. The café s found here branch out into European fare, and many of them are open late to accommodate the post-party crowd. The latter congregate on the southern quarter of Kata Beach.
This is where visitors find the Laguna Beach Resort, and it also has the best exclusive dining districts on the island. ‘Fusion' is the operative word here, with a mix of hotel restaurants and independent establishments generating creative dishes that are rooted in more than one place.
The Boathouse Inn
114 Patak Road, Karon
Phone: +66 7 633 0557
Found on Kata Beach, The Boathouse Inn is possibly the most popular dining destination in all of Phuket. The Wine & Grill serves a mixture of French and Thai cuisine with a compliment of 750 wine labels. Meanwhile, Mom Tri's Kitchen opened in 2006 under the same management gave upscale diners even more options.
Ka Jok See
26 Takua Pa Road, Phuket Town
Phone: +66 7 621 7903
Housed in a Sino-Portuguese home, this classy restaurant is a favorite with affluent locals. Classic Thai cuisine is served, but in a distinct European-style environment.
On the Rock
47 Karon Road, Karon
Phone: +66 7 633 0625
On the Rock is inside the Marina Phuket complex on a bluff with views over Karon Beach. The menu features fresh-caught seafood prepared in classic Thai dishes.
Tatanka
Srisoontorn Road, Bang Thao Bay
Phone: +66 7 632 4349
Tatanka is outside of the Laguna Resort complex and it serves an assortment of Western dishes. The resident chef prides himself in his world travels, and his gourmet creations reflect international influences from the Pan-Asia to the Mediterranean.
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