Besides pristine beaches and world-class accommodations, Phuket is also best known for its wide selection of gourmet delights it has to offer and many of which—from a local eatery that shines a spotlight on the unique Peranakan cuisine to luxurious seaside dining where finest ingredients meet inspiring cooking techniques—have made their way into the latest editions of the Michelin Guide Thailand.
The catch? It's not all easy to have it all laid before your doorsteps, with most notable restaurants on the island usually located in town and away from those refined hotels and villas you stay. Newly-opened lifestyle center Porto de Phuket is going to change that.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Set in a massive space in Cherng Talay, a secluded area clustered with luxurious hotels and villas favored by affluent residents and visitors, Porto de Phuket is Central Group's first open-air upscale lifestyle center of five minimalist warehouse, each of which boasts a ceiling with an opening that allows in the sunlight—a nod to the inner courtyard of Phuket's traditional Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Browse around books and stationery items at B2S, try on athletic gears at Supersports, and do some grocery shopping at Central Food Hall that comes complete with a dine-in section reminiscing Bangkok's favorite Central Chidlom and a cheese room with more selection than you could ever imagine.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Aiming at satisfying food connoisseurs, Porto de Phuket has curated some of Phuket's best eats to churn out their famed dishes on-site, making it more accessible for beach-loving foodies, in "The Fame" zone. The three star-studded among them are Suay, Spice House and the soon-to-open Tu Kub Khao.
Suay is the brainchild of Phuket-native chef/owner Thammasak Chootong, who started off Suay in Phuket Town six years ago, making fame from Thai dishes with a modern touch. His second outpost, the dinner-only Suay Cherngtalay, has been featured in the Michelin Guide Thailand's Plate section for two years in a row since 2018. Suay at Porto de Phuket is Thammasak's first bistro-style eatery, forking out all-day, more accessible meals in a casual Nordic-influenced setting. Don't miss to delve into Thammasak's savory journey through signature dishes such as tuna tartar with Asian cracker and soft shell crab burger with sweet chili mayonnaise and shrimp fat fries.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
One of Phuket's best-known Russian restaurant chain, Spice House, has also opened the newest eatery at Porto de Phuket. The cozy dining room comforts guests with Russian dishes that stay true to their roots. Borsh, the hearty soup with diced beetroot, cabbage, and beef, might be most people's go-to, our vote, however, goes toward the traditional Russian salad that mixes salted mackerel, onion, egg, beetroot, and mayo. Don't forget to end your meal with the homemade honey cake that's made of layers of honeyed sponge and sour cream.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
One of the most exciting soon-to-open venues at Porto de Phuket is undoubtedly the first out-of-Phuket-town branch of Phuket food refiner Tu Kub Khao. Hold your breath for your favorite moo hong (stewed pork knuckle) and nam prik koong sod (Phuket-style chili paste with shrimps) served on fine china imported from Penang.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Beyond famous food outlets, there are more surprises to keep an eye on. The most notable of which is The Mercado, a food hall that claims to churn out international cuisines under one roof and amidst Tin mine-inspired interiors. You just gotta keep an eye on.