Jaras Restaurant
Photograph: Jaras Restaurant
Photograph: Jaras Restaurant

5 Upscale restaurants in Phuket you don’t want to miss

Explore these must-visit restaurants that add to Phuket’s expansive and evergrowing gastronomic spectrum.

Amy Bensema
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Phuket is one of Thailand’s best island destinations for a reason - several, actually. These include gorgeous sun-kissed beaches, loads of great accommodations, and delicious cuisine. 

But a trip to Phuket is not complete without sampling its many gastronomic pleasures. This coastal capital of the south is home to a wide range of dining options, from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants. These must-visit restaurants allow you to savour bold flavours created from age-old recipes and sustainably sourced local products, so here’s our top picks that have made TimeOut’s list of all-time favorite eateries in Phuket, but we’re thinking if you fancy a nice night out these upscale restaurants should be added to the list. 

Ta Khai means “fishing net” in the Thai language, and through repurposed materials, the restaurant boasts a rustic Thai village ambience and a menu of responsibly sourced, authentic Southern Thai cuisine. 

Helmed by the adorable local chef couple Khun Nun and Khun Yai, each dish at Ta Khai is crafted with love and inspired by the bounty of nature, including the local fishermen’s daily catch and 100% locally sourced ingredients from the restaurant’s own organic herb and vegetable garden. The menu at Ta Khai changes with the season and features unique dishes such as Bai Liang Phad Kai, stir-fried native melinjo leaves with egg, garlic and dried shrimps, that are not easily found in other dining establishments. Two set menus provide the chance to discover a variety of authentic Southern Thai flavours. 

Located at the Rosewood Phuket resort, Ta Khai has been listed in the MICHELIN Guide since 2019. Find out more here and call +66 76 356 888 for reservations. 

A true champion of the farm-to-table dining concept, JAMPA stands at the forefront of zero-waste cuisine and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Rick Dingen who has a flaming passion for creating innovative dishes that follow zero-waste principles. 

JAMPA prides itself on the traditional art of cooking over an open flame which enhances the flavours and textures of locally-grown ingredients to create exceptional dishes that focus on and celebrate the ever-changing seasons of nature. With sustainability at the core of the dining experience, many of the dishes feature ingredients from the restaurant’s organic farm and showcase the very best from the land and the sea. 

A recipient of the MICHELIN Green Star, JAMPA Restaurant offers a 4-course Lunch Experience and a 7-course Dinner Experience. Reservations must be made in advance. Book your table here

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Nestled in the heart of Phuket Old Town, ROYD Restaurant has room for just 12 guests in total and offers a menu that blends innovation with Southern Thai tradition to deliver an impressive culinary journey that redefines Southern Thai cuisine. 

Chef Suwijak (Mond) crafts each dish with passion and precision to serve a menu that features dishes with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood is the star of ROYD’s menu and the restaurant offers a 6-course Lunch Menu, 6-course Dinner Menu as well as a 9-course Dinner Menu. A wine pairing is available at an additional charge. 

Recognised by the MICHELIN Guide since 2024, this cosy little restaurant is one of the best in Phuket for innovative Southern Thai dishes with vibrant flavours. Reservations must be made in advance. Book your table here

Nitan means “determination” in Thai, and the restaurant provides an unrivaled fine dining experience in Phuket. With a passion for locally sourced ingredients and inventive cuisine, Nitan creates a world where Thailand’s rich flavours are merged with unique avant-garde flair. 

Nitan’s alluring ambiance is complemented by chefs that craft visual and gastronomic masterpieces that satisfy the taste buds and stir the soul. The restaurant features a seasonal menu that keeps its spotlight on the bounty from Nitan’s farm in Surat Thani and the freshest catches from Phuket’s local seafood suppliers. The end result is an unforgettable dining experience featuring exquisite flavours and optional wine pairings. 

Listed in the MICHELIN Guide since 2022, the culinary journey at Nitan is not to be missed. Reservations must be made in advance. Book your table here.

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One of Phuket’s very best Southern Thai dining experiences, Jaras Restaurant is a celebration of local culture. Each dish weaves an intricate story of sustainability, tradition and innovation. 

With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Jaras Restaurant serves up plates that showcase the purity and vibrancy of locally farmed produce and the freshest catches of the day. The authentic Southern Thai dishes are presented with a modern twist and burst with exquisite flavours complemented by the Sommelier’s favourite wine pairings. 

Located beachside at InterContinental Phuket Resort, Jaras Restaurant has been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide since 2023 and offers both tasting menus and a la carte dishes. Reservations must be made in advance. Book your table here



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