Phuket is famous for its delicious and low-priced seafood. It is found everywhere but Patong offers the largest variety, cooked the way you like it. The most interesting of places to eat can be found exploring the Sois (side streets) that run off the beachfront road and on Rath-u-thit, in particular south of the intersection with Bangla. Then there are the numerous noodle cafes (or shops) that are generally found away from the main hotel and shopping areas and are places where the locals usually eat. The best surprises are to be found by just following your nose!

Lair Lay Tong

“You should eat where the locals eat”. How often do you hear that when you venture to some exotic place?

Well, sometimes it is true! And many locals (Thai and ex-pats) dine at Lair Lay Tong, established over 10 years ago and still run by owner Khun Lek. “Extremely good Thai food and real value for money. We eat here quite a lot and it is fan cooled” – Chris. The Mussaman Beef Curry is very, very good!! Ask for chunky beef (“extra” should be requested if you are sharing)” – Richard. A wee gem and top favourite! Lair Lay Tong is right at the end of Soi Permpong Soi III (Soi Wattana) off the beachfront road (Thaweewong Road). Look for the signs above the stalls at the entrance to the Soi.

Sea Hag

“Khun Kenya’s well-known restaurant is a bit more expensive than most of the smaller dining places but very good value. Try the Fried Golden Brown Prawns wrapped in “glass” noodles as an entrée (sensational) and – if you like curry – the Penang Geenang (you can order taste to suit)!” – Chris.

The restaurant is air-conditioned but there also some tables outside. The first floor will be used on busy nights, try and arrive in time to get seats at ground level as there is always a lot to watch! Sea Hag is in Soi Permpong Soi III (Soi Wattana) off the beachfront Khun Kenya of Sea Hag road – the same soi as Lair Ley Tong – about halfway down on the right hand side.

S & G Restaurant

“My favourite dish is Green Chicken Curry served in a green coconut. Definitely, worth a try as it is pretty authentic” – Chris. Great chicken satays and Pad Thai, a simple traditional Thai dish that is a Thai favourite, either are ideal with an ale for a light lunch. The owner – Mr Muek Pakom – had a remarkable escape when the Tsunami struck. If he is in the restaurant when you dine, get him to tell his story. In Soi Post Office, (just north of McDonald‟s) off the beachfront road and directly opposite Sabai Sabai

Sabai Sabai

“Serving Thai and European food, Sabai Sabai is open from early in the morning until quite late in the evening serving breakfast until, I think, 11 am. It is always busy. I like it for lunch and their (wait for it!) Green Curry is EXCELLENT! – Chris. In Soi Post Office, opposite S&G (see above). Silhouette Tailoring is two or three shops further along on the same side of the Soi.

Thab Thim Dang

A family-owned and run restaurant situated in a grouping of largely open-air eating-places on Rat-U-Thit Road about halfway between Bangla and Sawatdirak Roads.

Treat yourself to Lobster with Sweet Chilli Sauce (ask for it to your taste … light, medium or hot.)  The Tiger Prawns are also tops. Unless you are very hungry, don’t order both at the same sitting! The family make you very welcome and their recommendations can be relied on – just ask Dang!” – Richard.

The Aussie Bar on Bangla

Just the place to snack or enjoy a pub meal while having a drink and/or watching live sport, beamed in by satellite from all over the world and which you can view on the numerous television screens – upstairs and down. Snacks range from French Fries and pies to full Thai and European meals. On Bangla halfway between the Beach and Rat-U-Thit Roads – you can‟t miss it!

The Yorkshire Inn and Hotel

The café/bar serves full English breakfasts and a host of other traditional English fare including fish and chips along with a good choice of Thai and other dishes. The food is excellent and prepared in full view in the kitchen. In addition to the main screen, numerous television screens in the dining booths show a host of sporting fixtures. There’s understandably a lot of soccer – ok, football – and there will always be a good crowd in for any featured games. The Yorkshire is at 169/16 Soi Sansabai. Soi Sansabai is at the Bangla/Rath-u-thit Pee intersection. You will find the Yorkshire on the left-hand side about 1 minutes walk down the Soi.

Concaved Beach Restaurant

On the beachfront and offering the choice of dining on the lawn directly fronting the beach or inside. Concaved is part of the Safari Hotel Group who also own Savoey. The menu is the same as that at the Savoey but Concaved has its own kitchen and chef, which makes a difference!

“I liked the Prawn Spring Rolls (wrapped in the noodle) – as good, if not better than those at Sea Hag … and that is saying something! The Green Curry Chicken with its good-sized pieces of chicken is the best I have tried in Patong! You can, of course, order the curry to your taste preference, as is almost the case everywhere in Patong. One notable difference is that it was served a plate instead of the usual bowl, reflecting the Concaved difference to its larger parent across the road. The Tom Yum Goong (soup) is also very good. Remember though that traditional Thai soups like Tom Yum are usually meals in themselves and not appetisers! Leisurely, quiet dining in a romantic setting – great for couples! Concaved is at 11 Thaweewong Road just past the intersection with Bangla opposite Savoey Seafood – down the passageway alongside the Beachfood Coffee and Ice cream Bar.

Chiang Mai Seafood

“Excellent Thai seafood. If you like rock oysters then try those offered here. They are big and succulent – you cut them four ways and use the dips; a sweetish green leaf herb is also offered, very tasty. (NB: as anywhere, check the oysters look healthy before you tuck in)! Chiang Mai is in an L-shaped grouping of eating-places in Bangla Night Plaza tucked in behind The Tiger Discothèque and Bars at the top end of Bangla. You can enter by walking down the Soi besides Tiger or from Rath-u-Thit Road, directly across from the PS Hotel . There are pay toilets adjacent, the charge of 5/10 baht is usual for Thailand (well, Patong anyway) where public toilets are maintained by an attendant.

The Islander

“The original British” restaurant/bar in Patong serving full English breakfasts, roasts, homemade pies etc. It also serves good French fries if you need a fix and a different roast meal every day! In addition to the traditional English fare that often includes New Zealand steaks, there is a large choice of Thai and other international dishes. In Soi Patong Resort off Bangla Road – about halfway up on the right from the beachfront road and directly opposite the bars on Soi Sea Dragon. The Islander is on the left towards the end.

Baan Rim Pa*

One of Phuket’s best known and more upmarket restaurants, Baan Rim Pa is nestled on the cliff at the northern end of Patong Bay and offers sweeping views from its open terraces with live jazz nightly except on Mondays. “This used to be the restaurant to be seen in and still has an excellent reputation. Try the red duck curry. Prices are higher but it is worth the experience if you want fine dining. The window tables have a beautiful view back over the bay.” – Chris.

“In May 2006, the place was full and still deserving of its longstanding reputation although it is not the lone stand-out that it once was given the many new restaurants that have opened in Patong over recent years. The Fresh Spring Rolls and the Prawn Rolls with noodle were exquisite. The Green Curry Beef and the Indian Curry Beef were also tops although „the locals‟ in our group were rather askance at the price compared to (say) Lair Lay Thong. The wine cellar has a prominent place in the restaurant and the extensive wine list offers everything from (supermarket) Australian wines priced at about 1700 Baht to a top Romanee Conti from France at a mere 87.000 Baht! The selection of cocktails is enticing and delicious!” – Richard.

On Phrabaramee Road at Kalim – the road that takes you to Kamala – and a short tuk tuk ride from any hotel. There are always tuk tuks outside the door for the return journey.

Mom Tri‟s BoatHouse Wine & Grill* (at Kata Beach)

European and Thai Dining. A silver service restaurant that serves Fusion style dishes. Try the Phuket Lobster served with three sauces as a main or the Thai Platter as an entrée. The wine cellar offers a selection of 520 labels and there is a happy hour every day between 17.00 and 1900 when a 50% discount is offered on most beverages. On the beach at 182 Koketanode Road, Kata Beach. For the Baan Rim Pa and Mom Tri‟s BoatHouse it is advisable to book ahead. Your hotel should be able to assist.

Sweet

“This restaurant opens mid-late afternoon until about 10 pm. It serves lighter as well as more expansive Thai food along with European meals, e.g. bacon and eggs. In Soi Patong Tower, off the beachfront road – you cannot miss the Tower. It is the tallest and ugliest building in Patong!

Breakpoint

Owned and run by the Nishiokas – he is Japanese, his wife is Thai and they have four delightful children. The menu reflects both cultures plus others. Try the Clear Soup with Minced Pork and Glass Noodles, the Panang Beef Curry and the Fried Morning Glory with Oyster Sauce. Scrumptious! If you want a steak, they also serve New Zealand Tenderloin and even Bangers and Mash! You can sit inside in air conditioning or outside in the shade. Breakpoint is also in Soi Patong Tower, about halfway down on the left from the Beach Road and directly opposite Sweet.

Mr Good’s

Probably the most eclectic eating establishment in Patong, Mr Goods incorporates the restaurant and a massage shop all owned by the one family. There also used to be a shop within selling gold! It is quite large and generally always busy at night. The food is very good, in particular, the Sautéed Chicken with Cashew Nuts and the Tom Yum Kai. Situated on Rath-U-Thit Road, just north of the intersection with Bangla and on the corner of the Soi that runs between it and the C&N Hotel. The big rice cookers in the kitchen at the front make it very visible.

The Beach House

In a relatively new (late 2007) complex of budget hotels and beer bars off Sawatdirak Road, opposite the Salathai Hotel (one block north of Bangla). Again a very extensive European and Thai menu (well illustrated too) with reasonable prices.

The Noodle Shops and Cafes

The relatively small noodle shops or cafes dotted around the island are worth trying, most of them will be found away from the main hotel areas. Some are like the small cafes others are open-air.  In Patong at night there is a good one slap-bang in the middle of town on Soi Sansabai, which runs off Rath-u-thit Road at the intersection with Bangla. Walk straight up the soi, past the dive learning pool on the right and, you will find it a few doors up. There are others on Rath-u-Thit, generally towards either end where locals tend to eat.

In the mid-late evening, the aroma of sizzling barbequed/grilled satays from the street carts arouses the senses. Generally okay to eat, just make certain the meat is well-cooked. Avoid the casual stalls set up on the pavements at night. The food might look good and the locals might be tucking in but the cooking appliances, lack of heat, and washing of plates is generally rudimentary with all the risks of funny tummy.