Mook Manee Restaurant
Mook Manee is one of the many restaurants that show Rawai Beach’s massive transformation from a relatively unknown fishing village to a hungry tourist dining magnet.

Phuket restaurants serve all kinds of cuisine but finding real Thai food can be a little challenging. The large majority of the restaurants in the island’s tourist areas, such as Patong Beach, Kata or Karon, have been adjusting their tastes to accommodate first-timers. You probably would never see Thai people eating in those places, and it’s usually a sign. Real Thai food is often found in more modest areas of Phuket, and we list some great Local Thai Restaurants here. Phuket Seafood is also famous, and you should try the real thing without paying a fortune by checking out our Best Local Seafood Restaurants list.
Mook Manee is one of the many restaurants that show Rawai Beach’s massive transformation from a relatively unknown fishing village to a hungry tourist dining magnet.
Azzurro Ristorante at Central Phuket is a casual Italian restaurant located on the first floor of the Festival side of the mall. It’s a convenient stop for shoppers looking for pasta, pizza, and a mix of Italian favourites.
Rak Khun Bar is quite a new panoramic bar set above Kata Noi Beach, a bit simpler and relaxed than its fancy neighbours like Fira, The Sundeck, and the long-established After Beach Bar, which often draw bigger crowds and louder music.
Mee Ko Lan, originally called Mee Lok Tien, is a legendary noodle shop in Phuket that’s been open for more than 100 years. The story of these noodles began with Ko Lan’s teacher, a Cantonese immigrant who settled in Phuket.
Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town is the new sister restaurant of the main Toh Daeng, which sits inside the heritage Baan Ar Jor mansion up at Mai Khao Beach. The restaurant stands out in that same dark red tone as the original, with matching red tables, no surprise since “Toh Daeng” means “Red Table.”
We heard about Kluay Mai Thai from local chefs and Michelin‑starred friends, so we booked, pre‑ordered, and drove to Chalong. The GPS ended in a quiet lane where a small Thai house sat behind trees.
Phuket Town’s Hokkien noodles are a simple way to taste the island’s Peranakan roots. We’re talking thick yellow egg noodles, stir‑fried fast in a hot wok with seafood or pork, leafy greens, soy sauces, and a little stock for a glossy finish.
Step inside Kor Ra Kang on Thalang Road, a massive pink-flower café in Phuket Old Town. Great for photos, mixed food reviews, and iconic selfie spots.
Ko Tee Sangkasi, listed in the Michelin Guide for Phuket, is a small restaurant on the outskirts of Phuket Town. The place has a red‑brown zinc roof, plastic chairs, and Pepsi‑Cola table covers, as is often the case in local restaurants. It’s always busy because the food is simple and really good.
For more than 30 years, we have been lucky to call Thailand home, and our passion for food has taken us everywhere—from the simple street stalls in Phuket Town to fine dining addresses run by Michelin-star chefs in Bangkok.
In the heart of Patong, 3 Uncles & A Barman is the kind of place you stumble into for lunch and end up staying past sunset. Part restaurant, part bar, part social hangout, it brings together three cuisines, one open kitchen, and a social island bar.
Baan Khao Soi is a small restaurant, newly opened in Kata, committed to delivering across Phuket, authentic Northern Thai Food, including the now famous Khao soi soup, a Thai northern dish with noodles and coconut broth.
The Cove is the signature all-day dining restaurant at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, offering a wide selection of international and modern Thai cuisine in a relaxed seaside setting
Why Not restaurant at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong Beach is the kind of place you notice straight away, its bright colours, playful lights, and mix of floral and brick details make it stand out from the other restaurants in the area.
The Local Landing Café is a cosy spot near the water at Chalong Pier in the south of Phuket, where good food meets a welcoming atmosphere. The cafe focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients and a relaxed setting.
Kanta Phuket is a new restaurant serving Modern Peranakan Cuisine at The Memory at On On Hotel on Phang Nga Road, in the heart of Old Phuket Town, an area already known for its colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and lively street art.
Jok Samui Restaurant sits near the Jui Tui Temple intersection where Ranong Road meets Pattiphat Road in Phuket Town. The small shophouse is old and packed with character. Faded green tiles, humming ceiling fans, and two stainless steel tables set the scene for bowls of comfort that draw a crowd each night.
Somsak Pu Ob is a legendary street food restaurant in Thonburi, Bangkok. It’s known for its signature Pu and Goong Ob Woon Sen, which is glass noodles with either prawn or crab. They have 2 branches, walking distance apart, so if one’s busy, you can just take a 5-minute walk to the other branch
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The House by Ginger sits on Moonmuang Road on the edge of Chiang Mai’s Old City, housed in a Thai National Heritage mansion dating from 1937, located just 10 10-minute walk from the Old City.
The Good View is a long-established restaurant on the riverside bank, and many locals come here for dinner. The view is not fantastic, but the atmosphere with live music is fun and very casual, plus the local dishes are good and not expensive
Kiti Panit is a superbly renovated old Chiang Mai shop converted into an excellent restaurant. The building was abandoned for a very long time and in relatively poor condition when one of the young family members decided to return it to its former glory and turn it into an elegant but casual restaurant
Rong Kopi (โรงโกปี๊) is a small, always-busy restaurant tucked beside the Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town. It’s the kind of place you might walk past if you’re not paying attention—but once you step inside, it’s hard to forget.
Drawing Room Coffee and Gallery is one of those places you probably wouldn’t notice, on the corner of Phang Nga Road, just a short walk from the famous On On Hotel in Old Phuket Town.
Khaotha Cafe is one of those places that’s easy to miss but worth finding. It’s on Ranong Road, just next to the central market in Phuket Town — not far from where the old blue songtaew buses line up to take you to the beaches.
Elysium Café & Bathhouse is a relaxed, welcoming spot in Rawai serving quality coffee, healthy food, and house-made desserts. The café features air-conditioned indoor seating and breezy garden views, perfect for working, meeting friends, or enjoying a quiet moment.
Nestled in the heart of Khao Lak, Waankarn is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Southern Thai cuisine with modern architectural elegance.
Awarded the Restaurant Guru 2025 Recommendation and recognized as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice, Mizu delivers an award-winning dining experience where culinary mastery and flair convene.
Beerfest Restaurant and Craft Beer Brewery on the outskirts of Phuket Town (near Central Phuket)is a spacious yet cosy venue that offers a unique dining and drinking experience.
Barra Cuda Beach Club Phuket is the newest addition to Patong’s growing beach club scene, and maybe the best-looking one so far. It just opened on the sand next to the Impiana Hotel, not far from Bangla Walking Street
Roti Taew Nam is one of those rare places in Phuket Town that never seems to change. Set right at the entrance of the Sunday Walking Street Market, this tiny shop has been around for more than 70 years.
Ekachai Kai Ob is the kind of local restaurant people often recommend when you ask where to find good Thai food in Phuket Town. Located right along a busy roadside, it might not look like much from the outside, but the tables are always full by dinner time.
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Discover Be My Guest restaurant Bangkok, a small riverside hideaway tucked between IconSiam and Millennium Hilton. Enjoy authentic Thai food with beautiful river views.
Ciao Pizza and Grill is a casual and easy-going restaurant right across the street from Karon Beach, part of Thavorn Palm Beach Resort. Even though it’s inside a hotel, the prices are surprisingly reasonable, which is rare for resort dining in Phuket
LAKU Beach Club is one of the newest reasons to hop over to Koh Maphrao, just off the east coast of Phuket. It’s part of the Barcelo Coconut Island resort, but you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it
Kaithong Restaurant at Central Festival Phuket (Floresta Wing) is one of those places that often gets missed, which is surprising considering how good the food is.
Suspended above the Andaman Sea, DOXA Skybar is a sleek architectural masterpiece that feels as if it’s floating in the sky. Located on the second floor of Fira Phuket and accessible via a striking skywalk, DOXA’s panoramic views make it one of Phuket’s premier sunset destinations.
Located on the second floor of Fira Phuket, Kipo Restaurant offers a dining experience that blends Spanish-inspired flavours with a contemporary twist. Helmed by Executive Chef Ramon Verano, the menu showcases the freshest local ingredients in bold, inventive dishes.
Krua Praya Phuket Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an authentic Southern Thai dining experience. Nestled in a beautiful garden setting under the shade of small trees, this restaurant provides a casual yet charming open-air atmosphere.
Banthat Thong Road is the place to be if you are looking for a trendy and lively neighbourhood filled with delicious street food and restaurants. It is located between Hua Lamphong Station and Siam.
Saneha is a popular steakhouse and Thai restaurant located in the heart of Karon Beach. With 35 years of experience in the restaurant business, their best chefs spend 2 years designing a new menu at Pacific Club Resort, their nearby sister property.
Menya Itto, located on the third floor of Gaysorn Village in Bangkok, is a famous ramen shop that originated in Tokyo. Indeed, coming from Tokyo, it has been prized over the years for being Japan’s top-rated ramen restaurant on Tabelog.com. This restaurant is famous for its tsukemen, in which they pair homemade noodles with rich broth. The restaurant is decorated with a base of light wood, giving it a clean aesthetic and minimalist feel, which offers an experience of true Japanese dining.
Endless Summer Beach Club brings a lively atmosphere to the south of Patong Beach, blending beachside energy with a laid-back setting. Part of the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, the club is set across the street from the beach.
There are many restaurants in Koh Yao Noi, and you will easily find a good choice along the coast and inland. Most restaurants serve Thai food, and some are run by expats, serving Western and Italian food.
Pyramid Restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring international and Thai cuisine. Diners have the option to enjoy their meals directly on the beach, providing a unique seaside experience
Rong Na Cafe and Restaurant in Koh Yao Noi offers a unique dining experience surrounded by scenic rice fields. The menu includes a mix of Thai and Western dishes, served with views of lush paddies and grazing water buffalo
Café Kantary from Cape Kantary Hotel is a small and cosy coffee shop near the sea. As you explore the island, you can stop for a sweet treat with tea, coffee or a smoothie and cool down in the air-conditioned room.
Pradu Seafood is another excellent local Thai restaurant next to Tha Ton Do Seafood. The restaurant is divided into two open-air rooms, and the setting is casual and easygoing
Tha Ton Do Seafood is a lovely local restaurant entirely made of wood and built on stilts in the middle of the mangrove
Arunwan Restaurant in Ekkamai, Bangkok, has been serving outstanding noodle soup since 1963. Despite relocating four times within the same area, loyal customers continue to follow them for their consistently delicious dishes.
Cafe Phuket Viewpoint is a hard-to-spot Instagram gem hidden on the curvy roadside that connects Patong Beach to Kamala Beach. The place has been around for a long time, carried different names, and never really was popular until someone realized that Instagram was an irresistible magnet for the young generation.