Jungceylon Restaurants

Churrasco Steakhouse

Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse is a Brazilian-style grill in the Garden Zone of Jungceylon mall, tucked away at the back, where it’s quieter than restaurants near the main entrance. Two friends who lived in South America opened it in 2012. The dining room is large with comfortable seating, and the staff know their steaks. They specialise in traditional churrasco barbecue, the South American way of grilling meat over open flame.

The Wagyu Picanha Brasileira is the standout dish, Brazilian rump cap cooked medium rare. I’ve had it several times. Three portion sizes suit different appetites: Lady’s cut (200g), Men’s cut (300g), and Gaucho cut (400g). Wagyu steaks run 990-1,890 Baht, Black Angus from 590 Baht. Kids’ menus are 290 Baht. Beyond steaks, they do decent burgers, pasta, and starters like nachos and chilli con carne. One of the better steakhouses in Patong.

Paname Brasserie Phuket

Paname Brasserie is right at Jungceylon’s main entrance, near Starbucks and the walkway to Bangla Road. I often pass it heading out at night. The retro French brasserie decor works well, with tiled floors and bistro-style seating that feels more European than mall-generic. They serve a mix of French, European, and Thai dishes, which sounds scattered but actually covers most cravings. Breakfast includes omelettes with a complimentary half-baguette.

Lunch and dinner lean toward comfort food: steaks, pasta, Thai classics done cleanly. The kitchen handles both Western and Thai reasonably well, which is harder than it sounds. Open from 10 am to 1 am, so it covers late-night cravings after Bangla winds down. Pasta runs 270-390 Baht, main courses around 590 Baht. Prices are mid-range for the location. A 10% discount booklet floats around sometimes. Practical choice when you don’t want to venture far.

WHY NOT Restaurant

Why Not is a colourful, casual spot on the ground floor of Jungceylon’s Garden Zone. The bright decor and open layout make it feel relaxed. They don’t try to be fancy. The menu covers both Thai and Western dishes: pad thai, tom yum, spicy curries, pizzas, steaks, and salads.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, which isn’t always easy to find in Patong. Portions are generous. I’ve stopped here a few times when I wanted something quick between shopping and didn’t want to think too hard about where to eat. Service is friendly. The food won’t blow your mind, but it’s reliable and honestly priced for the area.

Spoon Restaurant

Spoon is in the Garden Zone with seating inside and on the terrace overlooking the mall’s open area. It’s a good spot for people-watching while you eat. The menu mixes Western favourites like pasta, steaks, and sandwiches with Thai dishes. Nothing tries too hard.

Families like it here because there’s a kids’ set menu under 200 Baht, and the terrace gives children space to fidget without bothering other diners. Service is friendly and unhurried. Prices are surprisingly affordable for mall dining. Not a destination restaurant, but exactly what you need when you want a proper sit-down meal without fuss.

Le Siam

Le Siam looks fancier than it tastes, which isn’t necessarily bad. The decor leans traditional Thai with carved wood and silk accents. It photographs well. The food is Thai classics toned down for tourists: not too spicy, familiar flavours, nothing too adventurous. I sometimes bring visitors here when they’re nervous about trying Thai food for the first time.

It’s a gentle introduction without the full heat or fish sauce punch of local spots. Reasonably priced for what it is. Staff are patient with questions about dishes. Good starting point before graduating to the food court downstairs.

The Irish Times

The Irish Times has been in Jungceylon for years and hasn’t changed much. That’s exactly the point. Dark wood, sports on the screens, proper pub atmosphere. The crowd is a mix of expats, tourists, and locals who like their football. Quiz night on Wednesdays draws regulars who take it seriously.

The kitchen does solid pub grub: fish and chips at 330 Baht, BBQ back ribs (700g) for 595 Baht, burgers from 275 Baht. Fish & Chips Friday adds a half-pint of Chang for 70 Baht. The all-you-can-eat Sunday roast at 525 Baht is popular; arrive early or book. All-day breakfast at 380 Baht if you’re craving a proper fry-up.

Wine Connection Jungceylon

Wine Connection is where I go when I want a decent bottle without paying hotel prices. The concept is simple: browse their retail wine selection, pick a bottle, pay a small corkage fee, and drink it with your meal. It takes the intimidation out of wine. The food exists to accompany the wine rather than the other way around. I usually order the cheese platter or a steak. Pasta dishes are decent, pizzas acceptable. Nothing will win awards, but nothing disappoints either. The real draw is sitting with a good bottle that would cost twice as much at a resort restaurant. House wine by the glass runs 150 Baht. Lunch sets at 199 Baht. Pasta 200-390 Baht

MK Gold Suki

MK Gold is the upmarket version of the MK Suki chain you see in every Thai shopping mall. The hot pot format makes it good for groups. Everyone picks their own meats and vegetables, cooks them at the table, and dips them in various sauces. Kids love the interactive element.

The ingredients here are noticeably better than regular MK: wagyu beef, quality prawns, and fresh vegetables. The broth options include their signature sukiyaki sauce and spicy tom yum. It’s a fun, social meal rather than a quick dinner. Expect to spend 400-600 Baht per person, depending on appetite. I bring friends here when they visit because it keeps everyone happy, meat eaters and vegetable lovers alike. Good choice for families or groups who can’t agree on a cuisine.

Din Thai Fung

Din Tai Fung finally opened in Jungceylon, and the queues prove its reputation. The Taiwanese chain is famous for one thing: xiao long bao, soup dumplings with thin skin that holds hot broth inside. Bite carefully, or you’ll burn your tongue. I always stop by the glass window to watch chefs folding dumplings with mechanical precision, exactly 18 folds per dumpling.

Beyond the signature soup dumplings, they do excellent fried rice, noodles, and other dim sum. Quality matches their branches in Bangkok and across Asia, which is exactly what you want from Din Tai Fung. Weekday lunch sets start at 299 Baht. Expect to queue during peak hours, especially at weekends.

The Food Court

Don’t overlook the food court in the basement near the souvenir shops. It doesn’t look like much, but the Thai food here is genuinely local. More authentic than 90% of tourist restaurants on the beach road. The cooks aren’t toning things down for foreign palates, so expect proper flavours and real spice levels. Point at what you want if your Thai is limited.

The selection covers most classics: pad thai, green curry, som tam, grilled meats, noodle soups, and rice dishes with various toppings. Meals run 60-120 Baht per dish. I grab lunch here more often than I’d like to admit. For budget travellers or anyone wanting quick, authentic Thai food without the tourist markup, this is the spot. Best-kept secret in Patong. Meals run 60 to 120 Baht per dish. For budget travellers or anyone wanting a quick, authentic meal, it’s hard to beat.