Mom Tri’s Kitchen at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Fine Dining Above Kata Noi Beach

Mom Tri’s Kitchen is one of Phuket’s acclaimed fine dining restaurants, set on multi-level terraces above the rocks at Kata Noi Beach. The restaurant is part of Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, the boutique hotel that was once the private residence of Mom Luang Tridhosyuth Devakul, one of Thailand’s most celebrated architects and a descendant of King Mongkut Rama IV.

The kitchen serves creative Thai fusion alongside Mediterranean and European dishes, and the wine cellar, with over 750 labels, has won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for eight consecutive years. It is one of those rare Phuket restaurants where the setting, the food, and the wine are all equally impressive.

The Menu

The menu covers a wide range, from traditional Thai dishes to European classics and creative fusion. Two executive chefs run the kitchen, one for the Western side and one for Thai, which gives the menu genuine depth in both directions. Among the most popular dishes are the hot crab soufflé, the Massaman lamb shank, seared tuna on stir-fried vegetables, and the Gung Kata Noi, a sautéed rock lobster with Thermidor sauce. On the Thai side, the tiger prawns in tamarind sauce and the Andaman pomfret with tom yam sauce are well regarded. For dessert, the deep-fried coconut ice cream in a grated coconut shell with pandanus cream sauce is a signature. The à la carte menu changes periodically, and the kitchen can arrange bespoke private dining for special occasions.

The Wine Cellar

The wine programme is what truly distinguishes Mom Tri’s Kitchen from most restaurants in Phuket. The cellar holds over 750 labels and has been managed for decades by French wine director George Ciret, who grew up among wine cases in his parents’ shop in the heart of Paris. The collection won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for eight consecutive years starting in 2004, a distinction very few restaurants in Southeast Asia have achieved. Around 18 wines are available by the glass, rotated regularly, so committing to a full bottle is not the only option. The restaurant also features the Seashell Bar and Veranda Lounge for cocktails with sunset views.

The Setting

The restaurant is built on multiple levels, descending through lush tropical gardens toward the rocks above Kata Noi Bay. The décor features terracotta tiling, antiques, and original artwork, reflecting the artistic sensibility of the property’s creator. Seating is available on the open-air terrace and inside a traditional Thai sala. The views stretch across the bay to the Andaman Sea, and at sunset, the terrace becomes one of the most beautiful spots to dine on the island. A live pianist plays during dinner service, and the atmosphere is unhurried and romantic. Reservations are recommended, and essential for a sunset table during high season.

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