Beachfront Seafood Dining in Rawai
Mook Manee (that used to be called Mook Dee in the past) 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. We’ve seen this southern coastline evolve from a quiet sea gypsy settlement where modest fish displays lined narrow streets into a competitive seafood destination where restaurants showcase massive lobsters, tiger prawns, and blue crabs to attract diners, mostly Asian.
Mook Manee restaurant occupies prime beachfront real estate where the transformation is most apparent. Restaurant owners realised tourists prefer dining by the water with longtail boats moored in front and some islands visible in the distance rather than sitting across the street from seafood markets. The constant sea breeze flowing through the area makes waterfront dining better than in previous settings, especially during the hot season.
Mook Manee’s vast covered terrace accommodates hundreds of guests with comfortable seating. We found the setup doesn’t differentiate much from neighbouring establishments: large covered areas facing the water where diners can watch the busy seafood market activity while enjoying their meals.
The large menu features traditional Thai seafood preparations. Their signature stir-fried clams with chilli paste earned Michelin Guide recognition, combining tender clams with nam prik pao (roasted chilli paste) for sweet-spicy flavours. Popular dishes include cheese-baked scallops, garlic fried glass noodles with crab, and deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce. The huge Phuket rainbow lobsters displayed outside also draw photographers.
Communication was a bit challenging as some staff come from Myanmar, but the food was good without being exceptional. Mook Manee’s Michelin Guide inclusion surprised us a bit since it doesn’t dramatically outshine neighbours in service or ambience. However, the combination of fresh seafood selection, prime location, and good cooking likely earned the recognition.
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Mook Manee Info
Location: Rawai Beach
Address: 1120 Wiset Rd, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Hours: 11.30 am – 10 pm
Phone: 0817194880
Website: Click here
Mook Manee Map
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