5 of the Best Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket isn’t just about dreamy beaches and luxury resorts — it’s also home to a vibrant food scene that’s perfect for hungry travelers. Whether you're looking for authentic southern Thai cuisine, stylish cafés, or cozy steakhouses, the island has it all. In this guide to the best places to eat in Phuket, we’ll explore must-visit restaurants that are not only delicious but also available with the TAGTHAi Phuket Premium Pass — saving you both time and money on your culinary journey.

1. Tu Kab Khao – Authentic Southern Thai in a Heritage Setting

Tu Kab Khao is a must-visit for those seeking authentic Southern Thai cuisine in an elegant heritage building. Their crab curry with betel leaves, spicy shrimp paste chili dip, and stir-fried stink beans with shrimp showcase bold, aromatic flavors. The atmosphere, with its colonial-style décor and intricate tilework, makes the experience even more memorable.

Why it’s one of the best places to eat in Phuket

• Michelin-listed
• Full Southern Thai menu with rare local ingredients
• Perfect for both first-timers and seasoned Thai food fans

Location: 8 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 8.30 PM

Getting There: From Limelight Avenue or the Clock Tower Roundabout, you can walk (5–7 mins). Otherwise, take a local tuk-tuk or Grab to “Kasikorn Bank Phuket,” located just next to the restaurant.

2. Kopi de Phuket – Local Café with Old-School Charm

A local café that honors Phuket’s multicultural roots, Kopi de Phuket serves nostalgic breakfast sets like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and strong local coffee. You’ll also find classic Southern Thai rice dishes and Chinese-influenced snacks — all under vintage hanging lights and retro decor.

Why it’s one of the best places to eat in Phuket

• Unique Thai-Chinese fusion menu
• Great for breakfast and light lunches
• Strong local following

Location: 61 Phuket Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM (closed on Sunday)

Getting There: From Thalang Road (Old Town walking street), it’s a short 8-minute walk. You can also Grab a direct to “Sino House Hotel,” and Kopi de Phuket is across the street.

3. Steak Ao-Kae – Comfort Food in the Heart of Phuket Town

This local gem combines a neighborhood vibe with juicy steaks, homemade pizzas, and hearty salads. Loved by students and working locals, Steak Ao-Kae is both affordable and delicious. The setting is open-air with hanging greenery, rustic wood, and Chinese-style lanterns.

Why it’s one of the best places to eat in Phuket

• Relaxed local vibe
• Steak, pasta, and salad options
• TAGTHAi partner: Enjoy a pork chop or spaghetti set with Coke!

Location: Takuapa Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (closed on Thursday)

Getting There: From Limelight Avenue, walk 7–10 mins along Ong Sim Phai Road. Or Grab/tuk-tuk to “Supalai Vista Phuket Condominium,” then walk one block east.

4. PRU – Phuket’s Michelin-Starred Pioneer

A standout among global eateries, PRU holds Phuket’s only Michelin star—plus a prestigious Green Michelin star for its sustainability. The menu, created with hyperlocal produce from Trisara’s own farm, features imaginative dishes like durian mousse and mackerel with ant eggs. Dining here is a sensory journey, culminating in refined farm-to-table excellence.

Why it’s one of the best places to eat in Phuket

• Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant (with Green Star for sustainability)
• Innovative farm-to-table tasting menus with hyperlocal ingredients
• Focus on zero-waste philosophy and creative Thai-rooted dishes

Location: 60, Cherngtalay, 13 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay 1, Tambon Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 6 - 10.30 PM (closed on Monday and Sunday)

Getting There:

From Patong or Phuket Town, take a Grab or taxi (~30 minutes). The resort offers valet drop-off.

5. One Chun Café & Restaurant – Peranakan Flair in Old Town

Hidden in a Sino-Portuguese shophouse, One Chun combines retro decor with family recipes. Dive into Peranakan-influenced Phuket classics like crab–vermicelli curry and fiery shrimp paste dishes, all served among vintage radios and tea tins—earning it a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Why it’s one of the best places to eat in Phuket

• Listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for authentic local flavors
• Unique Phuket-style Thai–Chinese fusion dishes with bold spices
• Charming retro decor in a restored shophouse
• Popular with both locals and tourists for lunch and dinner

Location: 48, 1 Thep Krasattri Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

Getting There: A 5-minute stroll from Thalang Road. Alternatively, tuk-tuks and songthaews drop off nearby.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TAGTHAi Pass

With your Phuket Premium Pass, dining at these restaurants is as easy as flashing your QR code. Simply check which sets are available at each restaurant (they may vary seasonally), and enjoy cashless meals and discounts without needing to book in advance.

Eat Like a Local (But Better)

From breezy rooftops and hidden hillside eateries to historic mansions and garden cafes, these truly are some of the best places to eat in Phuket. Even better, they’re curated and ready for you to explore with TAGTHAi’s Phuket Premium Pass. You’ll save money, skip the guesswork, and feast like a VIP.

Ready to eat your way through Phuket? Download TAGTHAi and activate your Phuket Premium Pass today!