Phuket’s bustling resort Patong has a reputation for its vibrant nightlife and long sun soaked beach, but it’s culinary landscape is equally thrilling
By: Sandrine Martin
As a foodie I discovered that Patong has something for everyone. If it’s street food you are looking for you could be in food heaven, particularly at night when the sidewalks blossom into life with the hectic sound of traders demanding attention above the din of sizzling woks.
However, my mission on this particular visit to Phukert’s party town was to find something altogether more sophisticated, more posh if you like. We were looking for a 5-star dining experience, to celebrate our anniversary.
For some Patong isn’t the place you would perhaps base yourself for the entire holiday, but this town deserves at least one visit on everyone’s Phuket itinerary.
You see, slightly bored with the predictable routine of our extremely well managed resort in Bang Tao, we wanted to let our hair down, go wild, re-visit the vibe we enjoyed when younger, travelling with nothing more than a backpack. It was our anniversary after all. So we decided, for one night only, to book ourselves into a sexy pool villa at the well located Grand Mercure in Patong, and then hit the town.
We ended up enjoying dinner at Sam’s Steakhouse, because my research established this restaurant has legendary status; any place that’s been around for over 20 years is doing something right! Here are the magnificent other establishments I uncovered.
L’ARÔME BY THE SEA
Situated on the dramatic coastline just to the north of Patong, L’ARÔME BY THE SEA offers a fine dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views with exquisite culinary creations. This restaurant is the perfect escape for those seeking a blend of gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and impeccable service. L’ARÔME BY THE SEA specialises in delivering contemporary French dishes crafted from premium ingredients.
Chef Adrien Delcourt joined the team in 2024, and in July launched his critically acclaimed “Vue Sur La Mer” menu. The menu is a discovery of the exceptional cuisine from Adrien, which pays homage to the mentors throughout his career and celebrates the best seasonal produce which the sea has to offer. Celebrating the beauty of the ocean you’ll find the net cast wide with selections such as: Japanese Sea-Urchin, Norwegian Black Cod and Kaviari’s Oscietra Caviar.
However, it is not only imported products that feature, local rockfish forms the base of one gelee. Although there is a focus on seafood, diners are treated to a roasted pigeon, for the main, coming from Klong Pai farm in Thailand, those less adventurous may opt to change to the Japanese Wagyu beef.
TAMBU
Dining at Tambu Restaurant in Patong offers a unique and immersive culinary experience. Located on the rooftop of the Avista Hideaway – MGallery Resort, Tambu presents a fusion of progressive Indian charcoal cuisine, all the while you can gaze out over the panoramic Andaman Sea views.
The restaurant is inspired by the luxurious tented palaces of India’s Mughal emperors. In charge of the kitchen is former Thai Iron Chef winner Chef Saurabh Sachdeva. Some standout options include the Shiso Leaf Chaat (Delhi Ki Chaat), a vibrant fusion of Indian spices with fresh Japanese elements, and the Moilee Curry, featuring chargrilled prawns in a rich coconut and lemongrass stew.
Tambu’s two Tasting Menus caught my eye, which takes diners on a 7-course culinary adventure. The vegetarian selection included Asparagus Shammi (tempered asparagus, with Amul cheese and Apricot chutney), and on the meat-lovers menu you’ll find the enticing Pepper Fry Crab with Kopa oven smoked bread and curry leaf.
SAM’S STEAKS & GRILL
First opened in 1987 Sam’s Steaks & Grill, is renowned as one of the top steakhouses in Patong. Offering a sophisticated dining experience, the restaurant focuses on high-quality steaks, with expertly sourced and cooked cuts of beef. The menu also includes fresh oysters, seafood, and various international dishes, creating a diverse fine-dining selection.
Their winning formula has stood the test of time by focusing on fine cuts of beef from four different nations. You can go a la carte and choose between 200 or 250 grams from 9 different cuts and origins of steak, or if there’s two of you take one of the sharing options, a 500 gram Chateaubriand or 1 kg Tajima Tomahawk for example.
For me, what makes Sam’s so brilliant is its set menu option. For under 1,400 THB ++ you get a 5-course dinner, starting with an Amuse Bouche, 6 choices of starter, a sorbet, 5 choices of mains and 3 options for dessert. this is great value for such variety and quality.
LA GRITTA
One of the most popular restaurants in Patong, La Griita’s breathtaking sunset views make it a must-book establishment, don’t think you’ll get a table without a reservation.
The cuisine focuses on authentic Italian dishes, offering a wide variety of go-too staples, such as homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and fresh Andaman seafood. Signature dishes include Risotto Porcini e Tartufo, Porchetta di Pollo con Salasa alla Parmigiana di Melanzane, a stunning Filetto di Manzo Rucola e Parmigiana and the obligatory Tiramisù Classico.
A 100% gluten free menu is a thoughtful addition to the line-up, and look out for La Gritta’s food promotions, such as the Black Truffle Festival and the seasonal Degustazione Menu.
On fine evenings you can sit out under the stars, but the restaurant also offers indoor areas if you prefer to be in air-conditioning.
BON ASIAN TAPAS
Where there’s smoke, there’s flavour! Enjoy the best tapas in Patong, with Asian twists, at Bon Asian Tapas (they also have a branch in Phuket Old Town). The canvas is large at Bon, with a blend of cultures across Asia, from Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian to Japanese specialties, the ingredients and flavours are broad and give diners the opportunities to try new things, you may also discover the excitement of a traditional Japanese dish married to French tones.
These global-inspired dishes offer the very best of diverse cultures: it’s about complimenting ingredients as well as providing tantalising contrasting flavours. From mouthwatering sushi rolls to spicy lamb skewers, each dish was crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Without a doubt — at Bon Asian Tapas, the cuisine is very exciting. You will have an adventurous experience, I found it impossible to stop ordering, every dish came with a ‘must-try’ promise.
ACQUA
With clean lines, a futuristic black-and-white theme and great views out over the Andaman sea, Acqua is definitely a leading contender for one of the most aesthetically pleasing and best restaurants in Patong, indeed in Phuket.
Trendy without being gratuitously chic, cutting edge without going over the top and spacious without being cavernous, Acqua’s décor balances practicality and aesthetics in an authentic fine dining environment. The Acqua experience offers a wide range of creations focused on a very seasonal selection of ingredients; local but mostly international, as Chef Alessandro Frau insists “certain places are best for their specialties and seasons so it’s best to reach every place in the world to get their best produce.”
From Sicilian red prawns to Puglian burrata cheese, and Sardinian sea urchin to the best French oyster, and the king of American lobster to the best Andaman seafood, the search for the best ingredients it’s never ending.
SIZZLE
Sizzle Rooftop Restaurant is a very trendy joint, with a fine reputation for quality food. Their catch phrase, which describes what they do is simple: “Wagyu-Live Seafood-Tikis-Cocktails”.
Located atop the Avista Hideaway MGallery Resort, Sizzle specialises in grilled dishes, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and a range of international fare. The ambiance is romantic and the luxurious open-air experience offers stunning Andaman Sea views.
The Sizzle Seafood Tower is legendary, and good for two. You’ll find, on 3 levels, Canadian Lobster, Crab Legs, Scallops, River Prawns, New Zealand Mussels, Fine de Claire Oysters and Norwegian Trout. Take your time, this is a high-rise experience.
When it comes to the Wagyu part, they have a Brick Charcoal Grill, which cooks meat leaving an amazing smoky crust and flavour. The Golden Japanese Wagyu Indulgence is the pièce de résistance, with an MB of 12, and you get 350 grams of succulent meat.