9 Best Restaurants in Patong Beach

La Gritta is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in Phuket. Located in the compound of Amari Phuket at the southern end of Patong Bay, this fine-dining venue features a superb contemporary design throughout its 2 distinct areas – the indoor, air-conditioned dining room and the modern, cosy lounge that's partially open-air.

Both areas have stunning views over Patong Bay and offer a unique place for a gourmet dinner under the stars, with the relaxing sound of the waves licking the shore, and the cool sea breeze refreshing the atmosphere and offering the ultimate tropical dinner.

Acqua is a modern Italian restaurant that's the labour of love of Sardinian-born chef Alessandro Frau. With clean lines, futuristic design and great views out over the Andaman, Acqua is definitely a leading contender for one of the most beautiful restaurants in Phuket. Naturally, the first-class food and service also stand out.

Joe’s Downstairs may have a humble-sounding name, but it's one of Phuket’s most prominent restaurants. It serves contemporary international cuisine and dishes are all pièces de résistance, with the emphasis on great quality and taste.

The restaurant’s titular staircase leads to an all-white restaurant settled on granite boulders overlooking Patong Bay. It's an outstanding sundowner spot for cocktails, as well as a regular seaside watering hole for the young and affluent Phuket set. American-born Chef Aaron Hooper makes the art of good food seem effortless.

Home Kitchen, Bar & Bed is the project of the multitalented and hypercreative Chef Daniel Isberg. He opened this restaurant, lounge bar and boutique hotel in the northern part of Patong Bay in August 2014.

Home Kitchen’s arty design comes from the sparkling creative brain of another talented Phuket character – Australian industrial artist John Underwood – who's famous for recycling and transforming old stuff into splendid pieces of art. Set in a 2-storey building with the second floor shaped like an upside-down boat, the venue is highly original and fashionable – a great place for a stylish sundowner before a fine dinner.

Dining at Royale Nam Tok in Kathu is one of Phuket’s most unique experiences. This is because, during the day, the restaurant is the owners’ house. It flips into its role as a fine-dining experience every evening except Sundays. The cuisine here is predominantly haute cuisine French with tinges of Asian fusion. There are only 6 tables, so booking ahead is essential.

Sam’s is one of the most reliable restaurants for those looking for unpretentious yet quality dining in Patong. Located inside the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, this opulent restaurant delivers the goods in style: classy décor, refined ambience, delicious cuisine and impeccable service. The food is also excellent, making it a fantastic romantic dining spot.

Pan Yaah in Kalim has one of the best restaurant views of Patong Bay and serves up great Thai seafood and traditional dishes. Located in Kalim, about 1 km north of Patong along the scenic beach road heading up to Kamala Beach, it has been established for many years and continues to up its act in terms of service, cuisine and décor to the point that it’s a great little place for romantic and intimate sunset and evening dining. The restaurant is set above large granite rocks and diners can hear the surf breaking below.

Kaab Gluay is a long-established restaurant on Phrabarami Road, in the northern part of Patong Beach. This casual venue is famous for the quality of its food – it serves exclusively authentic Thai cuisine – for its down-to-earth atmosphere, and for its affordable prices. Kaab gluay means ‘banana trunk’ in Thai, but the restaurant has more to do with seafood than bananas.

Kaab Gluay is very much a Thai culinary experience and should be appreciated as such, with multiple and shared orders. Each dish is as fresh as can be and is served in generous portions. Prices are reasonable, which means you can splurge a little.

Sizzle, at Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery in the hills above southern Patong, is in one of the loveliest locations in Patong. It enjoys lofty views over 2 gorgeous beaches and a sunset vista at certain times of year that's almost instantly addictive. This rooftop steakhouse seats just 32 and, as a result, it enjoys an intimate atmosphere with staff members providing optimum personal service.

US-born executive chef Timothy C. Westaway's many years of culinary experiences around the globe are showcased in Cajun and Hawaiian influences to an extraordinary degree, making Sizzle one of the most eclectic 5-star restaurant experiences in Phuket.