Phuket is one of Thailand’s most exciting food destinations, where Southern Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, classic street food, and international dining come together in one island setting. From oceanfront seafood villages and historic Old Town eateries to vibrant night markets, beach clubs, and fine-dining restaurants, Phuket offers something for every taste and budget.
This guide covers street food, local restaurants, seafood spots, fine dining, cafés, and night markets, helping you decide exactly where and what to eat. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, traveling with family, planning a romantic getaway, hunting for hidden local favorites, or sticking to a budget, you’ll find the best places to eat in Phuket right here.
Must-Try Local Dishes in Phuket
Fresh Seafood
Phuket is famous for its seafood, often displayed on ice where you choose by weight before it’s cooked to order. Expect grilled prawns, steamed crab, lobster, squid, and whole fish served with spicy Thai dipping sauces. Coastal areas like Rawai and Chalong are especially known for ultra-fresh catches and waterfront dining.
Southern Thai Specialties
Southern Thai cuisine is bolder, spicier, and more aromatic than standard Thai food. Don’t miss:
- Gaeng Som: Sour and spicy curry with fish and vegetables.
- Moo Hong: Slow-braised pork belly in soy, garlic, and pepper, a Phuket classic.
- Nam Prik Goong Siap: Chili paste with dried shrimp, served with fresh vegetables.
These dishes offer an authentic taste of Phuket’s regional identity.
Street Food Classics
You’ll find beloved Thai street food everywhere:
Pad Thai, Tom Yum, grilled satay, crispy roti, and sweet mango sticky rice. Street stalls and markets are the best places to sample these affordable, flavorful favorites.
Desserts & Snacks
Try traditional khanom (Thai sweets), coconut-based desserts, banana pancakes, and refreshing Thai iced tea. Markets and cafés across the island serve both traditional and modern interpretations.
Best Areas to Eat in Phuket
Phuket Old Town
Old Town is the heart of local cuisine. Here you’ll find traditional eateries, heritage cafés, family-run restaurants, and the famous Sunday Walking Street Market. It’s ideal for discovering authentic Southern Thai recipes, historic bakeries, and creative dessert cafés.
Patong
Patong offers the widest variety of food, from international restaurants and beachfront dining to late-night street food. It’s perfect for travelers who want everything within walking distance, including casual eats after nightlife.
Kata & Karon
These areas are known for relaxed dining, family-friendly restaurants, and seaside cafés. Expect a mix of Thai, Western, and seafood options with a laid-back beach atmosphere.
Kamala & Bang Tao
Upscale dining dominates here, with luxury resorts, beach clubs, rooftop bars, and fine restaurants. Great for sunset dinners, modern menus, and premium dining experiences.
Rawai & Chalong
These coastal areas are famous for seafood villages and waterfront restaurants. Many places allow you to choose your seafood fresh before cooking, offering some of the most authentic dining experiences on the island.
Where to Eat Street Food in Phuket
Phuket’s street food scene is one of the best ways to experience local flavors, offering everything from classic Thai dishes and Southern specialties to fresh seafood and desserts at affordable prices. From lively night markets to hidden neighborhood stalls, street food is woven into everyday life on the island.
Phuket Old Town – Local Classics & Heritage Recipes
Best for: Traditional dishes, desserts, cultural atmosphere
Phuket Old Town is a must for street food lovers. In the evenings—especially during the Sunday Walking Street Market—historic streets fill with food stalls selling Southern Thai specialties, local snacks, and handmade desserts.
What to try: Moo hong (braised pork), gaeng som (sour curry), roti, kanom (Thai sweets), fresh fruit smoothies.
Why go: You can taste authentic recipes in a beautiful, walkable setting, often with live music and street performances.
Chillva Market – Trendy, Creative Street Eats
Best for: Modern Thai street food, desserts, snacks, casual drinks
This container-style market is popular with locals and younger travelers. It blends classic street food with creative twists and is ideal for a relaxed evening out.
What to try: Grilled seafood, Thai-style fried chicken, noodle bowls, coconut desserts, bubble tea.
Why go: Great variety in one place, lively atmosphere, and plenty of seating.
Malin Plaza (Patong) – Late-Night Street Food
Best for: Affordable meals near the beach, quick eats after nightlife
Located near Patong Beach, Malin Plaza is perfect for casual dining after a long day or a night out.
What to try: Grilled prawns, pad thai, mango sticky rice, satay, fresh fruit shakes.
Why go: Convenient location, long opening hours, and some of the best-value street food in tourist areas.
Bangla Road & Patong Street Stalls – Nightlife Food Stops
Best for: Quick snacks, late-night meals
Alongside Patong’s nightlife, you’ll find street stalls selling kebabs, fried rice, noodles, pancakes, and seafood.
What to try: Banana pancakes, grilled squid, Thai-style burgers, iced drinks.
Why go: Perfect for grabbing food between bars or after evening activities.
Local Neighborhood Markets & Roadside Stalls
Best for: Authentic everyday food, lowest prices
Away from tourist centers, small street stalls and morning or evening markets serve the food locals eat daily.
What to try: Khao man gai (chicken rice), noodle soups, curries, stir-fried dishes, fried snacks.
Why go: Real Thai flavors, generous portions, and very budget-friendly prices.
What Street Food to Try in Phuket
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, tofu, egg, and tamarind.
- Tom Yum & Noodle Soups: Hot, sour, and aromatic broths.
- Grilled Seafood: Prawns, crab, squid, and fish cooked to order.
- Roti: Crispy Thai pancakes with banana, egg, or chocolate.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet coconut rice with ripe mango.
- Southern Specialties: Moo hong, gaeng som, and spicy chili pastes with vegetables.
Practical Tips for Street Food in Phuket
- Go Where Locals Eat: Busy stalls usually mean better flavor, fresher ingredients, and good hygiene. Follow the crowds, especially at neighborhood markets and side streets.
- Cash Is King: Most street food vendors only accept cash, especially at night markets and roadside stalls. Carry small bills to make ordering quick and easy.
- Ask About Spice Levels: Thai dishes can be much spicier than expected for first-time visitors. Ask for “not spicy” or “little spicy” if you prefer a milder taste.
- Try Small Portions & Share: Street food portions are perfect for tasting many dishes in one meal. Order several items and share to experience more flavors.
- Stay Hydrated: Phuket’s heat makes it important to drink regularly while eating outdoors. Fresh juices, coconut water, and smoothies are widely available and refreshing.
- Check Freshness & Cleanliness: Choose stalls where food is cooked to order and ingredients look well handled. Hot, freshly prepared dishes are usually the safest option.
- Eat at Peak Hours: Street food is best during busy evening hours when vendors cook continuously. Higher turnover means fresher food and better flavor.
- Be Adventurous, But Know Your Limits: Trying new dishes is part of the fun of Phuket’s street food scene. Start with familiar items if you are unsure about spice or ingredients.
Top Restaurants in Phuket
Best Local Thai Restaurants
These spots are known for authentic Southern Thai flavors, generous portions, and affordable prices, and are often popular with locals. Expect bold curries, traditional home-style dishes, and regional specialties.
Recommended local Thai restaurants:
- One Chun Café & Restaurant (Phuket Old Town) – Famous for moo hong, gaeng som, and classic Phuket dishes.
- Raya Restaurant (Phuket Old Town) – Heritage-style dining serving traditional recipes in a historic setting.
- Tu Kab Khao (Phuket Old Town) – Elevated Southern Thai cuisine in a beautifully restored building.
- Mor Mu Dong (Chalong area) – Rustic riverside huts offering authentic local seafood and spicy curries.
- Charm Dining Gallery (Old Town) – Refined Thai dishes with local ingredients and modern presentation.
Best Seafood Restaurants
Phuket’s seafood scene ranges from casual beachside eateries to elegant waterfront restaurants. Dishes are typically grilled, steamed with lime and garlic, or stir-fried with Thai herbs, featuring the freshest catch of the day.
Top seafood restaurants:
- Kan Eang Restaurant (Chalong) – Classic waterfront restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed views.
- Rawai Seafood Market & Nearby Restaurants (Rawai) – Choose live seafood by weight and have it cooked on the spot.
- Laem Hin Seafood (east coast) – Local favorite for affordable, high-quality seafood in a laid-back setting.
- The Beach Bar & Restaurant (Bang Tao) – Beachfront seafood dining with sunset views.
- Baan Rim Pa (Patong) – Cliffside Thai seafood with panoramic ocean views.
Best International & Fusion Dining
Phuket offers excellent Italian, Japanese, Western, and modern Thai fusion restaurants, perfect for travelers seeking variety or refined interpretations of classic flavors.
Top international & fusion restaurants:
- La Gritta (Patong) – Italian cuisine with romantic sunset views over Patong Bay.
- Blue Elephant Phuket (Old Town) – Royal Thai cuisine presented in a fine-dining, heritage setting.
- Kata Rocks Clubhouse (Kata) – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with modern plating and ocean views.
- Wagyu Steakhouse (Surin / Bang Tao area) – Premium meats and contemporary Western dining.
Fine Dining & Chef-Driven Restaurants
For special occasions, Phuket features Michelin-mentioned venues, tasting menus, and high-end culinary experiences. Expect artistic presentation, seasonal ingredients, and curated wine pairings in elegant settings.
Notable fine-dining restaurants:
- PRU (Trisara, near Nai Thon) – Phuket’s Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on farm-to-table cuisine.
- Acqua (Kalima / Patong area) – Michelin-recognized Italian fine dining with tasting menus.
- Mom Tri’s Kitchen (Kata Noi) – Gourmet Thai and international cuisine with oceanfront views.
- Samut (Chalong) – Chef-driven restaurant highlighting local seafood and Southern Thai ingredients in an upscale setting.
Best Beachfront & Scenic Dining in Phuket
Seaside Seafood Restaurants
Phuket’s coastal dining scene is best experienced at seaside seafood restaurants, where fresh catches are cooked to order and enjoyed with ocean views and sea breezes. These spots are especially popular for sunset dinners and relaxed evenings by the water.
Recommended seaside seafood restaurants:
- Rawai Seafood Market & Restaurants (Rawai): Choose live seafood by weight and have it cooked at nearby restaurants overlooking the sea.
- Kan Eang Restaurant (Chalong): A long-standing favorite for Thai seafood with waterfront seating and a relaxed local atmosphere.
- Mor Mu Dong (near Chalong): Rustic stilted huts surrounded by mangroves, serving authentic Southern Thai seafood dishes.
- The Beach Bar & Restaurant (Bang Tao): Casual beachfront dining with grilled seafood and sunset views.
- Kamala Seafood (Kamala): Simple, beachfront spot known for fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Beach Clubs & Rooftop Dining
For a more stylish dining experience, Phuket’s beach clubs and rooftop restaurants combine creative menus, cocktails, music, and panoramic sea views. These venues are ideal for sunset drinks, social dining, and modern cuisine in a relaxed but upscale setting.
Popular beach clubs & rooftop venues:
- Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao): One of Phuket’s most famous beach clubs, offering international dishes, cocktails, and sunset DJ sessions.
- Café del Mar Phuket (Kamala): Ibiza-inspired beach club with Mediterranean flavors, drinks, and a lively evening atmosphere.
- Kata Rocks Clubhouse (Kata): Sleek infinity pool views with refined Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- Baba Nest (Cape Panwa): Rooftop bar with 360-degree ocean views, perfect for sunset cocktails and light bites.
- The Sundeck Phuket (near Kata Noi): Cliffside dining with uninterrupted sea views and a relaxed, stylish vibe.
Romantic Restaurants for Couples
Phuket is a popular destination for honeymoons and special occasions, and its romantic restaurants focus on privacy, ambiance, and unforgettable views. Many offer candlelight dinners, beachfront tables, and customized dining experiences.
- Mom Tri’s Kitchen (Kata Noi): Fine dining with ocean views, perfect for anniversaries and romantic evenings.
- La Gritta (Patong): Italian cuisine with sunset views over Patong Bay, popular for date nights.
- Baan Rim Pa (Patong): Traditional Thai restaurant perched on a cliff with sweeping sea views.
- The Cove Phuket (Ao Yon): Intimate beachfront restaurant with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Phuket by Travel Style
For First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first trip to Phuket, focus on places that showcase the island’s signature flavors and easy-to-access dining experiences.
Start in Phuket Old Town, where you can sample classic Southern Thai dishes such as moo hong, gaeng som, and local noodles at heritage restaurants and cafés. Add at least one beachfront seafood restaurant for fresh grilled prawns, crab, or fish with ocean views. In the evening, visit a night market to try street food, desserts, and snacks all in one place. This mix gives you a fast, well-rounded introduction to Phuket’s food scene without complicated planning.
For Families
Families benefit most from relaxed, flexible dining environments that cater to both adults and children.
Choose casual restaurants, food courts, and seaside cafés with open seating, high chairs, and shorter wait times. Many restaurants in Kata, Karon, and Kamala offer kid-friendly menus, milder-flavored Thai dishes, and familiar Western options such as pasta, burgers, or pizza alongside local favorites. Night markets are also family-friendly, allowing children to choose what they want while parents sample different dishes. The focus is on comfort, convenience, and variety.
For Foodies
Travelers who prioritize cuisine will find Phuket surprisingly rich in culinary depth.
Seek out Southern Thai specialty restaurants that highlight regional ingredients and bold flavors, as well as chef-driven and Michelin-mentioned venues offering modern interpretations of Thai cuisine. Join food tours in Old Town to uncover hidden local eateries, traditional bakeries, and specialty dessert shops. Thai cooking classes that include market visits provide hands-on insight into ingredients and techniques. This approach lets food lovers experience Phuket not just as a beach destination, but as a serious culinary hotspot.
For Budget Travelers
Phuket can be very affordable if you know where to eat.
Rely on street food stalls, night markets, and local eateries, where dishes like pad thai, grilled seafood, noodles, curries, and snacks are available at a fraction of restaurant prices. Markets such as Sunday Walking Street, Chillva, and Malin Plaza offer full meals, desserts, and drinks in one stop. Small neighborhood restaurants and food courts provide filling, authentic meals without the tourist markup, making it easy to enjoy Phuket’s flavors on a tight budget.
For Luxury Travelers
For those seeking refined dining experiences, Phuket offers world-class options in stunning settings.
Indulge in fine-dining restaurants, private dining rooms, beachfront and rooftop restaurants, and beach clubs with curated menus and premium service. Many luxury resorts feature chef-led tasting menus, wine pairings, and ocean-view dining. Private experiences such as yacht-side meals, secluded beach picnics, and candlelight dinners elevate dining into a memorable event. This style is ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and travelers who want both culinary excellence and exclusivity.
Food Experiences & Tours in Phuket
Thai Cooking Classes
Thai cooking classes in Phuket usually begin with a visit to a local market, where instructors explain fresh herbs, spices, seafood, and regional ingredients used in everyday Thai cooking. After the market tour, you’ll prepare well-known dishes such as pad thai, green curry, tom yum, and stir-fried vegetables, learning techniques like balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Many classes take place in open-air kitchens or traditional homes, making the experience both educational and cultural. It’s an excellent activity for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Thai food beyond restaurant dining.
Phuket Food Tours
Food tours offer a guided introduction to Phuket’s diverse culinary scene, especially in Phuket Old Town and local street food districts. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these walking tours take you to family-run eateries, hidden street stalls, bakeries, and dessert shops that are easy to miss on your own.
Along the way, you’ll sample Southern Thai specialties, learn about food history, and hear stories about the neighborhoods you explore. Food tours are ideal for first-time visitors and food lovers who want both great flavors and cultural insight in a single experience.
Seafood Dining Experiences
As a coastal destination, Phuket is famous for its seafood, and curated dining experiences allow you to enjoy it at its best. You can visit fishing villages and waterfront restaurants where live seafood is selected by weight and cooked to order, or enjoy more refined experiences such as chef-led tasting menus and private seaside dinners.
Whether it’s grilled prawns by the beach, steamed fish with lime and garlic, or premium seafood paired with wine at an upscale restaurant, these experiences highlight the island’s freshest ingredients and ocean-to-table traditions.
Seasonal & Special Dining in Phuket
Best Food Experiences in the Dry Season (November-April)
The dry season offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor dining, making it perfect for beachfront restaurants, open-air markets, island seafood spots, and sunset dining. Clear skies and cooler evenings create ideal conditions for enjoying meals by the sea, rooftop restaurants, and romantic candlelight dinners.
This is also the peak season for food tours, night markets, and special dining events, with the widest range of restaurants and experiences fully operating.
Best Food Experiences in the Rainy Season (May-October)
During the rainy season, Phuket’s food scene shifts toward cozy and indoor experiences. It’s an excellent time for Thai cooking classes, café hopping, indoor fine dining, food tours in Old Town, and comfort dishes such as curries, soups, and noodles.
With fewer tourists and lower prices, many travelers enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere, easier restaurant reservations, and the chance to explore Phuket’s culinary culture without crowds. The rain often comes in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for food-focused activities.
Practical Dining Tips for Phuket
How Much Does Food Cost in Phuket?
Food in Phuket can suit almost any budget, depending on where and how you eat. Street food offers the best value, with filling meals, snacks, and drinks available at very low cost. Local restaurants are still affordable, often serving generous portions of authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. Fine dining and beach clubs come at premium prices, but you pay for high-quality ingredients, professional service, and scenic or luxury settings. This range makes it easy to mix budget meals with special dining experiences during your trip.
Where to Find Halal, Vegetarian & Special Diet Food
Phuket is very accommodating for different dietary needs. Halal restaurants are widely available, particularly in Patong, Phuket Old Town, and areas with a strong local Muslim community. Vegetarian and vegan cafés, health-focused eateries, and plant-based restaurants can be found across the island, especially in Old Town, Kata, Kamala, and Bang Tao. International restaurants also cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary preferences, making it easy to find suitable meals for most travelers.
Local Dining Etiquette & Ordering Tips
Thai meals are typically shared family-style, so it’s common to order several dishes for the table rather than one main per person. Spice levels can usually be adjusted, so don’t hesitate to request “not spicy” or “little spicy” when ordering. At street stalls and markets, cash is preferred, while most restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs accept credit cards. Tipping is not required but appreciated for good service, and it’s polite to greet staff and say thank you when ordering and paying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers limit themselves to tourist-heavy areas and miss out on some of Phuket’s best food. Only eating in resort zones often means higher prices and less authentic flavors. Skipping night markets can mean missing out on local street food and regional specialties, while avoiding traditional dishes prevents you from experiencing Phuket’s unique Southern Thai cuisine. Finally, not exploring Phuket Old Town’s food scene means missing one of the island’s richest culinary areas.
Phuket’s food scene is as diverse as the island itself, offering everything from street food and night markets to seafood villages, beachfront restaurants, and refined fine dining. The best way to experience it is to combine local dishes, market discoveries, scenic meals, and curated food experiences as part of your journey. For a deeper look at the island, explore our All About Phuket section, discover culinary experiences in Things to Do in Phuket, and use our detailed Phuket Itineraries to find the best places to eat, plan your routes, and uncover local favorites. Whether you’re searching for authentic Southern Thai flavors, romantic sunset dinners, or budget-friendly street eats, Phuket delivers unforgettable meals at every turn.
FAQs – Where to Eat in Phuket
Where are the best places to eat in Phuket?
The best places to eat in Phuket include Phuket Old Town for local Thai food, Rawai and Chalong for seafood, Patong for international dining, and Bang Tao or Kamala for upscale restaurants and beach clubs.
What local food should I try in Phuket?
Must-try dishes include fresh seafood, moo hong (braised pork), gaeng som (sour curry), tom yum, pad thai, mango sticky rice, and traditional Thai desserts found at markets and local eateries.
Where can I find the best street food in Phuket?
Top street food areas include Sunday Walking Street in Phuket Old Town, Chillva Market, Malin Plaza in Patong, and neighborhood markets across the island. These offer affordable and authentic Thai dishes.
Is Phuket good for seafood?
Yes. Phuket is famous for its seafood, especially in Rawai, Chalong, and coastal villages. Many restaurants serve grilled, steamed, or stir-fried seafood using fresh daily catches.
Are there good restaurants in Phuket for families?
Yes. Kata, Karon, and Kamala have many family-friendly restaurants, seaside cafés, and food courts with kid-friendly menus, relaxed seating, and a mix of Thai and Western options.
Where should couples eat in Phuket?
Couples often choose beachfront restaurants, rooftop dining, and fine-dining venues in Kata Noi, Bang Tao, Kamala, and Patong for sunset views, romantic settings, and special-occasion meals.
Is it easy to find halal or vegetarian food in Phuket?
Yes. Phuket has many halal restaurants, vegetarian and vegan cafés, and health-focused eateries, especially in Patong, Phuket Old Town, Kata, Kamala, and resort areas.
How much does food cost in Phuket?
Street food is very affordable, local restaurants offer good value with large portions, and fine-dining restaurants and beach clubs are higher-priced but provide premium service and scenic settings.
Are food tours and cooking classes worth it in Phuket?
Yes. Food tours in Phuket Old Town and street food areas are a great way to discover hidden local eateries, while Thai cooking classes offer hands-on learning and insight into local ingredients and flavors.
When is the best time for dining experiences in Phuket?
Outdoor and beachfront dining is best during the dry season (November to April). During the rainy season (May to October), cooking classes, cafés, food tours, and indoor dining are ideal.
What dining mistakes should I avoid in Phuket?
Avoid only eating in tourist zones, skipping night markets, ignoring local specialties, and missing Phuket Old Town’s food scene, which is one of the island’s best culinary areas.
Can I eat well in Phuket on a budget?
Absolutely. Street food, night markets, local eateries, and food courts offer delicious meals at low prices, making Phuket one of the best destinations for budget-friendly dining.