Planning a quick weekend getaway to Phuket? There’s more to this island paradise than gorgeous beaches and wild nights out. From book-themed cafes to Thailand’s first-ever Michelin Green Star restaurant, check out our shortlist of must-visit restaurants and cafes below.
Sun-kissed skin, deliciously cheap street food, and crazy, alcohol-fuelled nights out along the infamous Bangla Street — pretty much every tourist’s Phuket itinerary. But is that all there is to this island destination? Hardly.
Over the years, Phuket has been quietly breaking away from its stereotypes and building a name for itself as the holiday destination for tourists of all stripes. Today, it is home to hundreds of amazing restaurants and cafes just waiting to be discovered.
To help you cut through the clutter, here are some of our favourite cafes and restaurants across the island. We hope you brought your appetite!
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1. Bookhemian
Image credits: Jamie’s Phuket Blog
Nestled in the heart of the charming Phuket Old Town, Bookhemian is every bibliophile’s dream. When you enter the cafe, expect to see an impressive variety of used books lining the front room (they’re all for sale!), along with decorative bicycles hanging from the walls. They have an impressive range of food and drinks, and their lattes have a special place in our hearts. The coffee shop also doubles up as an events space, which houses art exhibits and even indie film screenings, so be sure to check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM – 7 PM. Saturdays, 9 AM – 8 PM. Sundays, 9 AM – 7 PM.
Address: 61 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Bookehmian
2. ROOF Pudding & Cafe
Image credits: LINE TODAY
No prizes for guessing what this cafe’s known for! It’s not difficult to find this spot, considering how there’s a constant stream of patrons throughout the day — as they say, the proof is in the pudding. You’d probably be spoilt for choice with their range of desserts, but we’d recommend going for their OG caramel pudding. Brightly lit and perfectly decorated (they have a gorgeous little tree right smack in their establishment), it’s also the perfect place to take those #OOTD shots for the ‘gram.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9 AM – 6 PM. Sundays, 9 AM – 8 PM
Address: V9MP+QX9, Yaowarad Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phulet, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about ROOF Pudding & Cafe
3. Dou Brew Coffee & Craft
Image credits: Lemon8
If you’re on the lookout for a more charming and rustic spot, Dou Brew Coffee & Craft is the place to be. This space serves a neat selection of locally grown coffee, making it a treat for caffeine lovers looking to try out different bean varietals. We also love that this cafe sells artisanal chocolate, from humble chocolate bars to gorgeous bonbons and pralines that taste as good as they look.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM – 6 PM. Saturdays & Sundays, 8 AM – 7 PM
Address: 15 Soi Rommani, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Dou Brew Coffee & Craft
4. Harlem Cafe
Image credits: Harlem Cafe
If you’re all about dat healthy living, then you might have already known that tucked away in the south of Phuket island is the unofficial fitness district, with plenty of Muay Thai gyms and fitness boot camps in the area. So to cater to those looking for a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste, Harlem Cafe answers the call. Expect delicious and affordable all-day brunches that come with vegetarian options as well. We love that it’s also tucked away along a quiet street, making it the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work at the gym.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7 AM – 5 PM. Sundays, 8 AM – 2 PM.
Address: Soi Ta-iad, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Harlem Cafe
5. The Remedy Phuket
Image credits: a day magazine
If quaint and quiet isn’t your cup of tea, then The Remedy might be your best bet. Like Cafe Harlem, this cafe is nestled within the countless gyms in the vicinity. We love its fluid and industrial vibes reminiscent of a nice hideaway in somewhere like Ubud, Bali. Take your pick from its selection of coffee, cocktails, and a delicious line-up of pastries and hot meals. Did we mention they have a resident cat that’s always down for head rubs?
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Address: 5 Soi Ta-iad, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about The Remedy Phuket
6. Hern Coffee & Bistro
Image credits: PHUKET 101
Patong might be known for its pretty insane nightlife, but it’s also home to plenty of charming cafes, and Hern Coffee & Bistro is one of those. This open-air cafe bistro is located just along the beach, offering you gorgeous views of the endless horizon. Now back to the food. It comes with an eclectic selection of Thai and Western cuisine, along with the usual coffee, smoothies, and some cheeky tipples. There’s ample seating as well, making it the perfect place for digital nomads who want to find a good balance of sun, sand, sea, and work.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 AM – 10 PM
Address: 66 Thawewong Road, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Hern Coffee & Bistro
7. Thalang #31
Image credits: Restaurant Guru
If you’re looking for a spot that isn’t too touristy, then Thalang #31 might be your best bet. This Old Town establishment is both a cafe and a bar, making it easy to transition from coffee to cocktails in just a snap. We know this list is meant to talk about the cafe part of things, but we have to give credit where credit is due — they make amazing cocktails, and have delicious ice-cold beer on tap. You know it’s the real deal when it’s also super popular amongst the locals.
Opening Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 AM – 7 PM. Thursdays to Saturdays, 11 AM – 8 PM. Sundays, 1 – 10 PM.
Address: 31 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Thalang #31
8. Raya Restaurant
Image credits: Top 25 Restaurants
If you haven’t already noticed, Old Town Phuket is truly a treasure trove of foodie joints that you cannot miss out on. As you walk around the charming streets, you may notice Peranakan-style motifs and facades, and it’s no coincidence that this district houses Phuket’s Baba Thai-Chinese community. Enter Raya Restaurant, home to some of the best Thai-Peranakan cuisines on the island.
Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the yesteryears with its charming and almost kitschy decorations. Order the decadent crab curry for its generous chunks of crabmeat, moo hong, and if you’re feeling extra sinful, get their pork lard omelette — we promise you won’t regret it. Do note that they’re a cash-only establishment, so don’t forget to keep some cash handy!
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 10 PM
Address: 48/1 Dibuk Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Raya Restaurant
9. The Pad Thai Shop
Image credits: Tripadvisor
One might think that the Pad Thai Shop only specialises in its namesake, but nearly everything on the menu is a hit. Located along the quiet Karon Beach, this place is a hit with locals — which is a clear sign that you’re in for a delicious treat. While the Pad Thai is a must-try, their Pad Kaprow and beef noodles are to-die-for. Wash it all down with fresh coconut juice, and your entire feast will only cost you approximately 200THB.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM
Address: 12 Tambon Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about The Pad Thai Shop
10. PRU Restaurant
Image credits: PHUKET 101
If you fancy yourself a fine dining connoisseur, then you might not be a stranger to PRU. As Thailand’s only Michelin Green Star restaurant, we’d say we’re pretty blown away by its food, concept, and service.
This degustation-centric restaurant is founded on the tenets of sustainability. Its name, after all, stands for ‘Plant, Raise and Understand’. Take a seat in its intimate hall, and the restaurant’s staff will patiently talk you through every single item on the menu — all locally sourced around Thailand. You can expect to be treated to ingredients you’d otherwise not have access to, such as local cheeses, vegetables, and herbs. It might be on the pricier side, but still considerably priced given that it has a Michelin star.
This place is also very much tucked away from civilisation in the lush Trisara Resort, so you can expect some of the most amazing views of the Andaman Sea — luxury at its finest.
Opening Hours: Thursdays to Mondays, 6 PM – 10:30 PM
Address: 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about PRU Restaurant
11. Nitan
Image credits: The Guide Phuket
Here’s a Michelin Plate option that serves up some absolutely divine Thai-European cuisine. This cosy and intimate restaurant is a gastronomical dream, with every dish meticulously plated. Just like PRU, it uses local ingredients to create culinary magic and has tasting menus that change with the season — which means you’ll enjoy only the freshest ingredients with every course.
Don’t forget to make reservations ahead of time — this restaurant doesn’t accept walk-ins and takes only 15 guests each day.
Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Address: 177, 38 Srisoonthorn Road, Tambon Is Sunthon, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Find out more about Nitan
Happy Bellies Await In The Land of Smiles
Having the opportunity to explore the world and try out all sorts of food and drink is truly a dream, and we’re so excited you’re here to embark on that journey with us. And while you might be raring to go on your next trip anywhere and everywhere, remember to use your YouTrip card to cash in on our sweet wholesale exchange rates! And even if you need to pay in cash, don’t fret — ATM withdrawals will only cost you S$5 with no added fees.
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Stay safe and happy eating!
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