Fishing for Compliments: The Best Seafood Restaurants in Phuket
Phuket has some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, so it’s no surprise that it also has some of the world’s best seafood. Virtually every restaurant in town boasts a fresh fish table outside showing off the day’s specials, but the quality of cooking will vary and you can’t always tell how long the fish has been waiting to make its way onto your plate. Onto Bodega’s list of the best seafood restaurants in Phuket, #TreatYoself!
A much better idea is to head for a specialty seafood restaurant, where you know that the fish is going to be the main event and the chefs will show it off in the best way possible. Here are a few of the best.
Bang Mud Floating Seafood Restaurant
This is something a bit different, as the restaurant is actually a floating pontoon and a visit here includes a boat trip from Laem Hin pier! The food is highly recommended and includes specials like soft shell crab, squid with garlic and seafood salad. Prices are on a higher side for Thailand, but the setting and the experience makes it worth it. Just fill up on beer beforehand as it doesn’t sell alcohol!
Hours of Operation: 5 PM – 11 PM daily
Location: 73 Laem Hin Road, Ko Maprao, Phuket Town
Contact: 081 273 2367
Seafood at Trisara
Starting with a classic, Seafood at Trisara is a delightful place on the beachfront of the Trisara resort. It gets rave reviews from locals and visitors alike with its premium menu of lobster, oysters Rockefeller and high-end BBQ. Budget-friendly it’s not, but memorable? Absolutely. They also cater for gluten-free and have an extensive vegetarian menu for the non-fish eaters amongst us.
Hours of Operation: 12 PM – 10:30 PM daily
Location: 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Choeng Thale, Phuket 83110
Contact: 076 310 100
Thanoon Seafood Restaurant
Down the other end of the pricing spectrum, Thanoon is a much more relaxed affair. With tables set right on the edge of the water, this is a great place to come for a few beers, an afternoon dip and then a delicious meal at sunset. The menu mixes seafood classics like chili oysters and grilled prawns with a range of inventive sides; the som tam papaya salad with added extras is particularly recommended.
Hours of Operation: 12 PM – 11 PM daily
Location: 13 Moo 7 Khokkloi Sub District, Tumbol Khokkloi, Amphoe Takhua, Mai Khao, Phuket
Contact: 076 452 052
Mor Mu Dong
A locals favorite, Mor Mu Dong is an excellent-value place tucked away in a tropical setting. The menu is all in Thai so prepare to point at some pictures or act out your favorite fish, but the result is worth the effort as the food is spicy and delicious. If you’re not a fan of extreme chili then the phrase ‘mai phet’ (not spicy) is your best friend! Seating is traditional so expect to be sat on mats on the floor, and the views out over the surrounding mangrove-filled waterways are delightful. Talk to people in town and for a lot of them, this will be their favorite place to eat in Phuket.
Hours of Operation: 10 AM – 9 PM daily
Location: 9/4 Chao Fah Ta Wan Aok Road, Chalong, Phuket Town,
Contact: 095 036 8759
The Crab House
This next pick does exactly what it says on the tin- it sells crab, and lots of it! Conveniently located right in the center of Patong, the menu offers a straightforward mix of different types of crab alongside various different sauces and dips, with the added benefit of countless types of lobsters and prawns alongside. The drinks flow freely as you’d expect this close to Bangla Road, and the whole place has a party atmosphere. Come here to line your stomach before heading out!
Hours of Operation: 12 PM – 11:30 PM daily
Location: 169/83 Phungmueang Road, Patong
Contact: 091 839 4953
