Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [568]
Tawai ( Map; 0 7632 5381; Moo 1, Laguna Phuket entrance; dishes from 150B; dinner) Set in a lovely old house decorated with traditional art is this gem of a Thai kitchen serving classics like roast duck curry and pork larb (minced pork salad mixed with chilli, mint and coriander), and steamed, grilled and fried seafood.
Rain-Hail ( Map; 08 1979 1967; 21 Moo 2, Choeng Thaleh; dishes from 180B; 11.30am-2am) Modernists will appreciate the black-bottom fountain in the entry, which juxtaposes a white marble and limestone dining room on one side and a classic mod lounge on the other. The cuisine is all Pacific Rim, with a tamago roll of miso, mango and crab, and a lovely bluefin tuna tartare.
Tatonka ( Map; 0 7632 4349; Th Srisoonthorn; dishes 250-350B; dinner Thu-Tue) This is the home of ‘globetrotter cuisine’, which owner-chef Harold Schwarz developed by taking fresh local products and combining them with techniques learned in Europe, Colorado and Hawaii. The eclectic, tapas-style selection includes creative vegetarian and seafood dishes like Peking duck pizza (230B). There’s also a tasting menu (per person 750B, minimum two people) which lets you nibble a little of everything. Call ahead in the high season. Tatonka arranges free transportation for guests of the resort complex.
Tre ( Map; 0 7632 4374; dishes 550-3000B; dinner) This French–Vietnamese fusion masterpiece is located on a silent lagoon in the heart of Laguna’s Banyan Tree Resort ( Click here). Savour perfected recipes for succulent steaks and lobster while the strum of a lyre idles nearby. You’ll need a torch (provided, of course) to read your menu after the sun has set, and as the scenery fades to black, Thai canvas hot-air balloons and glittery stars accent the sky. If you’re feting any special occasion while visiting Phuket, have your celebratory dinner here.
360 (off Map; 0 7631 7600; Phuket Pavilions Resort) This open-air patio, covered with giant rattan lounge chairs, sits high above the gnarled jungle trees. The lychee Bellini goes down real easy while admiring the 360-degree views as the sun sets over the manicured Laguna grounds.
English Pub ( Map; 0 8987 21398; Th Srisoonthorn) Aka ‘The Whispering Cock’, this timber-and-thatch watering hole is the most authentic English pub on the island – even the toilets smell. It has a sunny beer garden, a snug interior, a good range of beers and some decent pub grub.
Surin
Patacharin ( Map; 08 1892 8587; dishes from 60B; lunch & dinner) This local fish grill is built into the headland at the southernmost end of Hat Surin. Other fish grills and cafes unfurl north of here like a strand of delicious pearls.
La Plage ( Map; 08 1184 7719; dishes from 150B; 11am-10pm) When two Paris-raised Laotian polyglots (what?) open a fusion restaurant on the sand, you have to swing by to see what it’s all about. It serves a fine nicoise salad and a savoury green curry with a kick.
Silk ( Map; 0 7627 1705; Hwy 4025; dishes from 200B; 11am-11pm) This expansive, stylish place is one of several upmarket restaurants in Surin Plaza, and an expat magnet. The decor is a hip cocktail of burgundy paint, wood and exotic flowers, while the menu focuses on beautifully executed Thai specialities.
Catch ( Map; 0 7631 6500; dishes from 250B; 11am-11pm) Slip on your spaghetti-strapped dress or a linen suit to blend in at this cabana-style eatery right on the beach. It’s part of Twin Palms ( Click here), and has the same classy attributes as the hotel both in ambience and cuisine. The attached lounge-bar attracts an excellent assortment of live acts.
Liquid Lounge ( Map; 08 1537 2018; 4pm-1am) A stylish, loft-style martini lounge with premium liquor, occasional live jazz and wi-fi.
Kamala
Basilico ( Map; 0 7638 5856; 125 Moo 3, Th Hat Kamala; dishes from 180B; dinner) Another member of Phuket’s ever-growing legion of tasty Italian restaurants. Basilico has good wood-fired pizza, but try the grilled tiger prawns in a parsley and garlic marinade, served on a chickpea and rosemary mash.
Rockfish ( Map; 0 7627 9732; 33/6