Beyond the conventional pad thai, papaya salad and mango sticky rice, Phuket is a celebrated destination for its abundance of fine dining options, ones offering unparalleled gastronomic experiences that bridge international techniques with local flavors. 

In recent years, the culinary landscape has evolved to include even more upscale dining establishments that focus on anything from sustainability to fusion to innovation. Here is a curated list of three of Phuket’s most elite venues that stray from the traditional Thai street food fare.

PRU

PRU, situated adjacent the luxurious Trisara resort in Phuket, embodies a unique culinary philosophy encapsulated in its eponymous 'Plant, Raise, Understand' tagline. Under the guidance of Chef Jimmy Ophorst, PRU showcases a stunning array of seasonal, local ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. The entirely solar energy-powered kitchen utilizes wood and homemade charcoal for grilling, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The restaurant's menu features a mix of seafood, plants, and artisanal preserves, including rare ingredients sourced directly from local fishing communities and the restaurant’s own organic farm. Diners are treated to an immersive experience, with the Japanese Kappo-style counter providing a view into the open kitchen, where intricate dishes are crafted with a focus on the terroir of the Andaman Sea.

Chef Jimmy is dedicated to supporting local artisans, integrating community-crafted products into the restaurant's aesthetic and experience. His innovative approach transforms local produce into exquisite, artistically presented plates, with a focus on vegetables often taking center stage. This approach most recently has afforded Chef Jimmy the title “Best Dutch Chef Abroad 2025” by Gault&Millau, a testament to his his commitment to using exclusively Thai ingredients coupled with Western techniques that results in ingenious bites.

Since opening in 2016, PRU has garnered acclaim, earning its first Michelin star in 2018 (the only restaurant on the island that claims a star still today), making PRU the gold standard for fine dining in Phuket.

Jampa

Jampa restaurant, led by Chef Dingen, exemplifies the essence of sustainable dining with its contemporary European menu built on the principles of zero waste and ecological responsibility. Located at the heart of a wellness community, Jampa proudly embraces a "Dine Good Do Good" philosophy, sourcing the freshest seafood and produce exclusively from artisanal vendors and local farms. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its Michelin Green Star for 2025, a recognition of its pioneering efforts in sustainable gastronomy.

Jampa's farm-to-fork approach is complemented by live-fire cooking, enhancing the flavors and textures of locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on minimal waste, inventive recipes are crafted from repurposed ingredients, demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Each dish reflects a deep respect for nature and its resources, making dining at Jampa not just a meal, but a conscious choice towards sustainable travel.

Zuma Phuket

Tucked away in a serene bay of the Andaman Sea, within the picturesque Anantara Layan Resort, Zuma Phuket embodies the globally renowned brand's ethos of chic tropical elegance. The blend of local culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and Zuma’s trademark style has resonated with visitors, solidifying the restaurant's role as a vital part of Phuket's culinary landscape. And, due to popular demand, Zuma has extended its seasonal residency at Anantara until April 2026.

The venue boasts an open layout that allows guests to savor innovative Japanese fare against a stunning sea view backdrop. As the island is celebrated for its rich Thai cuisine, Zuma introduces a unique gastronomic perspective, furnishing both vacationers and local food enthusiasts with a diverse array of international dining options. Fresh seafood is the common throughline, weaving together Thai flavors coupled with a Japanese backbone.

This season, Zuma introduced exclusive tasting menus, including the signature Daikoku menu (THB4,850), offering dishes like Crispy Fried Squid with green chili and a gasp of lime; thinly sliced Sea Bass finished with yuzu, truffle aioli, and glistening beads of salmon roe; chef’s selection of sushi and sashimi, and Spicy Beef Tenderloin seared with a sweet soy, sesame, and red chili gastrique.

On Sundays, the Baikingu Brunch presents a relaxed dining experience with a variety of Zuma favorites, like Fried Softshell Crab, White Shrimp Tempura, and Chilean Sea Bass.

The cocktail menu includes playful Japanese twists on classics. Think rhubarb-infused sake and passion fruit as the Rubaba (THB 420) and the Rikka and Tonic (THB 430) – a play on the classic G&T featuring Roku gin, grapefruit and yuzu-spiked tonic water.

By showcasing an expansive spread of contemporary Japanese plates and creative cocktails, Zuma is able to maintain the optimal balance between luxury and approachability, often enhanced by live music performances. Zuma Phuket not only elevates the island's culinary landscape but also sets a high standard for Japanese cuisine in the region, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The perfect partner for Zuma, luxury hospitality brand, Anantara connects modern travelers to genuine places and authentic experiences through heartfelt hospitality in some of the world's most exciting locations. With over 40 stunning hotels and resorts, Anantara offers hotel visitors an avenue into off-the-beaten-path destinations, curating upscale leisure-centric, personalized travel adventures, making it the ideal place to stay during Phuket culinary explorations.