It’s fair to say that any restaurant whose name is affiliated in any way with the renowned Michelin Guide has an advantage. The Michelin Guide has long been known for sending its army of food critics out into the world to seek out the best cuisine. While obtaining a Michelin “star” (or multiple) indicates a restaurant that has worked its way into the upper echelons of the culinary world, being mentioned in the same sentence as the Michelin Guide is an honor at the very least. 

Phuket's culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors with a foundation of Thai and influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisines. Street food vendors, local markets, and upscale dining establishments coexist, offering a diverse range of options for every palate. The island's rich culinary heritage has gained international notoriety in its designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy as well as the Michelin Guide's acknowledgment of 54 eating establishments that stand out.

Pru

While many online sources throw around the term “Michelin Star” regarding Phuket restaurants, Pru is the only one that can currently legitimately make that claim. Situated within the lavish Trisara Phuket resort, Pru has become synonymous with farm-to-table dining on the island. Praised for its sustainable practices and a menu that highlights locally grown produce, Pru has received a Michelin Star for its dedication to elevating the dining experience in Phuket. The restaurant's open kitchen allows diners to witness the chefs' craftsmanship as they transform fresh, seasonal ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Suay Restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of Phuket Town, Suay Restaurant has been making waves for its innovative approach to Thai cuisine. Though yet to be bestowed with a Michelin star, Suay has earned a Michelin Mention for its commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. The menu reflects a perfect blend of traditional Thai flavors with a modern twist, showcasing the culinary creativity that put Suay on the Michelin radar.

Roti Chaofa

Now let’s jump to the other end of the spectrum. You won’t make a reservation or be welcomed by a maître d' at Roti Chaofa, but you will experience what some would consider Phuket soul food. 

Primarily a bustling breakfast spot, this Muslim-run, no-frills eatery cranks out crispy roti, complex curries, and rice biryani that speaks for itself. Try the tender beef massaman, fragrant and complex goat curry, or the crispy and savory roti mataba. You can’t go wrong keeping it simple by grabbing a couple of pieces of flawlessly fried chicken with a side of sticky rice.

O Tao Bang Niao

Sticking with the street food theme, O Tao Bang Niao is a bare-bones food stall in the heart of Phuket Town, a local favorite since 1982. Of the few dishes on offer, the signature is o tao which is unique to Phuket. While perhaps “o tao” is not the most visibly inviting plate of food, it almost makes the surprisingly delicious concoction even better. O tao consists of a mix of taro, egg, tiny oysters, cassava flour, crispy pork skin, and more which are stir-fried on a charcoal-fired griddle. The textures and flavors somehow seem more than the sum of their parts with a hint of smokiness infused from the fire. 

This is just the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to Michelin-recognized restaurants and food stalls in Phuket. From 50-baht meals to extravagant multi-course productions, Phuket offers a bit of everything for the discerning foodie.