20 Best Local Thai Restaurants 🦀 in Phuket

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What are the best local Thai restaurants in Phuket?

For those who are craving delicious Thai food, here is the list of the Best Local Thai restaurants in Phuket. For local Thai restaurants I mean the authentic Thai cuisine with varying levels of spiciness, from mild to extremely spicy! Most of these popular local Thai restaurants are hidden but they are blessed by outstanding views of the ocean.

What makes them popular is definitely the local Thai food, which is excellent. These local Thai restaurants are very simple and all are affordable price. Most of the restaurants don’t care so much about the décor, but it’s all about the food. Wobbly chairs and plastic plates, bamboo huts and dangling lights, toilet paper as napkin and ice cubes in metal glasses. It’s seems a joke but it’s all about Thai style.

Where to eat local Thai food in Phuket

In Phuket local Thai restaurants are everywhere. From north to south and from east to the west. There are more of local Thai restaurants to review in Phuket, so this list might evolve during the year. I also built a map at the end of each restaurant to help you locate these great places.

1. Chaiyo Seafood

Wooden structure by the canal with blue sky in the background — Chaiyo Seafood restaurant

Chaiyo Seafood is one of the best local Thai restaurant in Phuket. Open for more than 2 decades, the location of the restaurant beside Mudong canal is simply breathtaking. On the other side of the canal, the richness of the mangrove is still evident with a wide variety of green and yellow contrasts. Nicely built in a comfortable setting, the restaurant is well-known mostly by locals for its excellent seafood. The seafood is truly excellent because Chaiyo Seafood keeps its seafood alive directly in the water tubs stream. Seafood can’t get much fresher than this. It’s a must try!

Wooden table by the canal — Mangrove view

Two red crabs and green salad leaves — Steamed Crab

Green shells with sauce on a white plate — Grilled green shells

10 shells with green salad on a plastic plate — Deep Fried clam and shell

Location: Phuket Town outskirts
Address: 25/2 Moo 6, Soi Muangthong-Borrae, Sakdidech Road
Open: 10.30 am – 10.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 76 393 142
Price: Affordable
Specialitiy: Seafood

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2. Mor Mu Dong

Cabana with thatched roof surrounded by the trees — Mor Mu Dong

Mor Mu Dong is one of the most famous restaurants in all of Phuket. It’s so well-known by Phuket locals and Thai tourists coming especially from Bangkok areas. Mor Mu Dong received a ‘Bib Gourmand’ rating in the Phuket Michelin Guide. ‘Bib Gourmand’ is a recognition for the great restaurants that serve good food at affordable prices.

The menu is extensive, serving a mix of a great typical local Thai food and seafood. Many dishes are Phuket specialities, and some dishes you won’t find anywhere else. They have a properly way to make it look delicious.

In the open kitchen, tanks of live seafood affirm the freshness of the seafood. Seafood can’t get much fresher than this. The restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including the private wooden cabana with thatched roof built over the mangrove or simply on a concrete table under the trees. It’s a wonderful experience if you haven’t tried it yet. Please read the full REVIEW HERE.

Blue rice, grilled fish, black squid, soup and fish balls — Local Thai food

Red crabs on a plastic dish with blue tablecloths — Blue Steamed crabs

Noodle in the crock bowl and blue rice — Thai Glass Noodle Prawn

Table and blue plastic chairs in the cabana — Private wooden Salas

Location: Chalong
Address: 9/4 Soi Mu Dong, Chao Fah East, Chalong, Phuket
Open: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 88 766 1634
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local food and Seafood

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3. Laem Sai Seafood

Restaurant by the sea with blue sky in the background — Laem Sai Seafood

Laem Sai Seafood is a great local Thai restaurant on the east coast of Phuket. Hidden in a quiet and remote location, the restaurant is well-known mostly by Thai locals and a few expats. It is nicely built by the sea with an amazing dining terrace that overlooks the sea. From the terrace you can enjoy views of the mainland of Phang Nga in the distance. If you are lucky enough, you will enjoy also planes flying over the restaurant. The restaurant serves local food and a vast selection of excellent seafood at affordable prices. Laem Sai Seafood keeps its seafood alive directly in the water tubs stream. Seafood can’t get much fresher than this. It’s a worth a try!

Shells on a plastic plate — Steamed wing shell

Red shrimps with green salad leaf — Fried Prawns with tamarind sauce

Boat and plane with blue sky in the background — Wonderful sea view

Location: North East coast of Phuket
Address: 330 Thepkrasatti Road, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket 83110
Open: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 88 169 4780
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Seafood

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4. Kan Eang at Pier

Shot of some tables and a red umbrella by the sea — Kan Eang at Pier

Kan Eang at Pier is probably the oldest local Thai restaurant in all of Phuket. This 2023 year, the restaurant celebrates 50^th anniversary with the reputation of being one of the best local Thai restaurants on the Island. Kan Eang received a ‘Thai SELECT’ award. Thai SELECT is a mark of certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce for guarantee authentic Thai cuisine in Thailand and overseas.

The restaurant is located in Chalong Bay, right next to the jetty. It features both indoor and outdoor dining areas with 600 seats and offers great views to the sea. The establishment is vast, shaded by tropical trees and blessed by sea breeze providing a cool atmosphere for diners. The menu is extensive and well-illustrated with a large choice of excellent seafood and typical local Thai food at moderate prices.

Shot of oysters with yellow lemon — Fresh oysters

Shot of orange prawns on a dark plate — Steamed King Prawns

Shot of a yellow tempura with a shrimp — Bua Tod

Shot of 3 red steamed crabs — Steamed Crabs

Location: Chalong
Address: 44 1 Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130
Open: 10 am – 11 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 83 173 1187
Price: Moderate
Specialitiy: Seafood and local Thai food

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5. Bang Pae Seafood

Tables surrounded by trees with sea view — Bang Pae Seafood

Bang Pae Seafood is one of the best Seafood restaurant in Phuket, located in Paklok area on the east coast of the island. The place is very relaxing and hidden by the mangrove trees, and blessed with sea view. The restaurant is well-known by Thai locals and some expats. The food is excellent especially the fresh seafood. The décor and layout is simple, but the views are scenic, making it a perfect escape for lunch or dinner.

Wooden jetty with sea view — Mangrove and sea views

Shells with leaves of basil on a white plate — Clams with basil

Two red crabs on a white plate — Steamed Crabs

Plants and welcome sign of the restaurant — Welcome

Location: Paklok
Address: Soi Bang Toei, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Open: 10 am – 8.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 87 887 5785
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Seafood

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6. Laem Hin Seafood

Restaurant illuminated by lights in the evening — Laem Hin Seafood

Laem Hin Seafood is one of the best local seafood restaurants in Phuket. Open since 2001, this open-air local Thai restaurant is built mostly on a large wooden terrace located on the east coast of the island. The restaurant is mostly known by Thai locals and some expats for its excellent seafood and a wide range of Southern Thai dishes. The seafood is truly excellent because Laem Hin Seafood keeps alive the seafood in some large tanks in the kitchen area. Seafood can’t get much fresher than this!

Red crabs with green leaves — Steamed crabs

Mussels with green spicy sauce on a metal pan — Steamed mussels

Plastic table and plastic chairs of the restaurant — Large terrace

Squid strips with spicy green sauce — Grilled squid

Location: Phuket east coast
Address: 90/11 Soi Baan Laem Hin, Thepkasattri Road
Open: 10 am – 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 76 373 349
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Seafood

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7. Kruvit Raft Seafood

Floating restaurant on the sea — Kruvit Raft Seafood restaurant

Kruvit Raft is an excellent seafood floating restaurant on the east coast of Phuket. It is located exactly in a quiet bay between Laem Hin Pier and Coconut Island or locally known as Koh Maphrao. It only takes five minutes free ride on a longtail boat to get to the Kruvit Raft floating restaurant. The restaurant serves local Thai food and a vast selection of fresh seafood at affordable prices. Kruvit Raft keeps its seafood alive directly in the tanks and nets. Seafood can’t get much fresher than this. Kruvit Raft Seafood was recognized in the Phuket Michelin Guide with a BIB Gourmand mention.

Floating restaurant with a pink sunset in the background — Great atmosphere

4 white plates with seafood and veggies — Fresh Seafood

Shot of the colorful restaurant sign — Michelin awards

Floating wooden walkways — Nets of the restaurant

Location: Phuket east coast
Address: Ko Kaeo, Muang, Phuket 83200
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 866 870 892
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Seafood

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8. Rimpan Seafood

Bamboo hut by the sea with the bridge in the background — Rimpan Seafood

Rimpan Seafood is one of the best local Thai restaurant known mostly by Thai locals located few steps aways from the Sarasin bridge in the very north of Phuket. The restaurant by the sea serves real Thai food at affordable price. The menu is extensive and part of it is even in Thai language. Enjoying real Thai food by the sea is very pleasant especially in these bamboo huts.

Quiet beach with bamboo huts under the trees — Restaurant by the sea

4 types of Thai food in a plate — Real Thai food

Shells, rise and Thai food — Real local food

Location: Very north Phuket
Address: At the side of Sarasin Bridge
Open: 10 am – 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 83 647 1147
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food and Seafood

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9. Chom Chan

House with a garden and blue sky in the background — Chom Chan Thai restaurant

Chom Chan is an excellent local Thai restaurant serving Phuket specialities and local food. It’s situated in a charming house with a nice garden on the outskirts of Phuket Town. The menu is quite extensive and the food is excellent at affordable prices. Chom Chan was recognized by the Micheline Guide with a BIB Gourmand mention. Bib Gourmand is a recognition for the great restaurants that serve good food at affordable prices.

Door of the restaurant with the glass window — Entrance of the restaurant

Shrimps and Thai vegetables on a white crock plate — Delicious dish

6 shrimps and fried green erbs on a white crock plate — Crispy vegetables with shrimps

Tables and chairs inside the restaurant — Cozy restaurant

Location: Phuket Town
Address: 242/2 Yaowarat Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Phuket
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 076 605 954
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai Food

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10. Nom Yoi

Tables and red plastic chain in an restaurant — Nam Yoi restaurant

Nam Yoi is a great long-established restaurant which serves excellent local Thai cuisine at affordable prices. It’s located in a remote street on the outskirts of Phuket Town, so it’s a challenge to find it. The setting is very simple, and the food is truly delicious. It is popular by Thai locals and families that love eating local Thai food at Nam Yoi. Nam Yoi received a ‘Bib Gourmand’ rating in the Phuket Michelin Guide. ‘Bib Gourmand’ is a recognition for the great establishment that serve good food at affordable prices.

Veggies and red shrimp sauce on a white plate — Thai Nam Prik

White wall with 4 red awards — Michelin Guide awards

Yellow crab sauce with white noodle — Thai Rice Vermicelli with Crab Curry Sauce

Wooden tables and chairs with cyan walls of the house — Simple setting

Location: Phuket Town
Address: 63/250 Rumpattana Rd, Ratsada, Phuket 83000
Open: 11 am – 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 76 525 858
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food

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11. Rom Sai Baan Nakalay

Two canopies with tables and chairs with the sea in the background — Romsai Baan Nakalay

Rom Sai Baan Nakalay is a little hidden local Thai restaurant with a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. It is built on a rocky cliff alongside the seaboard between Patong Beach and Kamala Beach, facing out towards the hidden and beautiful Thavorn Beach. This restaurant serves great Isaan food a local food at low price. Thai food is truly good and the atmosphere by the sea is superb.

Wooden table with the blue sea in the background — Beautiful sea view

Spicy squid and red chili with rice and egg on top — Thai Basil Squid (Pad Kra Prao Pla Muek)

Shrimps and veggies, chicken with salad and red chili with meat — Local Thai food

Green vegetable on a plastic plate — Thai morning glory

Location: Between Kamala – Patong
Address: 110 Kamala – Patong Road, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83120
Open: 10 am – 8.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 88 752 1349
Price: Low
Speciality: Local Thai Food

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12. Kalim Rim Lay

Bamboo huts and ocean in the background — Kalim Rim Lay

Kalim Rim Lay is a great local Thai restaurant by the sea serving excellent local food and seafood at a reasonable price. Thai food and seafood at Rim Lay is genuinely Thai, and some dishes can be spicy, sour or sweet. The menu is surprisingly long, decently illustrated and in English. It is located in the northern part of Patong Bay after Kalim beach far away from the crowd.

It’s very well-known for locals and residents to enjoy for a lunch or dinner with amazing views towards the sea. This local restaurant has a unique setting with bamboo huts under the trees. Those bamboo huts by the sea have been part for long time ago making a romantic atmosphere especially during the sunsets.

Bamboo huts with a sunset in the background — Tiny bamboo huts

Fried rice and red shrimps on dishes — Thai food and Seafood

Noodles with prawns in a bowl — Thai Local food

Veggies and shrimps on a whithe plate — Stir fried mixed vegetables with shrimps

Location: Kalim beach
Address: 324 Phrabaramee Road, Patong, Phuket
Open: 10 am – 8.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 81 539 8873
Price: Low
Speciality: Local Thai Food and Seafood

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13. Peang Prai

Shot of Peang Prai restaurant surrounded by trees — Peang Prai restaurant

Peang Prai is a great local Thai food restaurant serving excellent Thai cuisine and Phuket specialities at affordable prices. It’s hidden in a green and tranquil cove next to Bang Pae Waterfall. The restaurant is open for almost 2 decades remaining almost unknown to tourists because it’s situated in a remote location, but it’s popular by Thai locals. The setting is basic and the food is truly excellent. The menu is extensive so that it takes time before choosing the right dish. Peang Prai received a ‘Bib Gourmand’ rating from the Phuket Michelin Guide. ‘Bib Gourmand’ means friendly establishment that serve good food at affordable prices.

Shot of the dining spot of the Peang Prai restaurant — Open-air restaurant

Shot of yellow grilled fish with curry paste in banana leaf — Grilled fish with curry paste in banana leaf

Shot of cooked shells with lemon grass on a white plate — Stir fried clams with lemon grass

Shot of 3 ball of banana dessert on a white plate — Fried Banana dessert

Location: Bang Pae Waterfall
Address: Namtok Bang Toei, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 85 832 7439
Price: Affordable
Specialities: Thai local food

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14. Jun Joaw Restaurant & Camping

Chairs and tables with a orange and blue background — Jun-Joaw restaurant

Jun-Joaw Restaurant & Camping is a local Thai restaurant hidden in a fantastic location, high above the Patong hill. The restaurant surrounded by nature has a modest terrace with an unbeatable view towards the entire Patong Bay. When you will dine you almost forget about the spicy and chili tastes of Thai food because you will be distracted by the spectacular view. It’s hard to reach but the food is truly delicious, so it’s worth.

Large terrace with blue background — Sunset

Rice with vegetables and meat on a plastic dish — Local Thai food

Chicken wings with red chili sauce — Chicken wings

The terrace of the restaurant with blue sky in the background — Fantastic view

Location: Patong Hill
Address: Patong
Open: 5 pm – 11.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 89 730 0159
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food

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15. Chill Rim Lay

Tables, chairs and trees with blue sky in the background — Chill Rim Lay

Chill Rim Lay is a wonderful local Thai restaurant surrounded by nature, located superbly by the sea in Khao Khad area in Phuket. The sea view is absolutely fantastic! It serves real local Thai food and some dishes are so local that they are hard to recognize for foreigners. Just pick one of the tables under the trees listening the cicadas sounds and enjoy the breeze and even the sunset if you come for dinner.

White tables under the green trees — Open-air restaurant

Rice and green coconut — Local Thai food

Red prawn and noodle in a crock pot — Prawn Vermicelli (Goong ob Woonsen)

Table and chairs with sunset in the backround — Romantic view

Location: Khao Khad, Panwa area
Address: Soi Ao-Yon Khaokhad, Phuket 83000
Open: 12.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 95 628 9826
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food

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16. Green Heart Garden Kata

Red seats, trees, wooden terrace and blue sky in the background — Green Heart Garden Kata

Green Heart Garden Kata is a very hidden restaurant set amongst trees and has its own kitchen garden. It is perched high on the tropical Kata hills and blessed with outstanding views of the ocean. The Thai owner grows vegetables and fruit and rears poultry directly on his farm. The restaurant serves great Thai food prepared with their fresh ingredients. In fact, you can feel the freshness of the Thai food as soon as you taste it.

Carpet and table with view towards the ocean — Love the view

Rose Apple and yellow drink — Rose Apple and Mango shake

Rice with cucumbers and red soup — Delicious Thai food

Coconut and passion fruit shake — Natural drinks

Location: Kata Beach
Address: 13 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket 83100
Open: 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 87 627 3849
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Fresh Thai food

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17. Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket

Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket is a great local Thai restaurant designed in a charming farmhouse style built on Kamala hillside. Surrounded by greenery hills, it is offers stunning views of the entire Kamala bay, refreshing drinks and delicious food. It serves a wide range of excellent Thai food keeping the real local flavors and the right spiciness. A lot of the ingredients comes from their natural farm which is just below the terrace. The food can’t get much fresher than this!

Shot of a wooden terrace with green trees in the background — Terrace

Shot of 2 orange chairs with blue sky in the background — Seats with a view

Shot of yellow noodle with 2 orange shrimps on a blue plate — Yellow noodle

Location: Kamala hill
Address: 14 Soi Naka, Kamala, Phuket 83100
Open: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 65 253 5522
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food

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18. Chopol’s Plantation

Restaurant entrance with the green garden and blue sky in the background — Chopol’s Plantation restaurant

Chopol’s Plantation is a superb local Thai restaurant blessed in a green garden high above of Kata Noi hill. Surrounded by nature this restaurant serves great Thai food and seafood at affordable prices. Tables are set in the garden with wonderful views towards Kata Noi beach in Phuket. Enjoy the relaxing tropical garden and the breeze and even the sunset if you come for dinner.

Rise into the pineapple — Pineapple Fried Rice

Table surrounded by the trees — Table in the tropical garden

French fries and Chicken skewers on a table — Thai food with sea view

The green garden with violet sky in the background — Sunset time

Location: Kata Noi hill
Address: 256 Karon, Phuket 83100
Open: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 98 307 6359
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food and Seafood

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19. Lop Mhum Patong

Lob Mhum Patong is an excellent local Thai restaurant located by a small lake on the Patong hillside. It serves delicious local Thai cuisine for both lunch and dinner, and it exudes a lovely ambiance that makes you feel like you’re far away from Phuket. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere, this hidden gem features five bamboo huts with thatched roofs and a wooden terrace overlooking the lake. Moreover, it provides additional dining options at the lake’s edge. Read the full review here.

Fish with green erbs and red chili on a metal plate — Lemon Steamed Sea Bass

Vegetables on a white thish — Thai Papaya Salad

Fried Fish with cashew nuts and erbs — Stripped Snakehead Fish

Location: Patong
Address: Hasippee Road, Patong, Phuket 83120
Open: 10.00 am – 11.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0) 81 797 4600
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food and Seafood

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20. Pha Chom Tawan

Table with view towards the sea — Pha Chom Tawan restaurant

Pha Chom Tawan is a hidden, local Thai restaurant located just above to The Naka Resort on Phuket east coast. The restaurant features a large concrete terrace that overlooks the Andaman Sea. From the terrace you can enjoy views of Patong beach in the distance. The menu is pretty illustrated with great, typical local Thai food with a good choice of Seafood at reasonable prices.

Rice into the pineapple — Pineapple Fried Rice

Thable of the rerstaurant — Local Thai restaurant

Mushroom with chicken and white rice — Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Location: Between Patong and Kamala
Address: Layi Nakalay Road, Kamala, Phuket 83150
Open: 12.00 pm – midnight
Phone: +66 (0) 87 418 7104
Price: Affordable
Speciality: Local Thai food and Seafood

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20 Best Local Thai Restaurants 🦀 in Phuket

What are the best local Thai restaurants in Phuket?

Where to eat local Thai food in Phuket

1. Chaiyo Seafood

2. Mor Mu Dong

3. Laem Sai Seafood

4. Kan Eang at Pier

5. Bang Pae Seafood

6. Laem Hin Seafood

7. Kruvit Raft Seafood

8. Rimpan Seafood

9. Chom Chan

10. Nom Yoi

11. Rom Sai Baan Nakalay

12. Kalim Rim Lay

13. Peang Prai

14. Jun Joaw Restaurant & Camping

15. Chill Rim Lay

16. Green Heart Garden Kata

17. Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket

18. Chopol’s Plantation

19. Lop Mhum Patong

20. Pha Chom Tawan

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