An European Affair: 5 Restaurants in Phuket

Need a break from local fare? Satisfy your tastebuds with European flavours at these five restaurants:

1. French Fare: Papillon Bar & Restaurant Kamala

Craving a sumptuous French meal, enjoyed in a Gallic atmosphere? Papillon Bar & Restaurant is your best bet. Located in Kamala, the restaurant sits close to the entrance of Soi Kamala 10, next to the renowned Phuket FantaSea Theme Park. Frequented by French expatriates residing in the area, the restaurant offers an authentic French experience – you’ll even find the Tour de France playing on television, complete with French commentary. A dining experience at the restaurant involves a perfect mix of delicious fare and warm, friendly service. Look forward to tucking into hearty servings of French classics, like beef bourguignon, pork brochettes, steak tartare and coq au vin.

2. Italian Delights: La Gaetana Phuket Town

Colourful and eclectic, the tastefully-decorated interiors of La Gaetna boasts a cosy and welcoming vibe. You’ll find homely touches throughout, from the beautiful paintings adorning the walls, to the family photographs set on the small wooden tables. La Gaetna does not offer an extensive menu; the menu lists a small selection of items along with a range of daily’s specials. This is not an issue here; simply trust the owner’s recommendations, and expect nothing less than the tastiest plates, like the smoked mozzarella and beef tagliata, to arrive at your table.

3. Hearty Austrian: Austrian Garden Restaurant Patong

Just as its name suggests, Austrian Garden Restaurant churns out a variety of tasty Austrian fare. Diners accustomed to local flavours may satisfy their tastebuds with a range of Thai dishes on the menu. Arrive early in the evening for a round of cocktails at the charming Chillout-Bar; the bartender tastes each and every concoction created to ensure its quality. If this is your first time trying Austrian dishes, opt for a classic like the hearty pork knuckles with potato dumplings, and round out your meal with the decadent kaiserschmarren, a dessert of fluffy, shredded pancake topped with ice cream.

4. Mouthwatering Spanish: La Bodega Patong

An evening at La Bodega involves lots of tapas and groovy tunes. The charming tapas bar attracts an interesting mix of locals and travellers with its eclectic range of musical acts performing enthusiastically in the evenings, ranging from funky local hip-hop crew, South Side, to Mour Tour, the delightful Thai Gypsy guitar group. Guests keen on belting out tunes are entitled to hog the stage on Fridays, which is the offical open mic night at the bar.

It’s easy to be distracted by the energetic beats and captivating tunes, but let’s not forget the sumptuous fare and refreshing beverages at La Bodega. Start your day on the right note by fueling up with an excellent breakfast set. Satisfy all hunger pangs arising throughout the day with plates of Thai fare, international items (note: La Bodega dishes out amazing pizza deals) and crumbly cakes.

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5. Wholesome Greek: Charm of Siam & Homemade Greek Products Rawai

When your body starts craving for something healthy, make your way to Charm of Siam & Homemade Greek Products. This little oasis attracts a loyal crowd with its homemade baked treats, traditional Greek yogurt and superfoods that promise to leave diners feeling well-satisfied. The cafe also sells fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a range of quality spa products, so make sure you stock up on these goodies before you leave.

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