Rawai is a foodies heaven. There are streets paved with gold, or at least gold-standard food establishments that serve delicious food with chilled out settings. But with all this choice, how do you…well, choose? We’ve searched high and low, tasted a whole lot of things and finally, hand picked the top spots in the south of Phuket where you can grab some tucker.
If you’re asking yourself where to eat in Rawai and feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices, or maybe you’ve accidentally gobbled down some sub par grub, let us help you find the best places to grab a bite. We’ve carefully curated our list and even separated them into breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner options so you don’t have to do any of the leg work, just choose a spot from this list and let your mouth do all the work instead (chewing, that is). So, without further ado-doodly-doo, let me share with you our recommendations of where to eat in Rawai.
Table of Contents
Breakfast
Poached Breakfast Cafe Rawai
I mean, come on folks, breakfast is right there in the name and boy howdy do we do breakfast well at Poached Breakfast Cafe Rawai. With cosy interior decor, a sparkling view of the still Rawai ocean and the bobbing longtail boats and a delicious Melbourne-inspired menu, we really are ALL THAT!
If you’re a fan of fresh sourdough bread, smashed avo on toast, creamy poached eggs with the island’s best coffee on the side, we are the place for you. We’ve got a super duper range of brekky dishes from Aussie classics like banana bread or a big ol fry up, to healthy favourites like our chia pudding with fresh fruit, our quinoa power bowl or our brand new overnight oats topped with chocolate and strawberries.
If that doesn’t float your boat, don’t worry, there’s STILL MORE to choose from. I’m talking French toast stacks, 2 incredible loaded waffles, the best pulled pork eggs benedict you’ll ever eat (seriously…drool-worthy!) and even breakfast burritos and wraps. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered.
Now, we mentioned coffee briefly, but I have to talk about it again because our coffee is really fantastic. Coffee in Phuket can either be amazing or a little bit dead and thankfully, we always hit ‘amazing’. With our responsibly sourced coffee beans that have been roasted to perfection by our friends and coffee suppliers, then they are degassed appropriately and ground with precision to ensure you get the most flavour in every cup. If you like your coffee smooth, rich and delicious, then you’ll love our coffee.
Our baristas are experts at what they do and they are obsessed with getting the best flavour in every cup and the most perfect foam on every milk-based coffee. I recommend the cappuccinos, they are out of this world! So, if you’re wondering ‘Where to eat in Rawai?’, Wonder no longer my friend, come on down to Poached Breakfast Cafe.
Avo Kitchen & Wine
Avo Kitchen & Wine is a very aesthetic looking place with a great vibe. Now, I’d say their atmosphere is better than their food but if you’re over in the Nai Harn area, it’s a very decent choice. Whilst their menu is a little limited, they do a great job with their menu items and it’s fantastic if you’re looking for a little more class to your brekky.
They’ve got these elegant arched windows, rattan chairs, loads of natural light and beautiful interior. It’s very bali-esque in feel so don’t forget to snap a few for the ‘gram while you’re there. Avo is certainly a solid recommendation when you’re wondering where to eat in Rawai.
Lunch
Poached Breakfast Cafe Rawai
Ooooopsie…did I mention us twice? Well, I’m only doing it because I mean it. And because I haven’t talked LUNCH with you yet which is important if you’re looking for where to eat in Rawai at lunchtime. Duh. So, let’s get to it!
One word. Salads. Our salads are unreal. Gone are the days of limp, boring piles of lettuce and in rides the golden age of delicious salads full of flavour, texture and freshness. Our Chicken Cobb salad is an example of this kind of perfection. Grilled chicken, on crisp fresh lettuce, crunchy bacon bits, creamy avocado and tangy blue cheese all topped with ranch dressing. Ah..YUM. And protein filled. Or how about our roasted pumpkin and feta salad with crunchy beetroot, delicious quinoa, baby spinach and zingy balsamic.
We’ve also got 3 delicious burgers for you to taste, some spicy and one even vegetarian! They’re packed with flavour and texture and so so delicious. Don’t forget to try our 3 delicious bagels – the halloumi is my favourite of course, jammed with smoked bbq cream cheese, pickles, onion, lettuce and tomato. And finally, our 4 amazing sandwiches ranging from the classic Aussie ham, cheese and tomato toastie, to more exotic flavours like pulled chicken with curry dressing or pesto, ham, sundried tomato and brie. All our bread is baked fresh in our bakery in Chalong and it’s the perfect combination of crunch and soft fluffiness.
So come and check us out if you’re on the hunt for where to eat in Rawai at lunchtime. I know you won’t be disappointed.
Isaan Classic
If you’re looking for affordable local fare, Isaan Classic, located on Soi Sai Yuan is a fantastic choice when you’re choosing where to eat in Rawai on the cheap. Not the best vibe, very local interior and it can get a little sticky in the hot seasons BUT their food is really full of flavour. Try their massaman curry, their morning glory and their satay chicken. So good!
They’ve got some delicious papaya salads you can choose from too! Don’t forget to grab a smoothie because the food here is REALLY spicy. Even when we ask for no spice, our spice-free friends can feel the burn so try and drink something milky on the side if that’s you.
La Salada Rawai
La Salada is not, as it sounds, a salad bar – but a fantastic place for small plates and sharing. TAPAS! We love a tapas spot and this one is as good as any. They do some delicious croquetas – our favourites are the chorizo and ham. Plus, their sangria is delicious! Don’t forget to wash down whatever you eat with a big jug of that!
Their big star though, is their paellas, they have 8 different kinds to choose from, perfect to share with friends and familia (family). Pop down here for a festive, fun lunch when you’re looking for where to eat in Rawai.
Dinner
Fresca Kitchens & Deli
If you’re looking to class things up, Fresca Kitchens & Deli is the place to be. Clean, modern decor, comfortable seating, mood lighting and yummy food. You can count me in! This place really comes alive at dinner so we recommend saving it until the evening. They do incredible Italian pastas and pizzas, some wonderful seafood options (hellooooo lobster tail), perfectly cooked steaks and more. We love the rack of lamb so much. Try out their deli with their fun salads like apple and pecorino or a plate of cold cuts and cheese. This is a great place to choose when you’re looking for where to eat in Rawai.
The Crazy Dumpling
The Crazy Dumpling really lives up to its name. Honestly, if you go by in the day, the food is great but vibes are sleepy. HOWEVER, if you swing by at night, it’s litty lit lit. Buzzing with people chatting, delicious cocktails being served, fun lighting and an altogether amazing atmosphere. Red neon lighting, trippy Chinese inspired decor and boozy floats. Ahhh YUMMMM.
There’s a reason it’s famous in Rawai and its not just the food. But since we’re here, let’s talk food. They don’t just serve your average dumpling. These dumplings come with a delicious twist. Try the cheez n burger flavour, the ‘leaning tower of pizza dumplings’, the Mexican inspired ‘speedy Gonzales’ dumplings, the Jamaican ‘twerkin n’ jerkin’ dumplings and more! Everything is worth a try and it’s fun plating, delicious food and great memories – what’s not to love? Definitely pop by this place at night when you’re asking yourself where to eat in Rawai.
So, where to eat in Rawai?
If it’s not immediately obvious by the raving reviews and 2 mentions, Poached Breakfast Cafe Rawai is the answer to the question, “where to eat in Rawai”! With our cosy decor, comfortable chairs, amazing ocean view, stellar service and we haven’t even talked about the menu yet.
The best hot coffees and iced coffees that Phuket has to offer all made by expert baristas who love to serve great coffee. Then, we’ve got our huge Aussie inspired menu full of delicious breakfast treats, healthy foods, salads, burgers, bagels and sandwiches. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we can do and do it well! So, come down to the beachfront of Rawai and grab a bite at Poached Breakfast Cafe Rawai. I’m not being dramatic but our food has been known to change lives…or at least improve your day!
If you liked this article, why not check out one of our other recommendations such as Iced Coffee in Rawai: Top 5 Places to Find a Yummy Iced Cuppa in Rawai