As an island in the Andaman Sea, Phuket's seafood scene is exceptional. Local fishing boats bring in daily catches of lobster, crab, prawns, squid, barracuda, red snapper, grouper, and dozens of other species. Whether you choose upscale beachfront dining or casual local markets where you select live seafood to be grilled on the spot, Phuket offers seafood experiences that range from budget-friendly to extravagant. The combination of fresh catches, skilled Thai preparation methods, and stunning seaside locations makes dining on Phuket seafood an unforgettable experience.
Best Seafood Restaurants by Style
Beachfront Seafood Dining
These restaurants offer the quintessential Phuket seafood experience: fresh catches, ocean views, and sunset dining with your toes in the sand.
Kan Eang@Pier (Chalong Bay)
Iconic seafood restaurant on stilts over Chalong Bay operating since 1971. Watch fishing boats and yachts while dining on the waterfront terrace. Extensive menu features every type of local seafood prepared Thai, Chinese, or Western-style. Famous for steamed whole fish, garlic prawns, and crab curry. Large portions suitable for sharing. The location offers stunning views, especially at sunset. Live seafood tanks ensure freshness. Popular with both tourists and locals for special occasions. Prices are moderate to high but justified by quality, portions, and ambiance. Reservations recommended for waterside tables.
Bang Pae Seafood (Rawai)
Local favorite directly on Rawai Beach where fishing boats unload daily catches. Extremely casual with plastic chairs and tables on the sand. Choose your seafood from ice displays - prices by weight based on daily market rates. Specify cooking method: grilled, steamed, fried, or curried. Exceptional value and freshness. The setting is unpretentious but the quality speaks for itself. Sunset views over Rawai's sea gypsy village and fishing boats create authentic atmosphere. Cash only. Perfect for those prioritizing fresh seafood over fancy ambiance. Popular lunch and dinner spot with locals.
Laem Hin Seafood (Cape Panwa)
Famous local seafood restaurant on the eastern cape known for fresh catches and authentic Thai-Chinese preparations. Built over the sea with multiple dining pavilions offering water views. Particularly renowned for blue swimmer crab, mantis shrimp, and whole steamed fish. The restaurant uses traditional recipes that highlight the seafood's natural flavors. Busy with Thai families, especially weekends. No-frills atmosphere focuses on food quality. Reasonable prices despite growing reputation. The drive from main tourist areas takes 30 minutes but locals consider it worth the journey. Arrive early as it fills quickly during dinner.
Upscale Seafood Experiences
For special occasions or when you want refined preparations and elegant ambiance along with your fresh seafood.
Acqua Restaurant (Patong)
Fine dining Italian-Mediterranean seafood restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Patong Bay. Part of Kalima Resort, perched on clifftop offering romantic sunset dining. Menu features fresh local seafood prepared with European techniques and presentation. Standouts include grilled lobster, sea bass, and seafood pasta. Extensive wine list complements the sophisticated menu. Dress code enforced - resort casual minimum. Prices reflect the upscale setting and preparation. Reservations essential, especially for sunset tables. Live music some evenings adds to the ambiance.
The Boathouse Wine & Grill (Kata Beach)
Renowned beachfront restaurant combining fresh seafood with one of Phuket's best wine cellars. Direct beach access with tables on the sand and upper dining room. Menu features Thai and Western seafood preparations using daily catches. Famous for seafood grill platters, lobster thermidor, and Andaman fish dishes. Impeccable service and refined atmosphere attract discerning diners. Sommelier available for wine pairing recommendations. Higher prices justified by quality, location, and service. Ideal for romantic dinners or special celebrations. Regular wine dinners and culinary events.
Seafood Markets & DIY Dining
For the freshest seafood at the best prices, visit local seafood markets where you select your own catches and have them cooked on the spot.
Rawai Beach Seafood Market
Multiple open-air seafood stalls line Rawai Beach offering the ultimate fresh seafood experience. Browse the catches displayed on ice, negotiate prices, then select a nearby restaurant to cook your selections. Cooking fee is typically 50-100 THB per dish. Choose from grilling, steaming, Thai-style curry, garlic and pepper, or salt-crusted preparations. The market operates daily with best selection in mornings when boats return. Extremely popular with locals and budget-conscious travelers. Cash only. Bring your own drinks or buy from shops nearby. Casual plastic table seating on the beach. Sunset dining atmosphere is unbeatable for the price.
Banzaan Fresh Market (Patong)
Local wet market on Patong's second floor featuring fresh seafood section. Select your seafood from vendors, then take to food court upstairs where kitchens cook it for modest fee. Less touristy than beach markets with local market atmosphere. Great variety of fish, shellfish, and other seafood at competitive prices. The food court offers multiple cooking stations with different specialties. Open from morning until early evening. Air-conditioned comfort unlike beach locations. Perfect for experiencing how locals shop and eat. Vendors generally honest but knowing basic prices helps. Some English spoken by vendors.
Phuket Seafood Guide
Phuket Lobster
Large spiny lobsters without claws. Sweet, firm meat. Typically grilled with garlic butter or prepared Thai-style with herbs. Expensive but worth it. Prices 800-2,000 THB depending on size and restaurant.
Blue Swimmer Crab
Local crab variety with sweet meat. Popular in curry powder stir-fry or steamed. Easier to eat than other crab varieties. Good value compared to lobster. Expect 250-500 THB per crab.
Giant Tiger Prawns
Large prawns perfect for grilling or Thai-style preparations. Grilled with garlic is most popular. The bigger the prawn, the higher the price. Typically 200-600 THB depending on size.
Barramundi/Sea Bass
White-fleshed fish with mild flavor. Perfect steamed whole with lime and chili, or grilled. Common in Thai restaurants. Reasonably priced at 200-400 THB depending on size.
Grouper
Premium white fish with firm texture. Steaming is most popular preparation to appreciate delicate flavor. More expensive than sea bass. One of the finest eating fish at 300-600 THB.
Squid and Cuttlefish
Grilled, fried, or in stir-fries. Fresh squid should be tender, not rubbery. Very affordable. Often included in seafood platters. Typically 120-200 THB per dish.
Mantis Shrimp
Sweet meat similar to lobster. Eaten steamed with spicy lime dipping sauce. Can be tricky to extract meat. Local specialty at eastern coast restaurants. Price varies by size.
Rock Oysters
Large oysters served grilled with garlic or raw. Different texture from European oysters. Usually affordable at 50-100 THB each. Popular appetizer at beachfront restaurants.
Seafood Dining Tips
Check Freshness
Look for clear eyes in fish, firm shells on shellfish, and no ammonia smell. At markets, buying from busy vendors usually means fresher stock. Morning catches are freshest.
Confirm Prices First
Always ask the price before ordering, especially at beach restaurants and markets. Prices should be per kilogram. Clarify whether price is total or per 100 grams to avoid shock when bill arrives.
Best Cooking Methods
Steaming highlights fresh seafood's natural flavor. Grilling works well for lobster and large prawns. Thai-style with herbs and chili suits most fish. Ask restaurant's recommendation for each type.
Portion Sizes
Whole fish and lobsters are large - one typically feeds 2-3 people. Order one seafood main per 2 people plus sides and rice. Better to under-order and add more than waste expensive seafood.
Peak Season Quality
High season (November-April) generally has better seafood selection and quality. Some species are seasonal. Ask what's best currently rather than ordering by season from previous visits.
Avoid Tourist Traps
Restaurants with aggressive touts are usually overpriced. Walk past beachfront vendors at main beaches. Restaurants frequented by Thais offer better value and quality.
Thai vs. Western Prep
Thai preparations (steamed with lime, curry, garlic and pepper) are usually cheaper than Western-style (grilled with butter). Both are delicious but Thai style is more authentic.
Timing Your Visit
Lunch often offers better value than dinner at upscale places. Arrive before 6 PM at popular places to avoid waits. Sunset timing (6-7 PM) is busiest for beachfront restaurants.
Why Dine on Phuket Seafood?
Unmatched Freshness
Island location means seafood goes from boat to plate within hours, ensuring peak freshness.
Beachfront Dining
Enjoy your seafood feast with ocean views, sunset backdrops, and toes in the sand.
Thai Preparations
Unique Thai cooking methods and flavor combinations you won't find elsewhere.
Every Budget
From budget beach markets to luxury dining, fresh seafood is accessible at all price points.