Phuket is famous for its restaurants that offer not only exceptional food, but also unforgettable experiences. At the top of this list is Dinner in the Sky Phuket, a concept that has revolutionized the way we think about luxury dining. This unique restaurant takes guests up tens of meters above the ground, where exquisite dishes are served accompanied by breathtaking views of the island and the Andaman Sea. The crane-suspended platform can accommodate 22 guests, who are securely strapped into specially designed seats that rotate 180 degrees. Dinner in the Sky isn't just a meal - it's a culinary spectacle that combines an adrenaline element with top-notch cuisine. Prices are high, but the experience is worth every baht.

In the heart of Phuket's Old Town is HEH, a restaurant that has been featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. This unassuming establishment on Yaowarad Street surprises with its innovative approach to traditional Thai cuisine. The chef, who gained experience at renowned restaurants in Bangkok, creates dishes that are a fusion of classic recipes with modern culinary techniques. HEH's specialty is seafood, sourced daily from local fishermen, which guarantees freshness and authenticity of flavors. The restaurant is famous for its Pla Kapong Neung Manao dish, a delicate seafood steamed with lime, chili and garlic sauce, which impresses with its intensity of flavors. HEH's interior is minimalist but elegant, with elements reminiscent of Sino-Portuguese Old Town architecture.

Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen is another gem on the Phuket culinary map, also featured in the Michelin Guide. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in dishes that combine seafood and meat to create harmonious compositions of flavors. Located on Phangnga Street in the historic center of town, Surf & Turf attracts both tourists and local foodies. The chef, who has worked for years at renowned restaurants in Europe, creates a menu inspired by fusion cuisine, where Thai ingredients meet Western techniques. The flagship dish is beef tenderloin steak served with grilled tiger shrimp and green pepper sauce. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine list, carefully selected to enhance the flavors of the food served. Surf & Turf's interior combines industrial design with warm wooden elements to create a cozy but sophisticated atmosphere.

Blue Elephant Phuket Cooking School & Restaurant is not just a restaurant, but a true institution cultivating Thai culinary heritage. It is housed in a historic Sino-Portuguese-style building known as Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, which is a tourist attraction in its own right. The history of the place dates back to the late 19th century, when the property belonged to a wealthy family involved in tin mining - a resource that brought wealth to Phuket before the era of tourism. The restaurant serves traditional Thai dishes prepared according to old recipes, but with a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally, using the freshest local ingredients. The chef's specialty is Massaman Curry, a dish with a rich history that reflects Persian and Indian influences in Thai cuisine. Blue Elephant also offers cooking courses, where you can learn to make authentic Thai dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs. Prices are high, but the quality and cultural experience fully compensate for this.

NumNum Cafe & Restaurant in Phuket's Old Town is where modernity meets tradition. The restaurant is decorated in a vintage style with contemporary design elements, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for breakfast or lunch. NumNum is known for its excellent coffee, sourced from local growers in northern Thailand, and creative breakfast dishes that combine Thai and Western influences. Particularly recommended is their signature dish - Kai Kata, a traditional Thai breakfast consisting of eggs fried in a small pan with pork, sausage, tomatoes and chives. NumNum also offers a wide selection of desserts, including the famous Mango Sticky Rice - sticky rice with ripe mango and coconut sauce. Prices are affordable, making this place popular with tourists and locals alike.

Let's now move to Kamala Beach, where you'll find Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant - a place that offers a culinary journey to Turkey without leaving Phuket. The restaurant was founded by a Turkish chef who decided to introduce Thai and international guests to the richness of his country's cuisine. The interior is decorated with traditional Turkish lamps, colorful carpets and mosaics, creating an authentic atmosphere. The menu abounds with classic Turkish dishes such as kebabs, hummus, baklava and Turkish tea. Particularly recommended is the mixed grill - a plate of various types of grilled meats with pita bread and sauces. The restaurant also offers a view of Kamala beach, making it an ideal place for a romantic sunset dinner. Prices are average and portions are generous, providing a good dining experience at a reasonable price.

Baraka - Middle Eastern and Georgian Restaurant is a real gem for seekers of unique flavors. Located on Thep Krasattri Street, this restaurant offers an unusual combination of Middle Eastern and Georgian cuisine - a combination rarely found even in major metropolitan areas. Founded by a family with mixed cultural backgrounds, Baraka has become a gathering place for Phuket's international community. The menu includes such specialties as khachapuri (Georgian bread with cheese filling), skewers prepared according to traditional recipes, hummus, tabbouleh and baklava. Particularly recommendable is adjapsandali - a Georgian dish of eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and herbs, which impresses with its depth of flavor. The interior of the restaurant is cozy, with decorative elements from the Middle East and the Caucasus. Prices are average, and the atmosphere is conducive to long, social meals.

Phuketurk is a place that combines the best of Thai and Turkish cuisine. Located in the bustling Patong district, the restaurant attracts both tourists and locals looking for an alternative to typical Thai dishes. The history of the place is fascinating - it was founded by a Turkish chef who fell in love with Thailand and decided to create a culinary concept combining his native flavors with local traditions. Phuketurk's menu offers a wide range of dishes, from classic Turkish kebabs and mezze to Thai curries and stir-fry. Particularly recommended is the fusion dish green curry kebab, which combines the pungent, aromatic flavors of Thailand with juicy Turkish-style grilled meat in an unexpected way. The restaurant's interior is simple but cozy, with decorative elements from both cultures. Prices are affordable, making Phuketurk a popular place for an informal meal.

Day & Night Of Phuket, located in the heart of the Talat Yai district, is a restaurant that, as the name suggests, is bustling around the clock. This establishment has become a legend among night marts and those working unusual hours, offering a full menu at any time of the day or night. The restaurant specializes in comfort food - dishes that give a sense of homey warmth and satisfaction. The menu ranges from Thai classics to international favorites, making it ideal for groups with diverse culinary preferences. Their soups are especially recommended - Tom Yum Goong in the morning works better than the strongest coffee! The interior is functional and spacious, with large windows to observe city life. Prices are low to mid-range, which, combined with 24-hour availability, makes Day & Night Of Phuket a favorite among locals.

The name 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant (ล้าน9ก๋วยเตี๋ยว) may seem puzzling to foreigners, but there is a fascinating story behind it. The number 'million nine' in Thai is a play on words that sounds similar to the phrase 'tasty noodles'. This unassuming diner on Montri Street is a true institution among locals, having been in business for more than 30 years. It specializes in traditional Thai noodle soups, prepared according to family recipes handed down from generation to generation. The menu is simple, but each dish is refined to perfection. Particularly recommended is Kuay Teow Moo, a soup with pork and rice noodles, with a rich, flavorful broth cooked for hours. The interior is modest, with simple tables and chairs, but always full of guests, a testament to the quality of the food served. Prices are very low, making the place accessible to everyone.

To sum up our culinary journey around Phuket, it's worth noting the huge variety of options available - from extravagant experiences like Dinner in the Sky, to Michelin Guide-awarded restaurants like HEH and Surf & Turf, to authentic local eateries like 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant. Each of these restaurants offers a unique experience, reflecting Phuket's cultural and culinary richness. For lovers of traditional Thai cuisine, Blue Elephant and HEH are the best choices, while those seeking international flavors will appreciate Cappadocia, Baraka or Phuketurk. When it comes to value for money, 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant and NumNum Cafe are the best, offering authentic flavors at affordable prices. Conversely, for those looking for an exceptional dining experience, regardless of cost, Dinner in the Sky remains unbeatable. Regardless of budget or taste preferences, Phuket is sure to satisfy the culinary desires of even the most discerning foodies.