Wine and dine amidst mother nature

The dining scene in Bangkok has gained significant recognition around the world. Although there are countless options in the city, it’s sometimes pleasant to have a change of scenery. In addition to satisfying your tummy, you might also visit the charming Phuket Town or do some cafe hopping in Nimman to make this trip worthwhile. Therefore, we’ve come up with a select list of restaurants in the tropical and mountainous areas of Thailand with food just as delicious as Bangkok. 

Semi Di Tsubu, Phuket

Photo: Courtesy of Semi Di Tsubu

Called “Itameshi” dining (Italian food in Japanese), the restaurant claims itself as a Japanese-Italian love affair as they bring the best of both cuisines into a unique dining experience. Inspired by a rich heritage of both countries’ love for quality ingredients and history, the restaurant boasts Roman architecture with Japanese cherry blossoms on the walls.

8/44 Moo3 Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket
Open daily from noon–10pm
For more information, visit fb.com/SemiDiTsubu.

Tree Tops Signature Dining

Photo: Courtesy of Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar

One of the most romantic restaurants in Samui, Tree Tops Signature Dining offers a seasonal food menu mainly focusing on seafood, meat and Thai dishes. Diners indulge every bite surrounded by a breathtaking cliffside setting. With only eight private salas overlooking the sea, indulge exquisite tastes at Samui’s most accomplished restaurant in this lush, tropical island-style bar.

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort 92/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Open daily 6–10pm
For more information, visit fb.com/treetopssamui.

L’éléphant, Chiang Mai

Photo: Courtesy of L’éléphant

Compared to a hidden gem in those chic Parisian suburbs, L’éléphant recreates timeless, comforting French classics and contemporary creations by Chef Oan Pathapee Moonkonkaew. With locally grown artisan ingredients, diners can capture the true joie de vivre of French cuisine, with subtle influences derived from the local surroundings.

7 Sirimangkalajarn Soi 11, Chiang Mai
Open Saturday, Sunday at 11am–2:30pm for lunch
Tuesday–Sunday at 4:30pm–10pm for dinner (Closed on Monday)
For more information, visit fb.com/lelephantchiangmai.

The Smokaccia Laboratory, Phuket

Photo: Courtesy of The Smokaccia Laboratory

Feast on the Smokaccia sourdough experience, a casual fine-dining restaurant by Chef Luca Mascolo. The chef invented a new kind of sourdough bread called “Smokaccia” which became the foundation for an extraordinary experience. The buns are crunchy and paired with a variety of toppings such as lobster, wagyu, vegan, pork-belly, with homemade sauces and infused olive oils. Most importantly, the menu does not exist elsewhere in the world!

116/4 Moo 3 Surin Cherng Thalay, Thalang, Phuket
Open Thursday–Monday, noon–4:30pm for lunch and 6–9pm for dinner
For more information, visit fb.com/TheSmokacciaLaboratory.

The Red Box Dining Room, Chiang Mai

Photo: Courtesy of The Red Box Dining Room

Established over five years ago, Redbox is helmed by couple Khun Pam and Khun Dan. With a high level attention to detail, the place has an extensive menu filled with Chef Dan’s innovative take on Thai and Southeast Asian recipes, gleaned from the duo’s travels across the region. Whether you opt for a la carte or the attractive tasting menu, expect to be in for a treat.

No. 6 Jansapp Alley, Huay Keaw Rd Chiang Mai
Open Wednesday–Monday at 11:30–2pm for lunch and 5:30pm–9:30pm for dinner
Closed on Tuesday
For more information, visit fb.com/redboxdining.