Review

Luna Lanai, possessing a light and airy charm all of its own, is perched on the beach overlooking golden sand, comfortably shielded by a sail canopy. Diners may also choose the adjoining garden. Both locations offer a tranquil setting for a relaxing lunch or evening soiree. The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, from Thai staples, Italian pastas, grilled meat or fish to fresh seafood specialties. Start with nua yang, exceptionally tender and juicy slices of pon yang kham beef drizzled with a lightly spiced tamarind sauce to enhance the flavour or crunchy calamari, served with a punchy Sriracha mayonnaise. For main, take a chef signature of poo nim tod kratiam prik Thai, wok fried soft shell crab with garlic and spices. Alternatively, and ideal for sharing, Cha-Am barbecue platter of freshly caught, succulent prawns, slivers of squid, delicate blue crab and a local fish, wrapped in banana leaf to ensure flavours remain sealed within, and a zesty lime sauce. Bananas are flambeed tableside before caramel and chocolate is added, or try sweet yellow mango and soft sticky rice, with coconut cream. The drinks list is well balanced with sufficient wines offered by both bottle and glass, in addition to cocktails and a simply stunning array of spirits; after all, it’s a beach bar too.