Review

Issara is the creation of Nikola Lesar, a talented young Croatian chef who won his country’s Master Chef competition before coming to Asia. His journey took him from Japan to India, before choosing Phuket to offer his innovative cuisine, opening Issara in 2022. Appetisers include pork belly bao, or switch out the pork for Korean fried chicken. Crab cakes are highly recommended, accompanied by locally inspired coconut curry sauce and served with guava and herb salad. Spicy tuna tartare with wonton nachos and crunchy salt and pepper calamari have earned a permanent place on the menu. Pride of place though goes to wagyu beef. This can be in a refreshing salad with rocket and Parmesan roasted tomatoes or in a bespoke luxe burger, topped with mushrooms, truffle and a chunk of creamy blue cheese. Also commended is retro Rossini tenderloin with a generous slice of French foie gras and a silky-smooth potato purée. For non-beef lovers there are options of herbed lamb rack, five-spice smoked duck breast or saké glazed pork belly. Desserts range from crème brûlée scented with coconut and rum to decadent Belgian chocolate and matcha lava cake. Nikola’s brother Filip is the resident mixologist, and a magician behind the bar mixing classic and avant-garde cocktails that will delight and surprise.