Rawai - Friendship Beach Restaurant

One of the best kept secrets on Phuket is the Friendship Beach Resort & Restaurant on Visit Road between Chalong and Rawai. Nestled idyllically on a scenic beach within viewing distance of Chalong Pier and Bay, Friendship Beach is a restaurant come resort that typifies that paradise island feel.

The establishment is fundamentally a resort with holiday bungalows, however, the restaurant is one such place that only the local expatriate community knows about. The restaurant is open in nature, allowing the stiff ocean breeze to gently refresh you while you dine. The large communal swimming pool is the centerpiece of the restaurant, which every paying customer is allowed to utilize. This approach creates a warm and friendly family atmosphere.

The amazing ocean views are something you have dreamt about. The picturesque outlaying islands such as Koh Lone not only provide sanctuary for Chalong Bay, but are also breathtaking in stature. You can sit within footsteps of the ocean and take a lung full of that clean subtropical atmosphere. The restaurant is fundamentally open style, with a main bar area surrounded by pagodas, which can make your dining experience quite private if you wish. The menu has gained quite a reputation with locals over the years. With a choice of high quality European cuisine, American, Mexican and a sprinkling of Thai, there is more than enough for everyone to enjoy.

The restaurant prides itself on not using artificial coloring or MSG type additives of any kind. Only fresh and healthy ingredients are used when preparing some of the tastiest food found anywhere on the south side of the island. The delicious vegetarian menu provides guests with a myriad of options you can’t find anywhere else in Phuket – this is a seriously health conscious restaurant.

One of the major pulling factors of Friendship Beach is the live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Over the years, these two nights have become popular with those in the know. Friday nights is when some of the island’s favorite musicians take the stage and perform some blues music classics for eager customers. Local musicians from bands such as the Groove Doctors usually form the majority of the house band and play into the night.

Sunday afternoons from 4pm until late, you can enjoy the soulful delights of the talented jazz band that make for a soothing melodic afternoon. The female Filipino vocalist has a great voice and is very personable with the customers. Her vocals can sometimes mirror the great Shirley Bassey, which is quite a compliment in itself. Friendship Beach really is a place you should visit during your time in Phuket. The fact that not so many tourists get to see the natural beauty that the restaurants offers is a shame.

It’s the sort of establishment that will bring you back time and time again. The word of mouth aspect of Friendship Beach has already assured it a cult following with locals. Now you have the opportunity to see the place for yourself – don’t miss out!

Opening Times: Daily from 08:00 – 23:00

Address: Friendship Beach Restaurant, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap, Friendship Beach, Rawai Phuket 83130 Thailand

Phone: (66) 076.288.996

Fax: (66) 076.289.139

Mobile Phone: (66) 089.727.2296 (Starr) (66) 089.471.9908 (Pee)