18 quirky and cool cafes and restaurants in Phuket to visit

There’s no doubt that Phuket is a well-known tropical holiday destination.

Tourists from all over the globe visit Thailand’s largest island for many obvious reasons; beautiful white-sand beaches, exotic culture, exceptional food, and never before seen sights.

Chances are that while in Phuket, you will at some point stop at a café looking to refuel. Whether it’s a caffeine fix, refreshing drink, light snack, or proper meal that you seek – there’s no shortage of cafes to choose from.

Also read: 16 things to do that will show you Phuket is more than just a beach destination

In fact, it can be darn right overwhelming!

• Who has the best Thai food?

• Where’s the freshest brewed coffee?

• Is this place authentic or just another tourist trap?

• Am I getting ripped off?

• Is this organic?

• Can this place accommodate my vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free travel buddy?

• And what about ambiance?

• Is it quality, delicious food?

Don’t worry. We’ve taken the time to answer all these questions and more with 17 of Phuket’s finest cafes. Read on to see what we’ve found!

1.  Dining at this dreamy victorian-themed space will be truly unforgettable – VT Namnueng Phuket Restaurant

Stumbling into this dreamy space will quite literally make your jaw drop.

• From the courtyard with its little maze of hedges leading to a beautiful fountain…

• To the hidden benches between the shrubbery perfect for romantic rendezvous…

• The gorgeous architecture of the mansion with a history spanning over a century…

• And the incredibly detailed English/Victorian themed decor within…

You’ll find this place picture-worthy both outside and in.

A part of the mansion has been converted into a truly lovely restaurant/cafe with vintage wallpaper, plush chairs, a fireplace and more.

What’s most surprising though, isn’t the beauty of the place, but the delicious food itself. The range of dishes on the menu is impressive, and the food served – outstanding! (And at really great prices too! :P)

We highly recommend the Pho, a hearty and deliciously flavourful bowl of soup with noodles!

PS: Cuisines served here range from Thai to Viet!

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2. Organic veggies and health conscious menu – We Café Phuket @ Chalong

It’s hard to find a café with fresher produce than We Café, which has an on-site greenhouse growing seven different types of organic lettuce.

The café is also adjacent to a hydroponic farm that’s been operating for over 15 years, and supplies many local businesses with fresh fruits and veggies. Bottom line: if you eat at We Café, it is 100% fresh and quality ingredients guaranteed.

Pick and choose your own salad ingredients starting with the type of lettuce and adding different toppings, like grilled salmon, chicken teriyaki, tofu, or avocado.

While salads are the café’s specialty, they have a host of other tasty offerings; sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fruit bowls, smoothies, coffees, and tea. They also have some super original creations, like the rice berry quinoa sushi roll or the mango salsa chicken wrap. Definitely worth a try!

The café itself has large bay windows, letting in lots of natural light, dark wooden tables and chairs, and palm trees composed of small wooden sticks that reach floor to ceiling. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the greenhouse from some of the tables.

Health eaters, vegetarians, and vegans will rejoice at all this lovely café has to offer. Eating clean has never been so easy and enjoyable!

3. Enjoy a good cutesy animal-themed café? – Pikgo Coffee & Zakka

The cute, cuddly, and colourful décor makes this casual café comfy and welcoming. Brightly coloured couches decorated with animal pillows, along with stuffed animals, can be found scattered throughout the café.

The animal theme even carries over to the food, with assorted desserts taking the form of adorable hedgehogs, cappuccino froth transformed into the face of a bear, cat and dog-inspired cake rolls.

Pikgo is best known for its specialty drinks and desserts from their homemade bakery. The award-winning baristas take pride in their work and it shows in the obvious attention to detail in every glass!

Desserts are displayed in glass cases, with options like carrot cake, Oreo chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake, and French toast with ice cream – just to name a few.

Local Thai dishes like Pad Kra Pao Moo Kai Dao (fried pork with basil leaves and fried egg) are also available.

PS: Indoor and outdoor seating in a garden setting completes one of Phuket’s favorite hang outs!

4. A chic café that will satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth – Cafe Kantary

This classy café is situated within the sophisticated Kantary Bay Hotel in Cape Panwa. The sea breeze and salty air makes this café a cool way to beat the heat of downtown Phuket!

The interior of the café gets plenty of natural light thanks to the glass walls, and the sleek design and overstuffed couches and pillows lend a look of elegance.

Dine indoors or enjoy your drink and dessert on the lovely outdoor deck, surrounded with lots of greenery.

Kantary Café is all about sweet treats like frappes, crepes, brownies, cakes, and waffles. Their specialties include gourmet chocolates and creamy gelato. Yum yum!

The beverage selection is as appealing as the desserts. Try a refreshing Italian soda, smoothie, or traditional coffee or tea, available iced or blended.

The wine bar also ensures you have a decent selection of wine by the glass or bottle!

5. Take a peek back at the traditional days of Phuket – Taitong Café

This roadside café boasts old-fashioned flair with some real-life antiques for a feel of real authenticity. The wrought iron patio tables and chairs are the perfect place to perch yourself for an afternoon, and watch the world whiz by.

Inside the café, half of an old Song Teaw (Tuk Tuk vehicle) has been made into a mini bar – an ideal place to pose for a quick pic! Traditional colonial style windows and bright blue walls create a quaint atmosphere.

The inside is small and simply decorated with black tables and chairs, perfectly complemented with brightly colored cushions.  The interior lighting from the Chinese lanterns casts a warm and cosy glow through the entire café.

The on-site bakery produces its fair share of delectable treats like mango-vanilla layer cake, banana coffee cake, and strawberry-cream cake. Taitong also has a great breakfast menu. Mango smoothie, American style breakfast, or the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich are all great choices.

Don’t forget to try their famous cappuccino – this coffee has a kick! Bonus: all the coffee served here is also organic.

6. Hipsters will love hanging out in this café turned bookstore – Bookhemian Coffee Bar

This café is as cool as they come; trendy without being flashy, charming without being old-fashioned, and hip without being pretentious.

Paying homage to its’ name, Bookhemian is stacked with – you guessed it – shelves of books, art magazines, and local photography. You can buy new or used books, or simply browse the selection while you wait for your drink to be prepared.

Upstairs you will find a gallery with local art on display, as well as local crafts and small gifts for purchase.

If you’re feeling peckish, Bookhemian can whip up a satisfying breakfast of scrambled eggs on croissant with sausage. (Health fanatics will love the charcoal bread sandwiches!)

Signature drinks that shouldn’t be overlooked include the Orange Cinnamon Mocha and the Toasted Marshmallow iced coffee.

Desserts like brownies with raspberry sauce, croissants stuffed with apple, cinnamon, and raisins, mango cheesecakes, waffles and more are available – all delicious, all reasonably priced.

7. Lose yourself in the middle of Phuket’s Old Town by slipping by in time – Since 1892

The assortment of vintage décor is what makes this café so unique; it’s literally like stepping into an antique shop!

Everywhere you look, you’ll find interesting sculptures, figurines, paintings, clothing, and old-fashioned upholstery and furniture circa early 1900s.

The 20th century theme makes for an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, and provides lots of interesting eye candy. There’s even a little souvenir shop where you can find all sorts of funky knickknacks to commemorate your time spent here.

The bonus, of course, is the wide selection of specialty teas and coffee the café prides itself on. Try the hazelnut cappuccino or Earl Grey tea. If you prefer, there are cold drinks like smoothies and fresh juices.

Since 1892 also has a small dessert menu with several cakes to choose from, like blueberry cheesecake!

8. Make your own souvenir and have a stellar meal and cup of Joe while you’re at it – Chino Cafe Gallery

This is a coffee shop, restaurant, souvenir shop, and photo and art gallery all rolled into one.

The cute exterior is marked with a bright red, old-fashioned bicycle, which is sometimes used to deliver the café’s freshly baked goods around town.

Polished grey marble walls and floors, accented with wooden tables and chairs give off a modern and subtly chic vibe. Small keepsakes and cute souvenirs are displayed on shelves or in wooden cases around the perimeter of the diving area.

They even have a make-your-own-postcard station!

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here, along with a full selection of drinks, coffees, and tea. Local favourites like Thai green curry and mango sticky rice are must-tries. There’s also a broad range of western favorites like chicken salad, French toast, and pasta dishes.

Breakfast is well recommended and generously portioned. All the food is of super quality and prices are in line with most other cafes in the area.

9. Cosy up to your pals and “camp in style” in the laid-back atmosphere – The Tent

Get cosy and enjoy an afternoon with your friends inside an adorable, indoor teepee style tent!

This café sets itself apart from the others with its creative, Native-American inspired theme. Low tables inside turquoise and white teepee tents make this spot one of kind.

Food design and presentation are flawless and every detail is attended to. From waffles to chicken skewers, scrambled egg sandwich to spicy spaghetti with garlic and bacon, there’s no bad choice here.

You’ll even notice the food’s presentation follows the “tent” theme!

Choose from a wide selection of designer drinks, smoothies, and coffees – try Salty Caramel Marshmallow Colombian Coffee or Banoffee Drink (blended banana, Oreo, milk, vanilla).

Don’t forget to save room for the creative and delicious desserts – must try – DIY s’mores!

10. “There’s always time for dessert” – The Hidden Pot Bakery & Cafe

Don’t let the cute, country theme fool you – this cafe means business, especially when it comes to desserts.

Hidden Pot Bakery and Café’s claim to fame is the original twist they use on otherwise typical desserts.

The green tea lava cake with green tea ice cream and fresh cream, for example, or the Thai mango panacotta, the almond caramel cheesecake, or the chocolate cake made from a dozen crepes.

How do you pick just one?! Presentation is picture-perfect, served on a wooden plate with matching cutlery.

To finish off, frothy lattes and fruit smoothies served in delightful little mason jars complete the rustic feel.

11. Traditional East meets the trendy West – Eleven Two & Co. Cafe

Housed in a Sino-Chinese building in the heart of Phuket’s Old Town is the charming and extremely popular fusion café.

The cheerful exterior welcomes the, passerby and you won’t be disappointed once you step in. The interior is simple, yet stylish, with exposed brick walls, and chic black and white décor.

The menu has a wide range of tasty options – from Thai favourites like pad Thai and Thai omelet, to Western dishes like pizza, club sandwich, or a combination of both like the Caesar salad with crispy belly pork or spaghetti with Isan-style sausage.

The drinks selection is unique with detox juices and healthy smoothies, along with Thai-inspired sodas and cocktails, all served in tall mason jars.

There’s also a quirky gift shop in the front of the café, that’s perfect for souvenir shopping for things like postcards, soaps, purses, and other knickknacks.

All in all, a super place for an excellent meal at very reasonable prices!

12. Have your cake and eat it too – Café Y Te

This unique café has a European feel, so it’s no surprise to find out the owners spent some time in Spain! They must have enjoyed their time there because much of the interior is comprised of Spanish-inspired décor.

White, wrought iron garden chairs, glass top tables, and overstuffed couches complete the cosy scene. The old-fashioned outdoor patio makes this café the perfect place to go, to escape the bustle of Phuket and watch the world go by.

Irresistible desserts available include blueberry cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, banana Oreo cake, apple crumble, and chocolate fudge cake. Carrot cake is the specialty!

They also have a full realm of coffee and tea (lattes, espresso, blended, iced, etc.).

Western style meals like the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel and full English breakfast (eggs, bacons, baked beans, grilled mushrooms) are on the menu – but honestly, don’t fill up on a main dish; this is one of the best dessert cafes in Phuket!

13. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch or sweet vegan treat – Brown Cafe Bake and Blend

Cute and casual with wooden tables and folding chairs, this café’s focus is on its food and drinks. There’s nothing but fresh, healthy and quality ingredients in this place. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty to satisfy their needs as well.

Brown Bake Blend has an in-house bakery for those who love a little something sweet.

All cakes and pastries are made with the best quality local ingredients available. Try the fresh fruit and cream cake, rhubarb tart, macaroon cake, or pick from an assortment of freshly baked mini muffins.

Robust coffee is served (blended, iced, hot – however you’d like it), along with light brunch meals, with classics like French toast, sausage and bacon and flatbread pizza.

Petite servings of pasta and salad are also on the menu. The mango smoothie is like a meal piled high with mango chunks and strawberry slices!

You’ll discover skimping is not something this café knows how to do.

14. Get off the beaten path and kick back in simple fashion – Origami Cafe Phuket

Nestled 30-minutes south of Phuket’s busy Old Town is Saturdays Residence, an upscale apartment complex for short or long term rental.

Inside the residence is a charming, Japanese inspired café called Origami. The name is borrowed from the Japanese art form of folding paper to create animate and inanimate objects.

The painted white brick walls stand in stark contrast to the sleek wooden panel accents, creating a chill yet chic environment.

Opt for one of the spaghetti dishes, like the fettucine in squid ink cream sauce. Or the grilled ham and cheese panini or croissant sandwich.

Chicken wings and bruschetta-esque morsels are available for those who just want a small bite – try the avocado toast or smoked salmon on cream cheese toast – yum!

Detox with a healthy, homemade smoothie, otherwise, coffee, teas, and other beverages also available.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Blueberry and honey waffles, chocolate lava cake, and the café’s original waffle cake ice cream are all calling your name!

15. Creative menu, impressive selection, and delicious meals made with love – Kinsook Happy Eating Café

This café is a great place to visit with a mixed group. With vegan and vegetarian options, Thai food, Western food, fusion and more – even the pickiest of eaters will find something to appease their appetites.

The menu is huge with lots of options – it would be difficult not to find anything appealing!

For those healthy eaters Kinsook Café has whole wheat and veggie breads, as well as veggie drinks (try the pumpkin, honey, and milk smoothie – only 70 Baht!), avocado salad, tofu, and grilled salmon.

Fresh pressed juices and fresh fruit smoothies are a given in a health-conscious place like this.

There’s also pizza (with whole wheat crust) with healthy toppings, pasta dishes with a splash of Thai (spicy spaghetti with garlic and pork), various stir fries (served with brown rice), as well as home- made soup (also served with brown rice) and sandwiches.

It’s also important to note that the whole menu is prepared without MSG – this is quite impressive for a country like Thailand – which is notorious for using this flavor enhancer in many of their dishes.

Many of their desserts are also vegan-friendly, like the purple sweet potato cake or the taro crepe cake. Must try dessert – whole wheat, vegan, banana cake!

16. Hip and fuss-free vibes inside the hidden secret – Factory Café

A talented and creative touch was behind the construction of this café.  Designed by local architect Tantanan Srinawakul, he has merged his upstairs home studio with the ground floor café to create a unique living and working environment!

On the outside, this café is nothing fancy. If you weren’t looking for it, you’d probably never see it. And if you are looking for it, you could still miss it if you’re not careful.

But once you descend the quiet alley and step inside the obscure building doors, the drab outside morphs into a polished urban space with an impressively fashionable décor. The interior looks reminiscent of a posh executive office – with brick walls and pillars, black and white color theme, and industrial looking lamps providing focused lighting.

The café is a self-defined Asian-Fusion restaurant, and the menu can be summarised as upscale Thai – although there are some western favorites like pizza, chicken wings, spaghetti carbonara, and French fries.

Thai-style dishes like spaghetti with prawns served with papaya salad, fried rice with basil plus fried egg (pad kra pao kai dao), pad Thai, and spaghetti with bacon, basil and sausage are among the choices.

Then, of course, there are the desserts. Try the traditional Thai dessert of fluffy sweet bread with vanilla and green tea ice cream, bananas, and cinnamon.

Also on the must-try list: Banoffee whipped cream and caramel pie, mango cheesecake, or raspberry panacotta. The presentation of the desserts goes the extra mile, with the outline of cute designs stenciled on the plate with powdered sugar!

Signature drink? Try the Gorilla Jump.

17. There’s no way you can miss experiencing Phuket’s FIRST EVER coffee roasters – Hock Hoe Lee, Rawai, Phuket

Tan Cheng Long family’s passion about their coffee is hereditary. The current owner’s great-grandfather immigrated from China to Thailand in the 1950s – and brought with him his love and appreciate for excellent coffee.

Founded in 1958 (several years after Mr. Long immigrated to Thailand), Hock Hoe Lee coffee has been passed down for three generations. This family cares about their coffee more than most!

Prepare to be wowed by the extensive drink menu of locally brewed coffee (also available in store to purchase by the kilo). All Hock Hoe Lee’s coffee – sourced from northern Thailand – is organic, fresh, cold-brewed and double-filtered, resulting in the purest form.

You can pick from their four signature blends; Premium Classic, Organic, Arabica Roma, and Espresso Premo. The coffee here is said to be among the best on the whole island.

Hearty breakfast portions make this the place to start your day in Phuket. Dig into a stack of strawberry pancakes, or bacon, cheese, and spinach omelet. Must tries include their signature bacon and egg waffle sandwich or waffle eggs benedict.

Cold-pressed, raw and detox juices and desserts also available.

18. Experience dessert in art form – Apostrophe

Someone whose sole passion is to create elegant desserts, flawless coffee and specialty drinks clearly designed this café-studio combo. Small and stylish with neutral grey tones and simple wooden tables – this unpretentious café immediately puts each patron at ease.

The owner obviously revels in the perfection of every piece of cake, cookie, scone, and biscuit; each sweet treat comes out looking like a piece of art.

Not to be missed: homemade butter scones, strawberry & chocolate topped cheesecake, lemon meringue tart, apple crumble, home-made crepes, and matcha honey toast with green tea ice cream – the list goes on.

Adorable bite sized morsels in neat takeaway packaging are also a must.

Try a strawberry, honey & lemon soda, green tea latte, or fresh tropical fruit smoothie to wash it all down!

The Phuket café culture goes beyond expectations of the standard Thai island. Locals here take their café’s very seriously, always striving for perfection in their quality, ingredients, presentation, and customer service.

See anything you love? Let us know which cafe you’d love to check out in the comments below! We want to hear from you!

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