Raya Restaurant
Authentic Southern Thai cuisine in a beautifully restored historic mansion in Phuket Old Town. Experience genuine flavors and warm hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy authentic flavors
Raya Restaurant
Best Time
Enjoy authentic flavors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Southern Thai cuisine in a beautifully restored historic mansion in Phuket Old Town. Experience genuine flavors and warm hospitality.
"A must-visit gem in Phuket Old Town for genuine Southern Thai cuisine in a historic setting."
🚗 Parking Available
Convenient parking is available behind the restaurant.
📞 Reservations Recommended
Especially for dinner, booking ahead ensures your spot at this popular eatery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crab Curry
Main Dining Area
Signature yellow curry with generous chunks of fresh crab meat in a rich, aromatic coconut milk sauce.
Crab Omelette
Main Dining Area
A sinfully good omelette packed with sweet crab meat, a local favorite.
Pineapple Rice
Main Dining Area
Sweet, savory, and fragrant rice with juicy pineapple chunks, cashews, and raisins, served in a hollowed pineapple.
Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce
Main Dining Area
Generous, fresh shrimp coated in a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and garlicky tamarind glaze.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authentic Southern Thai Flavors
Historic Ambiance & Top Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Available
Convenient parking is available behind the restaurant.
📞 Reservations Recommended
Especially for dinner, booking ahead ensures your spot at this popular eatery.
🥭 Complimentary Mangoes
Enjoy a sweet surprise of fresh mangoes at the end of your meal!
🌶️ Flavors Not Overly Spicy
Dishes are generally not too spicy, making them accessible for most palates.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Available
Convenient parking is available behind the restaurant.
📞 Reservations Recommended
Especially for dinner, booking ahead ensures your spot at this popular eatery.
🥭 Complimentary Mangoes
Enjoy a sweet surprise of fresh mangoes at the end of your meal!
🌶️ Flavors Not Overly Spicy
Dishes are generally not too spicy, making them accessible for most palates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Raya Restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Southern Thai cuisine, particularly its exceptional crab dishes, served in a charming, historic Sino-Portuguese mansion. Diners rave about the flavorful food, warm hospitality, and the unique ambiance that transports them back in time. While some find the prices mid-range and the space can be warm without air conditioning, the overall experience is highly recommended for its genuine flavors and attentive service.
"This restaurant is truly one of the best dining spots near Old Phuket Town, and it quickly became one of my favourite places during the trip. The food is exceptional, offering some of the most authentic and flavourful Thai dishes I’ve ever tasted. Their crab-based dishes are absolutely outstanding — especially the crab omelette and the crab Thai curry, both of which are rich, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Every dish reflects genuine Thai flavours with great attention to detail.
The hospitality here is equally impressive. The staff were warm, attentive, and made sure we felt comfortable throughout our meal. A special mention goes to the lady manager, who took exceptional care of us. Her friendly approach, helpful suggestions, and constant attention made the entire experience feel even more welcoming.
Overall, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone exploring Old Phuket Town. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and top-notch service — definitely worth it."
gokul nath
"A long-established Southern Thai restaurant. Today was my first time trying it. The place is nice decor and there’s parking behind the restaurant, which is great.
The dishes aren’t very big, the prices are affordable, and the flavors are average—not too spicy. The restaurant is quite warm since there’s no air-conditioning. The staff are lovely."
Ji Rarat
"A Must-Visit Gem in Phuket Old Town: Raya Restaurant
What a wonderful lunch experience at Raya Restaurant in the heart of Phuket Old Town! Housed in a beautifully restored century-old Sino-Portuguese mansion, the ambience is absolutely fantastic – think mosaic tile floors, vintage posters, rustic ceiling fans, and that charming old-world vibe that transports you back in time while feeling cozy and inviting.
We ordered the crab curry (their signature yellow curry with generous chunks of fresh crab meat in a rich, aromatic coconut milk sauce), fried fish (perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside), and pineapple rice, which was hands-down the standout – sweet, savory, fragrant with juicy pineapple chunks, cashews, and raisins, all served in a hollowed-out pineapple for that extra touch of Thai flair. Everything was bursting with authentic Phuket flavors, fresh ingredients, and just the right balance of spices.
To top it all off, our host Ms. Ning was incredibly kind and attentive, making us feel so welcome. She even surprised us with fresh mangoes at the end of the meal – such a thoughtful and delicious gesture!
If you’re in Phuket Old Town, Raya is an absolute must for genuine Southern Thai cuisine in a historic setting. Highly recommended – we’ll definitely be back!"
Anmol Shekhawat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Raya Restaurant is located in the heart of Phuket Old Town. It's easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from most areas in Phuket. Parking is available behind the restaurant. +1
Yes, Raya Restaurant is a prominent dining spot located in the historic Old Town of Phuket, Thailand. +1
From Patong, you can take a taxi or a shared minivan (songthaew) to Phuket Old Town. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner, as Raya Restaurant is very popular and can get crowded.
Raya Restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their latest opening hours online or call ahead, as they can vary.
No, there is no entrance fee. Raya Restaurant is a dining establishment, and you only pay for the food and drinks you order.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The signature Crab Curry and Crab Omelette are highly recommended. Other popular dishes include Pineapple Rice and Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce. +2
While prices are considered affordable for the quality and authenticity, it's a mid-range to slightly upscale dining experience, especially for the signature dishes.
While many dishes feature seafood and meat, some vegetable-based dishes and rice options can be adapted or are naturally vegetarian. It's advisable to inquire with the staff.
Raya Restaurant specializes in authentic Southern Thai cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional flavors. +1
The flavors are generally well-balanced and not overwhelmingly spicy, making it enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansion provides a charming and historic backdrop for photos. The food presentation is also very appealing. +1
Daytime visits allow you to capture the architectural details and natural light within the mansion. Evening visits offer a cozy, intimate ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the menu focuses on traditional Thai dishes, there are options like rice and some milder curries that can be enjoyed by children. The attentive service ensures that families feel well looked after throughout their meal.
foodie travelers
The restaurant's Michelin selection history and its reputation for genuine flavors make it a prime destination for those seeking an uncompromised culinary adventure. The historic setting adds another layer of appeal to the gastronomic journey.
Couples & Romantic Dinners
Enjoying the flavorful and beautifully presented dishes together, such as the signature crab curry or the shrimp with tamarind sauce, adds to the shared experience. The attentive and discreet service ensures a seamless and enjoyable evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ambiance: A Step Back in Time
The ambiance is a significant part of the dining experience, offering a cozy and characterful setting that complements the authentic Southern Thai cuisine. It's a place where the old-world charm enhances the enjoyment of the food and service.
This unique setting has been recognized, with the restaurant being Michelin-selected in past years, highlighting its overall quality and experience.
Signature Dishes: A Culinary Journey
Beyond crab, the Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and garlicky flavors, with large, fresh shrimp.
These dishes exemplify the restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods to deliver genuine Phuket flavors. The attention to detail in each dish ensures a memorable culinary experience.
Exceptional Service & Hospitality
A special mention often goes to the lady manager, who is described as taking exceptional care of guests, offering helpful suggestions and ensuring a pleasant experience.
This high level of hospitality, combined with the delicious food and charming ambiance, contributes to Raya Restaurant being a highly recommended destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable meal in Phuket.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit