Dining out in Kamala is just as chilled out as everything else there, so don't expect waiters in tuxedos handing out dictionary-sized wine lists. However, do expect to find great seafood and international food in a decidedly casual atmosphere.
Just as you crest the hill coming from Patong you should see a few small Thai restaurants serving Issarn (Northeastern Thailand) food such as grilled chicken, sticky rice and papaya salad. These simple restaurants may not be the fanciest of places but the view from them is hard to beat and they make a great spot to have a snack or watch the sunset.
Casual Beachfront Dining
There are a handful of permanent vendors serving food and drink on the beach during the daytime. Beach lovers don’t have to go far for food or fresh drinks. Prices are reasonable.
Location: On the Kamala beachfront across the road from Kamala School
Salt & Pepper
Salt & Pepper does great western food. You can dine with your table on the sand. Friendly staff, great beach atmosphere, great for families, good food at affordable prices.
Style: Swedish, Western and Thai
Open: For lunch and dinner
Location: On the beach, near Kamala Dreams
Tel: +66 (0) 76 385 371
Same Same, But Different
As the name suggests, this restaurant serves Thai Food in a cozy atmosphere.
Style: Thai and European
Location: On the road that runs parallel to Kamala beach, near Kamala Dreams
Tel: +66 (0) 76 385606
Kamala Coffee House
Kamala Coffee House is a two-storey place with a breezy terrace that offers a nice ocean view. There is nothing fancy about their simple food but it is a good location to watch the world go by.
Style: Ice cream, coffee, easy food
Location: Right next to the canal on the road that runs parallel to Kamala Beach.
Blue Manao
A lovely restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. Blue Manao (blue lime) is a great place to people watch. Nice and clean family atmosphere with affordable prices.
Style: Thai, seafood and western food
Location: near Bob’s Bar and Papa Crab's Guesthouse on the road that runs parallel to Kamala Beach.
HC Andersen's
On the opposite side of the road from Blue Manao there's HC Andersen's which has a reputation for good food. Great for families and prices are affordable.
Style: International/Thai
Location: On the road that runs parallel to Kamala Beach.
Charoen Seafood
One of the most well-known family-run restaurants in Kamala, Charoen first opened about 20 years ago and it has a good selection of fresh seafood. Prices generally are affordable but can be expensive for some seafood items depending on weight. Good for families. (Read a Review of Charoen Seafood...)
Open: For breakfast, lunch and dinner
Style: Thai & Seafood
Location: On the ground floor of Kamala Dreams on the road that runs parallel to Kamala Beach.
Sala Thai
Located right on the waterfront at Kamala Beach, its menu consists of both Thai and western food. Parking is also available. Prices are affordable.
Style: Thai & International
Location: Near Kamala Dreams
Pavilion Beach Restaurant
Pavilion Beach Restaurant is another perfect spot for a day or night out (equally good for both). It is set right on the Kamala Beach at the corner opposite Kamala School. A big, open-air restaurant with lots of room, they offer everything from Thai food to burgers, spaghetti and more. Family friendly, with reasonable prices.
Style: Thai, seafood and international
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Location: Opposite the Kamala School on the corner
Southern Kamala
Rockfish
Rockfish is one of the best looking open-air, sea view restaurants in Phuket. A perfect place for romantic dining or a special night out, its menu consists of modern & international dishes with an excellent wine list. Rockfish hosts cool parties with DJ's. Breakfast and set lunches are reasonable but afternoon and evening dining is expensive.
Style: Asian-influenced fusion food and Australian
Open: Daily from 08:00 until late
Location: As soon as you reach the bottom of the hill from Patong take a left along the southern end of the bay, look for the Rockfish sign. It is right next to Kamala Beach Estate.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 279732
White Orchid
Situated at the end of Kamala Bay, White Orchid has been open for over a decade. This local family-run restaurant offers Thai and European food along with imported wines. Prices are affordable.
Style: Thai/European
Open: Daily from 11:00 -22:30
Location: Opposite Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove (formerly Kamala Bay Terrace)
Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 9757
Kamala Main Road
On the main road that runs through Kamala there are several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, ranging from Thai to American to Argentinean. This once sleepy village can’t compete with Patong yet when it comes to fancy and upscale restaurants, but the few that are here are very interesting.
Le Gourmet
Le Gourmet is another very popular restaurant on Kamala Beach, serving Thai, seafood, pizza and European cuisine. It offers a sofa lounge, pool table, and open-air style dining.
Style: Thai and western food
Open: From 11:00 until late.
Location: When you reach the bottom of the hill from Patong, it is at the corner of the main road before
turning left to the beach.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 278 016
Argentina Steakhouse
This large restaurant has a fine selection of imported meats as well as a good selection of wines. Look for the big black statue of a bull outside. Prices are affordable.
Style: Steaks, Thai and Indian
Location: On the main road to Patong. Look for the Bull Carving.
Kamala Bakery
Another breakfast location is the Kamala Bakery, just a few houses down from the new Bangkok Bank on the main road. The bakery has good breakfast options and tasty bread.
Style: Deli & bread
Open: 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Near Bangkok Bank on the main road
Emerald Café
Emerald Café is a part of a long-established hotel in Kamala, the Club Hotel & Restaurant. The blue-and-white building is very visible from the road. Other outlets here include the Rooftop Restaurant and the Club Restaurant. They also have pool tables and prices are reasonable.
Style: Thai and international
Location: On the main road
Tel: +66 (0) 81 893 4911
Baan Rim Klong
One of the favourite expat hang outs in this area is Baan Rim Klong, serving authentic Thai and Indian cuisine. It is also well known for its good value Sunday roasts, served buffet style and its quiz nights every Thursday at 20:00.
Style: Thai, English, Indian
Location: Opposite the Argentina Steakhouse
Tel: +66 (0) 8 7620 5009
Duck Spicy
If you fancy real Thai food, try the Duck Spicy – a small and simple restaurant offering a good range of spicy stuff such as som tam (spicy papaya salad) and laab ped (spicy duck salad). Prices are affordable.
Style: Local Thai (and Issan) food
Open: Lunch and dinner
Location: On Kamala Main Road
Mountain View Restaurant
Another local favourite hangout, Mountain View restaurant serves Mexican food with some excellent Rock n' Roll background tunes. It serves up to 250 covers. A great place for partying.
Open: 12.00 - 02:00
Location: On Kamala Main Road, near the Bangkok Bank.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 279 486
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