Acqua

Acqua has long been Phuket's go-to for serious Italian cooking. Sardinian chef Alessandro Frau reworks traditional recipes with a light hand and top-grade imported produce, and the restaurant is recommended in the Michelin Guide.

The tortelli 'Il Mare', filled with burrata and finished with squid ink, sea urchin and plankton, shows off the kitchen's creativity, while the squid tagliatelle and wood-fired pizzas cover more familiar ground. A chef's tasting menu is available, and the wine list runs to more than 550 labels.

Smart casual and romantic, it is best saved for anniversaries, special occasions or a grown-up night out away from the Patong crowds. Book at least a couple of hours ahead; the team can accommodate gluten-free diets.