Marina’s

SETTING

The Aspasia Phuket is one of the more – if not the most – striking buildings on the island. Walk through the shaded and blessedly cool Mayan-style architecture to reach the restaurant in brushed steel and weathered iron.

FOOD

The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Thai. Local favourites are given a refreshing spin by talented chef Michael Cottabarren. Prepare the palate for a zingy plate of moo kam wan, essentially a Thai carpaccio of pork with the addition of plentiful and piquant red chillies. Goong manao, steamed prawns drenched in lime juice and tossed with more chillies is an equally fiery and refreshing starter. For mains choose Cajun-grilled salmon with ratatouille and a seemingly simple mushroom pizza. The bakers provide superb pizza bases, and indeed, all of the bread served here is first class. Leave room for dessert. Michael’s splendid signature desserts – pan-roasted strawberries in coconut jus and drizzled with balsamic syrup, and frozen orange and chocolate tiramisu terrine drizzled with coffee creme anglaise – are outstanding.

WINES

Temper the heat with a very acceptable house wine, such as the Spanish Castano Domino Espinal Macabeo. A good selection of wines from new and old worlds.

SERVICE

Polite, but a little slow and can be more knowledgeable.

PRICE

Two people can dine at Marina’s without alcohol for about 1,200 baht.

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