Issara Restaurant & Bar – Kata Beach — Restaurant in Karon

The decor here is 10/10. We came here on our last night, hoping for something memorable and high quality to end our time in Thailand. Upon arrival it was fairly quiet due to us having a later booking in the evening. We were told to wait to be served, which was fine so we stood at the entrance then someone came to show us to a table. I must say it wasn’t the most inviting service that we’ve had on holiday (and we’ve had some great service in Thailand). We looked at the price prior to coming so knew what to expect, we ordered drinks and were surprised to see how small my porn start martini was, I’d say maybe serve a shot of Prosecco on the side just to make up for the size as this is one of the smallest pricier drinks I’ve had in Thailand and the UK. My partner had a mai Tai which again is a drink he gets often, so it was interesting to see the presentation of the drink for a high quality pricey place and also wasn’t served in a glass… The waitress also asked if we would like some water, given that we just ordered drinks and food, we thought this might just be complementary as it often is so we said yes. She came back with a glass bottle of aqua panna, which I knew we were going to have to pay for but they had taken the menus so I couldn’t see how much this was and didn’t want to make a fuss about water.. turns out it’s 220 baht. Which works out to be over £5 which is not often something I find myself splurging out on, and one of the pricer bottles of water Ive had in a long time. Onto the food, starters we had tiger prawn satay which was nice, the peanut sauce was really tasty, along with the crab cakes which I think lacked flavour all round. I really enjoyed my main dish which was the salmon teriyaki, there’s nothing I would have changed with this dish, but I did have to end up sharing part of my dish with my partner as his meal was unsatisfactory. He ordered the chili crab tagliatelle. This was quite underwhelming as it really lacked flavour and tasted more like a ready meal from the supermarket, wasn’t much crab meat in the dish so the flavour didn’t really come through or any notes of chili.. during this time the staff were often seen yawning and just looking rather done with the night. So the ambience was quite dull. After being asked how the food was twice and giving a honest answer the staff didn’t ask any further question to see why we weren’t completely satisfied with the food. So overall this is not a place I’d come back to unfortunately. And I think it’s a shame because we’ve had amazing authentic Thai food that’s full of flavour, and we were looking for something more elevated but still with that amazing flavour from the Thai and Asian fusion. We just didn’t feel like it was about the flavours, more the price. Our bill was just under 4000 baht which we expected to pay something similar to UK prices but just felt like the food, drinks and service really lacked for what it was worth. But it looks really nice and I’m sure offers better dishes and regular...

Phuket is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic culinary scene, making it an ideal destination for a memorable birthday dinner. If you're looking for a special cuisine experience, you won't be disappointed.

To start off your culinary journey, the appetizers at the restaurant were absolutely delightful. The calamari was perfectly cooked, tender on the inside with a crispy exterior. The accompanying dipping sauce added a burst of tangy flavor that complemented the dish perfectly. The chicken teriyaki was another standout. The tender chicken was glazed with a delectable teriyaki sauce that had just the right balance of sweetness and umami. It was a great way to kickstart the meal.

Moving on to the main dishes, while they were tasty, there was a slight issue with oiliness. The risotto, while rich and flavorful, had a slightly greasy texture. The flavors of the dish were well-balanced, with the creamy rice complemented by the earthy undertones of the mushrooms and the hint of Parmesan cheese. However, the excess oil detracted slightly from an otherwise excellent dish.

Despite this minor flaw, the overall dining experience was still enjoyable. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, and the attentive staff added to the overall positive experience. The birthday dinner in Phuket was a memorable affair, with the appetizers being the clear highlight. If you're in Phuket and looking for a special cuisine experience, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit, especially for its delectable calamari and...

I have been lucky to eat here on several occasions as my villa is literally steps away from Issara. The place has an elegant look but with a cool beach vibe, a treasure perched at the top of a hill. The menu has a large selection of old time favorites and well as thought out fusion offerings. Everyone will find their favorite, and for the adventurous a new culinary step in the right direction. Everything I have enjoyed has been prepared and delivered tableside with care and enthusiasm. A5 Kobe beef is a luxury item I enjoy here on every visit, simple but sumptuous. Extensive International wine list and a custom cocktail menu that has been well thought out and executed with precision, top shelf all the way! My most recent visit for my birthday was fortunate to meet with and have a nice discussion with the Chef on various topics that included his present menu as well as his careers storied past that included his pitfalls and successes that have led him to Issara. With his soul and energy it is clearly evident that his approach and execution are well thought out in all phases of operation at Issara top to bottom. His staff is welcoming at all times and as a collective they are committed to each guest as individuals not just as another table being served. I must mention Angie who been extremely helpful and has made me feel more than welcomed and has been very accommodating on my every visit, she is a star who wears many hats. I very rarely write reviews but on this occasion felt it was appropriate.

Harry...