I recently had the pleasure of dining at Zen Eat restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, and I must say it was an extraordinary culinary experience. From the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant, the atmosphere was inviting and the service was impeccable.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the food. Zen Eat specializes in French cuisine, and I was truly impressed by the quality and taste of the dishes. In fact, I would go so far as to say it was one of the best French restaurants I have visited in a long time. The culinary skills of Chef Sylvain were evident in every bite.
One particular dish that stood out to me was the braised beef cheek with a sensational sauce. The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the accompanying sauce complemented it perfectly. It was a true delight for my taste buds. To accompany my meal, I chose a Cote du Rhone wine, which was expertly paired and enhanced the overall dining experience.
My daughter opted for the duck, and she was equally impressed. The duck was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, and the presentation was visually appealing. It was evident that great attention to detail was given to every aspect of the dish.
Throughout the evening, the waitstaff were attentive, friendly, and always had a smile on their faces. The supervision of Yannick, I assume the restaurant manager, ensured that everything ran smoothly. The service was prompt and efficient, yet never intrusive, allowing us to enjoy our meal and the company.
In conclusion, Zen Eat restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, offers a remarkable dining experience for those seeking a high culinary journey. Chef Sylvain's discreet yet exceptional cooking skills deserve to be widely recognized. From the delectable dishes to the attentive service, the overall experience was outstanding. I highly recommend Zen Eat to anyone who appreciates fine French cuisine in a welcoming and...
Read moreZen Eat is a jewel of a restaurant in Phuket and one of the best I’ve experienced. It was so good we returned 2 nights later, travelling 35 mins from our hotel. The restaurant itself is covered but has a very open and relaxed feel. The welcome from the front of house team was excellent, but the food was truly exceptional. Often in restaurants, the specials board is a device to shift ingredients near the end of their shelf life - not in Zen Eats. Each of the specials is Chef Sylvain pushing boundaries and trying new ideas, each exquisitely presented and delicious. The staff specifically ask for feedback and take it straight back to the kitchen - a clear sign of a chef who really cares. We tried all the specials across the two visits. The wagyu truffle burger on the a la carte menu was incredible; the menu has a wide selection of vegetarian food; and even the kids menu was beautifully presented. I’ve posted photos of the Salmon and Selection of Desserts- I’d recommend both too! On our second visit a big group of 16 arrived- often this would slow down a kitchen, but being sat near the serving hatch we saw perfect dishes flying out and the staff didn’t miss a beat. Drinks wise, we had a bottle of the Pinot Noir in the first visit- which was excellent - and the kids tried various infused waters which went down very well. Final kudos go to the restaurant being the first I’d found in 4 weeks in Asia with 0% Heineken - alcohol free beer being quite normal now in the UK. It meant I could still have a beer (of sorts) despite the restrictions for Buddha Day that coincided with our second visit.
In short, this is a restaurant that anyone visiting Phuket needs to put on their itinerary. Go twice even! You won’t be...
Read moreA Hidden Gem in Rawaii – A French Culinary Retreat
As someone who has been returning to Rawaii every year for the past decade—and as a tour guide for high-end, curated journeys around the world—I can confidently say that Zen Eats is one of the finest non-Thai dining experiences you’ll find in this part of Thailand.
In fact, the French cuisine here is so elegantly executed that I doubt I could find a better meal even in France itself—certainly not at these prices.. For those who enjoy a bit of structure, there are fixed-price options that offer excellent value and variety. I've dined here multiple times during a single stay without repeating a dish—though I must confess, their hamburgers are my guilty pleasure. They are, quite simply, sublime.
What truly elevates the experience is the atmosphere. The clientele is calm, thoughtful, and discreet—no loud tour groups, no tank tops. It’s rare to find a space in a popular beach town that feels so effortlessly elegant. Dining here, I sometimes forget I’m in Phuket at all and instead feel transported to the quiet, refined corners of the French Riviera.
For anyone seeking a refined and relaxed escape from the usual, Zen Eats is a must. It’s become a personal tradition, and one of the reasons I look forward to coming back to...
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