NITAN Phuket — Restaurant in Si Sunthon

The restaurant is decorated very nicely and it is rather Instagram worthy both on the interior and exterior.

Food-wise, there was nothing very mind-blowing or outstanding, but rather good enough for pictures, ie presentation-worthy. I’d recommend not topping up for the caviar as it didn’t really make a difference.

Service, however, is not up to par for a fine-dining restaurant. The servers were rushing through their introduction about each dish they served (for me it was in English) and they spoke too softly as well, and at a distance from our table. We were a table of four, but most of the time they would not stand in the middle where everyone could hear. I don’t know if this was a culture difference or a restaurant SOP.

When my group of three and I craned to make out what was being described, the servers were not attentive enough to catch our puzzled looks, hence they did not make an effort to repeat or to be heard. It’s okay if you’re not fussed about being informed re the food you’re going to taste.

Also, one of the wine glasses that they used to serve one of my friend was not washed properly. It smelt fishy from the get-go, but when my friend finally couldn’t take the stench anymore and highlighted it to the restaurant manager, she suggested that it was due to the fish dish that we were having. And insinuated that we did so to get a free wine top up, which we kept stressing we didn’t require.

We would have hoped for this place not to be so defensive in nature. After all, the glass already had the stench before my friend ate the fish. So that reaction from the restaurant manager really puzzled and put us off.

Tip1: They will only do something special for a birthday guest if your birthday is 48hrs before or after the date of your meal.

Tip2: if you didn’t inform about your food allergy during your booking process, don’t bother telling them when they ask you on the spot. My friend made the internet reservation and did not highlight that one of us has an allergy to a certain food. Upon arrival, the wait staff asked if any of us had allergy, but looked very caught off guard when one of us said we did. They then came back and told us that they couldn’t do any replacement for the items that contained the allergen because we didn’t highlight this to them during the booking. We brushed it off saying it’s fine and we will just avoid those foods. That was totally alright that the restaurant couldn’t make any replacement, but please do not sound like you’re blaming us for the lack of information. I would highly suggest looking into the mannerism and professionalism of your floor manager.

To which I’d like to ask the restaurant: why bother asking then, if nothing can be done? Perhaps remove that from your SOP. After all, the indication would be stated during the booking.

Kudos to the chefs in the kitchen for all their hard work, which would have paid off more if servers and restaurant manager were...

Update: The original owner/chef, German Tom Köffers, has completely parted ways with NITAN (https://goo.gl/maps/wNDi2or8VMTeQ6BB7) - so unfortunately no statement can be made about the current quality of the restaurant.

The Nitan is a small down-to-earth restaurant on Phuket whose kitchen is still celebrating true culinary craftsmanship. In comparison to other gourmet temples on the island, the dishes can also be dubbed as "affordable" - even though they do not have to fear competition in terms of quality, presentation or taste.

The Nitan offers an incredible number of delicious wines, cocktails, beers, a local craft beer, sake, fancy soda variations (honey lemon, plum, etc.) and champagne on its drink’s menu.

In addition, there is of course a selection of common spirits, as well as tea and coffee - just what it takes to attend a decent meal and to conclude duly.

The service staff were fast and professional, but not intrusive. The menu includes an à la carte menu (2019-06-04), a vegetarian five-courses, and a seven-course meal with lobster, fish and meat.

I decided to go for the seven-course menu and experienced a true culinary treat. Many of the offered food I would be summarized as Thai-European Fusion. The kitchen works with many lovingly reduced sauces - for example, one based on watermelon, a tasteful Highlight were you could taste the affords to cook it.

Each course was delicious and always had an incredible range of different textures and flavours to offer. Many of the ingredients are refined by the professional chefs before the actual use – some vegetables for example were grilled before they were pureed - you can taste the difference.

The kitchen also played with the Asian sharpness, rare vegetable components, different foams and elements from the molecular kitchen - they are experimental in the Nitan, but at the highest level!

I cannot even tell you my personal favourite course - because they were all great, even those that used spices that I do not usually like - but that's what showed me what's possible.

As usual in Thailand to the price of food & drinks there is a 7% Tax on top - unlike elsewhere, the Nitan renounces the also usual 10% service charge and leaves it to the guests to reward the enjoyed service according to their own ideas.

In any case, I advise you to reserve in advance in the Nitan - this place of culinary highlights is still a rising star, but despite everything, already very well attended.

From me there are for the Nitan the full five stars – it was so delicious I've rarely got such a great culinary experience.

Feel free to follow my Google Maps profile, check out my other reviews and be sure to visit...

While exploring Phuket's culinary scene in search of Michelin-recognized establishments, I discovered NITAN. Intrigued by its reputation, I approached the experience with my usual practice: examining both the highest and lowest reviews to discern the broader narrative. I’ve come to understand that lower ratings often hinge on isolated incidents rather than the holistic dining experience, so I remained optimistic.

From the moment I arrived, NITAN impressed with its thoughtfully curated ambiance. The décor struck a harmonious balance between traditional Thai elements and contemporary European aesthetics—a visual prelude to the fusion of tradition and innovation that defined the evening.

The restaurant offers a prix fixe menu, accompanied by an optional wine pairing that I chose to include. The pairing was meticulously selected, complementing the seasonal dishes with a refined precision that demonstrated the sommelier’s expertise. For those who prefer a different approach, an additional wine and beverage list is available, offering a variety of curated selections to suit individual tastes. The menu itself evolves every few months, ensuring a fresh experience for returning guests.

Service was impeccable. Our server was not only attentive but also articulate and well-versed in the nuances of each dish and wine pairing. Their professionalism elevated the evening further.

As for the courses, each was a masterpiece. From the quality of the ingredients to the artistry of presentation, every detail was executed with care and precision. The pacing between courses was equally commendable, allowing time to savor each dish while maintaining an engaging rhythm to the meal.

Though my journey to NITAN required a 40-minute taxi ride from the southern tip of Phuket, it was unequivocally worth it. The experience transcended expectations, combining culinary artistry, thoughtful service, and a serene yet sophisticated setting.

Having reflected on my visit and reviewed the attached photos, I firmly believe that NITAN merits consideration for a Michelin star. It is a gem that stands out not only in Phuket but within the broader sphere of...