It took me a while to give this review because I wanted to really think about my experience and give a fair and accurate review. I will start with the atmosphere and overall vibe. I give this a definite 10/10 (except for the restrooms, nice and clean but what’s up with the candlelight’s. I get the vibe and all but in a bathroom, especially a female one, we need proper lighting so adjust makeup, outfits and all the things. The candles weren’t cutting in). Inside the restaurant was nicely laid out and the aquarium view was amazing and kept us engaged the entire time. The mermaid show was really lovely too. I have experienced mermaid shows in the past but being able to have personalized greetings with your music of choice was a nice touch (for an extra fee of course but worth it in my opinion for the overall experience especially if you are celebrating an event, in our case our 10th anniversary). We also got to visit from the owner and he shared a little about how the restaurant started and did some small talk asking about us and our visit which was nice. Another 10/10 for me was the service. Our hostess Juju was amazing, she did a good job of explaining each meal, making sure we were well attended too, that each meal arrived at just the right time, and even holding up a flash light so we could take pictures of our meal and each other! Our sommelier was great too (don’t remember his name), some in our party opted for the wine and whiskey pairings and they said he did a great job with the recommendations and had decent knowledge of each recommendation. I personally went with a cocktail but they seemed happy with his service. Now to the food. This a give a 7/10. I have been to a couple of Michelin rated restaurants and I’m not new to fine dining or tasting menus so with the hype for the restaurant I had really high hopes. The first item on the menu was a complete hit, we all loved it, but after the fourth it just kept going downhill for us. It ended with me leaving several unfinished and for a tasting menu and they tiny portion sizes that says a lot, especially considering how much it costs. The main course which was the wagyu was the biggest let down for me. A several of us also experienced mild cases of food poisoning the next day. To be fair, it’s hard to say for sure if the food here was the cause since that was not the only meal we had that day but I think it’s worth mentioning. Overall, would I visit again? Maybe not but it was definitely an experience to remember and we got lovely pictures to remember our time here. If you are planning a visit I would say go for it as it’s a lovely experience but make sure you don’t go super...
Read moreMy husband and I visited Sa Va Na in Phuket to celebrate our honeymoon, drawn by its unique reputation and promises of an elegant ambiance. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what we expected.
Upon arrival, we were seated next to a large group, which included two very young children. The group was visibly intoxicated, with one child running around the restaurant in shoes that made loud noises, creating a constant disruption. We were surprised, as I specifically chose this restaurant based on its policy that children are only allowed in the main area if under the supervision of the complimentary nanny service. This was clearly ignored, which was disappointing given the premium nature of Sa Va Na advertises.
Throughout our meal, this group continued to be excessively loud, singing and leaving their children unattended. I requested multiple times that the staff intervene, but instead of addressing the issue directly, they simply moved our table—and the tables of other guests who had also complained. Despite the relocation, the noise continued unabated. We couldn’t even hear our server explain what dishes we were eating. After three courses of the tasting menu, I had had enough.
The manager explained that the group declined the nanny service, but in that case, they should not have been allowed to dine in the restaurant. Sa Va Na needs to enforce its own policies and prioritise the experience of all guests, not just cater to large groups at the expense of others.
Though our server, Fern (who deserves praise for her professionalism), did her best to salvage the situation, the lack of support from management was apparent. Unfortunately, the chaos overshadowed any positives, including the single sip of a cocktail I managed to enjoy and a few tasting courses that were, at best, average. To add to the disappointment, the chairs were visibly unclean.
To top it all off, one of the servers had the audacity to be patronising and thank me for coming, despite everything we’d just experienced.
In short, if you’re looking for a peaceful, refined dining experience, Sa Va Na may not be a safe bet. On a quiet night, it might deliver on its promises, but be aware that management appears unwilling to enforce policies, leaving guests at risk of having their experience disrupted by unruly groups. This restaurant recently won an award, but based on our experience, it was hard to see why. I have experienced a better ambience in certain McDonalds...
Read moreDinner with JuJu at the Su Va Na restaurant – A Truly Unforgettable Birthday Experience
If you're looking for a dining experience that goes above and beyond, look no further than Su Va Na Phuket. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed into an atmosphere that was both relaxed and luxurious, but it was my server, Juju, who truly made the evening unforgettable.
Juju’s attentiveness, kindness, and infectious energy set the tone for what would become one of the best birthday dinners I’ve had. She explained each dish in such depth, offering insights into the flavors and ingredients in a way that felt personal and tailored to my tastes. Her recommendations encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things I would have never considered—each bite was an exciting adventure.
The ambiance of the restaurant is very dim and intimate, but Juju made sure I could fully appreciate every dish by shining a light on it as it was brought to the table. Her thoughtful touch didn’t stop there; when she learned it was my birthday, she surprised me with a complimentary dessert and a song—an unexpected gesture that made me feel truly special.
To add an extra layer of consideration, Juju helped me with lighting when I was trying to capture the perfect Instagram photo (the things we do for social media!). And just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any better, Juju went above and beyond by asking me to airdrop one of my pictures so she could create a personalized postcard for me. When I accidentally left it behind, she ran outside to catch me and hand it over—such an incredible act of kindness that went far beyond what anyone could expect from a server.
I also want to give a big shout-out to David, who was equally attentive, friendly, and a fantastic help throughout the evening. He assisted with bringing out the dishes and even took some lovely photos for us.
While the food was intriguing, with a diverse array of flavors I’d never experienced, it was Juju who truly made my birthday dinner memorable. The care, attention, and warmth she brought to our experience are what will make me return to Su Va Na Phuket time and time again. Thank you, Juju, for making my special day...
Read more