Kan Eang @Pier in Phuket

Décor at Kan Eang @Pier

It's amazing what imagination, style and taste can do with a few hundred square metres of seafront property. Predominantly wood and glass, the restaurant is large (there's space for 500 people to dine here) but still manages to fit in some nice little nooks and crannies. How it does this is through clever use of outdoor and indoor decor.

Alfresco diners can enjoy the sea breeze and unbeatable view while sitting under huge hoo gwang and tamarind trees which, to the owners' credit, have been untouched since time immemorial. For indoors dining there are 3 tastefully decorated air-conditioned salas as well as 2 open-sided dining salas – each with a thatched roof.

Kan Aeng @Pier's atmosphere

Why do people choose to dine in uncomfortable rudimentary beach bamboo huts when they could be sitting in air-conditioned comfort? Because of the views, of course. A good view almost always produces a good atmosphere and Kan Eang @Pier commands a remarkable panorama of Chalong Bay and its surrounding islands.

There's also a breakfast outlet/café if you only want to dine light while enjoying the view. Intimacy is not a word to describe the restaurant's atmosphere but its good taste and clever, chic décor more than make up for it.

What to eat at Kan Eang @Pier

The cuisine at Kan Eang @Pier is mostly classic Chinese-Thai seafood. Deep-fried freshwater weed with shrimp in batter may sound pretty weird but it tastes great. As does the combination of water chestnut, ginkgo nuts, dried chilli and onion, cashew nuts, stir-fried chicken in an edible – yes edible – taro basket.

The baked Phuket lobster in butter is a lesson in freshness and the seafood basket – grilled tiger prawns, jackfish, crab and squid – a sight for sore eyes. The tom kha gai – chicken in coconut milk – is one of the best in Phuket. This is not light food and you'll be pretty full by the end of the evening so pace yourself and order accordingly.

Service

The waiters and waitresses at Kan Eang @Pier have been there a long time and their professional yet relaxed service is a credit to the place. One last word: the restaurant has ramps fitted throughout for wheelchair users.