360 Degrees Restaurant
The Nth degree in culinary chic

By Sam Wilkinson - Photos by Stephan Audiger

A room with a view may be what some require for a romantic interlude but for others there's no beating a super-chic restaurant and a mind-blowing view. This is exactly what 360 Degrees restaurant near Layan Beach delivers, with its hilltop vista of Phuket's lush greenery along with a generous swathe of the Andaman Sea.

The restaurant is a winner in the looks department alone and its lofty location and views are wonderful extras.

Where is it?

At the top of Phuket Pavilions Resort

If coming from Route 402 (Phuket's central artery) turn west at Thalang traffic lights onto Route 4030 and drive to the next village where you will see a black-on-white sign saying 'Phuket Pavilions 3km' at a right-hand fork in the road.

Turn right here; 360 is located in Phuket Pavilions Resort so park downstairs and take the shuttle electric car up to the restaurant.

View 360 Degrees Restaurant location map.

Décor

"Intimate atmosphere"

This two-level, deck-floored restaurant's elegant upper floor is where the kitchen, bar and washrooms are located. The under-lit white-topped bar is set off by its black slatted stools and a giant, white sail cover is fitted over it all.

Two huge ornate jars behind the bar contain vivid-red bird of paradise flowers. On the lower level there are straightforward al fresco table-and-chair arrangements as well as sofa dining options with low, clear-top cube tables and smart white cushions.

All of this, with the lights of Phuket blinking down below in a spectacular backdrop, makes for a pretty impressive dining location. Mention should also be made of the clever wick-burning lamps that enhance the intimate atmosphere.

Atmosphere

Martini-Vodka & Sunset

Early evening at 360 is charged with anticipation because Phuket's biggest, best and cheapest show is about to begin: the sunset.

It's a great leveler and the atmosphere is one of 'aren't we lucky to be here' bonhomie. From there onwards it's all plain sailing as the white-clad wait staff members effortlessly guide you through the evening.

Guests and residents at Phuket Pavilions are a cheery lot so you're guaranteed friendly company here.

Wine

Good selection of wines

Local wine importers Envision are 360's suppliers and, as usual, do a pretty nifty job of it.

The house red is a classy Seppelt Stony Peak Chardonnay and it slips down excellently.

Label prices range from 1,350 to 4,500 baht and the 17-label list describes what wines best go with which dishes, as well as outlining their individual character.

Food

Fine dining under the stars

360 was originally a bar before turning seriously to things culinary and it's hard to imagine this place without great cuisine to complement the view; it really is a dining location that manages to capture the best of both worlds.

360's smoked salmon roll with goat's cheese capitalizes on its smooth texture and the grilled prawns with chili mango salad are delectable.

Like the décor at 360, food presentation here is tip-top and the spicy lamb shish kebab underlies this point with its artful arrangement of skewers.

Spicy lamb shish kebab

Pan-fried filet of sole is more traditional and certainly a hearty meal with its sautéed spinach and potatoes with garlic butter pepper saffron sauce. There are other light and clever touches that count; a butter dish containing several types of butter, wafer-thin sea bass carpaccio with truffles and a good selection of bread.

The latter can make or break a dining selection and it's good to know that 360 places importance on this – the seemingly simplest of additions to a really good meal.