9th Floor Restaurant - Phuket

Where Is It?

In the Sky Inn Condotel, off Rat-U-Thit Road, downtown Patong on – coincidentally enough – its ninth floor. There’s plenty of parking space, downstairs that is, and it’s within easy walking distance of most hotels.

The turn off is well marked; look for the yellow-on-black signage. Oh, and don’t worry – there’s an escalator to take you all the way up.

Décor

A black-and-white theme runs throughout The 9th Floor’s décor with floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open, affording great views of the bustling seaside town below.

Try to get the western-facing seats in order to catch the sunset and later, the fishing boats heading out to sea.

The place is spotless and the attractive black-clad waitresses add a sexier touch to what is already a pretty chic eatery.

Atmosphere

Decidedly international with a polyglot clientele; the table next to us switches effortlessly between French, German and English.

This is definitely a place to dress up for, not through obligation but for slotting into a chic, savvy and culinary appreciative atmosphere.

There is good, comfortable seating and the whole 70-cover restaurant is excellently appointed. 

Wine

A strong and deep-ranging list of some 180 labels, Thomas knows his wine and it shows in this, one of the top cellars on the island.

The quality is superb throughout, featuring diverse labels from 11 different countries. We choose a Spanish Conde de Valdemar Reserva at 2,000 baht.

The house wine, a Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon red and a French white Cab Sav both clock in at 220 baht a glass. 

Food

A rocket salad along with a fresh mozzarella-and-tomato salad with virgin olive oil and pesto with basil leaves are on the table in less than three minutes after ordering. This must be some sort of record for Patong.

The menu comes in several languages and is professionally translated so the laughably amateurish attempts at English – so prevalent on Patong’s menus – are not a part of tonight’s entertainment.

My beef stroganoff is beautifully presented and absolutely faultless and the accompanying tagliatele perfectly al dente.

The menu features pastas, risottos, spaghetti, steaks, soups, fish, and just about everything you desire with one common denominator; it is beautifully executed to the point of near perfection. There are not many restaurants in this class on the island. And yes – you can get a raclette and cheese and meat fondue here, too.

Service

Most of The 9th Floor staff has been here for at least two years and this fact speaks for itself. The wait staff is attractive, friendly and intelligent with a strong work ethic.

There are many Phuket establishments that could learn from this exemplary team.

The 9th Floor is wheelchair friendly.