Capannina Restaurant - Phuket

Where Is It?

On the rather bizarrely named Soi Option 1, at the south end of Kata. If coming from Club Med or Kata centre turn down the second-to-last soi on the left (east) side – it’s well marked with a red neon sign with the restaurant’s name on it. You’ll find Capannina at the end of the soi on the left between the Buffalo Steak House and Phuket Kata Resort.

If driving, it’s best to park on the road next to the nearby Kata Beach Resort as the large car park opposite Capannina’s soi has been taken over by bus and tuk tuk drivers.

Décor

The restaurant is pretty open plan with red tablecloths, grey stone floor tiles and a big blackboard over the ‘bar’ announcing the day’s specials.

The interesting thing about Capannina is its extra mock terrace around the perimeter; something which affords that extra bit of privacy.

Capannina is well ventilated and spacious so you’ll be cool enough and won’t be rubbing elbows with diners at the next table.

Atmosphere

Kata is a resort town, Capannina is a good-value restaurant with an accomplished owner/chef, the clientele is largely Scandinavian and local expatriates and the result is a happy, family like atmosphere leagues away from a pretentious, nose-in-the-air rip off joint.

The wait service helps the happy atmosphere along with typical Thai friendliness and Capannina is definitely kids friendly with high chairs for toddlers and a children's menu. Because it is located on a traffic-free soi it is also peaceful, although things can get crowded.

Wine

There are more than 25 labels to choose from – mostly Italian. Capannina features several house reds, ranging from the ordinary to a beautifully robust Chianti DOCG Leonardo as well as a decent Sicilian Fiorile Rosso.

If you buy house wine by the glass you’ll be surprised at the generous portions. The wine is stored in a climate controlled glass-fronted ‘cellar’.

Food

Why do so many expats and tourists constantly patronise Capannina? Because it delivers the goods, and at decent prices. The restaurant’s pizzas are famous island wide for their size. We ordered a Capannina pizza, that had a topping of parma ham, fresh tomatoes, rocket salad and parmesan and it was bulky enough for four people yet we were told that this was not the large version! Again, the rocket salad was more than generous as was the buffalo mozzarella and tomato.

However, the star of the show was the melanzane alla parmigiana – fried aubergine with tomato mozzarella and parmesan. This was almost a meal in itself, it was that large. Capannina also features homemade pastas and the ravioli burro e salvia featured delicious pockets of ricotta and spinach and sage with parmesan.

For families or groups of friends looking for a place to share dishes at reasonable prices there’s hardly a better location in Phuket. Just a glance around the neighbourhood confirmed Capannina’s popularity: Kata was quiet, some places deserted, whereas Capannina was buzzing and in haute service. And you can’t get better proof than that.

Service

Friendly, humourous and efficient. There was no sense of stress, even though the place was busy. Very kids friendly and on the go.