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Think again; Phuket’s award-winning Da Maurizio may be expensive by local standards but on the international stage, and more specifically the Southeast Asian stage, it really is one of the best bargains for lovers of fine dining, wine and excellent service.
Where is it?
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| Da Maurizio's entrance |
Da Maurizio is situated on the coastal road just north of the Novotel, heading out of Patong on the way to Kalim. There is adequate parking on both sides of the road.
Head down the broad stairs into the intimacy of this medium-sized seaside restaurant.
View a location map below...
Décor
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| "A beautiful dining venue" |
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Classic Italian, with white linen tablecloths, a fully stocked and colourful bar, brick floors and an air-conditioned inner room complementing a breezy al fresco section.
If one counts Mother Nature as part of the décor you have only to look west over the granite boulder-strewn beach below the restaurant to realise that this is one of the most beautiful dining venues in Phuket.
Atmosphere
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| "Colourful bar" |
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Background music ranges from light operetta to modern Italian ballads while the impeccably clad wait staff hovers at the ready. Diners are from all over the globe with the occasional celebrity and hi-so personality popping in.
Da Maurizio is stylish, impressive and memorable but never pretentious. This is, after all, fun-loving Thailand.
Haute service here is never frenetic and the constant background ebb and flow of the Andaman helps the atmosphere stay relaxed.
Wine
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| " Palazzo Della Torre red 2004" |
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This restaurant is a yearly Wine Spectator award winner and has access to a fantastic 600-label list so, in wine terms, it’s stratospheric.
We choose a Palazzo Della Torre red 2004. Its body is supple and the aftertaste surprisingly interchangeable with each dish served.
Old World and New World are both admirably represented and the sommelier is attentive and well-informed. In short, Da Maurizio is a wine-lover’s dream location.
Food
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| Foie gras with caramelised figs |
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American chef Aaron Hooper has revolutionised the kitchen here with the result being that Da Maurizio is by far the best contemporary Italian restaurant in the south of Thailand, if not in the country.
We sample foie gras with caramelised figs, sliced green apples with white truffle and the dish is a delight. Saffron fettucino with braised Ahi tuna, capers, fresh garden plum tomatoes and Kalamata olives lets the tuna dominate and the perfectly al dente fettucino play second fiddle.
In short, a great taste combination. For main course a 240-day aged Australian Black Angus beef filet is simply sensational.
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| Saffron fettucino with braised Ahi tuna |
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This is a grain-fed, char-grilled filet with roasted garlic mashed potato, porcin mushrooms and demi glace with asparagus ribbons. And yes, it’s like this every night, with dish after dish of culinary inventions to beat the band.
Of course, those looking for more traditional Italian fare will not be disappointed with Da Maurizio’s pasta and pizza list.
Those with a discerning palette and a taste for fine dining should pencil this restaurant in as a ‘must do’ during their visit to Phuket.
Service
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| "Breezy al fresco section" |
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Da Maurizio’s staff members have long been showing the way as one of the best examples for culinary newcomers to Phuket.
Humorous, extremely well presented and efficient; they perfectly complement the restaurant.
Da Maurizio
223/2 Prabaramee Road Patong.
Tel: 076-344079 www.damaurizio.com
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