Jean-Pierre Restaurant at BYD Loft - Phuket

Where Is It?

Jean-Pierre is the signature restaurant of BYD Lofts and is situated downtown Patong off Rat-U-Thit Road nestled on Aroonsom Plaza next to the Andaman Beach Suite Resort north of Bangla Road.

There is plenty of parking in this back road but it’s a brisk walk from most centrally-located hotels.

Décor

Very chic but comfortable. There is more than ample ventilation and discreet lighting and towards the roadside lies a black, marble-topped bar where you can sample the restaurant’s ‘Loftinins’ – actually vodka martinis – and mix with people who have discovered and appreciate this tasteful eatery.

As for diners, there are multiple options involving wall benches, tables for two and al fresco dining. As it is, the restaurant (in clement weather) is open-sided so a fresh evening breeze is pretty much a norm. Black and red are the theme colours. 

Atmosphere

It’s no wonder that Jean-Pierre (named after the restaurant’s Belgium owner) is popular as if you want to be alone, you can: if you want to party, you can.

The atmosphere here is best described as ‘discreet-chic’.                          

Wine

The wine list at Jean Pierre isn’t extensive (15 reds and 14 whites) but then again it doesn’t need to be as it chops and changes at will.

The four house wines range from 220-240 baht a glass and 920-1,200 a bottle and they’re fine and satisfactory. We choose a Trivento ‘Roble’ from Argentina’s fertile Mendoza wine region and every sip is a delight.

Later on we sample a house Hardy’s OP Shiraz and it’s surprisingly lively. 

Food

The beef carpaccio with white truffle dressing, parmesan cheese and mushrooms – all on a bed of rocket salad – is a medley of flavours, each effortlessly complementing the other.

Butterfish with a tomato variant sauerkraut in a white-wine-dill-sauce with a cappuccino milk extra-light mousse over the top has to be tried to be believed.

The main course, a French rack of lamb with spinach-potato mousse, thick balsamic sauce and a soupcon of passion fruit is a medley of delicious flavours, clever textures and creative presentation.

Service

Discreet and well-presented, the service staff at Jean-Pierre is a credit to the restaurant.

The level of spoken English is commendable and of course you are guaranteed genuine Thai friendliness.