La Gritta Restaurant - Phuket

Where Is It?

In the Amari Coral Beach Resort. The Amari, a resort with all sea-facing rooms, is right at the southern heel of Patong Beach. Simply keep going south at the end of the Beach Road, pass the roundabout, cross the bridge and take a right turn at the fork on the hill where the security guard stands.

It is within walking distance and is clearly marked. La Gritta is beachside, on the lowest level of the resort. You can walk down or take an elevator most of the way.

Décor

La Gritta features chic post-modern touches with lots of open space as well as a subtly lit, snug interior. Cube-shaped lamps and cube candlelit arrangements abound while seating arrangements span from comfortable chairs to soft sofas.

Both fan and breeze-cooled inside and out, things are cool here in more ways than one. The restaurant is split level and large enough to handle 64 covers. 

Atmosphere

Despite a good portion of La Gritta's floor space being al fresco terrace, a tangible air of intimacy prevails. The lighting certainly helps. Being beachside, the sound of swells breaking on granite rocks directly below mingles with the sound of the lobby band three floors up to spectacular effect.

No wonder it's so popular – the atmosphere here is nowhere near a typical hotel outlet and firmly in the fine-dining, romantic zone.

Wine

La Gritta has a competent and far-ranging 70-label wine list and a well-thought-out cellar. We open with a glass of extremely subtle Shiraz Rose and later opt for one of the wines on promotion – an Australian Outback Chase Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.

Slightly chilled to maintain its freshness, it proves an excellent choice and perfectly complements the evening's proceedings. 

Food

Wow. Chef Thomas Vanderlieb does wonders in the kitchen and regales guests with a great antipasti selection featuring marinated salmon, Parma ham with cantaloupe, aged parmesan pieces, black olives with sun-dried tomatoes – all served in a long dark serving dish fitting elegantly in the centre of the table.

Tuna tartare with wafer-thin potato and trumpet mushrooms is a fresh delight after which we feast on two different types of risotto. Venetian minestrone with vegetables is rich and distinctive while for main courses, beef tenderloin on grilled polenta with stewed mushrooms and baked red snapper filet on a bed of warm artichoke and rocket potato mash are simply sensational and certainly filling.

No one can say that Chef Thomas skimps on portions and the heady combination of great food, wine and location at La Gritta is pretty much inimitable. 

Service

The service staff team at La Gritta is large and more than capable of handling the most demanding of situations.

Expect intelligent, smart, courteous and discreet service to accompany this wonderful dining experience.