Ronnie’s known for his inventiveness in preparing seemingly ‘simple’ dishes in a completely different way. Sala Bua has been privileged to have him there for seven years now, ever since Khun Wallee Pachantabutr sampled one of his culinary creations in New Zealand and invited him on the spot to come to Phuket and work as executive chef in her resort.

Where is it?

Sala Bua Restaurant's entrance

In the Impiana Cabana Resort on Taweewongse Rd. in Patong. This road is a one-way thoroughfare and to arrive at the Impiana head north 200m past Soi Bangla.

The Impiana has a car park so go a little further past the restaurant sign and turn left into the parking.

View Sala Bua Restaurant location map.

Décor

Dining right on the beach

If you walk in from the road you will see a small ‘sala’ or pavilion which leads into the beautifully appointed restaurant. The faux-marble off-white floors work very well with the restaurant’s classic décor. Sala Bua is spacious and breezy with a wooden lattice-like roof, large dark wood tables and subtle lighting.

You can also dine al fresco with a view directly onto Patong Beach. As to be expected, lotus flowers are the order of the day.

Atmosphere

"Sophisticated restaurant "

If you can imagine up to 50 diners with pleasantly surprised looks on their faces in a sophisticated, discreetly lit restaurant then you’d be coming close to grasping the atmosphere at Sala Bua. Guests expecting normal hotel restaurant fare are for the most part taken aback in the best possible way when they sample Chef Ronnie’s fare.

An accomplished musical Filipino duo provides a solid audio background and even further in the background, the Andaman Sea supplies Mother Nature’s version of the softest ballad one could conceive. Sala Bua’s urbane tone is complemented by a well-dressed and professional wait staff. Top stuff.

Wine

As to be expected, there is a full wine list at Sala Bua featuring a good balance of Old and New World labels and even a couple of Thai choices. A good indicator of the quality to be had here are the house wines; Hardy’s Semillon Chardonnay and a Billabong Classic.

Food

Sashimi of red snapper, rock lobster salad, tea-smoked Norwegian salmon with a warm cherry tomato and cucumber salad, Thai seafood salad – you name it, Ronnie rustles it up and always with a flair that has helped him win countless culinary awards during his time at Sala Bua. Perhaps the island’s most well-known chef in residence, Ronnie always has time for a chat and downtime with diners and the combination of great ambience, top service and innovative food in a chic eatery is one that is extremely hard to beat.

Service

As mentioned, the service at Sala Bua is leagues ahead of other, less dedicated venues. The wait staff may well have invented the phrase, ‘service with a smile’ as they are the living embodiment of it.

Sala Bua at Impiana Cabana Resort and Spa. 41 Tawawongsee Rd. Patong.
Tel: 076-340138 E-mail info@impiana.com