Da Maurizio Phuket

A sensational setting on a granite bouldered spot-lit beach with grand steps leading down to a bar where diners can choose from al fresco seating to an indoor ambience of what is one of the most romantic spots in Phuket.

Da Maurizio has had a makeover from its previous menu and Oregon-born chef Aaron Hopper, previously of Watermark, has truly made his mark. Aaron describes his cuisine as modern Italian, incorporating such combinations as buffalo milk mozzarella with cherry tomatoes, impressive ahi tuna carapaccio with sesame/Dijon vinaigrette, shaved rock melon with arugala and prosciutto wrapped prawns. Da Maurizio offers complimentary shrimp with avocado and tomato appetisers, plus a gorgeous selection of homebaked breads with healthy dips. Bacon-wrapped goat’s cheese with fresh honey and balsamic served on a bed of arugala and apricot salad is as an explosion of complementary flavors. From the list of main dishes, milk-fed veal saltimbocca with fresh sage, fontina cheese, parma ham, sauteed arugula and goat cheese mashed potatoes, it is obvious there is a master chef at the helm. Pan-seared foie gras with toasted brioche, dates, and fresh mango is delicious as is his Sicilian sausage risotto with caramelised onions and crushed chilli. Appropriate for the location, there is a generous portion of pan-seared sea bass with sweetcorn, toasted porcini mushrooms, and arugula pesto to show the culinary expertise performed at this venue. Equally impressive is mint pappardelle with lamb ragout; the meat is slowly braised to almost the same texture of the wide noodles served with it. Chef Aaron’s take on modern Italian is as near to perfection as you are ever going to get.

A consistent winner of Wine Spectator awards, there is an excellent selection ranging from 1,000 baht to 30,000 baht while the service is equally top-notch with a staff of professional servers performing their duties with finess.

• Bacon-wrapped goat’s cheese
• Milk-fed veal Saltimbocca
• Sicilian sausage risotto / Pan-seared foie gras
• Pan-seared sea bass with sweetcorn, porcini mushrooms, and arugula pesto

Dress: Smart Casual
Set Meals: Yes
Buffets: No
Vegetarian Dishes: More than 10
Use MSG: No
Smoking Section: Yes
Mobile Phones: Yes