Tucked away on the outskirts of Phuket Town is a culinary haven that diverges from Thailand’s traditional flavors: Crust Italian Restaurant And Café. Occupying a vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouse just a stone’s throw away from Central Festival Phuket and the Index Living Mall, Crust has turned the area into a magnet for lovers of Italian cuisine.
Ambiance
The space is decorated with a perfect blend of modern and traditional design elements. Choose between their air-conditioned interior for a more comfortable experience or the breezy outdoor section for a touch of tropical climate. Either way, the seating is adequately spaced, ensuring you can savor your meal without feeling crowded. The atmosphere is homey and inviting, aided by a team of staff who are nothing short of friendly and accommodating.
Culinary Feats
Crust has earned its stripes, featured in the Michelin Guide for Phuket several years running. Owners Annabelle and Premin, trained at the famed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, have crafted a menu that would impress even the most discerning of food critics.
Don’t let the name fool you—while pizza is a staple, the menu offers a plethora of Italian classics. Their pastas are to die for, and the osso buco and scallops with truffle risotto are just sublime. Their secret weapon? A deceptively simple “soup of the day,” a chameleon that adapts to feature the freshest ingredients of the season.
The Pizza
Ah, the pizza! Baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, each slice boasts an impeccably crunchy crust and rich toppings. They offer not just the classics but also inventive options modeled after pasta sauces—think Bolognese, Puttanesca, and Carbonara.
For breakfast enthusiasts, there’s a morning-themed pizza adorned with tomato, mozzarella, ham, spinach, and egg. The white pizzas are no slouches either, with options like smoked salmon and brie and an opulent creation featuring mushrooms and white truffle paste.
And speaking of smoked salmon, the Smoked Salmon pizza deserves special mention. Adorned with a lavish spread of Norwegian smoked salmon that envelopes both the crust and the mozzarella beneath, it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true.
Cocktails and Desserts
The cocktail list complements the food splendidly, and if you have room for dessert, the homemade tiramisu is heavenly. If you’re a coffee aficionado, their brews are excellent palate cleansers and the perfect cap to an exceptional meal.
Final Thoughts
What sets Crust apart isn’t just the high-quality food or the cordial atmosphere—it’s the consistent reliability that has turned first-time diners into regulars.
It’s a favorite spot not just for tourists looking for a break from Thai cuisine, but also for locals and expats. While some may argue that it’s not the “best” pizza place in Phuket, its versatility, impeccable service, and overall quality make it a top-tier dining choice.
So, the next time you find yourself in Phuket Town with a craving for Italian, make your way to Crust. It’s a slice (or bowl, or glass) of perfection you won’t regret.
