The charming allure of Azura

After learning that the Azura restaurant’s kitchen at Angsana Phuket is under the management of a new chef, anticipation is high ahead of a recent visit there for lunch, as Italian and Mediterranean cuisine has always been a firm favourite for my partner and me.

Taking our seats at the charming beach-side location, we are not disappointed as an array of beautifully crafted and delicious tasting dishes are presented to us, all accompanied by a detailed and passionate explanation from new chef Giordano Roscini.

First off is an exquisite Panzanella con Burrata, consisting of a rustic bread and heirloom tomato salad, burrata cheese celery and carrots batonette and a Modena balsamic reduction. It truly is a taste sensation, the creamy burrata fusing perfectly with the ripe tomatoes.

Only recently in the position, Chef Giordano explains how he plans to leverage his 18-year career working in various Michelin-starred restaurants all around the world to provide a best-in-class and truly unforgettable dining experience for patrons at Azura.

His Umbrian charm is infectious as he describes how a very personal passion for Italian and Mediterranean cuisine will influence his menu selection moving forward, from alluring antipasti, meticulously prepared pasta dishes, to indulgent desserts.

To illustrate his point, the mains are served; the Dentice al Cartoccio is a baked red snapper fillet served with a delicious concoction of ruby potatoes, capers, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic and fresh basil. My partner’s selection, the Tagliata di Manzo Rucola e Parmigiano is equally elegant-looking and tasty. The grilled and sliced Australian mark-2 wagyu steak is cooked to perfection and melt-in-the-mouth, accompanied by rucola and tomato confit salad, shaved parmesan cheese and balsamic drizzle. Divine.

Wondering how things could possibly get any better, we are soon answered as dessert is both prepared and served table-side by Chef Giordano. His showcase dish ‘Il Favorito di Chef Giordano’ consists of a degustation of tiramisu, baba al rum and passion fruit pannacotta with chocolate ganache. Watching Chef Giordano prepare the course so expertly and meticulously is a treat, but not half as much as actually eating it! It is a taste sensation and a wonderful conclusion to a fantastic meal.

Under the stewardship of Chef Giordano there is no doubt that the food on offer at Azura will wow patrons as his experience and passion are evident for all to see (and taste!). Other items on the menu that caught our eye, but our stomachs wouldn’t permit us to try, include Chef Giordano’s signature tiger prawns, the Pan-Fried Black Hybrid Grouper Fillet, the Tomato and Saffron Anadaman Seafood Soup and the homemade pasta dish, Pappardella al Cinghiale. No doubt we will be back soon, though, to try them!

The venue is also a perfect setting in which to enjoy the dining experience, as you are cooled by the ocean breeze while casting an eye on postcard perfect views of the pristine water and beach. Plans to soon renovate the facility will only elevate the experience and no doubt ensure any visit to Azura is one you will want to repeat many times in future.

Azura now offers a delicious Sunday Brunch buffet every Sunday, starting at THB 1750, with complimentary free-flow drinks available as an add-on option.