La Marée Restaurant

Located in the heart of Boat Avenue, Cherngtalay, La Marée Seafood Bar brings a vibrant European flair to Phuket, blending French cuisine with Italian influences and a taste of the Mediterranean coast. The restaurant’s modern, eclectic décor set the tone for our dining experience.

With a choice between the al fresco outdoor area or the welcoming modern indoor setting, diners can enjoy their meals in a stylish and inviting atmosphere. Inside, a striking central cocktail bar adorned with mosaic tiles draws the eye, while two levels of dining provide ample seating options. We chose a table downstairs, where exposed concrete floors, beamed ceilings and softly glowing hanging lights added an industrial charm to the decor. The ambiance was enhanced by soothing modern acoustic covers that played softly in the background, creating a relaxed, sophisticated vibe for our night out.

The staff at La Marée were an absolute delight, being attentive and knowledgeable throughout our evening, offering thoughtful recommendations from a diverse menu that celebrates the sea. They guided us through options such as their signature Caesar Salads, available with classic additions like chicken or prawns, or modern twists featuring avocado and salmon. Another enticing suggestion was the Baked Scallop on a Shell, served with herb butter and lime; a tempting dish we will have to try next time.

For starters, we decided on a mix of seafood and meat. I began with the Octopus Carpaccio, a light and refreshing dish dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil sauce. The octopus was tender, beautifully presented, and bursting with Mediterranean flavours. My partner opted for the Beef Tartare with parmesan, which came perfectly seasoned and paired with crunchy sourdough toast. The dish was both robust and delicate, with capers and parmesan adding to the elegance.

For the main course, we followed the staff’s well thought-out recommendations and indulged in the Octopus with Romesco Sauce and the Pasta Frutti di Mare. Stunningly plated, the octopus was tender and packed with flavour, served alongside a bell pepper sauce, paprika-marinated celery, and chunky potatoes resulting in a wonderful blend of textures and tastes. The pasta was equally impressive, generously portioned with clams, mussels, prawns and squid in a rich marinara sauce. Both were thoroughly enjoyable dishes, bursting with fresh seafood, expertly prepared, plated and balanced.

Although we were already pleasantly full, we were convinced to try the Tiramisu for dessert. To our delight, it was a standout finale. Decadently creamy, with a generous dusting of cocoa powder left us in agreement that it was one of the best we had tasted on the island.

La Marée is a must-visit for anyone in the Boat Avenue area seeking fresh, flavourful seafood with a European twist. The exceptional food, stylish yet welcoming atmosphere and truly attentive service combine to make this restaurant a standout on Phuket’s dining scene.