Forget tourist traps serving watered-down “Italian.” If your heart yearns for the true soul of Italy – simple, elegant dishes bursting with authentic flavor, served with genuine warmth – then Da Sandro Restaurant is your Phuket pilgrimage. For over ten years, this cherished family-run gem (starting in Chalong and now thriving in Kathu) has been the real deal, winning the hearts of locals, expats, and savvy travelers alike.
Step Into a Trattoria Dream
Walking into Da Sandro feels like a warm embrace from Nonna. The intimate decor instantly transports you to a classic Italian trattoria. Sink into the inviting wall-mounted sofa or find your perfect spot at one of the well-spaced tables, designed for lively conversation without intruding on your neighbors. It’s an atmosphere that welcomes both regulars and first-timers like cherished family.
Liquid Amore: Aperitivo & Vino
Before diving into the feast, set the mood Italian-style. Their generously stocked bar boasts a tempting list of aperitivi, including essential classics like refreshing Campari Spritzes. The wine list proudly showcases Italy’s diverse regions (we couldn’t resist a smooth, food-friendly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo!), though global gems also make an appearance.
The Menu: A Symphony of Simplicity & Flavour
Prepare for delightful indecision! Da Sandro’s menu sings the true Italian anthem: quality ingredients, masterfully prepared. Start light with a vibrant Insalata Caprese, or dive into heavenly homemade pasta. Craving something substantial? Succulent roasted lamb or perfectly grilled tiger prawns await. It’s a testament to their skill that choosing just one feels impossible – luckily, that just means you have to return!
Our Culinary Journey: Pure Bliss
Our feast began with their Antipasto platter – an absolute triumph. Imagine delicate Parma ham draped over sweet melon, savoury salami, shards of sharp Parmesan, and the decadent star: baked crab meat crowned with melting, golden Cheddar. Pure palate perfection.
For mains, the symphony continued:
- Gnocchi in Blue Cheese Sauce: Pillowy-soft gnocchi embraced by a sauce that masterfully balanced the blue cheese’s tang – rich but never overpowering, incredibly satisfying.
- Rib-Eye Cut: Cooked to absolute perfection, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, rosemary, and a hint of garlic. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh spinach – a classic executed flawlessly.
- Spaghetti Tiger Prawn: A beautiful marriage of Da Sandro’s Italian soul and Phuket’s bounty. Al dente spaghetti tangled with fresh, plump tiger prawns – simplicity showcasing the best of both worlds.
Dolce! The Sweetest Finale
No Italian experience is complete without dessert, and their gelato is legendary. With flavors to charm every generation, it’s the ideal sweet punctuation to an exceptional meal. What truly elevates Da Sandro is the palpable warmth. The lovely owners and attentive staff pour genuine care into every interaction, ensuring your experience is as memorable for the smiles and hospitality as it is for the outstanding food.
Your Invitation to La Dolce Vita
Da Sandro isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a decade-long love letter to authentic Italian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality. It’s a cornerstone of Phuket’s dining scene for a reason. Whether you’re a homesick Italian, a food lover seeking truth on a plate, or simply looking for an exceptional night out, Da Sandro delivers an experience that resonates long after the last bite.
Make Your Reservation for Happiness:
- Where: Vichit Songkram Road, Kathu (Just a few hundred meters from Loch Palm Golf Course entrance)
- When: Open daily, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
- Don’t Miss: The Antipasto platter, the homemade gnocchi, and save room for gelato!
- Pro Tip: Embrace the “problem” of too many delicious choices – it’s the perfect excuse to book your next visit before you’ve even left! Buon appetito!
