Ginja Taste Restaurant

Ginja Taste is a Thai restaurant at JW Marriott Mai Khao, set right on the beachfront — only a few dozen metres from the water. It’s especially enjoyable in the evening, when you can dine on the open terrace and watch the sunset; indoors, the mood is more intimate and softly lit. A path leads to the restaurant from the hotel building, and buggies are available if needed.

The menu focuses on Southern Thai flavours and seafood. Highlights include steamed fish, crab in yellow curry, pomelo salad with prawns, soft-shell crab, tom yum (with adjustable spice levels), tom kha, massaman curry (including versions with exceptionally tender meat), pad thai, and pad see ew. There are also punchy starters such as miang kham, som tam (sometimes with blue crab), morning glory, and the house crispy pork. Dishes can be adapted to dietary needs on request — for example, prepared without onion and garlic.

Desserts are worth a look too: mango sticky rice, coconut–mango ice cream, and tapioca in coconut milk, though the mango portion in some servings can be on the modest side. Vegetarian options and a kids’ menu (Thai and Western) are available.

Service is generally warm and attentive, though pacing can be inconsistent at times — waiting for the bill or water, or having dishes arrive all at once. Mosquitoes can appear in the evenings on the terrace, so bringing repellent is a good idea. Prices are on the higher, hotel-level side for Phuket, and overall it feels best suited to a relaxed dinner or a special occasion.