Da Puccio Italian Restaurant

Restaurant Da Puccio is a tucked-away Italian spot in Rawai, Phuket, located on a quiet soi away from the area’s noisy rows of cafés. Inside, everything feels clean and well kept, with a cosy, slightly romantic vibe. The kitchen is open, so you can watch the dishes being prepared.

The menu focuses on handmade pizza and pasta. They make their own dough, and the pizzas come out quickly in several sizes — including a generous 14" “medium.” You’ll find both classics (Margherita, Frutti di Mare, Hawaiian, cacio e pepe) and heartier options with good-quality ham and seafood. There are also meat- and fish-free choices, topped with vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms. Pasta ranges from carbonara and vongole to brighter combinations such as shrimp with tomatoes, plus ravioli (including truffle, salmon, or lamb) and lasagna.

To round out the meal, there’s porchetta, octopus with potatoes, chicken salad, homemade desserts like tiramisu, and a selection of liqueurs. Service is friendly and efficient, and the Italian owner knows how to make guests feel genuinely welcome.

A few things to note: the dining room can get a bit warm, parking in the area isn’t easy, and takeaway orders occasionally have minor mix-ups. The olive oil on the table can also suffer in the heat. Prices sit around the mid-range for solid Italian food in touristy Rawai.