Ab Zab Restaurant Phuket: Authentic Thai Flavours, Family Warmth & Stunning Patong Bay Views
Updated September 2025
A Solo Journey leading to a Family Meal with a Beautiful View
When my Thai friends in California heard I was heading to Phuket, they insisted: "You must visit Ab Zab — our sister owns it!" That's how I found myself on a warm Andaman Sea evening, enjoying yummy Southern Thai cuisine while on a slow travel adventure.
Ab Zab (แอบแซ่บ), tucked just across from Kalima Resort & Spa, is a family-run restaurant where every dish has a decades-old story, and every conversation makes you feel like part of the family. From the moment I met Khun Lone (the owner), greeted warmly by M (our server), and tasted a dish crafted by Chef Jai, I knew this wasn't just another meal in Phuket — this was an experience of true Thai บ้าน (baan = home) hospitality.
With the waves of the Andaman Sea crashing below and the glowing sunset over Patong Bay, I knew I'd found my table at Ab Zab - the spot that would anchor my two weeks of slow travel on Thailand's most famous island.
Why Ab Zab Captured My Heart
What struck me most wasn't just the food (though we'll get to that), but how dining here felt like visiting old friends rather than another tourist stop. The hospitality is genuine, the Thai recipes are authentically spicy and fragrant, and the prices are refreshingly fair — generously affordable compared to other restaurants with a view around Phuket.
Whether you choose the terrace seating or the basement tables closer to the waves, you're dining with one of the most beautiful backdrops in Patong. It's unpretentious and relaxed, all about good food and the simple pleasure of watching the sea while you eat.
If you're searching for a family-owned restaurant in Phuket that combines authentic flavors with genuine warmth and stunning sea views, this is it.
What to Order at Ab Zab (My Picks from Chef Jai's Kitchen)
Dish: Papaya Salad Seafood
Thai Name: ส้มตำทะเล (Som Tum Tha Ley)
Why You'll Love It: Bright, spicy, crunchy — the perfect starter with a seaside vibe.
Dish: Green Curry
Thai Name: แกงเขียวหวาน (Gaeng Kiew Wan)
Why You'll Love It: Creamy coconut milk, fragrant Thai basil, just enough chili heat.
Dish: Nam Tok Moo (Pork Salad)
Thai Name: น้ำตกหมู
Why You'll Love It: Smoky grilled pork, mint, toasted rice powder — a taste of the Northeast, honoring the family’s culinary roots.
Dish: Pad Thai
Thai Name: ผัดไทย
Why You'll Love It: Still a crowd-pleaser, but here it shines with just the right tamarind tang.
Dish: Steamed Fish in Lime Sauce (One of my favorites!)
Thai Name: ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว
Why You'll Love It: Fresh catch, zesty and refreshing, perfect for seafood lovers.
💡 Pro tip: Ask Khun Loan or M for seasonal specials. Chef Jai often has fresh seafood dishes that aren't even on the menu.
The Setting: Where Sea Meets Plates of Yumminess
Ab Zab's charm is its seaside location. The terrace dining is perfect for watching sunset over Patong Bay with a cold drink, while the basement seating gets you close enough to hear (and sometimes feel) the sea. For me, this felt like private ocean therapy.
The vibe is wonderfully casual — no dress code needed, shorts and sandals are just fine. I'd suggest arriving just before sunset (5–6 PM) for that golden hour glow.
Getting There & Practical Details
📍 Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
📞 Phone: +66 76 618 079
🕑 Hours: Daily, ~11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
FACEBOOK: Go HERE
The restaurant sits right across from Kalima Resort & Spa, making it easy to spot if you're staying nearby. A tuk-tuk/van taxi or motorbike taxi is your easiest bet for getting there, though there's limited roadside parking if you're driving. Just note that there are stairs down to the basement area — the terrace seating is easier if you prefer to avoid many steps.
A Place That Earns Its Reputation
I wasn't surprised to find that other diners share my enthusiasm. Ab Zab consistently earns strong ratings — 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google with over 280 reviews, as well as 4.6 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. One reviewer captured it perfectly: "The food here is very authentic … and the view is absolutely beautiful, overlooking the clear blue sea."
The comments consistently mention the same things that struck me: the family-run atmosphere, authentic flavors, and that incredible sea view. It's reassuring to see that what felt special to me resonates with so many other visitors.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
Bring cash — while they may accept cards, cash is always more reliable. The staff speaks English well enough to guide you through the menu, but don't be shy about trying a Thai phrase like "Aroi mak!" (อร่อยมาก = very delicious) when you taste something amazing.
The relaxed setting makes Ab Zab perfect for families with kids, and sunset hours tend to be the busiest, so arriving a little early gets you the best seat. It's perfectly positioned for pairing with an evening stroll or nightlife exploration in Patong afterward.
Why This Place will Resonate with You like it has with Me
I could have dined anywhere in Phuket — fancy beach clubs, luxury hotels, trendy cafés. But it was my Thai friends in California who told me: "Go see our sister, she'll take care of you."
That connection made my meals special. Sitting with plates of spicy Som Tum and seafood, watching the horizon turn pink over the Andaman Sea, I realized this wasn't just a restaurant visit — it was a warm family story connecting Phuket to California, and back to me.
That's why I'll always recommend Ab Zab to fellow travelers: for the home-style cooking, the view, and the feeling that you're among family rather than just passing through as another tourist.
Your Questions Answered
Is Ab Zab family friendly? Absolutely. Kids will enjoy the casual setting, and dishes can be made milder upon request.
Do they serve alcohol? Beer and basic drinks are available, but this isn't a bar scene — it's all about the food and views.
Is there vegetarian food? Yes, Pad Thai, curries, veggie stir-fries, others can all be made meat-free.
Do I need a reservation? Not usually, but for sunset seating for a large group it's smart to call ahead during peak season.
View of Patong Bay & Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand. PHOTO: Thailand With Monchai
My Final Thoughts
If you're in Phuket and want to combine warm Thai hospitality, authentic flavors, and one of the most beautiful sea views in Patong, don't miss Ab Zab Restaurant, just up the hill from Patong Beach.
Tell Khun Lone, M, and Chef Jai that Monchai sent you. You'll be treated like family — and you'll leave with a memory as rich as the food itself.
ขอบคุณมากครับ (Khob khun maak khrup) — thank you very much!
Beautiful sunset at Patong Bay, Phuket, Thailand. PHOTO: PHOTO: Ab Zab Restaurant overlooking Patong Bay and the Andaman Sea.
PHOTO: Ab Zab Restaurant overlooking Patong Bay and the Andaman Sea.
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Cheers! - Monchai
