The story
L'Arôme by the Sea is located on Kalim Bay in Patong, Phuket, with wide views of the Andaman Sea. The dining room and rooftop terrace face the sunset, making the ocean the visual centrepiece of every meal. The atmosphere is refined but relaxed, described by the restaurant as “resort elegant.”
Executive Chef Maksym Chukanov brings experience from NOMA 2.0 in Copenhagen, Restaurant Ikarus in Salzburg, and CURE in Singapore. At L'Arôme by the Sea, he has built a tasting menu that follows what he calls “the changes of the sea.” The progression moves from clarity and minerality to warmth and depth, then returns to lightness. Each dish is intended to capture a different state of the ocean.
The menu changes with the seasons, always centred on the best available seafood. Typical courses include sea urchin, striped jackfish, Gillardeau oysters, and lightly cured fjord trout, moving on to blue lobster, golden eye snapper, and wagyu. Techniques such as light curing, aging, and fermentation are used to intensify natural flavours. Ingredients like yuzu kosho, miso, and white butter sauce appear as subtle accents, extending the marine theme. The result is a coherent expression of modern French cuisine rooted in its coastal surroundings.
The wine list holds over 200 labels, primarily from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with smaller French producers and selected international bottles. It has been recognised by Star Wine List, winning silver for Best Fine Wine List in Asia in 2025. For a more casual experience, the rooftop bar The Sunset Deck serves oysters, caviar, and small plates from late afternoon.
L'Arôme by the Sea has been listed in the Michelin Guide every year since 2023, earning a Recommended status for 2026. It has also been named No.1 in Phuket by Top25 Restaurants and received the Thailand Favourite Restaurants and Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice awards. These accolades reflect a kitchen that is consistent, original, and deeply connected to its environment.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram