Best Restaurant of 2008 contender
Telephone: 076 288996
Open: Daily, all day.
Address: 27/1 Mittrapap, Rawai 83130.
Style: American and Thai.
Price range: Reasonable. American breakfast, 125 baht, bruschetta al forno, 120 baht, fried prawns 155 baht, beef burgers, 125 baht, grilled bratwurst with two sausages, 255 baht.
Specialty: Burgers, Tex Mex.
What the management says: ''Only the best quality imported and local products are selected to ensure the highest possible standards.''
What Phuketwan says: If you really want a good American-style burger, especially a veggie burger or Mexican snacks, this is the place. Friendship Beach has evolved down the years from a basic garden setting by the sea south of Chalong to grow into a small resort. It remains charming, although one hopes the building has now stopped. There's a bar area overlooking some pretty islands and a number of salas for groups of varying sizes. The portions are Western-style, so although the prices might be a little higher, you won't go hungry. Thai food is available, too. The service is sometimes a tad tardy. And any tropical restaurant by the sea that does not have a coconut on hand at all times, ready to drink and eat, immediately loses a few points in the eyes of Phuketwan judges. Nevertheless, if need to eat American and you want the kids to be able to swim within earshot while you chew, Friendship Beach is a suitable island option. And don't forget to ask for a juicy coconut.
How to find it: About 2.5 kilometres south of Chalong Circle, on the road to Rawai. Pull over to the left lane and get ready to turn left as the new, wide road rises and swings right.
Parking: Plenty, right by the bar and restaurant.
Telephone: 076 288996
Open: Daily, all day.
Address: 27/1 Mittrapap, Rawai 83130.
Style: American and Thai.
Price range: Reasonable. American breakfast, 125 baht, bruschetta al forno, 120 baht, fried prawns 155 baht, beef burgers, 125 baht, grilled bratwurst with two sausages, 255 baht.
Specialty: Burgers, Tex Mex.
What the management says: ''Only the best quality imported and local products are selected to ensure the highest possible standards.''
What Phuketwan says: If you really want a good American-style burger, especially a veggie burger or Mexican snacks, this is the place. Friendship Beach has evolved down the years from a basic garden setting by the sea south of Chalong to grow into a small resort. It remains charming, although one hopes the building has now stopped. There's a bar area overlooking some pretty islands and a number of salas for groups of varying sizes. The portions are Western-style, so although the prices might be a little higher, you won't go hungry. Thai food is available, too. The service is sometimes a tad tardy. And any tropical restaurant by the sea that does not have a coconut on hand at all times, ready to drink and eat, immediately loses a few points in the eyes of Phuketwan judges. Nevertheless, if need to eat American and you want the kids to be able to swim within earshot while you chew, Friendship Beach is a suitable island option. And don't forget to ask for a juicy coconut.
How to find it: About 2.5 kilometres south of Chalong Circle, on the road to Rawai. Pull over to the left lane and get ready to turn left as the new, wide road rises and swings right.
Parking: Plenty, right by the bar and restaurant.
