This isn’t Greece, but it’s pretty darn close!
For those who’ve been longing to snap photos against the famous blue-and-white Santorini colours in Greece: good news! You don’t have to sit on an 11-hour-long direct flight.
Here’s a much nearer and budget-friendly option just a 2-hour flight away from Singapore ✈️
Opened in June 2023, The Reef is a new-ish cafe in Phuket with Santorini vibes ~ It’s located within the Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket hotel and overlooks the gorgeous sea.
Plenty of Photo Spots
Look at that stunning view, is this really Phuket?
When we arrived at the cafe on a weekday afternoon, it was so empty we thought it was closed 😂 Thankfully though, business was normal and no customers = plenty of photo-ops for us without any photobombs!
Some of our favourite photo spots include the netting hanging over the beach with an unobstructed view of the sea and this cute little arch surrounded by pink flowers.
As for seats, you really are spoilt for choice. Relax on the sheltered seats under large parasols or lounge under the sun with the sand beneath your feet. Either way, both offer a panoramic view of the blue sea.
Mix of Western and Asian Dishes
Food-wise, the cafe offers a mix of Western and Asian dishes such as pizzas, burgers, quesadillas and green mango salad.
We wanted to try everything so we chose the Peranakan afternoon tea set (฿890). It included two sets of goong sarong (fried shrimp), BBQ chicken, spring roll, chicken satay, mini cheesecake, tiramisu, crispy mango sticky rice and drinks. Although it’s good for two, we shared it among the three of us and still felt super full.
Mango sticky rice and goong sarong!
I loved the goong sarong, a Thai-style deep-fried shrimp wrapped in vermicelli noodles. It was crispy and paired really well with the tangy mango sauce. The desserts were also aroi mak mak (delicious) — the mango sticky rice was sinfully sweet 😍
The Reef Cafe in Phuket, Thailand
With scenic photo spots straight out of a Greece postcard, The Reef is a “Santorini” alternative nearer to Singapore! And the best part is that no one knows about it yet, so it’s truly a hidden gem without the crowds ✨
Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM (last order at 5PM)
How to get there: 7min taxi ride from Patong Beach (Google Maps)
If you’re looking for other things to do in Phuket, check out our guides and itineraries:
– 4D3N Phuket Itinerary that Doesn’t Involve the Usual Tourist Spots
– 4D3N Action-Packed Phuket Itinerary: Activities Not For The Faint-Hearted
– 72-Hour Phuket Itinerary Away from the Crowds — A Side that Most Tourists Miss
– Phuket Island Hopping Guide for Beginners — Tips & Itineraries to Discover Phuket’s Must-See Islands
– 7 Underrated Things To Do In Phuket That Do Not Involve The Beach
Know of any other interesting cafes in Phuket? Share with us in the comments below!
