Best Restaurants in Phu Quoc 2026

If you've been wondering where to eat in Phu Quoc for a truly special occasion, we have an answer for you. After spending a fantastic evening at the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, we can confidently say that INK 360 rooftop bar and LAVA Restaurant belong at the very top of any list of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc. This wasn't just a dinner — it was a full experience from sunset to dessert, and every single detail was carefully thought through.

Here's our honest, first-hand account of the evening.

Why INK 360 and LAVA Restaurant Deserve a Spot on Your Phu Quoc Itinerary

We didn't stumble into this experience by accident. We had heard that the InterContinental in Phu Quoc was home to some of the best dining on the island, and we wanted to celebrate a special occasion — my partner Marina's birthday — in the best way possible. What we found exceeded every expectation we had, and we've eaten at some seriously good restaurants around the world. If you're searching for one of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc to mark a milestone, this is the place.

The evening was split into two parts: cocktail hour at INK 360 rooftop bar, followed by a full dinner at LAVA Restaurant. Both venues sit within the InterContinental resort, perched right on the beachfront, which already gives the whole experience a setting that's hard to beat.

INK 360 Rooftop Bar: Where the Evening Begins

From the moment we arrived at INK 360, we knew this place was different. The bar's entire design is built around a kraken — or octopus — concept. Tentacles wrap around the structure, climbing pillars, curling over the bar, and creating the impression that the whole place has been pulled from the depths of the ocean and set high above Phu Quoc Bay. It's bold, it's creative, and it's genuinely unlike anything we've seen at any of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc or elsewhere. For design alone, INK 360 stands in a category of its own.

Our first point of contact was Jenn, one of the staff members who welcomed us and escorted us to our seats. She was warm, attentive, and clearly knew the menu inside out. That kind of personal touch from the very first moment sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

Cocktails, Calamari, and a Sunset Worth the Trip Alone

We ordered two cocktails from the specialty menu, and both were outstanding. Mine leaned citrusy with a slightly sweet finish and a noticeable Aperol note — refreshing and well-balanced. Marina's came in a way we've genuinely never seen before: served in a decorative goblet surrounded by small jewels, making the whole presentation feel like something from a fantasy novel. The cocktail itself was fruity and vibrant, perfectly suited to the tropical setting.

To go alongside the drinks, we ordered fried calamari. Simple enough on paper, but the execution was exceptional — perfectly crispy, light, and not at all greasy. It was the kind of dish that disappears before you even realise you've eaten it.

And then there was the sunset.

From the height of INK 360, you can see the entire bay stretch out below you. Boats drifting across the water, the horizon glowing orange and pink, the sun slowly sinking into the sea. It's one of those moments that genuinely stops a conversation. Whether you're looking for the best restaurants in Phu Quoc, a cocktail bar for a romantic evening, or simply the best view on the island, INK 360 delivers on all fronts.

LAVA Restaurant: A Dinner That Felt Made for Us

Once the sky turned dark, Jenn came back to escort us from INK 360 down to LAVA Restaurant. The contrast between the two spaces is striking: where INK 360 is theatrical and open, LAVA is intimate and refined. The lighting is low, the tables are well-spaced, and the whole atmosphere feels romantic without feeling stiff. It's easy to see why LAVA is consistently mentioned as one of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc for a special night out.

The team at LAVA already knew it was Marina's birthday, and they had decorated our table with fresh flowers. It was a small gesture, but it made a real difference — it told us that this wasn't going to be just another dinner. The team had also crafted a special tasting menu specifically for us, with each course paired with a different wine: we started with prosecco, moved through a sauvignon blanc, and finished with a chianti. The progression was thoughtful, and every pairing made sense.

Course by Course: What We Ate at LAVA Restaurant

The Starters

The meal opened with a series of small bites — elegant little one-mouthful introductions to what was coming. There was foie gras, salmon eggs, and a few others, each carrying a distinct flavour. Alongside these came freshly baked bread served with truffle butter and a mousse made from olive oil and honey. The bread alone was worth writing home about. It's the kind of attention to detail that separates the best restaurants in Phu Quoc from everywhere else.

The First Course: Crab, Seared Onion, and Pomelo Salad

This was a beautifully composed dish — crab paired with seared onions, pomelo, and a red artichoke gel. The balance was perfect: fresh and light, not too fishy, with a clean acidity that cut through everything else. You could taste the crab clearly without it overpowering the rest of the plate. For anyone asking what makes LAVA one of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc, this dish is a strong part of the answer.

The Main Course: Australian Wagyu Striploin

This was the highlight of the meal for me. Australian Wagyu striploin, served with parsnip puree, asparagus, carrots, and a truffle jus. The meat was extraordinary — the kind of tenderness that real Wagyu delivers, almost melting as you eat it. The truffle jus tied everything together and added that deep, earthy flavour that we both adore. It was a main course that reminded us why we love food — and why LAVA deserves its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc for a serious tasting menu.

Dessert: Hazelnut Caramel Lemon Cake

The evening ended with a hazelnut caramel lemon cake served with vanilla ice cream. The combination of nutty, sweet, and citrus was genuinely brilliant — and the wine pairing brought it all together in a way that made the last bite just as enjoyable as the first. A very close second favourite dish of the night.

The Service: The Detail That Elevates Everything

A Team That Genuinely Cares

In our experience, food is only half of what makes the best restaurants in Phu Quoc — or anywhere — truly great. The other half is how you're made to feel. At INK 360 and LAVA, the service was exceptional from start to finish.

Hugo, the young restaurant manager, stood out in particular. He was professional and sharp, but also easy to talk to — he stopped by during the meal for a genuine conversation, not just a check-in. That balance between efficiency and warmth is harder to get right than most people realise, and he had it down perfectly.

At the end of the meal, the kitchen team brought out a small birthday cake for Marina and sang Happy Birthday. It was unexpected and completely sincere, and it genuinely moved her. The chef also came out personally to greet us and make sure we'd had a good experience. These are the kinds of moments that you don't find at every restaurant — even at internationally renowned ones. It's exactly what you hope for when looking for the best restaurants in Phu Quoc for a memorable occasion.

Final Verdict: Is This One of the Best Restaurants in Phu Quoc?

If you're visiting Phu Quoc and you want one dinner that covers all the bases — great food, great drinks, incredible views, and service that actually makes you feel looked after — then yes: INK 360 and LAVA Restaurant at the InterContinental are, in our view, the best restaurants in Phu Quoc for a special occasion.

This isn't just a strong choice by local standards. It holds up against high-quality dining by any international benchmark. The tasting menu, the wine pairings, the personalised touches, the beachfront location — everything works together to create an evening that feels genuinely special.

Is it an expensive night out? Yes. But for a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a meal you want to remember long after you've left the island, it's worth every dollar. If you're serious about finding the best restaurants in Phu Quoc, stop searching — you've found it.

Practical details:

• INK 360 – Rooftop bar at the InterContinental Phu Quoc; best for sunset drinks
• LAVA Restaurant – Fine dining on the beachfront; tasting menus available on request
• Location – InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Bai Truong Beach
• Reservations – Strongly recommended, especially for birthdays or special occasions

INK 360 Website | INK 360 Instagram | LAVA Website | LAVA Instagram