Bellissimo beachside dining at the Azzurra

Italian cuisine is always a firm favourite, so it is with great anticipation that we make our way to the recently renovated Azzurra restaurant at the Angsana Laguna Phuket, on the shores of Bang Tao Beach, for an evening of fine dining.

Taking our seats on the breath-taking roof top terrace, we are treated to extensive beach and sea views, something that really showcases its magic when the sun starts to set. Live music from down below enhances the relaxing setting perfectly.

Our waitress explains that Azzurra, meaning ‘sky blue’ in Italian, is inspired by the serene hues of the Amalfi Coast, celebrating a dining experience that is bright, sincere and welcoming. On hearing this, my dining partner and I feel our anticipation levels move up a couple of notches!

The ambiance is warm and welcoming, the staff attentive and personable – and the menu reveals itself to be mouth-watering. We start off with the Antipasto Misto plate, a delectable choice of Italian cold cuts, pickles, cheeses, olives and sundried tomatoes that is the perfect start for the sumptuous meal ahead.

We then savour the Minestrone Di Verdure soup made from organic local mixed vegetables (a real treat), closely followed by the Burrata E Pomodorini, which has to be one of the finest we have ever tasted. Burrata dishes often fall foul of being somewhat ‘samey’, but this dish is elevated by a delicious pesto sauce that marries so well with the juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese. Bellissimo!

For main course we order the Filetto Di Salmone Alla Toscana fish dish and the Filetto Di Mazo Alla Rossini steak option. The fish is of the highest melt-in-the-mouth variety, while perfectly crisped skin is always a welcome addition to such a dish. A special mention must go to the creamy tomato and spinach sauce accompanying the dish, which is excellent and very ‘moreish’.

The grilled Angus beef tenderloin is equally rewarding in its presentation and taste; succulent, juicy and cooked to perfection, while the accompanying sautéed spinach and blueberry sauce really helps elevate the overall dish.

We finish off sharing a Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia for desert and we are not left disappointed. The Panna Cotta passes the requisite ‘jiggle test’ and the chocolate ganache is on an altogether different level, ensuring the perfect taste sensation end to a delightful dining experience.

To round off such a wonderful evening we get the chance to speak with the person responsible for our delicious cuisine – Chef Giampiero Quartararo, fondly known as Chef Piero, the culinary heart of Azzurra. Born and shaped by Italy’s rich food culture, Chef Piero brings a quiet authenticity to the restaurant, one that can be felt in every plate that leaves his kitchen.

With more than a decade of experience in renowned restaurants across Italy and Thailand, Chef Piero brings a personal touch to Azzurra, where his cooking goes beyond tradition. He invites guests into a dining experience deeply Italian as its core, turning every meal into a moment that feels both comforting and special.

We can but agree, having experienced first-hand such a philosophy clearly demonstrated through his range of cooking throughout the evening. However, while the food is naturally the main star of the show, it must be emphasised that the venue and the excellent staff also make for a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable experience, one that we would highly recommend and very much look forward to repeating soon.