Set atop the ever-energetic Seduction nightclub on Patong’s famed Soi Bangla, you will find the charming Higher restaurant. Upon entering, you are greeted with a massively long escalator that brings you to the building’s top floor. With an open floor plan, the dining area is cooled by ceiling fans and a lovely breeze that comes in through large sliding glass windows, which overlook Patong and the bustling crowd below.

However, the nightlife has still made its mark in this chic-modern eatery with the large disco ball, which spins from the high angled ceiling. Cozy turquoise velvet couches align the wall and are complemented with vibrant pillows and accented by a concrete industrial-style bar. When the sun goes down, the music is turned up by the talented in-house DJ playing pop favorites and house music.

Chef Ronnie Macuja, with his lovely smile and gracious demeanor, takes the reins in the kitchen, serving up a vast menu of delectable dishes from pizza to sashimi. The lovely wait staff are attentive, offering drinks menus and a beautiful wooden box filled with warmed bread and butter for the table. Our first dish was an incredible Tapas Platter with a selection of 9 of Higher’s signature dishes. This dish is meant to be shared with 2 people, however, each selection is so flavorful and delicious, it is hard to want to share! From goat cheese with beetroot, to sashimi and tuna tatar, this platter was an amazing way to explore the menu and get your taste buds going.

Another excellent dish to try while at Higher is the duck breast served with a torched pear, carrots vichy and a lovely cherry-grappa sauce. The sauce is what brings this dish together with its sweet-sour notes, which break down the tastefully strong flavor of the duck, which was incredibly tender and beautifully plated. Another must-try dish is Chef Ronnie’s Tasmanian Salmon served with grilled asparagus, red onion and cornichon salad with raspberry dressing. The salmon is incredibly fresh and soft, with a great crunchy texture from the grilled veggies and a slight tartness from the raspberry dressing. All in all, a very well thought out dish that offers a lot of dimension, as well as generous portions. If it is more of a smokey flavor you aim for, then it is the scallops you are after. Pan seared and served in a carrot-cumin sauce with broad beans, this dish is full of wonderful flavor and would go great with an icy margarita!

As far as desserts are concerned, Higher offers a selective menu of passion fruit crème brulee, chocolate banana bread pudding and other delectable sweet treats. We opted for the strawberry gazpacho with honey balsamic vinegar, meringue, granola and berry sorbet. And just as the rest of the menu, this dessert was full of texture and flavor with crunchy sweet meringue, tart berries and flakey granola – a wonderful ending to an incredible meal.

An excellent reprieve from the busy street below, Higher is doing incredible things with its menu and service, bringing a breath of calmness and serenity to an otherwise hectic part of Phuket.

Written By Katie, E-Table Asia