Pinto, InterContinental Phuket Resort

Pinto Restaurant – InterContinental Phuket Resort

Monica Tindall

Pinto is InterContinental Phuket Resort’s all-day-dining restaurant. It’s large enough to cater to a full house but cleverly divided into indoor and outdoor spaces and broken with various counters and displays to make the dining experience intimate. I’m always ready for alfresco dining, and it’s pleasant at Pinto, even in the middle of the day, with ceiling fans creating a breeze and lush garden borders further cooling the space.

The kitchen offers a range of international and local dishes while focusing on sourcing local, sustainably produced ingredients and presenting traditional recipes with contemporary twists. We’ve had a delicious spread of Thai food the past three days, so seek more Western recipes for this meal. But first, drinks.

Pinto Menu

Drinks

In line with the food menu, there’s something to quench all thirsts on Pinto’s beverage list. You’ve probably guessed by now that we find Fresh Thai Coconuts (THB 195++) irresistible. They’re always full with water, fruity, sweet and highly hydrating, so it’s two of their best to begin. To pair with our food, we move on to a glass of rosé, 2019 Planeta Rosé Sicilia, IGT, Italy (THB 450++). It’s a blend of equal parts Nero d’Avola and Syrah, pale sunset in the glass, with fresh fruity aromas. It’s easy drinking and a versatile pairing across our meal.

A complimentary tray of assorted bread with butter and two types of salt – sea and pink Himalayan – gives us something to nibble on while waiting for our order.

Starters

Beet (THB 345++) is a wholesome, earthy dish to begin. Beet done two ways – creamed and roasted – furnish dual textures. Mixed leaves are tossed over and dressed with an attractive lemon vinaigrette. Crumbled goat’s cheese and an elongated bread slice sprinkled with spices and drizzled with basil oil top it off.

Local Sardines, Fresh Tomato & Garlic (THB++) is an equally fresh dish, but this time with the taste of the sea. Meaty and marinated sardines are laid across mixed greens with Chiang Mai heirloom tomatoes, black garlic, and a smoky extra virgin olive oil dressing. The flavours are balanced, and it makes a nice light prelude to the mains.

Taking the intensity up a notch, Calamares con Chorizo (THB 335++) features tender seared calamari topped with chorizo chunks and emulsion, along with pickled garlic and micro herbs. The sauce is sticky, spicy and smoky.

Pizza

Serving as our carb course, a well-made Burrata Pizza (THB 535++) bridges our starters and mains. The crust has a nice puffy edge and thin crisp base, none of the overdone (or should I say underdone) floppy bases currently dominating the KL food scene. Generous portions of burrata break up the rich and tasty tomato sauce and roasted and sundried tomatoes. Fresh basil and oregano complete the toppings.

Large Plates

Turbot (THB 1300++) is highly prized for its delicate, mildly sweet flavour. In this dish, the skin has been lightly crisped and it’s accompanied with charred cauliflower puree, broccolini, artichoke and pine nut gremolata.

Hubby’s Filete de Ternera (THB 940++) ensures he won’t need any more protein for the next few days. It’s a large piece of dry-aged wagyu rib-eye, nicely charred on the edges while remaining pink and juicy inside. Halved cauliflower and romaine lettuce are chargrilled companions, along with fermented vegetables that lighten the richness of the beef.

Dessert

Ending sweet and pretty, a smooth and creamy Lemon Curd (THB 290++) with just the right balance of tanginess and sweetness hides a thin slice of sponge. A berry assortment, green sponge, edible flowers and cream lift the colour palette and add further zest to the dish.

We return to our coconuts as a secondary dessert, scraping the soft white flesh from within, grateful and happy for satiated tummies, wonderful service and the ability of the kitchen team to honour the natural flavours of high-quality ingredients while presenting them with unique flair.

Reasons to visit Pinto Restaurant: diverse menu made on quality ingredients ensuring there’s something for the whole family; indoor and semi-alfresco dining options; fresh, wholesome, tasty food.

Pinto Restaurant
InterContinental Phuket Resort
333, 333/3 Moo 3, Kamala Beach
Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
+66 (0)76 629 999
[email protected]

Pinto Restaurant Opening Hours
Daily: 6:30 am – 10 pm

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