Lua Grill & Bar – Italian Poolside Restaurant, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Vietnam
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Monica Tindall
When we stepped into Lua Grill & Bar, we immediately sensed an inviting warmth, echoing the Vietnamese word for “fire” (lửa). This poolside restaurant at New World Phu Quoc Resort has recently undergone a transformation. It has pivoted to an Italian theme where the essence of Mediterranean flavours takes centre stage. Lua Grill & Bar’s kitchen is inspired by the raw beauty of fire, showcased through its live grilling techniques. It highlights fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients that are prepared with artistry and care.
Lua Grill & Bar – New World Phu Quoc Resort
Lua Grill & Bar offers a setting where the warmth of rustic elements meets the sleek comfort of contemporary design. Providing for 225 diners, the restaurant has diverse seating options. You can dine al fresco by the pool or in the cooler, air-conditioned interior. The lighting strikes a thoughtful balance—bright enough to browse the menu with ease yet soft enough to preserve the ambience. No LED gizmos required, and certainly no squinting to decipher your dish—a small luxury that’s oddly rare in today’s dining scene.
Lush greenery—refreshingly real, not plastic—graced each table and extended throughout the space. Overhead, a whimsical chandelier fashioned from what looked like colourful darts and vintage spinning tops added a playful twist. Wicker-backed chairs in rose-pink velvet paired with brass accents. Polished concrete columns and gently whirring wooden ceiling fans completed the beautifully curated setting.
Lua Grill & Bar Menu
Appetisers
As soon as we settled into our seats, our friendly waiter, Mai, warmly presented us with a cute wooden bowl. Securely tucked into it, as if for bed, was a freshly baked ciabatta, accompanied by virgin olive oil and premium 1891 balsamic vinegar. The balsamic, a dense and velvety specimen from Modena, lived up to its reputation—though its pronounced sweetness occasionally overpowered the more delicate character of the olive oil and bread. Olive oil purists might prefer the two to be served separately, allowing each element to shine on its own terms.
We started with the Mixed Green Salad (VND 310). It arrived as a generous portion, almost main-course size. Sometimes, when on holiday, a substantial salad is ideal if you’ve had a bountiful breakfast or large lunch and want to keep things light for dinner. It was loaded with courgette discs, creamy avocado, sweet sun-dried cranberries, crunchy toasted almonds, mixed leaves, crumbly feta, and tender artichokes. What stood out was that the leaves were not swamped with dressing but instead coated with a light, tangy acidity, retaining a remarkable freshness. Although we were sharing it between two, its ample size meant it could easily stretch to satisfy three or four people if enjoyed as an accompaniment to other starters.
The Serrano Ham (VND 450) was presented beautifully on a rustic wooden board. This ham was absolutely delicious. Living in Kuala Lumpur, where such cured meats are not as readily available, enjoying this was a genuine treat. The savoury richness was perfectly complemented by the excellent fresh figs, alongside the classic additions of bread slices, tangy pickled onions, and crisp cornichons.
As a mate to our starters, we chose the Nouveau Monde Chardonnay from Languedoc-Roussillon (VND 230 per glass). Its bright fruit notes and lively acidity held their own alongside the salad and Serrano ham—though the wine itself was more of a background performer than a headliner.
Pasta
We had to sample at least one pasta dish, and the Pasta Paccheri (VND 330) was a visual delight. It featured gloriously fat tubes of pasta, cooked al dente, coated in a vibrant green pesto. This dish was complemented by stracciatella cheese and burrata, adding a rich, creamy texture. Pine nuts provided a wonderful nuttiness, while delicate leaves and sun-dried tomatoes added pops of colour.
Main Courses
The Pan-Seared Grouper (VND 550) showcased expert technique—light, snow-white, flaking flesh with crisp skin. A side of grilled vegetables was pleasantly crisp with a nice, smoky char. The bisque sauce, served in a little jug on the side, enhanced the dish without overshadowing the grouper’s delicate flavour. The accompanying side salad of microgreens, apple, red peppers, asparagus, courgette, and green peppers provided a refreshing, crisp counterpoint, bringing together all the diverse textures and flavours on the plate.
With our mains, we tried the Louis Pinel Cinsault Rosé IGP d’Oc (VND 230 per glass). Light and refreshing with soft berry notes, it played nicely with the burrata and grilled grouper.
Dessert
Despite full bellies, we made room for the Vanilla Panna Cotta (VND 170)—too tempting to skip. In the Phu Quoc heat, a good set can be tricky, but this one held its gentle wobble with grace. Topped with fresh berries and nestled in a bright, tangy syrup, it was a clean, creamy finish that struck just the right balance.
Lua Grill & Bar Review
This friendly poolside venue leans confidently into its new Italian direction, celebrating the elemental power of fire through live grilling and Mediterranean flavours. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and local seafood take the spotlight. At the same time, a gleaming golden oven hints at flame-kissed meats and crackling pizzas. Whether you’re a resort guest or simply exploring Phu Quoc in search of a new dining experience, Lua Grill & Bar is worth the detour.
Reasons to visit Lua Grill & Bar: casual poolside setting; friendly staff; we highly enjoyed the Mixed Green Salad and Pan-Seared Grouper.
Lua Grill & Bar
New World Phu Quoc Resort
Khem Beach, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City,
Kien Giang Province, Vietnam
Link to Lua Grill & Bar on Google Maps
+84 297 371 6666
phuquoc.newworldhotels.com
@newworldphuquocresort
Prices are times VND ‘000, subject to 5% service charge and government tax.
Lua Grill & Bar Hours
Lửa Grill & Bar: 11am – 10pm
Pool Bar: 11am – 6pm
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