In a peaceful part of Phuket, beside a calm lake, there’s a restaurant that doesn’t just serve meals—it shares stories. The place is called Etna, and it was built around the idea that food, fire, and storytelling can come together to create something special. It takes its name from a made-up character, a woman named Etna who travels with her red horse, Illidor. She’s imagined as someone who explores different cultures, collects flavors, and brings them back to share. That idea shapes everything at the restaurant—from the way dishes are made to how guests are welcomed.
Cooking at Etna is simple but thoughtful. The chefs use fire, smoke, fermentation, and charcoal to prepare the food. These old ways of cooking help bring out the natural taste of each ingredient. Many of the ingredients come from nearby places in Thailand. Herbs from the mountains, seafood from the coast, and local spices are used to give familiar dishes a new twist. The flavors are clear and honest, and each plate feels like it has a story behind it. When guests arrive, they’re greeted with small gestures that reflect Slavic traditions. Bread and salt are offered by the lake, a quiet way to say “welcome.” The people who work there don’t just bring food to the table—they explain where it comes from and why it matters. Each visit feels personal, and no two meals are exactly the same.
The menu includes comforting dishes like grilled Beef Burgers with melted cheese, soft bread marked with the restaurant’s symbol, and Salmon Cutlets with Espuma Mousse served with a smooth mousse. Etna Soup is served inside a block of ice, cooling the heat of the seafood inside. Ravioli with Salmon and Pike Caviar as a nod to Eastern Europe but are shaped by Phuket’s coastal ingredients. Freshly baked breads are served warm, and some are available to take home.
Desserts are made with care. A Pavlova with Mango and Passion Fruit is light and crisp. Tiramisu Earl Grey is flavored with tea instead of coffee. One gluten-free Rose dessert and Truffle Pistachio for a rich finish. Even children are thought of, with simple dishes like Meatballs and Mash made just for them. Drinks are part of the experience too. The wine list includes bottles from many places, and the cocktails are made to match the mood of the restaurant. Yuma mixes tequila with pineapple and herbs. Solara blends vodka with Thai spices. And Ignis combines gin with fruit and vegetables. Each drink is made to reflect the feeling of the space.
Etna also hosts weekly events that bring a different kind of energy. On Wednesdays, guests can take part in Mystery Wednesdays with a game of chance, choosing from mystery boxes at the end of their meal. Jazz Thursdays with live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Friday Night turns up the volume with DJs, live vocals, and dancing by the lake. Bubbles Saturdays are all about celebration, with music and drinks flowing freely. Sunday Funday slows things down, offering a family-friendly afternoon where children can learn to make dough with the chefs. Each of these nights adds something special to the restaurant’s rhythm. They’re not just events—they’re part of ETNA’s belief that dining should be about more than food.
Etna Restaurant
Cherngtalay, 16 Soi Cherngtalay 4, Tambon Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
