Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Scarletta, a new pasta bar in Phuket Old Town. This charming pasta bar, the brainchild of renowned Bangkok homemade sausage guru Joe Sloane, offers a delightful dining experience that combines exquisite flavors and stylish ambiance. Those who have been following my food adventures will know my admiration for Joe’s products which I’ve regularly indulged in. During the pandemic, Joe’s culinary creativity led him to venture into homemade pasta, a delicious treat that many of us eagerly embraced.
The Decor
Scarletta is a welcome culinary addition to Phuket’s food scene in the bustling Montri Road neighborhood joining Michelin recommended Chuan Chim and 1000009 Noodle.
The decor at Scarletta is simple yet warm and inviting. The first floor is a bustling hub of activity, where you can savor your coffee or lunch while watching the talented chefs prepare their culinary masterpieces. The aquarium-kitchen offers a fascinating glimpse into the pasta-making process.
Upstairs, the main dining room awaits, providing a more intimate setting for your culinary journey, with a striking scarlet red wall that immediately catches the eye. A private room is also available, ideal for meetings or special occasions. The space is adorned with carefully selected art pieces from local artists, adding a touch of cultural richness to the ambiance.
The Chef
Joe Sloane, a seasoned British chef with decades of experience in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants across three continents, is the mastermind behind Sloane’s Artisans. Renowned as the “king of sausages” in Bangkok, Sloane’s sausages took the city by storm in 2010 and are still considered some of the best on the market. It’s a common sight to see “Sausage from Sloane’s” or “Pork Chop from Sloane’s” on the menus of many restaurants and cafes in Bangkok. You can always count on them for a high-quality sausage made with natural casings and flavorful meat. I fully support Joe’s head-to-tail philosophy and his commitment to using the whole animal.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sloane ventured into a new culinary endeavor: Scarletta. Initially focused on supplying restaurants, hotels, and home cooks with homemade pasta, Scarletta quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and taste. This marked a return to the restaurant world for Sloane, who had previously left the kitchen to become a butcher. His career journey is a testament to the unexpected twists and turns life can take.
The Food
Scarletta isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gourmet store and a cafe, offering a diverse range of dining options. Beyond the delectable pasta dishes, the menu features a selection of cold cuts and cheeses from renowned producers like Sloane’s and Jartisann, starters and desserts to complete your dining experience.
My foodie friends and I were eager to explore Scarletta’s culinary offerings. We decided to share a variety of starters and mains, allowing us to sample a wider range of dishes. While some of the choices weren’t my first preference, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of each dish. It also means that I would have to return and try Bucatini Carbonara, Eggplant Lasagna, Prawn & Salmon Ravioli Seafood Alla Panna and the Truffle & Mushroom Arancini.
For starters, we indulged in the delectable Burrata Peperonata (THB 335), Marinated Olives (THB 195), Grilled Broccoli (THB 165), and Polpette Meatballs (THB 295). The Burrata was creamy and perfectly ripe, just as we hoped. I could have easily scooped it all up on my own! However, it was the Polpette Meatballs that were the true standout. They were so delicious that I’m already craving more. While they were a bit dry giving a pleasant chew, they were nicely seasoned, and the tomato sauce was absolutely to die for. It’s easily the best dish on the menu.
For our main course, we opted for a variety of pasta dishes. I personally enjoyed the Baked Pumpkin Cannelloni (THB 355), which was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. My friends choose Spaghetti Aglio E Olio (THB 295) and Braised Lamb Ricotta Cavatelli (THB 395). While the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio was a classic choice, the Braised Lamb Ricotta Cavatelli was a bit of a miss, with the lamb being slightly dry. However, the Casarecce Smoked Bacon & Pesto (THB 345) was a standout dish, with perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful pesto sauce.
As for me, I picked the Baked Pumpkin Cannelloni. It was sweet but not overly so, with well-balanced flavors. I personally would have preferred Japanese pumpkin with a creamier meat and the flavor of chestnut. Despite that, it was still a winning dish. The presentation was also impressive, with the cannelloni standing upright on the plate instead of lying flat.
To complete our meal, I indulged in a scoop of Amarena Cherry and Ricotta & Fig ice cream (THB 65/scoop). The creamy texture and delicious flavors were the perfect way to end our culinary adventure.
Each dish was a delight, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The Drink
To complement your meal, Scarletta offers a carefully curated selection of wines, beers and soft drinks like Kombucha from Three Goats. I enjoyed a glass of Valpolicella – Lorenzo Begali (THB 310 per glass), a bold and flavorful red wine that perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the pasta.
Why you should go to Scarletta Phuket
I want to thank Joe Sloane and his team for inviting me to the opening of Scarletta Phuket. It was a delightful experience, and I’m already looking forward to returning soon to try more of their delicious dishes. If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience in Phuket Old Town, be sure to visit Scarletta.
Where to find Scarletta Phuket
Scarletta Phuket is located at 38 Montri Road, Talat Yai, Phuket Old Town.
Opens daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Free Parking in the street
Price: 1,000 THB per person
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