Review

Claws & Co in Mai Khao sits opposite, and operates under the culinary umbrella of, the Avani+ lifestyle resort. Don’t be misled by this seafood shack’s simple interior, as the a la carte menu is littered with fresh and imported seafood. Start with several fine de claire oysters for that fresh, sea-salty hit, freshly shucked, and served with mignonette sauce and lemon wedges. Continue with tuna tartare or local crispy fried fish with wasabi mayo. For the adventurous, crispy baby octopus, in an innovative chili, whisky aioli. Crab cakes arrive with homemade tartare sauce. In the cooler season Phuket lobster bisque is comfortingly familiar and satisfying. Salads include traditional caesar with options of shrimp or haloumi and scallop salad, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. There are several stylish sandwiches, steak with caramelized onion, Boston lobster roll, and fresh tuna wrap, to highlight a few. Signature seafood buckets, steamed or grilled, are popular for sharing and packed with Phuket lobster, clams, mussels, crab, and squid, according to order. The exceptional mains are: blue-eyed bream fish and chips, prawn mac and cheese, and Angus tenderloin, plus several tempting surf and turf combinations. Malibu crème brulee served in a coconut is the perfect sweet and crunchy end.