Why do so many expats and tourists constantly patronise Capannina? Because it delivers the goods, and at decent prices. The restaurant’s pizzas are famous island wide for their size. We ordered a Capannina pizza, that had a topping of parma ham, fresh tomatoes, rocket salad and parmesan and it was bulky enough for four people yet we were told that this was not the large version! Again, the rocket salad was more than generous as was the buffalo mozzarella and tomato.

However, the star of the show was the melanzane alla parmigiana – fried aubergine with tomato mozzarella and parmesan. This was almost a meal in itself, it was that large. Capannina also features homemade pastas and the ravioli burro e salvia featured delicious pockets of ricotta and spinach and sage with parmesan.

For families or groups of friends looking for a place to share dishes at reasonable prices there’s hardly a better location in Phuket. Just a glance around the neighbourhood confirmed Capannina’s popularity: Kata was quiet, some places deserted, whereas Capannina was buzzing and in haute service. And you can’t get better proof than that.