The Smokaccia Laboratory is a restaurant driven by discipline, clarity, and intent. Chef Luca’s cooking is thoughtful and precise, built on technique rather than theatrics. Sustainability is not a concept here but a practice. Every ingredient is used with care, and the zero waste philosophy is integrated seamlessly into the menu.
The dishes are restrained yet expressive, allowing flavor and texture to lead. One of the most compelling plates was a tribute to Chef Luca’s late grandmother, a dish rooted in memory and tradition, elevated through modern technique. It carried a quiet emotional weight and stood out as the soul of the meal.
The beverage program is among the strongest in Phuket. Krug Champagne is available, the wine pairing is intelligent and well paced, and the non alcoholic pairing is exceptional. Created entirely in house, these drinks show the same level of craft as the food, offering depth, balance, and originality.
The Smokaccia Laboratory is confident, focused, and uncompromising. It is a restaurant that values substance over spectacle and delivers a dining experience of rare integrity.
The Smokaccia Laboratory quietly sets a new standard for dining in Phuket. Chef Luca’s cooking is precise, thoughtful, and grounded in a serious commitment to sustainability, with every ingredient fully respected and nothing wasted.
One standout dish paid homage to his late grandmother, a deeply personal and beautifully restrained plate that carried both technical finesse and genuine emotion. It was memorable in the way only meaningful food can be.
The beverage program is exceptional. Krug Champagne anchors the list, the wine pairing is elegant and well considered, and the non alcoholic pairing is outstanding. Created entirely in house, each drink is layered, balanced, and absolutely delicious.
This is quiet luxury done right. Confident, intentional, and deeply satisfying.
There are restaurants you enjoy, and then there are restaurants that recalibrate your expectations. The Smokaccia Laboratory belongs firmly in the latter.
Chef Luca is operating on a level of precision and purpose that feels both quietly confident and deeply considered. This is craft without ego. Every dish reflects an obsessive respect for ingredients, technique, and time, taken one step further by a sustainability philosophy that is not performative, but absolute. Nothing is wasted. Every trim, fermentation, infusion, and byproduct is thoughtfully repurposed, resulting in food that feels both modern and elemental.
The menu unfolds like a conversation rather than a performance. Flavors are clean, intentional, and surprisingly emotional, proof that restraint can be more powerful than excess. One of the most memorable dishes on the menu is a deeply personal homage to Chef Luca’s late grandmother. It is soulful, precise, and quietly moving, the kind of dish that transcends technique and reminds you why food matters in the first place.
The beverage program is equally exceptional. Krug Champagne is available for those who appreciate the classics done perfectly, while the wine pairing is smart, balanced, and deeply aligned with the food. But it is the non alcoholic pairing that truly deserves global attention. Crafted entirely in house, each drink is layered, complex, and profoundly satisfying, never an afterthought and never a compromise. It stands confidently alongside the wine pairing and, for many, may even surpass it.
As a Virtuoso travel advisor, I spend a great deal of time researching restaurants for my clients and whenever possible, experiencing them myself. I never announce who I am. I want the unfiltered, authentic experience my clients will receive. The Smokaccia Laboratory delivers that authenticity in every sense. No shortcuts. No theater. Just excellence.
This is not a restaurant chasing trends or accolades. It is a restaurant setting its own standard and doing so with integrity, intelligence, and quiet luxury. Phuket is richer for having it.
Insane tasting menu experience
There are restaurants you enjoy, and then there are restaurants that recalibrate your expectations. The Smokaccia Laboratory belongs firmly in the latter. Chef Luca is operating on a level of precision and purpose that feels both quietly confident and deeply considered. This is craft without ego. Every dish reflects an obsessive respect for ingredients, technique, and time, taken one step further by a sustainability philosophy that is not performative, but absolute. Nothing is wasted. Every trim, fermentation, infusion, and byproduct is thoughtfully repurposed, resulting in food that feels both modern and elemental. The menu unfolds like a conversation rather than a performance. Flavors are clean, intentional, and surprisingly emotional, proof that restraint can be more powerful than excess. One of the most memorable dishes on the menu is a deeply personal homage to Chef Luca’s late grandmother. It is soulful, precise, and quietly moving, the kind of dish that transcends technique and reminds you why food matters in the first place. The beverage program is equally exceptional. Krug Champagne is available for those who appreciate the classics done perfectly, while the wine pairing is smart, balanced, and deeply aligned with the food. But it is the non alcoholic pairing that truly deserves global attention. Crafted entirely in house, each drink is layered, complex, and profoundly satisfying, never an afterthought and never a compromise. It stands confidently alongside the wine pairing and, for many, may even surpass it. As a Virtuoso travel advisor, I spend a great deal of time researching restaurants for my clients and whenever possible, experiencing them myself. I never announce who I am. I want the unfiltered, authentic experience my clients will receive. The Smokaccia Laboratory delivers that authenticity in every sense. No shortcuts. No theater. Just excellence. This is not a restaurant chasing trends or accolades. It is a restaurant setting its own standard and doing so with integrity, intelligence, and quiet luxury. Phuket is richer for having it.
As a lifelong Vegan who has dined at countless Shojin ryori restaurants in Japan over many years, I can easily say this is among the very best food I have ever had.
Chef Luca is a culinary genius and his explorative passion for flavour and well-being shine in every dish.
Massimo and the rest of the staff are lovely and charming.
If you love fine dining and are in Phuket you owe it to yourself to experience Smokaccia.
This restaurant is otherworldly - a truly exceptional experience! :)
We visited The Smokaccia Laboratory in Phuket and took part in their nine-course tasting menu. The evening began with a small welcome ceremony in an intimate lounge, where we enjoyed an aperitif and received a few explanations about the experience ahead. Afterwards, Chef Luca opened the night with a warm welcome, sharing his philosophy and playful motto: nothing is quite what it seems. We were seated at the counter, which we highly recommend. From there, we could watch the quiet choreography of true professionals working in perfect harmony. It felt almost like being at a friend’s home—if that friend happened to serve one of the most unique and flawlessly executed meals you’ve ever had. We opted for the non-alcoholic pairing, and although we weren’t sure we’d enjoy certain flavor profiles, the selection curated by Massimo turned out to be extraordinary. Every drink elevated the dishes in a way we didn’t expect. To end the evening, we returned to the lounge to unwind and reflect on the experience. You’re guaranteed to walk away with several unforgettable highlights—and at least one new favorite dish. We left with new favorites, new memories, and the sense that we had witnessed something truly exceptional. An evening at this restaurant, created by these professionals, feels unlike anything else. It’s truly in a category of its own, incomparable to any other dining experience we’ve had. We couldn’t recommend it more :)We highly appreciated the hospitality of the whole staff!
Ein außergewöhnliches Erlebnis
Wir hatten letzte Woche das große Vergnügen im Smokaccia Laboratory in Phuket zu essen und es war ohne Zweifel einer der besten Abende, die wir je in einem Restaurant erlebt haben. Wir entschieden uns für das 9-Gänge-Menü mit der Getränkebegleitung “Best of Both Worlds” und es war eine pure Geschmacksexplosion von Anfang bis Ende.
Jeder einzelne Gang war eine Überraschung, sehr persönlich mit vielen Hintergrundgeschichten des Chefkochs gespickt, kreativ präsentiert und mit einer einzigartigen Tiefe an Aromen. Die Verbindung aus italienischer und thailändischer Küche wird von Chefkoch Luca Mascola perfekt umgesetzt und erzeugte bei uns immer wieder einen Wow-Effekt auf der Zunge.
Besonders hervorheben möchten wir das Team: so herzlich, aufmerksam und professionell, dass man sich vom ersten Moment an willkommen und umsorgt fühlt. Es beginnt mit der persönlichen Begrüßung am Eingang, das Ankommen im gemütlichen Empfangsraum und dem ersten Gang mit Chef Luca an der Theke. Wir haben uns für einen Platz am separaten Tisch entschieden, man kann aber auch direkt an der Theke Platz nehmen, um noch näher am Kochprozess des großen Kochteams teilzuhaben. Auch besonders hervorzuheben sind die alkoholfreien Getränkekreationen, eine perfekte Symbiose zu dem jeweiligen Gang mit einer wundervollen Darbietung am Tisch.
Wünsche werden einem regelrecht von den Lippen abgelesen. Auf Allergien oder Unverträglichkeiten wird jederzeit Rücksicht genommen (Bitte schon vorab bei der Reservierung hinterlegen).
Der gesamte Abend war unglaublich gemütlich, einladend und rundum besonders. Chefkoch Luca lässt einen an der Entstehung von Gerichten teilhaben, er nimmt sich Zeit für seine Gäste und wünscht am Ende offenes und ehrliches Feedback zu den einzelnen Gängen, um sich stetig zu verbessern. Sein gesamtes Team rund um Sommelier, Service und Küchencrew ist einmalig und wir waren schwer beeindruckt, als wir zum Abschied auch noch ein kleines Geschenk mitbekommen haben.
Absolute Empfehlung für alle, die in Phuket etwas wirklich Außergewöhnliches erleben wollen.
I had an exceptional and immersive dining experience at Smokaccia Laboratory. The evening began in the cozy living room with a beautifully curated aperitif experience, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable culinary journey.
From there, we moved to the chef’s table, where I enjoyed Chef Luca’s innovative 9-course tasting menu. Every dish was a unique creation—visually stunning, thoughtfully crafted, and bursting with creativity. Each plate was an experience for both the eyes and the palate, and the detailed explanations behind every course added an extra layer of joy and appreciation.
The night concluded back in the living room for a final tasting, where Chef Luca surprised us with an assortment of desserts, specialty teas, and his personally produced limoncello. It was the perfect ending to an already extraordinary evening.
Overall, the entire experience—from the welcoming aperitif to the chef’s table and the sweet finale—was nothing short of exceptional. I highly recommend Smokaccia Laboratory to anyone looking for a memorable and innovative gastronomic adventure when in Phuket.
La Smokaccia a été probablement l’une des plus belles expériences culinaires de ces dernières années. Dès l’accueil, dans le petit salon pour l’apéritif, on se sent embarqué dans une belle aventure. Puis vient la seconde étape avec le Chef Luca Mascolo et son second apéritif surprise (je ne spoile pas) et l’explication du voyage qui nous attend. On est prêts !
Puis un orchestre composé des chefs de rangs, du sommelier, commencent un ballet parfaitement cadencé de merveilleuses assiettes accompagnées de leurs vins. Nous avions deux places au comptoir et pouvions admirer le travail de précision de la brigade et croyez-moi, c’était fascinant.
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En résumé, le Chef et toute son équipe, nous ont régalé les yeux et les papilles en nous laissant ainsi un souvenir impérissable.
L’île de Phuket ne mériterait d’être visitée que pour avoir la chance de dîner à la Smokaccia.
Merci pour cette belle expérience et ce merveilleux dîner.
Sublime expérience
La Smokaccia a été probablement l’une des plus belles expériences culinaires de ces dernières années. Dès l’accueil, dans le petit salon pour l’apéritif, on se sent embarqué dans une belle aventure. Puis vient la seconde étape avec le Chef Luca Mascolo et son second apéritif surprise (je ne spoile pas) et l’explication du voyage qui nous attend. On est prêts ! Puis un orchestre composé des chefs de rangs, du sommelier, commencent un ballet parfaitement cadencé de merveilleuses assiettes accompagnées de leurs vins. Nous avions deux places au comptoir et pouvions admirer le travail de précision de la brigade et croyez-moi, c’était fascinant. . En résumé, le Chef et toute son équipe, nous ont régalé les yeux et les papilles en nous laissant ainsi un souvenir impérissable. L’île de Phuket ne mériterait d’être visitée que pour avoir la chance de dîner à la Smokaccia. Merci pour cette belle expérience et ce merveilleux dîner.
A truly amazing place! Do not miss out!
The best restaurant experience on the island. The guys are doing a great job and truly deserve all the stars they want. The experience is truly enjoyable and all the staff are kind and attentive. It's amazing that the chef pays attention to every guest and adapts dishes easily in case needed. There are so many vegan options which makes this place even better. Every dish deserves its spot in the menu and is equally delicious. Highly recommend! I hope the place will have all the attention and support needed so that they can also have a proper long wine list.
The Smokaccia Laboratory is a hidden gem in Phuket. It’s almost impossible to describe the amazing food experience. They use mainly local ingredients and are obsessed with zero waste, creating an incredible mix of flavors, textures, shapes, contrasts, and colors. Every dish reflects months of research, experimentation, and refinement—and every bite is worth it.
A special mention goes to the mixed pairing menu, featuring both wine and non-alcoholic drinks. The wines are fantastic, but the non-alcoholic pairings are something truly special—probably the best I’ve ever had.
In addition the staff is excellent, professional, warm, competent and friendly. Price levels are in line with the experience.
I’ve been to Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world — but Smokaccia is an entirely different experience.
Often when you go fine dining, things become a bit mechanical. The food is, of course, excellent, but somewhere along the way, the experience and the menu lose their soul. Many fine-dining establishments today seem afraid to take risks, afraid to innovate. They care more about following the certain formula that gets them that michelin star, rather than being unique. Smokaccia is the complete opposite.
I have never entered a restaurant that so completely embodies the mind and spirit of its chef. It’s unmistakably Chef Luca’s baby — his lifelong project and artistic expression. You can taste it in every flavor, see it in every architectural detail, sense it in every interaction with the staff, and hear it in every story told about each dish that arrives at your table.
The staff is incredible — super attentive, deeply present, and genuinely in tune with every guest. You can feel that the vision here isn’t about efficiency or getting people in and out the door. It’s about being fully present with each and every customer, creating an experience that feels personal and alive.
Smokaccia and Chef Luca are the purest examples of what humanity can create when we focus on one thing and pour our heart and soul into our passion.
As much as it was a culinary experience of a lifetime, it was equally an inspiration on how to approach life itself. The passion and dedication poured into this project are truly motivational — a reminder of what it looks like when someone follows their true calling without compromise. And I am 100% sure, that it’s only a matter of time before you will hear Chef Luca’s name everywhere.
If you’re in Phuket — and if you truly enjoy food — then Smokaccia is an absolute must-do. I’ve lived here for almost four years, and I can say with full confidence that this is not something to miss out on.
Do yourself a favor and experience it for yourself. Bring your loved ones and share the journey — it’s one that will stay with you long after the final course.
Thank you, Chef Luca, and thank you to everyone on the Smokaccia team.
What you’ve created is not just dinner — it’s art, heart, and soul on a plate.