The northern region of Phuket houses many exclusive resorts with exquisite restaurants to match. AGE is one such, located within The Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. The elegant steakhouse sports a number impressive merits; from its warm rich decor of leather & wood, a meat ageing room in full view, a long list of fine wines and a cellar to show for it, a 20s-style sexy bar Jay Gatsby would be proud of, quirky artefacts, a stunning view, great service, and of course some of the best aged meats on the island.

I had made the reservation a month in advance, hearing how popular they are. And true enough, it was a full house when we walked in on a weeknight. The staff was professional and clearly well trained for the demanding work. There was no compromise in service, and we received precise attention and care from start to end.

We were led to one of the coveted seats on the veranda overlooking what would have been the sea if it wasn’t stark dark! However, the twinkling soft lights from the resort villas from afar made up for the missing sea view… and made it very pretty still.

Our dinner began with a bottle of red from their vast cellar. Followed by homemade sourdough cruffin and herbed butter. The cruffin was light, flakey and fluffy, all at the same time. Even better with the herbed butter. I had to pace myself from gobbling it all down, being aware of the big meal ahead!

The amuse bouche was a little tart filled with warm shredded meat and a little jalapeño with a not-so-little kick! A tasty mouthful to whet the appetite and begin the meal!

Next up, we asked for the fattest oysters they have and were recommended the Muirgen Irish No. 2. They arrived on a bed of ice, along with Mignonette, lemon and Thai Nahm Jim sauce. I like oysters naked with just a twist of lemon, so I can taste the natural flavors. But a second one with the Mignonette was appears to be equally good. Though these were far from the degree of “fat” for me, these slender oysters were very fresh and beautifully briny.

Our next starter, something we could never resist when we spot it, Age’d Beef Tartare . Prepped table-side, the hand chopped Angus beef was skillfully melded with capers, shallots, garlic, quail egg, mustard dressing, green onion, Age’d whisky, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil. The result was delectable, the beef was thoroughly “dressed”, the flavors were not overwhelming. Nicely done. Too much condiments tend to overpower the beef’s natural flavor, and I don’t like that.

Main courses were the 72 hrs Angus Short Ribs from their Spring Special menu; and the Tajima Wagyu Steak. While both were highly recommended, the Short Rib was just phenomenal! Thanks to the high fat content, and careful braising technique to a fork tender consistency, the block of gelatinous meat, blanketed under a silky velvety brown sauce, was buttery soft, beefy and moist. It may look small pysically, but it was a powerhouse; intense and rich and very gratifying! On the side, a dollop of horseradish mayo for a teeny kick with the meat. Even the roast potatoes were done very well. Crisp on the outside and soft fluffy inside.

Preferring a fatty cut, our server recommended the Tajima Wagyu steak for our other main course. Whilst it wasn’t as buttery as how I like my steaks, it was still very prime steak. Thanks to the Josper grill, it was charred and marked handsomely on the outside, while retaining much of its natural juices within. I ordered the steak with Black Truffle Sabayon sauce and the extra aromatics lifted the meat very nicely. On the side, a Pomelo salad that contained all my favorite ingredients (orange, pomelo, spinach, avocado, goat cheese), it was hard to pass up!

A couple of Applecellos on the house wrapped up the meal very fittingly. We were so stuffed there wasn’t even room for desserts! However, the lovely people from Age knew we were celebrating a birthday and appeared with a chocolate cake, which was so sinfully luscious and yummy, we loosened our belts and dug in!!

Nestled up north of Phuket, AGE is away from the boisterous parts of the island where most people congregate. If you’re looking to get far from the madding crowd, enjoy some quality meat and wine with a view, you might like to consider this gorgeous venue. You will not be disappointed.

AGE RESTAURANT PHUKET @ 168 Moo 6 Layan Beach Soi 4 Cherngtalay Thalang Phuket. Phone +66 76 317 200

Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.