WHY GO? It’s tough to live up to the Baan Rim Pa Group’s heady reputation for greatness but Joe’s Downstairs does so with ease. Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the sea, it is perfect for any outing – from sundown cocktails to full-on romantic evenings.

WHAT TO ORDER? As a starter, ahi tuna tartar with ginger chilli soy on crispy wonton crackers is divine and surprisingly long lasting. Next braised wagyu beef tacos with crumbled gorgonzola and fresh arugula says adios to average Mexican fare. Alaskan king crab legs is also a must-try, and chef Aaron Hooper – winner of the 2008 Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Top Chef in Thailand – serves them shelled to make eating it easy. As a main, duck two ways is recommended, served panseared breast on a bed of sauteed napa cabbage and a very tender duck leg confit on potato puree with black currant reduction. Pecan-crusted white snapper with shiitake mushroom and bacon sauteed with whole grain mustard emulsion and arugula pesto offers a nice range of flavours and textures.

An amazing wine selection featuring – but not limited to – hard-to-find New World greats. A 2007 Goats do Roam shiraz/pinotage from South Africa is a nice match to food here.