 Fellow restaurateurs watch out! Rice has just set the bar another notch higher. As it’s both an exciting and laid-back restaurant – all in one. Oh, and the food is outstanding too.
Rice officially opened in October 2005, after many months of meticulous preparation. Every detail has been considered here, with the aim of making it the place to go in Chaweng for an evening’s wining, dining and FUN!
It’s directly opposite Soi Green Mango, on Chaweng Beach Road in the heart of town, which fits the vibrant theme of this restaurant perfectly. And the first thing you’ll definitely notice is the 3-metre-wide pond which spans the entire 12-metre frontage. Cross the wooden bridge into the open ground floor and you’re hit by an invisible wall. Well it’s actually a curtain of cold air that acts as a barrier for keeping the air-conditioning in and the hot air out.
And once inside you’ll see that there’s an atrium. Here you can look up inside the spacious restaurant to the 70-seater second storey above. And you’ve got a choice of route if you want to go up there yourself. Either take the slower path –the staircase, or go the faster and more scenic way – by crystal elevator!
Once you’re up there, there’s another visual aspect altogether. This time you’re looking down onto the 70 ground-floor diners below, and beyond into the entrance and across the the pond. There’s even a raised lounge area up here, complete with Balinese-style sofas where you can do the looking, in total comfort. And not only is there a glass ceiling, there’s a crystal wall on the second storey too. And if you prefer dining al fresco, there’s a terrace area that’s kept cool by the overflowing air-conditioning.
All around there’s evidence of chic style, sophistication and class. But at the same time it’s totally relaxed and informal. And the music helps see to that – a lot. It’s controlled by a professional DJ who keeps the mood bubbling during the early part of the evening, then upping the tempo as the night goes on. Feel like dancing? Go ahead. Many Rice guests aren’t able to remain in their seats after dining once they hear the rhythmic beat and start loosening up a little.
And you’ll probably need to shake off a few calories after you’ve eaten, because the menu is hard to resist, even for dedicated dieters! The cuisine is contemporary Italian, with the Italian master chef creating an exciting range of dishes. Here are some of the starters: Tuna Tarta with soya dressing, crunchy potatoes and green sauce; Rock Lobster Ravioli served with leek cream; and Beef Carpaccio.
“… and every detail has been considered here,
with the aim of making it the place to go.”
And the mains are equally tempting with dishes such as: Australian Beef braised in white wine on a bed of grilled polenta, flavoured with thyme; and White Snapper wrapped with Parma ham, potatoes roasty and red wine sauce. Desserts include: Rum Chantilly with crunchy wafer and cigar sauce; and Toffee Parfait with chocolate and yoghurt sauce topped with caremelised nuts. Rice also offers a good selection of Thai dishes too, should you be unable to go a day without eating the national cuisine. And it’s open for lunch too, offering a special light menu including everybody’s favourites: sandwiches and burgers.
Finally, pizza-lovers will be pleased to note that Rice has a wood-fired pizza oven, ideal for creating some of the finest pizzas you’ll find this side of Naples!
And all the above dishes come highly recommended – personally. Once you’ve been to Rice and experienced the food, you’ll definitely become addicted too and will be back for more, as I do at every opportunity! | 
