Amongst the hustle and bustle of a constant stream of motorbikes, cars, kids and locals hollering about in Phuket Town, nestled away is a charming Italian restaurant called La Gaetana.

The day's stress melts away as you step inside the 90 year-old Sino Portuguese shop house converted into a restaurant. You have the option to dine in the air condition dining room or the open back dining room for smokers; both are unique and inviting spaces. La Gaetana’s warm colors create character of “lived in vibe” that lacks in most modern designed restaurants. The familiarity of home made cooking supplies lines the wall with pasta baskets, spice jars, wines bottles, and chalkboards that add to the collective coziness of the restaurant. Artwork and small decorative details that husband and wife team, Gianni Ferrara and Khun Chonticha Buasukhon have collected over the past 8 years are scattered around the restaurant.

A small stool for our purses appeared when we sat down and a shawl was offered to us to keep the goose bumps away. Along with the thoughtful gestures, we were also handed tiny flashlights to read the menu and small bamboo tray for our keys and reading glasses. Small touches which add to the charm of the restaurant.

In the corner of the restaurant is a table displaying homemade herbs and spice infused olive oils and vinegars. The warm breadbasket comes with a homemade herb butter wrapped individually for each serving. Simple pleasures can be so satisfying such as breaking off a piece of warm crusty bread and homemade butter to start a meal.

The antipastos ranges from starters to a variety of dry and homemade pasta, main courses and deserts are all handwritten on the blackboard. A few main courses included beef tenderloin, lamb rack, veal osso bocco, sea bass, salmon, and scallops. The preparations of the dishes were explained to us as dishes are often changing.

The wine list is small yet well selected, consisting of Italian and New World wines. Italian and Chilean house wines are offered by the glass, carafe and by the bottle which are also inexpensive. Our choice of the house Italian Cabernet Sauvignon was well balanced and light.

If you are on the indulgent side, try the seared foie gras served with a salad of reduced balsamic vinegar and sweet onion dressing. The salmon with lemongrass cream is a winning combination of east meets west. If you enjoy the delicate texture of scallops, order the scallops with cream sauce fettuccine. My personal favorite is the veal shank osso bocco braised in red sauces, it’s to die for! The best part of this dish is being able to taste all the hours of cooking as you scoop the marrow with a tiny spoon.

A fluffy tiramisu with homemade espresso ice creams is a winning combination to finish off the palate. La Gaetana makes all their ice cream in house.

Italian food at its best is simple and delicious. The winning combinations of great service, unpretentious attitude with well-executed dish is a sure way to enjoy an evening or lunch out with some great friends. Saving the best for the last, La Gaetana is very reasonably priced, so you won't have to break the piggy bank!

La Gaetana is located on 352 Phuket Rd across the Chinese Temple nearRobinson Department Store. Closed on Wednesday.