A Luxurious Welcome
Pulling into the gracious driveway, we were captivated by the building’s stunning façade before being welcomed by attentive staff as we stepped into the world’s first Louis Roederer Cristal Room.
The sophistication was immediately evident, with neutral linens and beige and gold accents combined with dark woods. An impressive chandelier cascades from the ceiling, illuminating the space while the upper balcony wraps around the room. We took a stroll upstairs, finding ourselves at the perfect vantage point to take in the view below.
Subtle yet classic touches adorn the lounge, with the piano and saxophone music softly playing timeless covers, adding a soulful backdrop. The highly trained team, led by the operations manager, Deepak Desh, set the tone as they served delicate canapés including foie gras and caviar-topped blinis whilst introducing us to the intricate craftsmanship behind the handmade ceramics, glassware and plates; all sourced from Belgium and testament to the venue’s commitment to the finest details.
The Cristal Room is an exquisite introduction to the House of Tin Baron, as well as being a destination in itself. Though we could have stayed soaking up the thoughtfully restored décor, it was time to move into the dining room, and begin the next chapter of our evening.
A Journey into Terra
Dinner is served in Terra, whose name means “Earth” or “Ground” in Italian, which we thought fitting for a restaurant rooted in natural elements. The central olive tree claimed our immediate attention, but we were also struck by whimsical touches, such as stemless glasses laying on the tables, and this feeling carried on throughout our evening.
Service in Terra is nothing short of excellent. Each member of the team, from attentive waiting staff to expertly trained sommeliers, have seemingly been hand-selected from across the globe. Every detail, each dish, glass and even handmade artisan plates (no two are exactly alike) seems to have been thoughtfully sourced to make the experience even more exclusive.
Serving Art
The five-course degustation menu sounded incredible, so we were excited for this culinary indulgence. To begin, a delicate amuse-bouche arrived as a single oyster on a medley of finely diced vegetables, topped with caviar. Paired with freshly baked sourdough served alongside Tuscan olive oil, Mediterranean salt and Modena vinegar, it was a sophisticated start.
Meeting Deepak Ohri, the founder, during our visit added a personal storytelling element to our evening. Ohri passionately shared how the House of Tin Baron draws inspiration from iconic films. Casino Royale for the entrance, Dangerous Liaisons for the Cristal Room and The Godfather for the dining area, (though rest assured no violence was served!) An interesting narrative that highlights the restaurant’s cinematic elegance.
A parade of dishes, or should I say edible art, followed creating the perfect link from story to experience:
- Bluefin Tuna Tartare: Tender and delicate, elevated by a zesty mustard yuzu dressing and pickled beetroot, adding colour and a vibrant finish.
- Langoustine with Shellfish Emulsion: A whimsical creation featuring striking black-and-white striped homemade pasta, delicate langoustine and a rich shellfish emulsion with an earthy depth brought about with the quenelle of chestnut.
- Raviolo with Morel Mushroom: My personal favourite of the evening, although a difficult call. For me this embodied rustic Italian flavours with stunning presentation.
- Sole Fish & Sea Urchin / Kiwami Wagyu Beef Tenderloin: An option was given for this course, from tender fish with a lemon beurre blanc and caviar which I thoroughly enjoyed as my partner opted for the perfectly cooked Wagyu which had delicate marble, buttery texture and bold rich jus.
Again, an additional course was added to the degustation menu, a palate-cleansing lime granita with tangy passion fruit, a surprising Campari bitterness and edible tarragon flowers providing a refreshing reset.
The main dessert, ‘Questo Non É Un Mango’ was an absolute showstopper. More than an Instagram-worthy Amalfi Coast-inspired interpretation of mango, adorned with edible gold. Our coffee arrived with a further menu addition; the passion fruit caramel bonbon, a bite-sized treat of sweet, bitter and sour.
An Evening to Remember
What began as a five-course degustation evolved into an extravagant eight-courses, each dish a testament to House of Tin Baron’s ambition to excel. From the stunning visuals to the bold flavours, this was a fine dining experience that engaged all our senses. The multinational team of chefs, with backgrounds spanning Turkey, Belgium and Italy clearly come together to bring their vision to life.
Adding a final thoughtful touch, the musicians in the Cristal Room played my childhood favourite song as we made our exit ‒ a gesture I had mentioned earlier in the evening, but one they remembered. It was the perfect, personal note to end a special night.
The Verdict
House of Tin Baron is a masterclass in luxury dining, offering an experience that feels bespoke and unforgettable. From the carefully restored architecture to the exceptional cuisine, every detail ensures a thoughtfully crafted journey that will stay with you long after the final course.
House of Tin Baron, 18 Satun Rd, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket. Website Facebook Instagram