SIGNATURE DISHES

Foie gras shu mei Mexican pulled pork Tasmanian salmon White snapper/ leek tempura roll Joe's famous burger

SETTING: Sandwiched between sister restaurants Baan Rim Pa and Da Maurizio, Joe's Downstairs has a white colour scheme that succeeds spectacularly against the multi-hued Andaman sunsets.

FOOD: Directed and largely prepared by next-door-neighbour Da Maurizio's excellent chef Aaron Hopper, Joe's Downstairs's cuisine has a cosmopolitan, leaning-towards-the-Japanese light touch. The restaurant's tapas - from foie gras shu mei and Mexican pulled pork to white snapper with leek tempura roll and Tasmanian salmon - all reflect the high standards that this young chef commits himself to; and they are all delicious. For those who go for the full blow out, Joe's Famous Burger is made up of top quality steak that Aaron minces himself to perfection. A good example of Joe's versatility is crab cake with lemon vinaigrette, asparagus and fresh kiwi; the dish fairly melts in the mouth. Another dish worth trying is white snapper in a leek and tempura roll.

WINE: Not an extensive list but definitely competent; mainly Provencale labels.

SERVICE: Friendly, relaxed and with a sense of humour.

PRICE: Dinner for two without wine adds up to about 1,400 baht.