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LAVA: From Ocean Treasures to the Dance of Fire

Amid the tropical charm of Phu Quoc Island, where sunsets melt into shimmering gold across the sea, stands an extraordinary destination that brings together architecture, storytelling, and culinary artistry in perfect harmony. LAVA at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is more than just a restaurant. It is an immersive journey that celebrates the elements of fire, ocean, and craftsmanship in a symphony of elegance and emotion.

The Dance of Bamboo, Sea, and Wind
Designed by renowned Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, LAVA is a masterpiece of natural architecture. Its soaring bamboo domes resemble the coastal huts of traditional fishermen, gracefully rising from the white sands of Long Beach. The design honors Vietnamese heritage while expressing a refined contemporary spirit. Every curve, every texture seems to breathe with the rhythm of the sea, creating a seamless harmony between nature and artistry.

At the heart of LAVA lies its stunning centerpiece, a coral fossil bar that shimmers in shades of deep blue and turquoise. Guests can choose an intimate dining room for private celebrations or sit on the terrace, where the sea breeze dances through the evening light and the horizon glows in warm sunset hues.

A Symphony of Freshness
Freshness defines the philosophy of LAVA. Inspired by the traditional fishing villages of Phu Quoc, the seafood display invites guests to explore the island’s abundance. Rows of glistening fish, crabs, oysters, and lobsters evoke the image of a morning catch pulled straight from the sea. This rustic beauty of nature is elevated into culinary art that reflects both the generosity and the purity of the ocean.

Guests may select their seafood from the live display and choose how it will be prepared - steamed to retain natural sweetness, grilled over charcoal for a smoky touch, or complemented by sauces of garlic butter, sweet and sour, or aromatic herbs. For those who prefer simplicity, fresh sashimi is a delightful option.

The Soul of Fire, the Art of Flavor
At LAVA, fire is the beating heart of the kitchen. Each dish embodies a conversation between glowing embers and the ocean’s gifts. The heat transforms fresh ingredients into sophisticated delicacies filled with depth, texture, and emotion. Beyond seafood, the menu features premium cuts of meat, including the signature charcoal-grilled tomahawk, tender and richly marbled, infused with an irresistible smoky aroma.

Local Phu Quoc ingredients such as pepper, wild sim fruit, honey, and herbs from the resort’s organic garden are skillfully woven into every dish. These elements connect the refined artistry of fine dining with the authentic essence of the island.

Chef’s Table – A Story of the Senses
LAVA’s most distinctive experience lies in its personalized culinary journey at the Chef’s Table. This is not merely a meal but a live performance, where no two menus are ever the same. Each creation emerges from the chef’s intuition, the season’s offerings, and the diner’s mood and preferences.

From delicate starters to exquisite desserts, every detail showcases the chef’s imagination and craftsmanship. Occasionally, the chef himself appears to share the inspiration behind a dish, adding the final flourish at the table, a sprig of herbs, a touch of smoke, or a finishing note that surprises and delights.

Equally remarkable is LAVA’s service philosophy. Attentive yet discreet, the staff anticipates every need with grace and precision, transforming each gesture into an act of thoughtful hospitality.

When Wine and Cocktails Tell Stories
LAVA houses one of the finest wine collections in Phu Quoc, featuring rare vintages and bold contemporary labels. Alongside it is an exclusive cocktail menu inspired by the Five Elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, and Metal. Each handcrafted drink tells its own story through balance, texture, and aroma.

Among them, Molten Amber, representing Fire, is a true highlight. With its alluring crimson hue, warm spices, and delicate smoke, the cocktail captures the fiery spirit of LAVA. Every sip reveals layers of intensity and warmth, leaving a lasting impression that lingers like a memory.

From the Palate to the Heart
Every detail at LAVA, from the elegant bamboo domes and luminous coral bar to the refined cuisine, goes beyond the pleasure of taste. It creates an experience that engages all senses and leaves a lasting imprint of beauty and emotion.

Whether raising a glass on the terrace at sunset, indulging in a bespoke Chef’s Table dinner, or savoring the island’s essence through its purest flavors, dining at LAVA is an enchanting journey. It is a celebration of life, nature, and craftsmanship that transforms every moment into a cherished memory on the Pearl Island.