About Us
Chef Nikola
ABout us
About Us: Crafting Culinary Adventures at Issara Restaurant &
Bar.
At Issara Restaurant & Bar, we are more than just a dining destination; we are a culinary journey that spans continents and cultures. Our story begins with the visionary Chef Nikola Lesar, whose culinary expertise and adventurous spirit have shaped our unique dining experience.
Chef Nikola Lesar: A Culinary Odyssey
Chef Nikola Lesar rose to prominence in 2012 when he clinched victory on the Croatian edition of the renowned television culinary competition, Masterchef. At just 22 years old, he embarked on a transformative journey that led him to Thailand, the heart of his culinary endeavors.
After his Masterchef triumph, Chef Nikola honed his skills under the tutelage of acclaimed Croatian chef Dino Glavagno at the prestigious 5/4 restaurant in Zagreb. However, it was his insatiable appetite for exploration that drew him to Asia.
A 200-day sojourn through countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, and India awakened his senses to the diverse and vibrant flavors of the continent.
This transformative journey brought Chef Nikola to Thailand, where he enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Bangkok Academy to delve into the realm of high French gastronomy while exploring the flavors of hidden Thailand. Under the guidance of culinary luminaries, he honed his craft and deepened his love for Asian cuisine. The culmination of this whole epic journey is – Issara.
Our Culinary Philosophy: Blending Cultures and Flavors
Issara Restaurant & Bar embodies Chef Nikola’s culinary philosophy – a fusion of cultures and flavors that celebrates both his European roots and his deep appreciation for Asian cuisine. Our menu is a testament to his global culinary journey, featuring dishes inspired by his travels.
Whether you savor the bold spices of Thai cuisine, the elegance of European techniques, or the fusion of both worlds, every dish is a testament to Chef Nikola’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Our Audience: A Diverse Tapestry of Tastes
At Issara, our audience is as diverse as the flavors on our menu. From locals and expatriates to international tourists, our restaurant is a melting pot of culinary enthusiasts. We’ve attracted industry professionals, executives, and food lovers who appreciate the artistry of our cuisine.
Issara
Experience Fine Dining
Chef Nikola Lesar:
The Culinary Visionary
Meet Chef Nikola Lesar, the visionary force behind Issara Restaurant & Bar. Hailing from Čakovec, Croatia, Chef Nikola’s culinary journey began with a resounding victory on the Croatian edition of Masterchef in 2012. His talent and passion have since taken him on a whirlwind adventure across continents.
Driven by a relentless thirst for culinary exploration, Chef Nikola embarked on a 200-day odyssey through Asia, where he immersed himself in diverse cuisines and cultures. This transformative journey shaped his eclectic style, blending European techniques with the vibrant flavors of Asia.
Today, Chef Nikola Lesar stands at the helm of Issara, crafting innovative dishes that reflect his love for culinary experimentation and his dedication to delivering exceptional flavors.
Meet Filip Lesar: An Ambitious Mixologist with Global Expertise
Filip Lesar, the brother of Nikola, is an ambitious bartender and mixologist with extensive international experience. Having entered the hospitality industry at the age of 16, Filip honed his skills and graduated as a bartender from the renowned “ebs” European Bartender School. Now, six years later, following stints in France, Amsterdam, Phuket, and Croatia, he has joined Issara as a team leader, becoming Nikola’s indispensable right hand.
With a background enriched by training in prestigious boutique and 5-star hotels such as Marriott and SOHO House, Filip has accumulated profound expertise in bar management, mixology, and hospitality. This wealth of experience is now poised to make a mark on the grounds of Phuket. Drawing inspiration from exotic ingredients and employing an innovative “out of the box” mindset, Filip is set to tantalize your taste buds with his unique signature cocktails.
The Issara Team: Passionate Craftsmen of Hospitality
At Issara Restaurant & Bar, our team is a collective of passionate craftsmen dedicated to the art of hospitality. Comprising some of Phuket’s finest hospitality talents, our team is committed to ensuring every guest’s experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
From our skilled bartenders who craft unique cocktails to our attentive service staff who create a welcoming atmosphere, our team shares Chef Nikola’s vision of delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Together, we bring to life the essence of Issara – where creativity is celebrated, rules are left behind, and every guest becomes part of our culinary journey. We invite you to join us and discover the warmth and artistry that define the Issara team’s commitment to hospitality excellence.
Reviews
What clients say
Jessi Wang2024-07-16Good place,delicious foodDeandra Haralambidis2024-07-16This restaurant was found online via the reviews and did not disappoint. This was the tastiest restaurant we have visited on holiday in Phuket and would recommend to others. Great food and service !!! we will be back ☺️Martin Collevy2024-07-15Delicious food with attentive and friendly service staff, relaxed dining atmosphere in a comfortable setting. Crab cakes were fantastic!Michelle Carroll2024-07-15We are staying in the Kata beach area and seen Issara on TripAdvisor and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious and so fresh and so much to choose from. The cocktails were very tasty and the decor of the restaurant is so lovely with a real jungle theme. The staff were so friendly and really helpful. We will be back again before we go home😊Sean Hall2024-07-15The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, the ambiance and the friendly staff. The food was incredible and so fresh , highly recommend.jayne white2024-07-15The meal was excellent, a varied menu and fabulous quality. A must visit!Eva Gegovski2024-07-15awesome food and service! loved the wagyu lasagna sooo much :)Yazeed Al-Asmari2024-07-09The restaurant was great in all aspects. The ambiance was welcoming, the service was prompt, and the food was exceptional. Every dish we ordered was a delight, from the appetizers to the main course. The flavors were well-balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. The ingredients seemed fresh, and each bite was a testament to the chef’s skill. However, I observed a discrepancy between the prices listed on the menu provided in the restaurant and those on their website. This inconsistency could be confusing and misleading for customers who check the menu online before visiting. It would be beneficial for the restaurant to ensure that both their online and in-house menus are updated regularly to reflect the same prices.Serge2024-07-05Verdiente 5/5 Sterne Super Koch!!
Booking