Bringing the Authentic flavours of Mexico to Phuket
Our Chef


Our kitchens are led by Chef Luis “Quique” Villa from Colima, Mexico.
Chef Quique has over 30 years of experience in restaurants all over the world, from Mexico to the USA, Cambodia, China, and Bangkok. Growing up in Colima, Mexico, he cherished the homemade cooking of his mother, who made her own tortillas, tostadas, and huaraches selling over 500 per day to hungry customers and local restaurants. Quique dreamed of sharing his mother’s recipes and his love for his country’s cuisine with the world.
After studying at the Corbuse Gastronomic institute in Mexico City, he proceeded to lead kitchens in renowned restaurants across the globe. His culinary journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for Mexican cuisine, infusing traditional flavors with innovative twists. Chef Quique’s expertise and love for cooking are the heart and soul of our restaurant, bringing a unique and authentic dining experience to our guests.
Our Team


At Lucha Cantina, our team is the backbone of our success, bringing together nearly 30 dedicated professionals from six different countries. This diverse group includes our talented servers, skilled kitchen staff, creative bartenders, and our exceptional managers, all united by a shared passion for delivering an unforgettable dining experience
Our servers are committed to providing impeccable customer service, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and valued from the moment they walk through our doors. In the kitchen, our culinary team works tirelessly to prepare delicious, authentic dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Our bartenders are true artisans, crafting a variety of exquisite cocktails that perfectly complement our menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita, a signature cocktail or a healthy shake our bar team has you covered.
Under the guidance of our experienced manager, our team collaborates seamlessly to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where every detail is carefully considered. At ¡Lucha!, we believe that great food and exceptional service go hand in hand, and our team is dedicated to making every visit a memorable one.
Our Menu












At Lucha Cantina, we pride ourselves on offering a menu that showcases the best of authentic Mexican cuisine, setting us apart from other Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants on the island of Phuket and the rest Southeast Asia. Our commitment to quality is evident in every dish we serve, using only the freshest ingredients to create homemade meals that delight the senses.
Our menu goes beyond the usual tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, offering traditional Mexican dishes that provide a true taste of Mexico. Savor the rich flavors of Pozole, indulge in the comforting taste of Tamales, enjoy the unique texture of Huaraches, and delight in the hearty Torta sandwiches. For the adventurous palate, we serve Lengua (beef tongue), a classic delicacy that showcases the depth and authenticity of our cuisine.
Our dedication to authenticity and quality ensures that every meal is an experience, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Mexico with each bite. We also cater to a variety of dietary preferences, with an array of options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners. Come and discover why we are considered the best Mexican restaurant on the island of Phuket!
Our History


The journey of Lucha Cantina is a story of passion, tradition, and a dream fulfilled. One of the owners, an American who grew up working in restaurants in Philadelphia, PA, USA, was deeply influenced by his father, who managed a beloved Mexican restaurant called “Casa Maria.” With his father dedicating years to learning the art of Mexican cuisine, family gatherings were always filled with the rich, aromatic flavors of Mexico, as the owner would eagerly request his father to cook special dishes for every birthday and important family event.
In 2015, he began visiting Phuket to train in Muay Thai on the famous fitness street, Soi Ta-ied. During his time on the island, he was disappointed with the lack of authentic Mexican cuisine available. This sparked a dream within him—to bring the true flavors of Mexico to Phuket.
Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this vision finally became a reality in 2023. Teaming up with two close friends already working in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Phuket, the first branch of ¡Lucha! was opened on Soi Ta-ied in Chalong, Phuket.
The response from the community was overwhelming, and in 2024, the restaurant expanded south to Rawai, Phuket.
The mission of ¡Lucha! is to continue growing, bringing the vibrant culture and authentic cuisine of Mexico to different towns on the island and beyond. Dedicated to providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience, the restaurant honors the traditions of Mexican cooking while creating new culinary memories for everyone who walks through its doors.
Our Brand










Our restaurant, ¡Lucha!, is named after the Spanish word for “to wrestle” or “to fight,” inspired by the vibrant and exhilarating world of traditional masked Mexican wrestling known as Lucha Libre. The decor of ¡Lucha! reflects this theme, with colorful luchador artwork adorning the walls and wrestling featured on the TVs, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and unique.
Phuket is renowned for its Muay Thai and MMA scene, attracting many famous fighters who train on the island for promotions such as UFC and One FC. Many have grown up with a love of wrestling from WWE to Mexican Lucha Libre. This connection between Phuket’s fighting spirit and the dynamic energy of Lucha Libre provided the perfect inspiration for our restaurant’s concept.
Lucha Libre has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, and is characterized by its colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and maneuvers, and high-flying acrobatics. Some of the most famous luchadores, such as El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras, have become cultural icons in Mexico and beyond. At ¡Lucha!, we celebrate this vibrant tradition, bringing a piece of Mexican culture to Phuket and offering an experience that is as exciting and memorable as the matches themselves. Keep an eye out for some of our Luchador characters throughout the restaurants, inspired by some of the characters we’ve encountered here in Phuket.
Opening Hours
Monday
12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 23:00
Thursday
12:00 - 23:00
Friday
12:00 - 01:00
Saturday
12:00 - 01:00
Sunday
12:00 - 23:00
Facilities
- Indoor Seating
- Outdoor Seating
- Card Payments
- Cash Payments
- Free WiFi
- Alcohol Served
- Catering Options
- Vegan Friendly
- Halal
- Gluten Free Options