Must-see restaurants in Gulf Islands

  • Fisherman's Restaurant

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Sit in a long-tail boat looking out over the sunset and a rocky pier. Lit up at night, this is one of the island's nicest settings, and the food, from the…

  • Lung Pae

    Ko Tao

    Off the radar of the island’s tourist traffic, ‘Uncle Pae’ sits on a terrace in hilly jungle with views over the blue sea below. The speciality here is…

  • Monna Lisa

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Travellers still rave about the pizza here – little wonder given the staff and the stone oven were reportedly brought over from Italy – and the al dente…

  • Phantip Food Market

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Thong Sala’s terrific food market is a must for those looking for doses of culture while nibbling on low-priced street food. Wander the galaxy of stalls…

  • Dr Frogs

    Ko Samui

    Perched atop a rocky overlook, Dr Frogs combines beautiful ocean vistas with delicious seafood, Thai and Italian favourites. It's a romantic setting but…

  • Big Bang Art Cafe

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Run by energetic Swiss artist Gil and his Thai wife Na, this relaxing spot before you hit the roundabout for Than Sadet is a lovely place to pitch up for…

  • Bam Bam

    Ko Tao

    Everyone 'round here loves Bam Bam. The food is cheap, they'll deliver it to your hostel and when you eat it, it tastes like something a Thai grandma has…

  • Leonardo Gelateria Italiana

    Ko Samui

    This small gelateria is not cheap – it's 150B for one cup of ice cream or sorbet – but there's a tempting range of 25 flavours and it's a decent place to…

  • Fruitarian Experience

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    The plant-based vegan menu at the Samma Karuna retreat is delicious, fresh and wonderfully aromatic. Banana gnocchi in eggplant, zucchini noodles or…

  • Juicy Burger

    Ko Tao

    Tucked away down a quiet alley, away from the main drag, this is one of Sairee Village's best burger shacks. Beef or pork burgers are tasty and…

  • Art in Chai Cafe

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    We love the aromatic and fresh Indian chai at this laid-back, hip little cafe that also serves delicious vegetarian Thai dishes. Located along the busy…

  • Cape Restaurant

    Ko Tao

    On a beautiful wood deck overlooking Ao Chalok Ban Kao, this is one of the most romantic settings on the island. The food is also the most upscale and…

  • Greasy Spoon

    Ko Tao

    Bringing a tear to the eyes of homesick Brits, Greasy Spoon stays true to its name by offering a variety of heart-clogging English breakfast fare such as…

  • Café del Sol

    Ko Tao

    This corner cafe a few steps away from the pier is an excellent choice to down a French, full English or diver's breakfast and watch the morning Ko Tao…

  • Vegetabowl

    Ko Tao

    Delicious, fresh bowls of vegetarian dishes such as the Mexican, Japanese, Wellness and Power come full of goodness and detox qualities at this fun,…

  • Bang Po Seafood

    Ko Samui

    A meal at Bang Po Seafood is a test for the taste buds. It’s one of the only restaurants that serves traditional Ko Samui fare: recipes call for…

  • Radiance

    Ko Samui

    This beachside pavilion presents a tranquil and relaxed setting offering a leaner cuisine. Serving a healthy take on traditional Thai, Italian and Mexican…

  • Bootlegger Gourmet Burgers

    Ko Samui

    Serving a host of crafts beers to wash down burgers such as the Firestarter, Hot Chick and Gangnam Style, this little gourmet joint has a nice buzz about…

  • Boy Thai Food

    Ko Samui

    Delicious no frills shack serving up local Thai dishes late into the night when all else is closed along Beach Rd, east of Bo Phut. The fact that it is a…

  • Ging Pagarang

    Ko Samui

    Locals know this is one of the island's best beachside places to sample authentic Samui-style seafood. It's simple and family run, but the food and views…

  • Chaweng Night Food Market

    Ko Samui

    It's a little bit pricier than other food markets on the island, but there's always a great buzz here in the evenings as groups of revellers sit together…

  • South Beach Cafe

    Ko Tao

    We love the coffee art at this fresh, modern joint serving amazing burgers and wholesome breakfasts. It's a handsome addition to Chalok Ban Kao and has a…

  • Lamai Day Market

    Ko Samui

    Lamai’s market is a hive of activity, selling food necessities and takeaway food. Visit the covered area to pick up fresh fruit or to see vendors…

  • Fabio's

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    An intimate, authentic and truly delicious Italian place with golden walls, cream linens and bamboo furniture. There are only seven tables, so reserve in…

  • Doner Kebab Istanbul

    Ko Samui

    Popular with late night revellers, this halal food truck in the heart of Chaweng's main strip is run by German-Turk, Sinan, who serves up the best cheap,…

  • Fish Restaurant

    Ko Samui

    With elegant Thai tablecloths and a well-priced and varied menu of seafood, Thai, pan-Asian, and international dishes, this popular wood-floored…

  • Su Chili

    Ko Tao

    Inviting and bustling, Su Chili serves fresh and tasty Thai dishes, with friendly staff always asking how spicy you want your food and somehow getting it…

  • Hungry Wolf

    Ko Samui

    With fun, vibrantly designed and catchy murals, this neat Chaweng restaurant does a good trade in juicy burgers, steaks, ribs, pizza as well as a decent…

  • Seashell Restaurant

    Ko Tao

    The combination of great fresh seafood cooked to perfection, and some of the best sunsets from chairs and tables positioned to maximise this excellent…

  • Sunset View Restaurant

    Ko Tao

    With glorious views across to the Nang Yuan islands, and one of the most romantic spots on Ko Tao with a private dinner spot on it's own exclusive purpose…

  • Zest Coffee Lounge

    Ko Tao

    All brick and wood with a scuffed floor, Zest pulls out all the stops with excellent coffee and brekkies that will cure any hangover. Eggs Benedict gets…

  • Homemade Burgers

    Ko Samui

    This tiny roadside burger shack does delicious, good value, homemade, gourmet-style burgers and sandwiches. All the usual meat fillings are accompanied by…

  • Tuk Tuk Backpackers

    Ko Samui

    This full-on, no-holds-barred, high-impact, brazen and voluminous saloon-style Western cafe/restaurant/bar on Chaweng Beach Rd does good hangover-cure…

  • Baraka Phangan

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    If you know your shakshuka from your zatar, then this airy, spacious, glass-fronted kosher joint near the centre of Thong Sala is the place to be. The…

  • Sweet Sisters Cafe

    Ko Samui

    Charming, cosy and with an enticing interior, this roadside cafe down in the quiet south of Ko Samui, just before the turn-off for Ao Bang Kao, is a…

  • Khaw Glong

    Ko Samui

    This popular Thai restaurant is just off the main drag and serves excellent local dishes that have diners raving. There is a cosy feel, with dark wood…

  • Larder

    Ko Samui

    This restaurant/bar pulls out the stops in an invigorating menu of classic fare in a relaxing and tasteful setting, supported by a strong selection of…

  • Tandoori Nights

    Ko Samui

    This no frills Indian restaurant is great value with set meals (vegetarian) starting at 200B including a soft drink; otherwise select your spice level…

  • Zazen Restaurant

    Ko Samui

    This superb romantic dining experience within the Zazen resort comes complete with ocean views, dim candle lighting and soft music. Thai dancers animate…

  • Kangaroo

    Ko Samui

    Colourful, efficient and friendly Kangaroo serves excellent Thai and Western dishes, and a wealth of succulent seafood, including shark steak, barracuda…