Must-see restaurants in Gulf Islands

  • JJ's Bar & Grill

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Drop in at scenically situated JJ's come sunset to swoon at the stirring visuals of young, replanted mangrove trees at Ao Wok Tum while devouring tasty…

  • Haveli Indian Restaurant

    Ko Samui

    This pleasant and simple restaurant east of Fisherman's Village serves up delicious Indian fare including wholesome vegetarian options such as daal …

  • The Hut

    Ko Samui

    Simple, reasonably priced Thai specialities share space with more expensive fresh seafood at this shack where the tables fill up fast, so get here early…

  • SOHO

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This terrific British-run handmade burger restaurant is modern, stylish, spacious, and welcoming. In the heart of Thong Sala life, the burgers are…

  • Phootawan Restaurant

    Ko Samui

    Getting up the hill to this restaurant is a struggle on a scooter or in a car, but it's worth the effort for the glorious views over the treetops. The…

  • Crave

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Attractively bedecked with glowing lanterns at night, this excellent, very popular and atmospheric choice in Sri Thanu puts together some fine burgers in…

  • Bang Burgers

    Ko Tao

    You may have to wait in line at this popular burger bar that does a decent trade in Sairee. There's around a half-dozen burgers (cheese, double cheese,…

  • I (Heart) Salad

    Ko Tao

    This rustic choice offers a healthy array of salads using fresh ingredients, with a good supply of vegetarian and vegan options and sticky desserts to…

  • Lucky

    Ko Samui

    This restaurant faces the sea and serves tasty, filling Western and Thai food. Time it right and you can find yourself dining to a glorious sunset. It's…

  • Cappuccino

    Ko Tao

    With marble tabletops, wall mirrors and good grooves, chirpy Cappuccino’s decor is somewhere between New York deli and French brasserie – it’s a fine…

  • 2 Fishes

    Ko Samui

    This smart Italian restaurant is a breath of fresh air, with a neat personality and a tasty, appetising menu that is laden with seafood options. Portions…

  • Palita Lodge

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    The front restaurant of the Sunrise Beach bungalows outfit of the same name offers up tasty Thai seafood and set meals with views overlooking a beach that…

  • Karma Sutra

    Ko Samui

    A hip, comfy chow spot that straddles the crossroads heart of Fisherman’s Village, dishing up very good international and Thai eats, with outdoor seating…

  • Ando Loco

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This popular outdoor Mexican hang-out still gets the universal thumbs up. Grab a jumbo margarita, down a 'drunken fajita', line up a quesadilla or two and…

  • Safety Stop Pub

    Ko Tao

    A haven for homesick Brits, this pier-side restaurant and bar feels like a tropical beer garden. Stop by on Sundays to stuff your face with an endless…

  • Fat Cat

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This small, charming, colourful and busy Portuguese-run cafe does wholesome breakfasts including their very own homemade muesli, and delicious coffee. It…

  • Crepe's Corner

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This small and friendly crêpe stall is a hit with adults and kids: choose from a variety of flavours, including Nutella, peanut butter, jam, vanilla…

  • Pranee’s Kitchen

    Ko Tao

    An old Mae Hat fave, Pranee’s serves scrumptious curries and other Thai treats in an open-air pavilion sprinkled with lounging pillows, wooden tables and…

  • Pad Thai

    Ko Samui

    On the corner of the huge Manathai hotel by the road, this affordable, elegant, semi-alfresco and smart restaurant is a fantastic choice for stir-fry and…

  • Om Ganesh

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Seasoned old-timer Om Ganesh sees a regular flow of customers for its north Indian curries, biryani rice, roti and lassis, with a token spread of Chinese…

  • Antica Locanda

    Ko Samui

    This friendly trattoria has pressed white tablecloths and casks of Italian wine. Try the vongole alla marinara (clams in white wine), but also consider…

  • Hippocampe French Bakery

    Ko Samui

    Serving delicious, freshly baked, wholegrain bread, this little french cafe overlooking the popular Th Angthong has a great light lunch menu, scrumptious…

  • Cookies Cafe

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This is a good choice to caffeinate on the way up the west coast. For nibbles, there's coconut cookies, dates, oatmeal biscuits and ice cream.

  • Satimi

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This small and enterprising back-street gelateria sells homemade ice-cream and sorbets, using natural and locally sourced ingredients.

  • Cafe 69

    Ko Samui

    The simply roaring roadside setting puts it on the wrong side of the tracks, and the dated, eclectic decor is limp and tired; that said, almost unanimous…

  • This is a Book Cafe

    Ko Tao

    With lovely white walls, books on shelves, a small scattering of hip furniture and a floral sofa, this charming and very quiet choice is perfect for a…