Must-see restaurants in Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf

  • Shack Bar & Grill

    Ko Samui

    The Shack imports the finest cuts of meat from Australia and slathers them in a rainbow of tasty sauces from red wine to blue cheese. Booth seating and…

  • Bamboo Hut

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Linked to the bungalows on hidden Hat Yuan, you can lounge on a Thai-style cushion or sit at a teak table cooled by the sea breeze bouncing off an…

  • Tan Yu Tofu

    Surat Thani

    A vista overlooking one of the key intersections of the Night Market is a real draw at this cool little vegan dessert spot. Sit and people watch as you…

  • The Dining Room

    Ko Samui

    The signature Beef Rossini at this fantastically positioned beachfront restaurant at Rocky's Resort is cooked to perfection. Combined with the excellent…

  • Blue Smile Cafe

    Songkhla Province

    A fine place for a snack, coffee, some alcohol or cool beats, we're not sure what we like best at this Canadian-owned place: the excellent roof garden –…

  • Rock 99

    Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Stick to the Western dishes at Rock 99, which feels like a rough and ready trucker bar, but has a decent selection of burgers, steaks, taco salads and…

  • Food Factory

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Serving up pizza and burgers around the clock on the busy road to Ban Tai, and divided into restaurant and sports bar, this great spot serves up terrific…

  • Salefino

    Ko Samui

    Overlooking the golden sands close to the pier where local fisherman moor their colourful boats, this upmarket seafood spot serves delicious lobster,…

  • Vintage Burgers

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This great little Portuguese-run gourmet burger bar really hits the nail on the head with six types of superb patties, including veggie, vegan, tuna and…

  • Gaon Korean Restaurant

    Ko Samui

    Right in Chinatown in Mae Nam, this excellent restaurant offers barbecued meat, grilled fish and steamed seafood sets, as well as Korean staples such as…

  • Nikki Beach

    Ko Samui

    The acclaimed luxury brand Nikki brings international flair to the secluded west coast of Ko Samui. Think haute cuisine, chic decor, gaggles of jet…

  • Black Pearl

    Ko Samui

    This restaurant serving a decent selection of popular Thai and European dishes has a gorgeous perspective on a beautiful stretch of Hat Lamai framed by…

  • Pura Vida

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This charming and bright Portuguese cafe is an alluring choice as you head up the west coast. Breakfasts are excellent, especially the pancakes and…

  • Cucina Italiana

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    If it weren't for the sand between your toes and the long-tail boats whizzing by, you might think you had been transported to the Italian countryside. The…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Pixzel Caffe

    Nakhon Si Thammarat

    This arty, thin-crust pizza-serving, coffee-connoisseurs hang-out, sits in a gorgeous traditional-style wooden house just across the way from Wat Phra…

  • 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…

  • Chaba Restaurant and Cafe

    Nakhon Si Thammarat

    This cute little cafe with a busy but sweetly decorated interior is conveniently close to the National Museum, making it the ideal spot to refuel. There…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…