Restaurants in Ko Tao
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Chopper's Bar & Grill
So popular that it's become a local landmark, Chopper's is a two-storey hang-out where divers and travellers can widen their beer belly. There's live music, sports on the big-screen TVs, billiards and a cinema room. Friday nights are particularly popular; the drinks are 'two for one', and dishes are half-priced as well. Cheers for scored goals are interspersed with exaggerated chatter about creatures seen on the day's dive.
reviewed
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Café Corner
Prime real estate, mod furnishings, and tasty iced coffees have made Café Corner a Sairee staple over the last few years. Swing by at 5pm to stock up for tomorrow morning's breakfast; the scrumptious baked breads are buy-one-get-one-free before being tossed at sunset.
reviewed
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Papa's Tapas
Another member of Ko Tao's new designer diner army, this swish set-up takes a stab at nouveau cuisine with sample-sized platters. Those with a big wallet (and a little foresight) can order the Chef's Special - a menu of unique dishes that requires 24 hours to procure and prepare. Reservation recommended.
reviewed
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Whitening
Although it looks like a pile of forgotten driftwood during the day, this beachy spot falls somewhere between being a restaurant and being a chic seaside bar – foodies will appreciate the tasty twists on indigenous and international dishes while beertotalers will love the beachy, bleached-white atmosphere that hums with gentle lounge music. Dine amid dangling white Christmas lights while keeping your bare feet tucked into the sand. This is the top spot on the island for a celebratory dinner. And the best part? It's comparatively easy on the wallet.
reviewed
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E-san Inter
If you've never had sôm·đam tai (spicy papaya salad), here's the perfect place to start. The matronly owner caters each serving to meet her customer's tastes - ask for four chillies if you're feeling really adventurous (which is still milder than the original Thai recipe). Try the recommended side order of sticky rice and BBQ chicken.
reviewed
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New Heaven Restaurant
The best part about New Heaven Restaurant is the awe-inducing view of Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok) under the lazy afternoon moon. The turquoise waters below are so translucent that the curving reef is easily visible from your seat. The menu is largely international, and there are nap-worthy cushions tucked under each low-rise table.
reviewed
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Portobello
Portobello pays tribute to the boot-land by serving up favourites such as ravioli stuffed with shrimp and crab, or personal pizzas topped with scrumptious imported cheeses. Dessert enthusiasts can earn a place in the 'hall of fame' by devouring a slice of thick chocolate cake sans hands.
reviewed
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Café del Sol
Even the pickiest eater will be satisfied with the menu's expansive selection of 'world cuisine'. Located just steps away from the pier, this is our favourite breakfast spot on the island – go for the 'Del Sol breakfast' (delicious fruit salad, yoghurt and coffee) with a scrumptious spinach omelette on the side. Lunch and dinner dishes range from hearty pepper hamburgers to homemade pasta, though prices tend to be quite inflated.
reviewed
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East Restaurant
Big Blue Resort's busy chow house, located about 2m from the crashing tide, dispatches the best personal pizzas on the island. The joint fills up around sunset with divers who chuckle at the daily dive bloopers shown on the big-screen TV.
reviewed
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Rim Lae
Ko Tao Cabana's piece de resistance, Rim Lae is perched high over the gaping bay offering exquisite views of the bobbing long-tail boats. Dinnertime is particularly special as scorching sunsets are on order almost every evening.
reviewed
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La Matta
Serves ‘authentic’ (note the quotation marks) Italian cuisine and is located virtually right on top of Farango. There’s an age-old rivalry between La Matta and Farango’s. Secretly it’s pretty hard to tell the difference between the two.
reviewed
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El Gringo
As if there aren't already enough nicknames for white people in Thailand. The self-proclaimed 'funky Mexican joint' slings burritos of questionable authenticity in both Sairee Beach and Mae Hat. Delivery available.
reviewed
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Morava
This Sairee splurge has out-swanked the competition with smooth decor and equally stylish dishes. The recently refined menu features delicious options like tender lamb steaks and fresh-from-the-sea sashimi.
reviewed
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Coffee Boat
A perilous set of rickety steps hoists nibblers up into the tiny tree-house-like hut. The service isn't big on smiles, but the scrumptious curries and low prices will have you coming back for seconds.
reviewed
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Greasy Spoon
Although completely devoid of character, Greasy Spoon stays true to its name offering a variety of heart-clogging breakfast treats: eggs, sausage, stewed vegies and chips (their speciality) that'll bring a tear to any Brit's eye.
reviewed
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Krua Thai
Popular with the tourists who want their food 'faráng spicy' rather than 'Thai spicy', Krua Thai offers a large assortment of classic favourites served in a well-maintained storefront.
reviewed
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Safety Stop Pub
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 supply of barbecued goodness, and surprisingly the Thai dishes aren't half bad!
reviewed
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Farango's
Ko Tao's first faràng restaurant spins tasty pizzas and other signature Italian fare. Free delivery. There's a second location on the outskirts of Sairee Village.
reviewed
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Zest Coffee Lounge
Indulge in the street-cafe lifestyle at Zest – home to the best cup of joe on the island. Idlers can nibble on ciabatta sandwiches or sticky confections while nursing their creamy caffe latte. There's a second branch in Sairee, although we prefer this location.
reviewed
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Cappuccino
Cappuccino’s decor falls somewhere between the New York deli on Seinfeld and a French brasserie – it’s a great place to grab a coffee and croissant.
reviewed
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Hippo
A new favourite, Hippo offers tasty reminders of home: grilled steaks, fish and chips (the island’s best!), burgers and omelettes.
reviewed
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ZanziBar
The island's outpost of sandwich yuppie-dom slathers a mix of unpronounceable condiments betwixt two slices of wholegrain bread.
reviewed
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Tukta Thai Food
On the main road coming into Chalok Ban Kao, Tukta is a solid option for Thai staples.
reviewed
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Yang
For mounds of cheap Thai fare, try Yang - Tong's Mae Hat cousin.
reviewed
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Tattoo Bar & Restaurant
Just 30m south of the Whitening (at the edge of the fishing village), Tattoo is a casual affair with a cosy area for TV watching. If you're hungry, try the massive Aussie burger, homemade meat pies and sausage rolls.
reviewed
