Koh Samui restaurants
Thai cuisine is legendary throughout the world. With its inventive use of fresh ingredients and spices, many visitors are surprised at the variety of dishes available compared with the standard fare available in Thai restaurants in other parts of the globe.
It’s not just about noodles and green curry. There’s something for everyone in Thailand and it doesn’t always have to be fiery hot because Thai people know how to cater to the tastes of foreign guests.
Once you have tried all the curries you can handle, do not despair: Koh Samui is also blessed with a truly international mix of eating options. There are few places in the world where you get such a wide and quality selection at such prices, go on enjoy yourselves.
Here’s some recommendations, otherwise check out local tourist magazines. Updated and correct as at Jan 2008.
Budget Guide:
$ dishes 70 - 150 baht; quart of beer 100 baht; whiskey shot 120 baht; cocktails 150 baht
$$ dishes 150 - 250 baht; quart of beer 120 baht; whiskey shot 150 baht; cocktails 200 baht
$$$ dishes 250 - 500 baht; quart of beer 150 baht; whiskey shot 200 baht; cocktails 250 baht
Chaweng restaurants on Samui
Poppies (eclectic) one of most romantic dining atmospheres can be found at a restaurant inside the hotel of the same name. Poppies has been established for well over ten years. During this time it has earned an enviable reputation for creative cooking and superb food. Chweng Road, tel: +66 (0) 77 422 419, $$$.
Betelnut (Thai-fusion) down to earth place with excellent reputation for interesting Thai dishes from owner-chef Jeffrey Lord. South Chaweng, soi Colibri, tel +66 (0) 77 413 370. $$$
Samui Seafood (Thai seafood) is, as the name suggests, a central magnet in Chaweng for fresh seafood, chosen off a buffet and cooked for you. Typical Thai place, large, lively and plenty of local music. North Chaweng (behind Baskin Robbins), tel +66 (0)77 413 221, $$.
Vecchia Napoli (Italian) offering both reasonably priced pizzas and pastas and a good selection of wines, one of Samui’s longest running Mediterannean eateries. Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng Center, tel: +66 (0) 77 231 229, $$
Chez Andy (Swiss) a well-established restaurant that offers a whole range of delicious steaks as well other tasty options, everything runs like clockwork here! Chaweng Beach Rd., opp. Swensen's, tel: +66 (0) 77 422 593, $$.
Tropical Murphy’s (Irish), have reasonable menus offering both International staples and Thai fare. If you can’t stand another day without Irish stew, pasta, fish and chips or a Sunday roast, you won’t have to suffer too long. Chaweng Beach Rd., Chaweng Center, tel: +66 (0) 77 413 614, $$.
Zico’s (Brazilian) with a fantastic all-you-can eat meat barbecue and nightly performances of carnival style dancing that guarantees plenty of entertainment as well as full bellies: a unique experience. Chaweng road south, tel. +66 (0) 77 231 560-3, $$$.
Yamato (Japanese) excellent value sushi and shashimi along with other genunine Thai menu favourites, in this relaxed and comfortable venue. Central Chaweng, $.
Lamai restaurants on Samui
The Cliff (Mediterranean) best known for its excellent elevated views out to sea, located not quite in Lamai but just before on the headland. Good wine selection, great bar and commendable menu. Tel +66 (0) 81 913 2002, $$$.
Jungle Park (French - Thai), popular place on a peninsula at the beach’s Northern end, great views, nice atmosphere, excellent menu, family friendly. Lamai Beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 418 034, $$.
Rockys (Thai seafood): sprawling beachfront venue, with excellent reputatation - one of the top on Samui, frequent events, nice busy atmosphere, Thai entertainment. Superb food. Lamai beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 418 367, $$$.
Long Island (Mediterranean) popular with the jet-set who like the resort in which it’s located, great food, nice views, good Thai menu and lunch dishes. North of Lamai, $$$.
Chill Inn (International - Thai) laid out right on the sand, a great chiled al fresco experience with fire dancers for entertainment. Down-to-earth, with floor level seating. Some tasty European dishes on the menu, worth it for the atmosphere. Lamai Beach, $.
Big Buddha restaurants on Samui
Chez Ban Ban (International) a secluded choice for melt-in-your-mouth steaks ilocated right on Big Buddha Beach. Tel: +66 (0) 77 245 135, $$.
The Mangrove (French) probably the most famous French restaurant on Samui, situated just along the road from the Airport towards the Big Buddha temple. The food is first class and represents great value. Tel: +66 (0) 77 427 584, $$$.
Shambala (Thai - international) The budget alternative centrally located on Big Buddha beach with fabulous Thai and Western food at very reasonable prices, right on the beach. 23/2 Moo 4, Big Buddha Beach, tel: +66 (0) 77 425 330, $.
Shabash (Indian) a sumptious menu from around Asia, but with spicy South Asian curries and lots of vegetarian choices. Close enough to Chaweng. Big Buddha Beach, tel: +66 (0) 77 245 035, $.
Bo Phut restaurants on Samui
Billabong Surf Club (Australian) more of an experience than a cuisine highlight but great for big steaks and a whole mish-mash of menu items from pub grub to fish ‘n chips. Fishermans’ Village, tel: +66 (0) 77 430 144, $$.
Nick and Nicky’s Harbourside (Thai and British) a curious mix of Thai seafood and British maritime themes, with pub favourites like Sunday roast. Owners are previous award winners from Norfolk. Fishermans’ Village, tel: (0) 86 970 0028, $$.
Mae Nam restaurants on Samui
Roma (Italian) sits right on the beach in a quiet and understated environment, peaceful and tasty food with some interesting dishes. Very casual. Paradise Beach resort, tel: +66 (0) 77 247 227, $$.
Choeng Mon restaurants on Samui
White House (Thai - international) excellent menu at one of the more serene and peaceful spots among the tourist beaches. A lovely exclusive beachside setting near enough to Chaweng and Big Buddha. Choeng Mon beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 245 315.
If however, a trip to a foreign country isn’t the same without eating as the locals do, then take a walk off the main beach drag and you will find some real culinary gems at startlingly good value. Many small family run local restaurants will consist of very simple décor and plastic or bamboo chairs and tables. Fluent English might not be guaranteed, but most have a foreign language menu. As a general rule, if there are Thai people eating in the establishment then you should be on the right path to real Thai food at real Thai prices. The experience is likely to be both culturally and ‘culinarily’ satisfying.
Traveller tale: Samui’s delicious cuisine
The eateries on Koh Samui are highly creative when it comes to presentation and selection of food. Whether you order your meal in a glitzy restaurant or local food stall, the served food will certainly be delicious...more
