Award-winning restaurants, masterful chefs and ocean views…is it any wonder Koh Samui has become a hot spot for foodies to go on vacation? From the freshest seafood barbequed on the beach, to the finest in French and European cuisine – Koh Samui is paradise for those who love to dine out. Keep reading to learn more about the best eateries Koh Samui has to offer.
The French Connection
Image Courtesy of The Boudoir (Facebook)
Fine French dining at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Paris – that’s what you’ll find at Chez Francois. This tiny restaurant is run by passionate chef, Francois Porte – and thanks to an open-planned kitchen you can watch the master at work while you wait for your supper. He offers a signature table d’hôte menu with a delectable selection of appetizers, main courses and desserts. The restaurant is relatively new to the foodie scene on Samui but is already getting rave reviews which means that securing a table requires planning in advance. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
True to its name, French restaurant The Boudoir is very much like an intimate sitting room, which makes it ideal for couples wanting to have a special meal out. With cosy corners, comfy red couches, purple pillows and dim lighting…it’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants on the island. We highly recommend the baked foie gras and fresh clams. And for something sweet, their crème brûlée is to-die-for.
When in Rome
Image Courtesy of Dr Frogs (www.drfrogs.com)
If you ask Paulo, the owner of Italian restaurant, Pepenero how he’d describe his eatery, he will tell you that he wants his customers to feel like they are dining at their Italian grandmother’s house…but with some added glamour. This much-loved Italian restaurant offers up a range of traditional dishes, homemade pasta prepared with love, and a feeling of ‘family’. Paulo has created a classic menu of pasta favourites paired with a selection of fine vino. Popular dishes include ragu bolognese, seafood carbonara, fettuccine with porcini mushrooms and black truffle pasta. We highly recommend you try their homemade limeoncello – the perfect refreshment after a big Italian feast. The restaurant offers gluten-free options.
For a combination of yummy Italian and Thai food – as well as breathtaking views, Dr Frogs is located on a hilltop near Chaweng and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This restaurant opened its doors back in 2007 and has become a favourite for Thais and tourists over the years due to the consistently good food and spectacular setting. In fact, it was awarded Best Restaurant for two years running by the Thailand Tatler Luxury Guide. Popular dishes include: pan-fried frogs’ legs with chili, lemongrass and fresh lime, jumbo tiger prawns flambéed in Sambuca and red tuna carpaccio with fresh basil. There’s also a range of traditional and modern pizzas. The atmosphere here is easy-going and the service is five-star.
Next Stop: Seoul
Image Courtesy of GAON Korean BBQ Restaurant, Koh Samui (Facebook)
What’s not to love about a Korean BBQ restaurant? If you feel like grilling a selection of mouth-watering meat at your restaurant table then be sure to stop by the popular GAON Korean BBQ where you’ll find a range of authentic Korean dishes on the menu including pork belly that will add a whole lot of crackle to your dinner conversation. The owner makes her own kimchi (which is fermented cabbage for those who are unfamiliar with Korean cuisine) and it is the perfect spicy-tangy partner dish for anything you decide to order. This restaurant is a fun option if you’re planning a night out with friends.
From Tom Yum to Som Tum
Image Courtesy of Suppatra (Facebook)
One of the many reasons travellers choose to visit Thailand from all corners of the world is because Thai food is so delicious – and you won’t find a better selection of authentic local dishes than at Suppatra. Sourcing only the best and freshest seafood and ingredients on the island, chef Khun Suppatra prides herself on finding the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty for all of the dishes on her menu. Some of her specialities include: Yam Nua, a spicy tangy beef salad with cucumber; and Tung Thong which are golden deep-fried parcels filled with a tantalizing mix of Thai herbs and vegetables. Khun Suppatra’s husband, Thomas, has a passion for wine. He has even created a guide to choosing the perfect drop for each dish. Their restaurant is open-plan, set alongside a mangrove forest so you’ll really get a feeling that you are dining amongst nature.
Best of the West
Image Courtesy of The Larder Koh Samui (Facebook)
If you’re craving western food, The Larder is a gastropub serving up an inspiring menu of classics in a relaxed setting with a strong selection of wines and cocktails. Dishes range from slow-cooked lamb spare ribs to traditional fish and chips. We highly recommend you try their homemade corn bread served warm and fresh from the oven with jalapeño and honey butter. For something sweet, try their peanut butter Martini.
For more ideas on how to spend your time in Koh Samui, check out our other blog posts!
Discovering Koh Samui: From Market to Track
Offroad Adventures In Koh Samui
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