1. Bangpo Seafood
Bangpo Seafood is a perennial favorite among foodies and those who prize authentic flavors and preparation over fancy decor and slick presentation. It’s one of the few places on Koh Samui where you’ll actually find authentic island food and the menu includes plenty of dishes featuring freshly caught fish and shellfish. The casual, open air dining area is right on Bangpo beach near a handful of other restaurants with similar names.
- Address: 6/4 Moo 6, Mae Nam, Tel. +66 7742 0010
- Cost: Around 500 Baht ($15) for two people
- What to Order: Sea urchin salad
2. Zazen
The upscale, sophisticated Zazen is consistently ranked one of Samui’s best restaurants because of the superb Thai fusion dishes, excellent service and beautiful setting right on the beach. This is type of restaurant diners head to for a special dinner or romantic rendezvous so leave the flip flops and shorts in your hotel room.
- Address: Zazen Resort, Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut Beach, Tel. +66 7742 5085
- Cost: Around 3,500 Baht ($100) for two people
- What to Try: Duck breast with Thai green pepper sauce and any of the other Thai dishes.
3. Rice
Don’t be confused by the name, the menu here is thoroughly Italian. The restaurant, right on the Chaweng Beach strip, has plenty of pasta, meat and seafood, but the star here is the wood-fired pizza, which might be the best on the island. Rice is one of Koh Samui’s chicest restaurants and feels as much like a lounge bar as a place for a meal.
- Address: 167/7 Moo 2, Tel. +66 7723 1934
- Cost: Around 2,000 Baht ($60) for two people
- What to Order: Any of the pizzas
4. Akwa Guest House
If you need a plate of eggs, sausage and pancakes to get your day started, stop at the Akwa Guesthouse on Chaweng Beach. The funky little restaurant serves Thai and Western food and drinks all day and night but really shines in the morning. The breakfast is one of the best on the island. Good news if you sleep in -- they serve it all day, along with burgers, pasta and Thai dishes.- Address:28/12 Chaweng Beach Rd., Tel. +66 8466 00551
- Cost: Around 400 Baht ($11) for two people, with coffee
- What to Order: The Canadian breakfast set
