7 Best Restaurants in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

Hidden in plain sight on the way to an elephant camp and waterfall is this family-run Thai restaurant that brings a love of food, art (one of the owners is a multimedia artist and the decor reflects this), and music together under one canopy. Keep it classic with curries, stir-fries, or stuffed omelets—all fairly priced and full of flavor.

Rated by many Thais as being among the best seafood restaurants in the entire province, this humble venue has serious credentials. The kitchen backs up its rep courtesy of perfectly cooked Thai-style seafood. Menu highlights include the stir-fried prawns in salt, chili, and garlic.

Everything on the menu at this well-run Lamai restaurant is excellent. The venue doesn't reinvent the wheel. Instead, the onus is on classic Thai dishes cooked well and with love. Extra marks go to the ambience, which sees parties dine in individual wooden salas (pavilions) in a verdant tropical garden. 

Australian chef David Thompson is a legend of Thai cuisine, having helped raise its profile internationally at Nahm, his legendary venture in Bangkok. This, his debut on Koh Samui, is a more casual affair. Here he hones in on southern Thai flavors to outstanding effect. Expect creations with plenty of fire such as spicy yellow curry with prawns and local fish, or mellower dishes like five-spice duck eggs.

On the northern side of the Khao Takiab headland, this restaurant has outdoor seating with views of the nearby standing Buddha. Entrées are mainly seafood, such as prawn soup with a deep-fried green omelet, although other Thai dishes and vegetarian options are also available.

Combining fine dining and photography, this restaurant--gallery serves delicate interpretations of southern Thai classics—fish dishes, curries, grilled seafood, and the like. The service is first-rate, the atmosphere relaxed and romantic.

Stick to the fun and interesting cocktails at the Library's popular restaurant—it claims to make 101 different kinds—and after a few sips you'll feel as hip as the surroundings. The menu is mostly Thai, featuring contemporary takes on traditional favorites like prawns with garlic and pepper, and sea bass with chili and basil.