Koh Samui, a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, exudes a laid-back, tropical charm that captivates every visitor. With its white sandy beaches, lush palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, the island effortlessly balances relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring bustling night markets, Koh Samui offers a slice of paradise with a dash of local flair. It isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling, a reminder of how beautiful life can be when you embrace its simple pleasures.
Food is at the heart of the Koh Samui experience. Imagine sitting on the beach, enjoying a freshly fried fish with a cold beverage. It’s in moments like these that you realize life doesn’t get any better. A delightful surprise on this small island is the quality of the Italian food. Indulging in a plate of pasta alle vongole while surrounded by tropical scenery feels almost surreal. The Italian restaurants here, often run by expats, offer an enlightening perspective on the diverse ways one can choose to live. Their stories of moving halfway across the world to pursue a simpler, more fulfilling life are both inspiring and thought-provoking. It’s these interactions that make Koh Samui feel so special.
Zenzibar Beach Bar & Restaurant
Zenzibar is a casual and relaxed restaurant right on the beach. It’s a great spot for lunch if you are staying at Mae Nam Beach. We enjoyed a delicious deep fried whole red snapper with chilli sauce. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Address: 18/33 Moo 1, Maenam, Thailand
The Jungle Club
The Jungle Club has some of the best views on the island. The late afternoon, early evening is the best time to visit. The place is very busy so remember to make a reservation, and specifically, request a table on the deck. Food and cocktails were decent, but it’s worth coming mostly for the stunning panoramic views. The drive up was very challenging as the road up to the restaurant is very steep. If you are arriving by taxi, beware that many taxis would not take you all the way up the hill. We drove a motorbike, however, it is definitely not for the inexperienced drivers. Also, a scooter has to be powerful enough to get you up the hill. We would recommend to park at the bottom and call the restaurant to arrange a pickup; I think it’s 100 thb each way.
Address: Chaweng Noi, 55 Moo 3, Jungle Club, Chaweng, Bophut, Thailand
Cafe 69
The Cafe 69 serves Thai cuisine with a modern twist. The menu is very creative and well executed. It’s located only a few minutes from The Fisherman’s Village, and its definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Don’t be put off by the location on the main street, the food is very good!
Address: 157/52 Bophut Avenue Apartment, Bophut, Thailand
Da Bardo
The Italian chef/owner is a great host, very welcoming and entertaining. The pizza was thin and crispy and pasta alle vongole tasty and full of clams. We highly recommended this place if you are craving some simple Italian food in a casual surrounding.
Address: 11/23, Moo 4, Wat Na Phra Lan, Mae Nam, Thailand
Pepenero Koh Samui
A great Italian restaurant with an extensive menu and a good wine list. It’s a good option if you need a break from Thai food. The Italian host/owner was very welcoming and took time to explain the menu. The ambience was lovely and pasta alle vongole very nice.
Address: 4/5, Moo 1, Mae Nam, Thailand
Feel Travel Samui Thai Restaurant
Feel Travel is a safe choice for a Thai meal in Koh Samui, it’s inexpensive, the menu includes pictures, and you can choose the level of spiciness. The owner is a friendly, german guy who speaks fluent English. The menu is quite short but includes well-liked classic dishes. We had papaya salad with spring roll, green veggie curry and chicken pad thai, everything was tasty.
Address: 26/18 Moo 4, Mae Nam, Thailand
Passa
As we were staying at Khwan Beach Resort, we had many meals at Passa. Whether it was breakfast or dinner, we enjoyed every single one of them. All the food was freshly prepared and nicely presented. The room service always arrived promptly. The service at the restaurant was polite and attentive. The restaurant overlooks the pool, the ambience is very relaxed and romantic in the evening. It’s worth a visit even if you are not staying at the resort.
Address: 67/61 Moo1, Khwan Beach Resort, Mae Nam, Thailand
