Samui Restaurant Guide

                         

UK LEASE HOLDER CONTACT DETAILS : (MR) LEWIS HARVEY, 54 CLEVELAND, BRADVILLE, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKS, MK13 7BA, LANDLINE UK TELE NO: 01908 316461 (PLS CALL IN EVENING) UK MOBILE TELE NO: +44 (0) 7594 738450 EMAIL: MASTERYODA992004@YAHOO.CO.UK

Papillon residence, 8/80 Moo 5 - Bophut, Plai Laem Beach, Soi 5, Koh Samui, 84320 Surrathani, Thailand.

 

Samui Dining / Restaurant Guide


You'll never go hungry on Samui, that much is certain! From delicious Thai food to international 5 star cuisines these days the island caters to every taste. No matter where you're from or what food you like you'll find it somewhere on Samui. The range of restaurants, cafés, street stalls, bakeries and local places to eat is huge.

Head to Chaweng beach for its high concentration of internationally acclaimed restaurants of Chaweng beach, or for high quality reasonably priced Thai food, Lamai is your best bet. As well as a large choice of what to eat, Samui offers unlimited choices of where to eat. Fancy dining underneath the stars on a moonlit beach? Or in a chic restaurant with a live band? Or maybe in a hilltop restaurant with a fantastic view? Samui has all this and much more...

Start with local Thai food, then for a contrast, try Royal Thai cuisine. If you're missing the food from your home country, you'll find it somewhere on Koh Samui. The island has a huge range of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, noodle shops and local places to eat. You can even get food on the beach, thoughtfully provided by local vendors.  From air-conditioned sophistication to beach dining. You won't go hungry.

(Restaurant Directory below)

Beach Dining in Koh Samui


Chaweng Beach is seven kilometers long and features for the most part powdery white sand. The sea is never rough and dangerous here and many people find strolling along at dusk after a hard day doing nothing a relaxing activity. Chaweng Beach at night seems worlds apart from the noisy hustle and bustle of the Beach Road with all its neon lights, hawkers and crowded bars whereas in reality it is no more than 300 metres away.

Big Buddha Beach

Big Buddha beach might be one of the quieter beaches on Samui but there are still lots of fine restaurants and eateries for you to choose from. The selection ranges from delicious pub grub to quirky cafés with deliciously inventive dishes on the menu. There are plenty of excellent local Thai food restaurants on offer as well as international cuisine.

Bophut Restaurants and Dining:

Bop hut is one of the best places to eat on Koh Samui, especially if it's a romantic evening you're after. Away from the crowds of Chaweng but still with plenty of choice of restaurants and cuisine, Bop hut offers the best of both worlds. Fisherman's village houses several funky restaurants and pubs. If you need a change from the delicious local food joints, there are several elegant upmarket restaurants to tempt you. Bop hut is renowned for having an excellent supply of fresh seafood, whether you're in a food stall or a five star venue. So head to Bop hut and see what takes your fancy...

South East Coast


Step off the beaten tourist track and discover Samui's hidden culinary gems. The south east coast is still fairly untouched by tourism and this shows in both the great prices and rustic settings. A lot of Samui's fish are caught on the south east coast so if you love seafood this is where it's at its freshest. Dine on the beautiful pristine beaches and imagine what the island was like 50 years ago.

West Coast

Koh Samui's undeveloped west coast is a great place to go to enjoy local dishes in a secluded atmosphere. On this side of the island the cuisine is mainly traditional Thai fare at great prices - and generally spicy enough to take your head off! Get back to nature and explore the original flavors of Koh Samui. It's a good idea to take a map though, you don't want to become part of the menu!

Chaweng Dining & Restaurants

Whether right on the beach or located along the bustling main tourist strip, Chaweng has dining options for every conceivable budget and palate. Fresh exotic vegetables, meat, and locally caught seafood provide the basis for the deliciously spiced Thai dishes you can sample around Chaweng, and most places will tone down the chili quota for uninitiated foreign taste bud upon request. In addition, there are some excellent International restaurants serving a wide variety of global cuisines, with Indian, Mexican, English, Japanese, Scandinavian, Italian and French all well represented.

Lamai Beach Dining & Restaurants

Lamai Beach has lots to offer whatever your budget or taste in food. From expensive 4 star restaurants to restaurants so small that they don't even have names, there are great dining experiences to be had at every corner. If you're too relaxed to leave the beach then don't worry, the beach vendors will come to you, offering fruit, ice creams and sweetcorn. There are also numerous small restaurants along the beach varying in style and price. Lamai is on a smaller scale than Chaweng beach, but there is still plenty to choose from both on the main street and around the town itself.



Maenam Dining and Restaurants


Maenam beach is one of Samui's prettiest and quietest beaches. There are plenty of restaurants to suit every budget, from 5 star dining to more casual local venues. While the scene is on a small scale there is still a good choice of food from around the world.

Of course alongside the international cuisine there are all types of Thai food on offer, from noodle soup stalls to Royal Thai dishes. Whether it's a posh evening out with or simply grabbing a quick bite to eat, Maenam has it all.



Restaurants Directory / Location:

Anong Restaurant: (my favorite restaurant) Thai, European and Seafood, 94/6 Moo 002 Bop hut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84230Telephone; 0 7723 0311 mobile; 01 406 976 opposite motorbike rental on corner on way into Chaweng (big yellow sign)

BBC Restaurant:
   (Big Buddha Café) has one of the most extensive Thai and European menus on Koh Samui, and one of the most interesting locations. Located in the shadow of a large tamarind Tree and right beside Samui's famous big Buddha, BBC boasts a myriad of views, including fishing boats, the Koh Phangan ferry, beautiful sunsets, and the speed boats rushing across to the monthly world famous full moon parties. Bangrak … Telephone; 0 7742 5089 (BBC Restaurant close to Papillon Residence, right at 7/11 .. Just past Big Buddha entrance.)

Baitong Restaurant & Terrace Bar: Seafood and international, Thai cuisine. One of Chaweng's finest beach side restaurants. Excellent food in charming surroundings, with entertainment or themed nights. (Located in Chaweng) For reservations and further information    Tel: 07741 3483

Bambu Restaurant: Chinese & Oriental cuisine, Stylish surrounds and delicious cuisine in a first floor setting. Absolutely the best Chinese food in Chaweng & has a terrific 'all you can eat & drink' offers. Chaweng Beach road 5pm - 11:30 for group bookings     Tel: 0801 446 890

Beach Republic: Mediterranean Cuisine set in a new beach club environment with excellent lunches & fine dining which is due to open in December. Lamai (off ring road) 7am - 10:30pm              Tel: 07745 8100

Bellini: Italian cuisine made with the finest available ingredients. There's no room for pizza on the menu, but you won't really care after trying dishes such as Cannelloni Crepe al profumo di Mare (crepe filled with rock lobster, zucchini, parmesan cheese, cream sauce au gratin), Filetto d'Angnello con salsa al peperone verde (grilled marinated lamb tenderloin served with grilled polenta and jalapeno sauce) and Ossobucco di Vitello con gremolata (braised veal shank served with vegetables in port wine sauce). There's also a short, but impressive, tapas selection served in a separate wine bar area with classic well made cocktails. Soi Colibri, Next door to POD, Central Chaweng,  Tel. 077413 830

Betelnut: Fusion cuisine, one of Samui's fine dining institutions has re-opened in a fabulous beach side setting located within Buri Rasa, promised to be even better than before. Chaweng Beach. 6pm - late (last order 7:30) Tel: 07723 0222

Bura Restaurant: Thai &International cuisine. The new beach side restaurant just oozes with sophistication situated on the ring rd in Lamai, has contemporary décor superb cuisine and magical settings & views. 11am - 11pm Tel: 07791 3250

Captain Kirks Restaurant: A surprising oasis in the heart of Chaweng Beach, this roof gardened eatery specializing in Thai and International cuisine. Most recommended is the mixed seafood plate fresh from the grill, and the Australian Beef Tender Loin. Complement your dinner with a fine selection of wines at very reasonable prices. Chaweng Beach Road Tel: 08127 05376

Chez Andy: If you fancy Italian, then there's Carpaccio, Pork Milanese and eight different Spaghetti dishes. There's Wiener schnitzel, Paprika schnitzel and Rah schnitzel amongst the impressive Super Schnitzel section. The steaks are amongst the finest on the island and are all are imported from Australia or the USA and come with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Central Chaweng, Tel: 077 422 593. Open 12pm - 12am.

Chill: By the Pool: Mediterranean cuisine just minutes away from the busy Chaweng scene this excellent new restaurant offers top med food with spacious arrangement and set on the romantic Noi beach Chaweng. 11am - midnight, Tel: 07742 2407

Churrasco Steak House: Steaks & International cuisine, Ever-popular restaurant in the heart of Chaweng serving the very best of steaks and a generous international cuisine menu, located on Chaweng beach road. 3pm - midnight, Tel: 0862 747662

CoCo Blues Company: The impressive three-story structure is packed with jazz and blues memorabilia and serves hearty Cajun and New Orleans fare in large portions. Their cocktail list is similarly Bourbon Street inspired and features classics such as the potent rum-based Hurricane. Resident band, the Stealers, impress with a nightly showcase of rollicking blues and rock standards. Coco Blues Company, North Chaweng Beach Road near Times Square. Open 10am - 2am

Coco Rock:
Thai & International cuisine, This is an exceptional establishment a which also offers some of the finest Thai style menus and dishes currently available, its also part of the Coral Bay Resort the location is unforgettable a must for the eating experience. Chaweng Beach North, 11am - midnight,                    Tel: 07723 4555

Dahla: Thai Seafood & International cuisine, Set in an idyllic setting with first class cuisine and superb wine menu, this beach side restaurant is hard to beat, Maenam Beach, 6pm - midnight,            Tel: 07742 9000

Dining on the Rocks: New Asian cuisine could be one of the ultimate dining experiences on the whole island it has a breathtaking 270 degree sea view location absolutely amazing cuisine and truly unforgettable, Sam-rong Bay, North-east Coast, 6pm - midnight, Tel: 07724 5678

 

 

Daaraadat Restaurant: Serving the freshest local ingredients, hand picked and selected daily, you will enjoy Thai cuisine once reserved for royalty, all while dining next to the 'infinity edge' swimming pool, surrounded by the Bang Rak Bay with its spectacular sunset views of the nearby islands Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Tel: 07724 6222

Dr Frogs Restaurant: You'll find Dr Frogs in Chaweng Noi on the way to Lamai, perched above the rocks overlooking Chaweng Beach. Stunning views, a lively air conditioned bar with comfortable sofas and bar stools, 2 generous wooden decks for dining on, all comfort you while you enjoy the vistas, Tel: 081 895 1186 or   07741 3797

Drop In: Pretty much un-miss able in Central Chaweng, Drop In is located inside a gigantic open-air Thai house, with an attached Baskin Robbins Ice cream parlour. It is easily Chaweng's largest restaurant and boasts over 250 tables. That said, Drop In still retains an intimate feel created by lots of internal trees and water features.

As befitting a vast restaurant, The Drop In has an equally huge menu, which encompasses Thai, Italian and International cuisine. There are seven different kinds of Thai curry, nine different steaks and fifteen different pizzas. The seafood dishes are amongst the best in Chaweng and include classics such as Stir Fried Broccoli with Prawns and Cashewnuts, Lobster Thermidor and Charcoal Grilled Red Snapper with Olive Oil and Herbs.

The huge Surat-thani oysters served with lime sauce, crispy, shallots and garlic, are highly recommended. The wine list is also extensive and includes 44 different varieties from France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Spain, Chile, Argentina and the USA. The house rose is palatable (and great value). There's also a well-equipped play area for the kids - so the evening needn't finish too early. Central Chaweng, Tel: 077 413 221. Open 12.00-11.30pm.

Eat Sense: Seafood Thai & International cuisine, magnificent, spacious restaurant central Chaweng and with a beach-side setting, great attention has been taken with the designing of this establishment, the cuisine of-course is superb, located on Chaweng Beach, Tel: 07741 4242

Full Moon: Italian with an Asian touch, award winning 5 star restaurants, innovative in design with an abundance of water features to calm this superb eating experience to a delight. Situated in Boh Phut, Maenam, in beautiful idyllic surroundings, situated on Chaweng Beach road North, 6:30pm - midnight, Tel: 07742 8300

Guilin: Exclusively Chinese cuisine, Cantonese style dishes in an authentic setting. Chinese restaurants don't come any better than Guilin, its well worth the journey, situated on the ring road Maenam. 6pm - 11pm closed on Thursdays, Tel: 07742 549-5 ext 826 & 07724 5060 ext 832

Gringo's Cantina: Samui's finest Mexican joint serves a comprehensive range of south of the border fare. Alongside nachos, tortillas, tostadas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos and chimichangas, there's nightly specials including Chilli Verde, Curried Lamb Burritos, Fish Tacos, Campfire Beans and Sausage, Barbeque Ribs and a very authentic Sunday Paella. The patrons, including lots of large groups on their way to Soi Green Mango, are kept well oiled with frozen margarita, jugs of sangria and tequila slammers. Located in central Chaweng, behind the Islander.

 

 

Italiano Villa Blanca: Tastefully re-designed and located at the beach, Villa Blanca features lobster specialities and other superb cuisine prepared by VB's own Italian Chef. Excellent wines and superb French Champagne compliment all dishes. This is a unique eating experience that has customers returning for more, Bo Phut Beach, Tel: 0 7724 5041 & 081535 4578

Jojo: Run by a native Californian, this small, simple cafe has a short, tasty menu that predominantly features bagels, which are made fresh everyday. They're served throughout the day with a variety of classic fillings - including, of course, whipped cream cheese.  There's also a nice selections of stuffed burritos on offer and it's the only place in town, possibly even in Thailand, that sells Peete's coffee, which will impress anyone from San Francisco, Soi Starbucks, Central Chaweng.

Kandalina: Mediterranean Restaurant,
Smart new restaurant offering a wide and excellent range of dishes prepared by the Executive Chef, is a pleasure to eat here and is idyllic location. Situated on Chaweng Beach Road North, 6:30pm - midnight Tel: 07742 8888 ext 5


Kantara: International and Thai cuisine situated on the Blue Lagoon's beachside, this establishment offers a huge range of cuisines and has live entertainment most nights in the week, is situated on Chaweng Beach North, Tel: 07742 2037

Khaosan Restaurant and Bakery: One of the better examples of Chaweng's many Thai/International/Bakery restaurants, The Khaosan is a pretty accurate recreation of similar establishments that line its infamous namesake in Bangkok.  The prices are cheap, even by Samui standards, the service is brisk and the waiting staff is friendly and attentive.

La Brassiere: International & Thai cuisine, situated right on the waters edge in the centre of Chaweng, a well reputed eatery enjoyed by thousands over the yrs, Chaweng Beach, 11:30 am - 10:30 Tel: 07742 2041-43

Lai Thai:
French & Royal Thai cuisine, Maenams finest gourmet restaurant also an intrigual part of the luxurious Napasai Resort, Maenam, 12am - 10 pm, Tel: 07742 9200
L'Ananas: Thai & International cuisine on the healthy side of eating this is the best place on the island and set in a fine dining setting, delicious food in a lovely terrace restaurant, it's probably the best restaurant for enjoying a great Samui Sunset, Unforgettable. Ban Talin Nam. (West coast), 11am - 10:30 pm Tel: 0 7742 8200


La Taverna: Thai & International cuisine, it's set in the busy and vibrant Chaweng nightlife scene and is one of samui's only authentic and long standing Italian Restaurants, and surely the best .. Off Chaweng beach road, 12 am - when last customer leaves.

Le Café Des Arts: French, International & Thai Cuisine, Chaweng's finest beachside French restaurant, relaxed atmosphere capturing a tropical Bistro feel, amidst some beautiful pieces of art. (Chaweng beach) 6am - 10:30pm, Tel: 07723 1169

Muda Restaurant:
Royal Thai cuisine, totally unique Thai restaurant in a peaceful lakeside location but just 2 minutes from the centre of Chaweng. With the owner being a member of the Thai Royal family, and you can be assured that the Thai royal cuisine and traditional entertainment will be the real thing, Chaweng Lake, West 7pm - 10:30pm closed on wed's, free transfer service. Tel: 07748 4985

Noori Restaurant:
Indian cuisine, every conceivable Indian dish is on offer here-and they are all delicious! Conveniently located in central Chaweng, Chaweng Beach Road. 11am - 11:30pm Tel: 07741 3154 or 08674 07873

Olivio Restaurant: Probably the most romantic setting in Chaweng, metres from the waters edge with stunning views over the bay and mountains beyond. Featured are modern and classical Italian cuisine, complimented by an extensive wine list at reasonable prices, North Chaweng Beach, Tel: 07723 1500

Orchidea: Thai cuisine, a perfect blend of traditional Thai cuisine in a contemporary Thai restaurant. Excellent food, superb service, fantastic value for money, Chaweng  Beach north, 11:30am - 10:30pm Tel: 07742 8888 ext 5

Padma: Thai/Fresh market cuisine, beautiful contemporary restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes and Asian-fusion creations in a stylish beachfront location. And its got the best cocktail list on Samui, off Chaweng to Choeng Mon road,   Tel: 07723 4500
Pickles: One of Samui's longer established Italian restaurants, The Osteria takes up the top floor of a two story building in South Chaweng. The restaurant serves traditional fare such as Brushetta, Carpaccio, Penne al Arrabbiata, Gnocchi al Gorgonzolla and a wide selection of pizzas and some decent specials, available on a weekly basis, like Osso Bucco and Rabbit Stew.

The newer Pickles: A South African themed bar, takes up the ground floor. As well as serving Osteria's menu, it also has a popular nightly barbecue, which often features a whole spit roasted pig. Both venues have an impressive selection of Belgian beers. South Chaweng.

 

 

Poppies: International & Thai cuisine, Samui's most renowned restaurant. Beachfront location, superb food & excellent service are the reasons why. Chaweng Beach (south) 11am - late. Reservation only - Tel: 07742 2419

Prego: Italian cuisine, stylish, classy & fun Italian restaurant with attention paid to every detail, combined with superb food, Chaweng Beach Road north, 11am - 11pm pizza's and drinks available until midnight. Tel: 07742 2015

Red Snapper Bar & Grill:
Mediterranean cuisine, smart establishment in the heart of Chaweng with live entertainment complementing an excellent dining experience, Chaweng Beach Road, Tel: 07742 2008

Rice: Contemporary Italian cuisine opened in October 2005, Rice offers the lot. Laid back atmosphere, glass floors, crystal elevator & excellent cuisine all combined to make it very special. Chaweng Beach Road. 2pm - late Tel: 07723 1934

Rim'Lay Restaurant: The Fair House's beachside restaurant serves a large selection of Thai and International cuisine. Tuna Fish Salad, T-bone Steak, Pepper Steak, Pork Chop Picata, Beef Stroganoff, Pork Cordon Bleu, Fish & Chips, Chicken Cutlet and a range of sandwiches, burgers, pizza and pasta are all on offer on the International menu. The large Thai menu features authentic treats.

The house speciality is Steak Flambe: A chef will arrive at your table complete with flambe cart and cook the meat to your liking in his very own pyrotechnical display. If you're not a meat eater then the Crepe Suzette Flambe is an equally impressive show. Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Route 4169, Tel 077 422-255/6. Open 6pm - 10pm.


Rocky's: International: Seafood & Thai restaurant, reputably Samui's most beautiful restaurant, with every justification, the food's excellent and service is too. South Lamai (off ring road) 7am - 10:30pm, Tel: 07741 8367

SALA Samui: International, Seafood & Thai cuisine, this is a beautiful beach restaurant that's become a Samui favourite. Outstanding cuisine in a trendy environment. Choeng Mon Beach, North East Coast. 7am - 11pm, Tel: 07724 5888

Sala Thai: Thai cuisine, absolutely superb Thai Restaurant excellent food in idyllic surroundings at Bo Phut resort and Spa's signature restaurant. A true Samui's experience. Ring Road Bo Phut. 7pm - 10:30 pm, Tel: 07724 5777

Sea Wrap: International & Thai cuisine, serving the very best of 'home-made style' food in a magnificent beach-side setting, this restaurant is THE place in Bo-Phut to chill-out on the beach itself, Bo Phut, Maenam, 5pm - 11pm, Tel: 07742 5357

Spice Island: Located beachside at Central Samui Beach Resort, Spice Island has both indoor and outdoor seating, connected by a series of stylish hardwood walkways that run through the hotels expertly manicured tropical garden. There are over 100 dishes on the comprehensive menu, encompassing all of Thailand's regional cuisines. If you've got a favourite Thai dish, you're more or less guaranteed to find it here.

The food is served authentically spicy, but there is the option to have the heat toned down upon request. Those unfamiliar with Thai food should give one of the set menus a try - each one expertly balances a range of meat, fish and vegetable dishes to create a perfect meal.

Tamarind: East meets West cuisine, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng, this restaurant caters gourmets who appreciate the best, Chaweng Noi Beach, Tel: 07742 2011

Toto's: Located opposite Burger King in Central Chaweng, Toto's serves a wide range of Italian classics. The excellent anti-pasti includes Costini al Prosciuto Crudo (toasted bread with Palma ham), Crostini mozzarella e acciughu (toasted bread with mozzarella and anchovy) and a deliciously fresh Insalate de Mare (seafood salad). Main courses comprise a wide range of home made pasta.

But for the breadth of choice on offer alone, Toto's is hard to beat on pizza. With 46 different kinds on the menu, each with a light and crispy base, you can pretty much guarantee there's something for everyone. All the classics from calzone to margarita are present and correct, as are a few less common (but equally good) offerings, such as the Bianca (tuna, mozzarella, sweetcorn and tomato). Central Chaweng, Near Green Mango. Open 12pm - 12am.

The Cliff: Mediterranean cuisine, popular Grill & Bar overlooking a scenic bay. Great place to spend a lazy afternoon & an upbeat evening, ring road, Between Chaweng & Lamai, midday - 1am, Tel: 07741 4266

The Deck: The Deck sprawls comfortably over three levels in its central Chaweng premises, at the top of Soi Green Mango. It's generally busy morning, noon and night and serves decent quality Western and Thai food at very reasonable prices. It's also one of the few places in town that sells decent souvlakis - pitta bread stuffed with generous helpings of meat, yoghurt and salad, which at only 70 Baht make a great value afternoon snack. Also, as it's licensed as a restaurant, The Deck can circumvent Thailand's draconian new drinking laws and stay open well beyond 2am - there's no beer sold after that time, but they do a brisk trade in Irish Coffees. Central Chaweng. Open very early till very late.

The Deli:
Run by Central Samui Beach Resort, The Deli has easily the best selection of fresh bread in downtown Chaweng. Rye, Cornpepper, Malt, Milano and Panini, amongst other varieties, all arrive warm from the resort's ovens. Sandwiches are the main order of the day, with a range of quality fillings on offer from salami, Paris ham, liver sausage, roast lamb and beef, meatloaf, as wells a fine selection of cheeses. There are also delicious croissants and Danishes and damn fine coffee on offer. The outside terrace is a very pleasant spot to watch the world go by as well. Central Shopping Arcade, Central Chaweng. Open 7am - 10pm.

The Dining Room: Attached to SITCA cookery school, The Dining Room showcases the talents of chef Roongfa Sringam, the school's principle teacher.  Serving some of the finest Thai food available anywhere on the island, the key to the Dining Room's success is authenticity. This means that Roongfa is not afraid of using a chilli or three, but wary western diners can have the spiciest dishes toned down on request. The menu encompasses food from all four corners of the kingdom, but is strongest on seafood dishes. The Fish Soup with Turmeric, Red Snapper Fillet with Cashewnuts, The King Prawn Massaman Curry are all superlative examples of Roongfa's abilities. South Chaweng, Tel: 077 413 172. Open 7pm - 11pm.

The Height: Thai & International cuisine, set on a idyllic hillside overlooking a private bay and with superb food. This new restaurant is set to become one of the most popular on the island. Laem Nam, Lamai 7am - 10:30 pm Tel: 07796 0555

The Page: Thai & International cuisine, part of the amazing minimal list resort-The Library, this restaurant has an extensive beachfront location and is refreshingly different in a great way. Chaweng Beach, Tel: 07742 2767-8

The Patio Restaurant: Italian, Seafood, European & Thai cuisine, unquestionably Lamai town's finest restaurant. Beach frontage, water features, delicious food & live entertainment are just some of the reasons why. Lamai Beach, 6:30pm - late, Tel: 07742 420 ext 916

Vecchia Napoli: (Italian) - Like all the best Italian cuisine, they're simple, fresh and delicious dishes. The homemade pasta, such as Ravioli al Pomodoroe Basilico (ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach in tomato sauce) and Tagliatelle al Nero de sepia (black squid noodles with calamari, olive oil, cherry tomato and garlic) literally melts in the mouth. Soi Starbucks, Central Chaweng, Tel. 077 231-229. Open 12.00pm - late.

Wellington: Recently opened behind Full Circle Club in Central Chaweng, Wellington's is well worth seeking out if you're looking for a high-class meal in the area. Featuring predominantly British and French fare, the menu is a cut above the usual 'pie and chips' found in many establishments. The best selling dish is, perhaps unsurprisingly, Beef Wellington (prime New Zealand beef covered in liver pate and mushrooms, wrapped in pastry and served with vegetable of the day and red wine gravy).

Moules Marinier (mussels in garlic and wine sauce), Gammon in Mustard Sauce and Steak au Poivre in Brandy also feature on the extensive menu alongside a decent Thai selection. Wellington's does also sell pies, incidentally, but they are home-made on the premises and are in a different league to the usual in terms of quality. Central Chaweng, Behind Full Circle. Open 10am 'til late.

Will Wait: Long established and ever popular bakery restaurant in central Chaweng.  The extensive menu covers all your dining needs from breakfast through to post-club snacking. The freshly baked bread and Thai food is high quality and reasonably priced and there's also a decent range of a la carte specialities on the menu. Also shows movies nightly. Two branches in central Chaweng. Open 7am-1am daily.

Via Vai Italian Restaurant: The Cappuccio Brothers hale from Naples the home of Pizza, which might help explain why they are one of the best rated on the island of Samui. Baked very briefly in the wood fired oven, their pizza's are guaranteed to be uniformly thin, crisp & deliciously delightful, Centre Chaweng Beach Rd(near Swensens) Tel: 07741 3431

Villa Nalinnadda: Thai, International & Fusion cuisine, romantic, elegant and exclusive. Just 12 tables available for those wanting excellent food I stylish beach front surrounds. Part of a charming Mediterranean-Style mini resort, ring-Road, 7am - 10:30 pm, Tel: 07723 3131

Yamato Japanese Restaurant: Japanese home cooking of the highest standard. Instead of the usual faux Oriental decor associated with Japanese restaurants overseas, Yamato is simply and unpretentiously furnished. The savings on the interior designer's bill are passed on in the food which starts at around 100 baht for appetizers. As well as ultra fresh sushi and sashimi, Yamato serves other treats such as Nikujyaga (Japanese beef stew) and Okono Miyaki (a kind of Japanese pizza).  There's a good range of sake too. South Chaweng, Tel. 077 413 879. Open 12pm-11pm.

Zazen Restaurant: International & Thai cuisine, exceptionally Stylish beachside restaurant, part of a unique boutique resort. Very talented Belgian chef-Walter Andreini, Bo Phut Beach, Tel: 07742 5085

Zico's: Brazilian cuisine, totally unique Brazilian Barbeque & huge salad bar complemented with exotic samba dancers and lively latin music, Chaweng Beach Rd(South) 5pm - 1 am Tel: 07723 1560