Independent restaurant guide in Asia
When it comes to restaurants in Asia there are thousands to choose from and every cuisine on the planet is catered for. Choosing a restaurant is often hit or miss and we rely mainly on word of mouth to narrow down our choice. This guide is an attempt to separate the wheat from the chaff and is based on recommendations from friends and friends of friends who live and work in Asia, as well as readers of this online magazine.
Mexican Madness
In the heart of Chaweng, Koh Samui sits an absolute gem. Gringos Cantina is a fixture with residents and tourists, serving up delicious Tex-Mex dishes in a surprisingly large locale. It has all the heartiness and ambiance of a real Mexican eatery and caters to meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
Eat, Pray, Love at Kafe Ubud
If you visit or live in Bali, the chances are you will spend time in Ubud. A quaint, countryside town that has been transformed into one of the island's top tourist centres, but without losing its traditional charm. Kafe is one of Ubud's most popular eateries, with a relaxed, rustic ambience and fabulous, healthy cuisine. A favourite with yoga teachers, world travellers and local business people, the restaurant is also a meeting point for Ubud's colourful, global in-crowd.
Padma
Wherever you happen to be staying in Koh Samui it is worth visiting PADMA restaurant in Karma Samui Resort on the north east side of the island. With its unmistakable vast white canopy roof looking out to sea you could be forgiven for thinking the starship Enterprise has landed.
The Pier
‘The Mangrove’ was a fixture in the Samui restaurant scene for over seven years with Ilse and Yannick serving up some of the best cuisine on the island. Recently they made a bold move and relocated to ‘THE PIER’ in Bo Phut. With the same excellent food but with the added bonus of sea views, and elegant, contemporary décor one can’t help but think this was an excellent decision.
Tantalising Thai Cuisine
The list of great restaurants in Koh Samui gets longer. A new fixture in Chaweng, with a building which is already a landmark, BAAN BORAN serves up delicious Thai food with a dollop of traditional Thai entertainment on the side. All the ingredients are there for an unforgettable evening out.
Brio Wine Bar and Restaurant
After Thai cuisine, Italian food is undoubtedly the second most popular choice for those who choose to eat out regularly on Koh Samui. You won't find it hard to eat pizza or pasta on the island, but to discover a restaurant that you would like to go back to is a bigger challenge. BRIO ticks all the boxes.
Organic hippy chic
The ART CAFÉ by June in Koh Samui is a stand alone café without the mat classes. Situated in Samui Village Estate, you will find no nonsense wholesome vegetarian food and freshly brewed coffee. A hit with the yoga and Pilates teachers on the island!
Sand between your toes
There are many restaurants to recommend in Koh Samui if you are looking for a a great wine and dine experience with a view, but one that stands out above the rest is a small beachfront restaurant overlooking Bang Rak Bay called OCEAN 11.
