Poppies (eclectic) one of most romantic dining atmospheres can be found at a restaurant inside the hotel of the same name. Poppies has been established for well over ten years. During this time it has earned an enviable reputation for creative cooking and superb food. Chweng Road, tel: +66 (0) 77 422 419, $$$.
Samui Seafood (Thai seafood) is, as the name suggests, a central magnet in Chaweng for fresh seafood, chosen off a buffet and cooked for you. Typical Thai place, large, lively and plenty of local music. North Chaweng (behind Baskin Robbins), tel +66 (0)77 413 221, $$.
Vecchia Napoli (Italian) offering both reasonably priced pizzas and pastas and a good selection of wines, one of Samui’s longest running Mediterannean eateries. Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng Center, tel: +66 (0) 77 231 229, $$
Chez Andy (Swiss) a well-established restaurant that offers a whole range of delicious steaks as well other tasty options, everything runs like clockwork here! Chaweng Beach Rd., opp. Swensen's, tel: +66 (0) 77 422 593, $$.
Tropical Murphy’s (Irish), have reasonable menus offering both International staples and Thai fare. If you can’t stand another day without Irish stew, pasta, fish and chips or a Sunday roast, you won’t have to suffer too long. Chaweng Beach Rd., Chaweng Center, tel: +66 (0) 77 413 614, $$.
Zico’s (Brazilian) with a fantastic all-you-can eat meat barbecue and nightly performances of carnival style dancing that guarantees plenty of entertainment as well as full bellies: a unique experience. Chaweng road south, tel. +66 (0) 77 231 560-3, $$$.
Yamato (Japanese) excellent value sushi and shashimi along with other genunine Thai menu favourites, in this relaxed and comfortable venue. Soi Calibri, $. Tel. 077 413 879
Rice (Italian) a smart contemporary Italian eatery with chic décor and sumptuous cusine. Located just down from green mango on the opposite side. $$$ Tel: 077 231 934
Dr Frogs is situated at the southern end of Chaweng on the cliffside with great views, and has an upmarket ambience with live music and food that prompted Thailand Tatler to select it among its best restuarants for 2008. Tel: +66 (0) 77 413 797, info@drfrogssamui.com
Gringos Cantina (Mexican) is in the centre of Chaweng down a small soi behind The Islander. It serves possibly the best Mexican food on the island in garden surroundings and has a nine-hole crazy golf course located at the back of the restaurant. $, tel: (077) 413 267.
The Cliff (Mediterranean) best known for its excellent elevated views out to sea, located not quite in Lamai but just before on the headland. Good wine selection, great bar and commendable menu. Tel 077 414 266, $$$.
Jungle Park (French - Thai), popular place on a peninsula at the beach’s Northern end, great views, nice atmosphere, excellent menu, family friendly. Lamai Beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 418 034, $$.
Rockys (Thai seafood): sprawling beachfront venue, with excellent reputatation - one of the top on Samui, frequent events, nice busy atmosphere, Thai entertainment. Superb food. Lamai beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 418 367, $$$.
TawwaNN: (Thai-Fusion) Part of the Renaissance Resort. Stunning sea views and an imaginative fusion menu employing top-quality imported meats, fresh local sea-food, vegetables and herbs; tel: +66 (0) 7742 9300, open 6-11pm., closed Wednesdays, $$$.
Coast: (Thai-European) This chic beach-front restaurant is attached to the Lamai Wanta resort, in the centre of the bay. The innovative fusion menu is expertly prepared and well presented. $$ Tel: 77 424 550
Ninja crepes: (Thai) The décor is not much to look at but this cheap and cheerful Samui institution serves up delicious Thai dishes at super cheap prices. And crepes. On the ring rd. just before the PTT garage, $.
Spa Resort: (Spa Cusine) If you fancy a delicious meal, that’s super-healthy and reasonably priced head to the Spa. Salads, pasta, burritos and fresh juices. Also serve beer and wine. Located on the ring rd, on the right hand side coming in to Lamai; tel: 077 230855, $.
Antica Locanda (Italian) close to Big Buddha Pier is a great choice for Italian food cooked the way it was meant to. It is real value for money and offers daily specials as well as some tasty fresh pasta made on the premises. $$, tel: (077) 245 163.
The Mangrove (French) probably the most famous French restaurant on Samui, situated just along the road from the Airport towards the Big Buddha temple. The food is first class and represents great value. Tel: +66 (0) 77 427 584, $$$.
Shambala (Thai - international) The budget alternative centrally located on Big Buddha beach with fabulous Thai and Western food at very reasonable prices, right on the beach. 23/2 Moo 4, Big Buddha Beach, tel: +66 (0) 77 425 330, $.
Oceans 11 (European): Fast becoming one of the most popular restaurants on the island, Oceans 11 has a small Oceanside dining room, and serves delicious European fare with fresh seafood and imported meats. Good wine list and attentive service add up to an all-round winner, tel: 077 245134, $$.
Picnic Basket. (British) Opposite pier. A no-frills cafe that serves great Pick’n’Mix All-day cooked breakfast, $.
Billabong Surf Club (Australian) more of an experience than a cuisine highlight but great for big steaks and a whole mish-mash of menu items from pub grub to fish ‘n chips. Fishermans’ Village, tel: +66 (0) 77 430 144, $$.
Starfish and Coffee: (Internationl-Thai) this perennially popular ocean-view restaurant serves great seafood and Thai specialities and the striking Morrocan style décor is superb. Located in the centre of the village, $$.
Shades: for fresh seafood right on the beach, Shades restaurant provides a truly romantic setting, and reasonably-priced menu. Located toward the end of the one-way system, $$.
Zazen: imaginative Fusion food served in a tropical garden, beachfront setting. Many organic ingredients used, $$$. Tel: 7742 5085
Nick and Nicky’s Harbourside (Thai and British) a curious mix of Thai seafood and British maritime themes, with pub favourites like Sunday roast. Owners are previous award winners from Norfolk. Fishermans’ Village, tel: (0) 86 970 0028, $$.
Roma (Italian) sits right on the beach in a quiet and understated environment, peaceful and tasty food with some interesting dishes. Very casual. Paradise Beach resort, tel: +66 (0) 77 247 227, $$.
Angela’s Bakery is at it suggests and has been going for a quite a few years now. The food inside is excellent and offers all kinds of patisseries and does a healthy line in breakfasts from healthy to full blown fry-ups. It is located close to the Police checkpoint in Maenam. $, tel: (077) 427 396.
White House (Thai - international) excellent menu at one of the more serene and peaceful spots among the tourist beaches. A lovely exclusive beachside setting near enough to Chaweng and Big Buddha. Choeng Mon beachfront, tel: +66 (0) 77 247 921-3.
Pangaea: Part of Sala Samui, the restaurant blends global cusines and styles in the interesting menu, with great wines and cocktails also on offer, tel: +66 (0) 7724 5888, $$.
Freuds: just off the beach, near the Bank of Ayudhya, this new café serves yummy wraps and proper English breakfasts, without breaking the bank, $.
