Best food, cafés & bars in Koh Samui & Koh Phangan

A Thai restaurant with outdoor seating. Chicken Pad Thai is a familiar stir-fried noodle dish, while som tam is crisp and refreshing. Yellow curry is also on the menu.

A restaurant serving Southern Thai and island dishes, made with seasonal market ingredients and house-made sauces. The shrimp som tam is tangy and spicy, while the whole fried sea bass is ideal for sharing. Choose between air-conditioned indoor seating and open-air seats.

A hilltop restaurant with views of the sea and Samui Airport’s runway between the islands. The menu combines Thai and European dishes, with fresh fish and cocktails worth pairing. Around sunset, enjoy live jazz from the outdoor seating.

A superfood café serving vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside Thai and Western fare. The chocolate smoothie bowl is rich and chocolatey, and the meal dishes are praised for their freshness. Order at the counter and dine in the covered outdoor seating area.

A French-style bakery and café serving freshly baked bread alongside homemade ice cream. The almond croissant is rich and nutty, and the gelato makes a lovely treat after a meal.

A café and restaurant that’s a good choice for breakfast or brunch. The bacon, cheese, and egg croissant is savory and satisfying. Pair an iced coffee or fruit shake with a quiet seat outdoors.

The Jam Bar is an open-air live music bar near Hin Kong Beach on Koh Phangan. Impromptu sets range from blues, funk and rock to acoustic music, giving the place the feel of a live venue. There’s an open mic, so musicians can join in on stage.

A beachside restaurant and bar with outdoor seating right on the sand. It serves Thai food, seafood, and European dishes, alongside cocktails. Set in a cove framed by rocks and palm trees, it’s a lovely place to unwind with a sea view.

A large open-air club with several bars and separate dance areas. DJs play everything from hip-hop and R&B to house, techno, and EDM, making it a great place to dance late into the night.

A bar and restaurant for dinner and cocktails, with a jungle area and a boat bar. The Tuna Volcano Sushi stands out for its tangy heat, while the DJ sets a spiritual, ambient mood.

A beachside cocktail bar tucked among natural boulders. Sip a rum cocktail by the sea with reggae playing, or settle onto a cushion beside the rocks and take in the ocean view.

A small beachside cocktail bar where you can relax by the sea. Sip beer or cocktails as the sun sets over the bay, with laid-back reggae adding to the mellow vibe.

A rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the sea. The menu includes Thai dishes and seafood; the tuna salad pairs well with a mango daiquiri. Take an outdoor seat and enjoy views over Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai bays.

A bar and restaurant perched on a cliff, with an open terrace overlooking the sea and islands. The green curry is rich and flavorful, and pad thai is also on the menu. A relaxed, unpretentious spot for a meal at sunset.

A beach club and resort right on the sand, ideal for relaxing between the pool and the beach. The menu pairs French-inspired dishes with Thai flavors, alongside cocktails; mango sticky rice is also mentioned. Settle in by the sea and stay for the evening fire show.