Chaweng Beach Restaurants Directory

The brainchild of Francesco Vigatliano, the owner of Vecchia Napoli, Bellini's takes fine Italian dining on Samui to new heights. Situated down what's now Chaweng's classiest Soi, Bellini's is a showcase for Francesco's take on unpretentious southern 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 Canelloni 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. 077 413 830

Run by Geoffrey Lord, one time Executive Chef at Poppies, Betelnut has just seven tables, which ensures that all diners get exemplary personal service, invariably including a chat with the gregarious Geoffrey at some point during the meal. The superb fusion cuisine is the main draw and ensures a high percentage of return custom.  For those with the time and the appetite, the special Tasting Menu (of anything up to 12 courses) requires 24 hours' notice, but is well worth the wait. Soi Coliburi, Central Chaweng, 077 413 370. Open 6pm - 12am.

Named after a disco in Lisbon that the proprietor Gillou once owned, Captain Kirk has built up a loyal following of return clientele since opening four years ago. Overlooking central Chaweng, the restaurant is a great spot for people watching and has its fair share of quirky design features, such as the African themed back bar, complete with wall murals, and the glass topped dining tables filled with pop memorabilia from Gillou's travels. It's also a great place for top notch Mediterranean and Thai food - the New Zealand Grilled Lamb Skewer with Mustard Sauce Old Fashioned is particularly highly recommended. Central Chaweng, Tel. 01 270 5376. Open 6pm - 12am.

Swiss proprietor Andreas Muller spent many years working in the international hotel industry before deciding to settle in Samui in 1998 to establish the island's finest Swiss kitchen and first German beer garden. Patrons can choose between a romantic candle-lit dinner in the upstairs Steak House or an easy-going buffet in the Beer and Grill Garden, which is perfect for the kids (the under 10s eat free). If you're with a large group of mates, or just fancy a refreshing beer or two, there's also the Farmer's Tavern.

The food is veritable smorgasbord of Swiss, International and Thai cuisine. To start with there's Moules gratinees Café de Paris, Saumon Fumee (Norwegian smoked salmon served with horseradish toast) Tzatzika (Greek cucumber salad with yoghurt and garlic) and Tapas. The Swiss includes classics like Kurbisuppe (pumpkin soup with bread croutons), Schweinsgeshnetzeltes auf Zurcher Art mit Rosti (sliced pork Zurich style with hash brown potatoes), Solothurner Suure Mocke (pickled beef served with mashed potato or dumplings) and, of course, Fondue and Chateaubriand. If you fancy Italian, then there's Carpaccio, Pork Milanese and eight different Spaghetti dishes. There's Wienerschnitzel, Paprikaschnitzel and Rahmschnitzel 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.

The latest addition to the Coco empire on Samui, Coco Blues Company successfully reinvigorates the unfashionable northern end of Chaweng's beach road. 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

Pretty much un-missable 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.

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. Central Chaweng, behind The Islander.

Run by a native Californian, this small, simple café 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.

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 are friendly and attentive.  As is de rigueur, both in Bangkok and Samui, the food is supplemented by all the latest blockbuster movies, courtesy of the many pirate DVD stalls in the surrounding area. Central Chaweng. Open 7.30am - midnight.

Olivio's boasts what's quite possibly the most romantic dining venue in Chaweng - benefiting hugely from its location at the northern end of the beach, the restaurant looks out across the bay to the bright lights of downtown in the distance. Given that there are few resorts or bars in the area, it's also very, very, peaceful - especially if the tides in and lapping comfortingly a few feet from your table. The ambience is more than ably matched by the modern Italian cuisine served - the imaginative starters, which feature imported treats such as American giant scallops, Italian buffalo mozzarella and Norwegian salmon are especially highly recommended. At Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort, North Chaweng, Tel. 077 231 500.

Samui's finest modern Italian cuisine is served in one of its chicest restaurants. Chef Marco Bosciani has honed his craft in some of the best hotels in Asia and the results show in dishes such as Tomato Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Apple Pizza and Pan Fried Veal Loin with Red Wine Sauce, Crispy Parmesan and Broccoli Puree. For dessert the homemade Tiramisu is essential. The restaurant's only been open a couple of months but it's packed every night. North Chaweng, Tel. 077 422 015. Open 11am - 3pm and 6pm - 12am.

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 like Gaeng Jued (glass noodle soup with bean curd and vegetable), Yum Woon Sen "Rim'Lay" (spicy glass noodle salad with prawns and minced pork), Nuea Phad Nammun Hoi (sautéed beef in oyster sauce with mushrooms and spring onion), Phed Sauce Som (roasted duck with orange sauce) and Pla Thod Rad Prik (deep fried fish fillet topped with chilli sauce). The house speciality is Steak Flambé - a chef will arrive at your table complete with flambé 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 Flambé is an equally impressive show. Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Route 4169, Tel 077 422-255/6. Open 6pm - 10pm.

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 hotel's 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. The Chaweng Beach menu, for example, features classics such as Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk and Galangal), Gai Phad Med Mamuang (Fried Chicken with Chilli and Cashew Nuts) and Plamuck Thord Krathiem Prik Thai (Fried Squid with Garlic and Pepper) alongside the Royal Thai Khathong Tong (Sauteed Pork, Shrimp and Sweet Corn stuffed crispy Shell) and Phad Nor Mai Farang Hed Hom (Sautéed Asparagus and Shitake Mushrooms) and local favourite Choo Chee Goong (Dry Prawns in Red Curry).

Wash it all down with a bottle of crisp and refreshing Chateau de Loei Chenin Blanc - one of Thailand's new generation of wines that are proving to be exceptionally quaffable. Central Samui Beach Resort, Tel. 077 230 500. Open 6pm - 10.30pm

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.

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.

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.

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. The Thai tinged Penne alla Amatriciana (penne with a spicy bacon and onion sauce) and Napolini favourite Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (spaghetti with black olives, capers and anchovies) both get high marks, but the restaurant really shines with its light and delicately textured gnocchi which, accompanied by one of Toto's sauces, rates as one of the best on the island. 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.

Serves exceptionally well-made Italian classics. The antipasto includes Cozze al Vino Bianco (mussels in white wine sauce), Carpaccio Bellavista (thin sliced raw beef fillet with parmesan, olive oil and lemon) and Salmone affumicato (Norwegian smoked salmon). Like all the best Italian cuisine, they're simple, fresh and delicious dishes. The homemade pasta, such as Ravioli al Pomodoro e 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.

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.

Japanese home cooking of the highest standard. Instead of the usual faux Oriental décor 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.