Best beachfront restaurants in Koh Samui

As a tropical island, Koh Samui is renowned for its serene white beaches. As such, there are also plenty of restaurants along its coastline with direct access to its sandy shores. These beachfront restaurants offer delectable worldwide fare, while the ocean views add a touch of sophistication. Therefore, if you find yourself wondering which beachfront restaurant to try, here is our list of the top 5 in Koh Samui.

The Top 5 Beachfront Restaurants in Koh Samui

1. Armando’s Beach Restaurant

Highly regarded dining destination Armando’s Beach Restaurant is situated along the breathtaking Koh Samui coastline. This restaurant is well-known for its varied menu, which combines traditional and innovative dishes to provide guests with a distinctive eating experience. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the glistening blue waters from the al fresco location, which fosters a peaceful and romantic ambience.

Top-notch customer service and above-and-beyond efforts to guarantee a pleasant experience make Armando’s Beach Restaurant a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Its immaculate reputation in the dining scene has been deservedly achieved by its dedication to using only the best, freshest ingredients. Fresh fish start at 350 baht ranging to high-end seafood such as lobster around 1100 baht.

Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 – 22:00. Closed Mondays

Address: Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330

2. Zazen Restaurant

You can’t get more romantic than Zazen. The restaurant’s hanging and candlelit lighting cast a lovely crimson glow over the entire dining area. Thus, creating the perfect intimate setting for couples to enjoy a meal together.

This beachfront restaurant is situated directly along the Gulf, offering diners some of the best views of the surrounding waters. They serve Thai and International fine-dining delicacies, along with an award-winning wine list. Some highlights on their menu are the Lobster Gratin (2,100 Baht) with almonds, tomato confit and white truffle potato puree. The Goong Ma Kham (650 Baht) is another favourite, made with tiger prawns and tamarind sauce. However, for an overall authentic Thai dining experience, we recommend their Thai Discovery set menu (1,190 Baht).

Whilst their meals are on the pricey side, the quality and flavours here are top-notch. This is reflected in their ingredients, as they even grow their herbs. Furthermore, Zazen hosts a Thai dancing show every Thursday and Sunday, so diners can indulge in sumptuous cuisine while watching one of Thailand’s most valued art forms.

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 23:00

Address: 177, Moo 1, Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Tambon Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320.

3. Baobab

Baobab is a quaint restaurant just south of the Ammatara Pura Pool Villas. Overlooking the golden sands of Lamai Beach, it is a popular joint, known for its beach club ambience. Moreover, it has a rustic yet cosy setting, friendly staff and a broad menu of Thai, French and Western dishes.

Their Red Steak Tuna Special, which is paired with potatoes and a crisp salad is a stand out on the menu. However, you may also discover traditional Thai dishes like spicy curries and spring rolls. Remember that because of their generous amounts, they are perfect for sharing. Ultimately, diners have the option of dining à la carte or selecting from the “Tasting of Jahn” and “Journey of Jahn” d’hôte menus, which cost between 3,000 and 5,000 Baht each. These are served in seven courses and include such foods as papaya salad, beef massaman curry, and Tom Yum Goong. Wines are served with your meal, with both old and new world labels available for you to choose from.

The venue only has 28 seats, providing an exclusive dining experience. Furthermore, the interior merges traditional and contemporary Thai influences, with lots of wooden decor. Overall, it is a great beachfront restaurant with delicious food and drinks to recharge after a day in the sun.

Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 – 18:00.

Address: 127/64 Had Lamai Rd, Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84310.

4. Chi Samui

Nestled on a pristine stretch of beach in Bangrak, Koh Samui is Chi Samui Beach Bar & Restaurant. Their cuisine is modern, comprising Thai and Western dishes made with local and artisanal produce. Some standout meals are the Wagyu Beef Patty (300-480 Baht) and the Pad Kra Pow Chicken Pizza (480 Baht). However, their hand-crafted cocktails are just as good. The Sugar Snap Gin & Tonic is a sweet treat and the Charlie Brown Espresso Martini is rich and aromatic (340 Baht each). Or, opt for a beverage from their extensive wine and champagne menu instead. In summary, their fare exceeds in quality and flavour. This is especially evident in the 2019 and 2020 Restaurant Guru awards, where they were highly recommended.

Chi offers a laid-back approach to enjoying Koh Samui, with a resident DJ, live entertainment and frequent events. This relaxed atmosphere is further seen in the beanbags, sunbeams, sun loungers and swings that customers can sit and lounge on. Moreover, for more fun, diners can enjoy a dip in their 25-metre beachfront infinity pool. Thus, those looking for an exceptional beachside experience should head to Chi Samui.

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 00:00.

Address: 16/4 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320.

5. Sabienglae Restaurant

Thai restaurant Sabienglae opened its doors on Lamai Beach in 1990. It serves traditional food, with a focus on seafood and reasonably priced meals despite the excellent quality. A must-try is the perfectly cooked lobster and king crab (with Indian curry powder) as well as the deep-fried prawns with tamarind sauce. While numerous eateries on Koh Samui go by the same name, such as The Wharf Samui in Bophut, Sabienglae is the original and greatest.

The laid-back atmosphere of this seaside eatery makes it popular with both locals and foreigners. The venue is straightforward, with furniture made of dark wood and a palm thatch roof that gives it a tropical feel. Its proximity to the shore also makes the cold sea air rather pleasant, but nothing compares to the expansive vistas of the ocean. Its location also makes it easy for patrons to relax on a sun lounger following a substantial lunch.

Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00.

Address: 438/82 Moo1, Maret Road, Lamai Beach, Maret 84140.

With tasty food and amazing views, dining at these restaurants is a memorable experience. Whilst they are all close to the water, each beachfront restaurant is unique in the cuisine they offer. From Thai food to International, there’s something for everyone to try.

If you’re interested in exploring more beachfront restaurants, check out our ranking of the top 5 in Phuket. Also, check out a local edition and our partner’s website ‘Agoda‘ to find the best hotel for your trip.