Dining on Koh Samui

As the accommodation on Koh Samui has become more sophisticated, so have the opportunities for dining out. There are fantastic restaurants and fine dining opportunities all over Koh Samui. It's been hard to choose, but we have listed below some of our favourites. 9 places to fine dine:

Treetops at Anantara

Enter this restaurant via a series of raised walkways that literally take you into the tree tops. Private dining in individual open-air tree houses with views of the ocean and the Thai jungle. Matt Mittnacht, who counts London's Nobu on his resume along with other fine eateries, is the resident chef. Many of the dishes are grilled on lava stone and there is even a 'Salt Tray', which can be explained to you by the resident 'Salt Guru.
Menu Highlights: Crunchy Fried Prawns with carrot, chilli and a lemongrass air, Lamb Rack grilled on the bones in Arabic spices with a truffle cous cous, Brule - mango, coconut and meringue.

Go here for: Romance, spectacular views, unique dining experience.
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Villa Mia, Kanda Beach Villa, Ban Chomjan, Baan Kohia Baan Fan Noi, Baan Jakawan

Namu at The W Retreat

A contemporary Japanese restaurant located within the hip W Retreat hotel at Maenam, Koh Samui. An innovative menu incorporating influences across Asia but mainly Japan. You can even get insider access to preparing sushi in a class with Namu's chef or dine under the stars beachside if you pre-book.
Menu Highlights: Sashimi with wasabi and soy, Maine Lobster stir fried udon noodles and chilli, Green Tea Tiramisu and Yuzu ice cream. Saki matched to your menu.

Go here for: Romance, shared table concept, contemporary dining.
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: The Residence, Villa Wayu, Villa Sila, Villa Hibiscus, Villa Waterlily, Villa Acacia Villa Gardenia, Villa Frangipani, Villa Champak, Villa Lotus, Villa Bougainvillea

Conrad

This is an opulent restaurant serving traditional Thai with a modern, contemporary twist. The resident chef is Konrad Inghelram, who has previously worked in Michelin starred restaurants. There is a fabulous element of 'table theatre' to proceedings such as the 'Tom Yum Goong soup' poured from a teapot.
Menu Highlights: Tomato & Alaskan Crab Salad, Wagyu of beef Massaman, Mango sticky rice

Go here for: Stunning views and sunsets, table 'theatre'.
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: The View, Ama Lur The Headland Villa 1, The Headland Villa 2, The Healand Villa 3, The Headland Villa 4, The Headland Villa 5, Baan Asan

Poppies

Poppies has been popular for a long time in Koh Samui. It's situated at the quieter end of Chaweng beach and has an international and Thai menu with a huge selection to choose from -- something for all tastes. A popular venue for dining on the beach under the stars.
Menu Highlights: Kantoke -- a selection of small Thai dishes served on a rattan tray for sharing. Samui surf & Aussie Turf, Stir fried prawns with asparagus & chilli, Coconut crème brulee

Go here for: Beachside dining, romance, extensive menu choices.
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Villa Manola, Golden Palm Villa,

This beautiful hand-carved classic Thai house serving traditional southern-Thai cuisine is located in the Fisherman’s Village, right on Bophut beach. The wonderful aromatic dishes and fantastic fresh seafood are all reasonably priced and perfectly delivered. A great open air cocktail bar is located nearby for pre-dinner drinks and a stroll through Fisherman's village afterwards makes the perfect evening.

Go here for: Beachfront dining, Authentic Thai Cuisine
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Baan Capo, The Residence, Villa Wayu, Villa Sila, Ban Lealay Villa Kya Baan Ling Noi Villa Charmant

Zazen

Experienced Belgian chef Jean-Francois was previously at many fine restaurants including the 7 star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and The Viceroy in Bali. The team have created a menu using the best local and imported ingredients on the island.
Menu Highlights: Fresh Canadian lobster with a saffron fettucine and lobster bisque, Monkfish in black olive crust with celery tagliatelle, Strawberry Minestrone with balsamic syrup and white chocolate mousse

Go here for: Intimate setting, traditional Thai dancing.
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Villa Kya, Baan Ban Buri. Baan Leewadee, Baan Feung Fah, Baan Benjamart, Baan Kularb, Baan Maliwan, Baan Ratree, Baan Bua Sawan,

Dining on the Rocks

Located on the exclusive resort of Six Senses, Koh Samui. Contemporary dining, with spectacular views from the outdoor dining 'platforms'. Dishes use organic ingredients from the resorts own gardens.
Menu Highlights: Deep fried Oysters with rocket and bacon. Salmon with green pea gel, red pepper puree, miso dressing & orange ginger foam. Teryaki duck, sweet potato, baby turnips, macademia nut & lychee gel. Reference to an English Trifle: Poached pineapple, cherry soaked sponge cake, orange jelly and vanilla cream

Go here for: Breathtaking setting, innovative deconstructed food, excellent views,
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Villa Talay Sai, The Peak Ocean View Villa, Baan Mika, Angthong Villa Villa Champagne, Por Do Sol, Shimoni, Kisiti, Bahari

H Bistro

This bistro features an authentic French Mediterranean menu. Chef Stephen Jean Dion has previously cooked for Royalty including Prince Charles and the Sultan of Brunei.
Menu Highlights: Tartare of Yellow Fin Tuna, horseradish, Golden Beetroot, Sweet and Sour Cucumber. Milk Fed Lamb Cutlets, Lamb Shank, filled Pasta Pockets, Rabiola Foam, Pommery Mustard Jus scented with Spear Mint. Pistachio Crème Brule with Chocolate Biscotti and Strawberries Coulis

Go here for: Authentic French Mediterrenean
Thailand Retreats nearby villas: Villa M, Baan Ban Buri. Baan Leewadee, Baan Feung Fah, Baan Benjamart, Baan Kularb, Baan Maliwan, Baan Ratree, Baan Bua Sawan,

The Larder

The Larder is a unique restaurant come bar, created to offer fine dining without the fuss. A laid-back atmosphere and a menu that recreates British and International classics. The creation of executive chef Martin Selby and food and beverage Aficionado Damian Ahern.
Menu Highlights: Ducky Fuzz -- Duck breast & liver pate, red onion and balsamic jam with French bread. Bellyfull -- 12 hour confit belly pork, roasted carrots, bread sauce and parsnip puree. Peanut butter martini -- peanut butter cup vodka, milk, chocolate.

Go here for: Rustic food, relaxed atmosphere, laid-back fine dining
Thailand Retreats nearby villas:

Villa Mia, Kanda Beach Villa,Ban Chomjan, Baan Kohia Baan Fan Noi, Baan Jakawan

If you stay in a Koh Samui luxury villa booked through Thailand Retreats you will quite often get the opportunity to use the services of an in-house chef.