Restaurants on Samui seem to come and go with amazing rapidity. While some manage to stick around for many years, most don't seem to have any staying power. Use the list below as a guide to what can be found. Fortunately, there are so many places crowded into the main areas that you don't have to worry about making a special trip some place only to find its not there any more.
Fishermans Village
No matter where you're staying on Samui, a visit to Fishermans Village for at least one dinner should be part of your plan. The 'Village' is really just a single narrow street that runs along the beach in Bophut. The street is lined with dozens of restaurants, serving a popourri of cuisines. The Frog & Gecko is perhaps the most well-established, but there are many others to choose from. Surprisingly, while the village has many nice restaurants, and a few shopping stalls, it has none of the girly bars and other sleazy aspects of most Thai tourist spots.
Chaweng
Poppies - This sister of the hotel and restaurant that has become a Bali institution is located at the southern end of Chaweng Beach Road. The restaurant, housed in an open air Thai pavilion, sits right on the beach and serves a menu of Thai and international dishes. Many people think the food is the best on Samui. Quality comes at a price, though, so figure on THB 400 or more per person for dinner.
Zico's - And now, as the say, for something completely different. Housed in an imposing ocean-green building across from the Central Samui Beach Resort, Zico's is billed as a Brazilian Bistro, serving steaks and many other dishes with a Latin twist. Live music by a Brazilian band enhances the setting. Main courses can be THB 500 and up. Reservations are recommended. Tel: +66 (0) 77-231-560.
Gringo's Cantina - Among the many different international cuisines on offer around Samui, perhaps the rarest is Mexican. Gringo's Cantina on a small side street just of Chaweng Beach Road is just about the only place where you can get "Tex Mex" food on Samui. Comparisons to the 'real thing' might be a bit unfair, but they do a reasonably good job of it. In true American fashion, margaritas are 'on tap' at the tiny bar. Main courses run THB 200 to 300.
Lamai
Mr Samui Gallery - This eclectic art and jewelry gallery cum restaurant in Lamai serves authentic Thai food and Illy coffee in a northern Thai setting. Triangular axe pillows are laid out on raised platforms for the diners. Main dishes run THB 100 to 200.
Il Tempio - Samui is full of Italian and pizza restaurants, making it easily the most common regional cuisine to be found. Many of them are quite good, but Il Tempio in Lamai stands out. The restaurant is in an open Thai styled pavilion, but everything else about it is pure Italian. Main courses, including pizzas, run THB 250 to 300.
Renu Grill House - This open air seafood restaurant strives to appear a cut above the average Lamai restaurant, with a wide selection of wines and fresh seafood on display.
Other Places
Sunset House - For Thai and international seafood, this restaurant right on the water in Nathon town actually lives up to its name. Unlike other 'sunset' restaurants on the island, this one actually faces west. Figure on THB 200 per person for main dishes.
Big John Seafood - On the island's west coast, near Taling Ngam beach, Big John's is a place for a full evening's entertainment, starting with drinks while watching the sun set, on to a fresh seafood dinner, and then after-diner entertainment with live music. The restaurant can also arrange to pick you up from your hotel and send you back.