10 Best Beachfront Restaurants in Koh Samui

Zazen is an award-winning restaurant located right on the beach, toward the western end of Bophut. It serves traditional Thai regional dishes with fine-dining touches and culinary flair sprinkled throughout. 

The extent of the care put into each dish is reflected in the high cost of dining here and the French chef spares no effort in his quest for perfection, even growing his own herbs. Part of the Zazen Boutique Resort, Zazen is a great place for a memorable and romantic dinner by the seaside.

Baobab is a quaint beach restaurant just south of Ammatara Pura Pool Villas on Lamai Beach. Run by a Franco-Thai couple, it leaves no place to wonder why it became one of the most popular beachfront venues in Lamai. It has a beach club atmosphere, rustic yet comfortable setting, friendly staff, and a thick menu consisting of Thai, French and western dishes.  

Sabienglae Restaurant in Lamai is an outstanding local Thai restaurant. It serves excellent local cuisine in an easy-going setting right by the beach, with low prices given the quality. 

The restaurant is between the main ring road around Koh Samui (Route 4169) and the beach, just south of the renowned Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks. The fact that Sabienglae is very popular with locals is a good sign, making it a great place in Lamai if you want to get a true taste of Thailand.

No Stress Beach Bar & Restaurant is, as the name suggests, a relaxing place to chill out on Lamai Beach. With sun loungers, umbrellas, and a great selection of food and beverages, it has all you need for a relaxing day on the beach. Use of sun loungers, towels, and Wi-Fi is free, though you should order at least a drink or 2 while you're here.

Som is a simple local restaurant set directly on the beach, offering splendid views of Koh Phangan. This family-run establishment serves a good choice of traditional Thai and international dishes, as well as the catch of the day. 

The restaurant’s look is pretty basic – it’s essentially just a wooden seaside shack – but the atmosphere is serene and friendly, thanks to the management and staff. Som is located in the central part of Bang Po, north of Koh Samui.

The Island View Restaurant is a beachfront venue in Taling Ngam, on the west coast of Samui Island. This sundowner spot is a great place to relax on the beach while sampling delicious local specialities.

This simple restaurant is mostly made of bamboo and thatch, with coconut trees providing shade. Food-wise, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes. The Island View Restaurant also serves excellent cocktails at discounted prices during happy hour (5 pm to 6.30 pm).

Baitong is the signature restaurant of Banana Fan Sea Samui, a stylish and affordable resort right on the beach in central Chaweng. It has a rather large, open-sided dining room right next to the swimming pool, with a dozen tables set on the white sand of Chaweng Beach. 

With an extensive menu of Thai and western favourites, Baitong is a great place for a tropical dinner under the stars with your toes in the sand. Happy hour is from noon to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm.