Welcome to our guide to the best restaurants in Fisherman’s Village, one of Koh Samui’s most iconic dining spots. We’ve been living in Bophut for over three years now, and between countless sunset dinners, date nights, and catch-ups with friends, we’ve eaten at just about every restaurant in the village—some of them more times than we’d like to admit! If you’re looking for honest, local recommendations, this guide is for you.
If you’re planning a visit to Koh Samui, Fisherman’s Village is an absolute must. By day, it’s all about chilled coffees, boutique shopping and lazy lunches with sea views. By night, the whole village comes alive—think fire shows, buzzing beach bars, sunset dinners, and one of the best night markets on the island.
We’ve eaten at just about every restaurant here (more than once!), and this guide is regularly updated with our top picks—whether you’re craving Thai, Italian, steaks, seafood or something a little fancy.
A Few Quick Things to Know Before You Eat…
- Night markets run every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. Here you’ll find live music, lots of street food, happy hour drinks, and everything from souvenirs to knock-off football shirts.
- The walking street is closed to traffic from 6 pm to 10 pm, so plan ahead for parking (bike parking costs ฿20–40).
- Restaurants here get busy so make sure to book ahead if you can! Beachfront tables often go fast.
- Expect slightly higher prices than elsewhere on the island. This is one of the most popular dining areas, but it’s 100% worth it for the setting, service, and quality.
- Most restaurants open late afternoon; check times online before you go.
- Some spots offer beach seating; I’ve made a note of that below where it applies.
💡 Tip: Paying in baht? We use Wise to avoid crazy card fees while travelling. Easy to set up and perfect for Thailand.
Jump to your favourite cuisine
🇹🇭 THAI RESTAURANTS 🇹🇭
🇮🇹 ITALIAN RESTAURANTS 🇮🇹
🥩 STEAK RESTAURANTS 🥩
🇮🇳 INDIAN RESTAURANTS 🇮🇳
🇹🇭 THAI RESTAURANTS 🇹🇭
Charm
One of our top picks for Fisherman’s Village has to be Charm, it’s a laidback, family-run restaurant serving up Asian fusion dishes that continue to impress us. The menu is led by MasterChef UK’s Renata Winters, and you’ll find several of her creations from the show here, including the Red Snapper with Miso Glaze, Papaya Salad with Confit Duck, and her famous Chocolate Fondant that left the judges speechless.
It’s the perfect restaurant for families, groups, or casual date nights. The vibe is chilled with a great ’80s playlist and super-friendly service. Make sure to start with the sharing platter to sample favourites like the Cauliflower Bombs and crispy Laab Moo Tod. For mains, we love the Weeping Tiger Steak and the Hor Mok Ma Prow, a seafood curry served inside a coconut, but the Miso Snapper, Massaman with slow-cooked beef cheek AND the spicy Jungle Curry are also incredible – it’s so hard to pick our favourites here! Oh and you mustn’t miss out on their famous Pornstar Martini!
Reservations are an absolute MUST. Just send a DM on Facebook or Instagram to reserve your table.
The Thai Tapas
A refreshingly different take on Thai food, and a firm favourite of The White Lotus cast during their time filming in Samui.
This beautifully designed restaurant features unique local artworks, natural textures, and a small outdoor dining area surrounded by lush greenery. Everything feels thoughtfully put together, allowing the bold flavours and bright colours of the food to shine.
The menu focuses on small plates with a twist, perfect for sharing. Our favourites include the chilli clams, chicken tacos, shrimp cakes, and an incredible mango tarte tatin for dessert. There are fewer options for vegetarians, but what they do offer is always delicious.
Reservations are highly recommended. Just send them a DM via Facebook or Instagram.
La Brisa (Beachside)
La Brisa is one of those beachside spots that somehow still feels like a hidden gem. During the day, it’s quiet and the perfect place to relax with a smoothie or cold beer in one of their sea view booths, soaking up the views across the water to Koh Phangan.
Come evening, the atmosphere shifts as tables are set up on the sand (after 5pm, when beach dining is permitted) and the fresh seafood display takes centre stage. Their famous seafood platter includes tiger prawns, blue crab or local squid, a whole grilled fish, and you can even add lobster if you’re feeling fancy. Everything is cooked fresh to order and served with a selection of sides and all for just ฿990 (£23.00).
Our top picks have to be the seafood platter for two, the spicy papaya salad, and any of the fried rice dishes.
💡 If you’re hoping to dine right on the beach, swing by before 6 pm and speak to Tun or Angel to reserve a table.
Ran Khang Non (Just Outside the Village)
Just a short stroll from Fisherman’s Village, this tiny family-run Thai kitchen is one of our all-time favourite hidden gems, serving up authentic local dishes in what is essentially their lush, plant-filled front garden.
You’ll find the menu on the walls, with pictures, English names and prices, and if you’re stuck, the lovely owner Ta is always happy to help. They’re best known for their incredible Khao Soi, which you can order with a choice of proteins, but we also highly recommend the Pomelo Shrimp Salad and their Mango Sticky Rice to finish.
It’s dine-in only, super casual, and brilliant value for money. Find them just before the roundabout, directly opposite the entrance to Wat Bo Phuttharam – I’ve linked the Google Maps location above.
Open for lunch and dinner, closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
🇮🇹 ITALIAN RESTAURANTS 🇮🇹
2Fishes (Beachside)
Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Village, 2 Fishes is one of our absolute favourite restaurants in all of Koh Samui, and the perfect choice for sunset dinners, special occasions, or simply spoiling yourself on holiday.
Led by Chef Leandro, who brings his Italian heritage and deep culinary expertise to every dish, this is elevated Italian dining at its finest. Handmade pasta, local seafood, and premium imported ingredients all showcased in unique and inspired Italian dishes. The menu features a range of weekly changing specials alongside fresh fish, meat dishes, and show-stopping starters, each one thoughtfully plated and full of flavour.
Some of our top picks include: their famous iceberg salad with black truffle dressing, creamy pappardelle with wild mushrooms, linguine vongole, fresh oysters, antipasto, and the Tagliata di Manzo; a juicy chargrilled Black Angus ribeye sliced over rocket with roasted shallots, parmesan, and rosemary garlic oil.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a romantic date night, or just want to experience one of the best meals on the island make sure 2 Fishes is on your list. Reservations are an absolute must and they are closed on Mondays.
To book send them a DM on Facebook or Instagram or give them a call +66 99 281 9973.
Gusto Italiano & Gusto Bistro (Beachside)
Owned by a charming Italian couple, these two laidback beachfront restaurants bring an authentic taste of Italy to Koh Samui, and we’ve genuinely lost count of how many times we’ve dined here.
Expect generous antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and a fantastic selection of handmade pastas. The menu features all the classics plus some lesser-known regional favourites, and both restaurants have a great wine and gin list to match. If you’re visiting between 5 pm–7 pm, swing by Gusto Bistro for aperitivo hour. When you order a drink, you’ll receive a delicious mini plate of nibbles, from fried fish balls to Italian cold cuts.
Our top picks have to be the Spaghetti alle Vongole, Fettuccine alla Salentina (with tuna, pistachio & sun-dried tomatoes) and of course, the classic tiramisù to finish.
Beach tables go fast, so we recommend booking ahead if you want to dine with your toes in the sand. Just swing by earlier in the day or give them a call on +66 7733 2514.
Coco Tams (Beachside)
Coco Tam’s is one of the most iconic venues in Fisherman’s Village, known for its beachfront beanbags, stylish open-air bar, and nightly fire shows at 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm. It’s the kind of place that looks straight out of a travel magazine and is always buzzing with energy.
On the menu you’ll find wood-fired pizzas, flavour-packed pasta dishes, and one of the most creative cocktail lists in town. They also offer shishas one of the few spots in Samui we’ve found that does. The mushroom, garlic & truffle spaghetti and seafood spaghetti are our go-to orders.
A couple of quick tips:
- The bar and beach areas are cash only (you can pay by card in the restaurant)
- It’s one of the pricier spots in the village, and service can be slow during peak hours — but the views and vibes usually make up for it!
- For a front-row fire show seat, aim to arrive around 6 pm
- The service can be slow, especially in the evenings due to how busy they get for the fire show
For large groups, you can email your reservation requests to resv.cocotams@gmail.com or call +66 919 155 664.
Rice x De Pier (Beachside)
Modern and relaxed, Rice x De Pier is set in a laidback, glass-fronted space with unbeatable views over to Koh Phangan.
While you’ll find a few beachside tables available from 6 pm, we actually prefer sitting inside, where you can enjoy the uninterrupted sea views.The menu here goes well beyond the usual suspects, blending traditional Italian techniques with premium local ingredients.
Some of our favourites include the fresh local fish carpaccio, fritto misto, and the bruschetta, for mains we like the burrata pizza, rigatoni puttanesca, or my personal favourite has to be the risotto porcini and brie. Carl always goes for the BBQ pork spare ribs with a side of their super creamy mash. But if you like pizza, their flavour combos are next level, with toppings like mortadella & taleggio with pistachios and rosemary, or homemade smoked ham with black truffle sauce.
Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, Rice x De Pier is a great choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They do accept bookings by phone +66 77 430 680.
🥩 STEAK RESTAURANTS 🥩
The Shack
If you’re a steak lover, this place is non-negotiable. The Shack has been firing up the grill in Fisherman’s Village for more than 20 years and is still the go-to for the best steaks in Koh Samui.
This rhythm & blues-themed steakhouse is famous for its Prime Australian Black Angus steaks, hand-cut to size and grilled to your liking. Choose from sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, or go all out with the legendary tomahawk. Not into steak? Their seafood game is just as strong, with sushi-grade Japanese Saku tuna (my personal favourite), Maine lobster, and sweet sea scallops all on the menu.
The sides are equally epic: truffle mash, mac & cheese, and buttery asparagus. It’s got a proper buzzy atmosphere, an amazing playlist, and a loyal following, so be smart and book ahead, especially in high season.
To book, head over between 5.30 pm and 6 pm to reserve your table with manager, Toby.
Le Steak Frites
Step straight into a Parisian bistro in Fisherman’s Village. With deep reds, dark greens, warm lighting, and classic wooden furniture, Le Steak Frites feels tailor-made for a romantic date night, though it’s equally perfect for a night out with friends or a special celebration.
The concept here is refreshingly simple: one signature dish, done exceptionally well. For 1,099 THB per person, dinner begins with a crisp organic salad before moving on to the star of the show, a perfectly cooked Australian grass-fed tenderloin fillet. Don’t fancy beef? You can swap for duck breast (650 THB) or seabass fillet (550 THB). Then comes the tough decision: choosing your sauce from six house-made options (we can’t resist the Café de Paris). The meal is completed with a generous serving of their famous shoestring, hand-cut French fries
For younger diners, Le Steak Frites offers a children’s portion for 598 THB, or a choice of fish fingers or chicken nuggets with fries.
The drinks menu is as polished as the food, with a standout French Martini for cocktail lovers and a superb wine list that pairs beautifully with the rich, savoury flavours.
Open every day from 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm. We recommend booking in advance via their Facebook or Instagram.
🇮🇳 INDIAN RESTAURANTS 🇮🇳
Kohinoor
If you’re craving proper Indian food in Koh Samui, this is the place. Carl’s family are of Indian descent, so between countless family feasts and growing up around incredible home cooking, let’s just say we take our curries seriously, and Kohinoor delivers… every single time!
Located right in the heart of Fisherman’s Village (opposite Happy Elephant), this is an authentic Indian kitchen serving flavour-packed curries, tandoori dishes, delicious dhal, fluffy rice, and all the roti and naan you could dream of, and the prices are super reasonable too.
We always end up ordering too much because the menu has too many incredible dishes not to indulge. The team here are so lovely and they will always pack up our leftovers, which taste just as good if not better, the next day.
Our top picks have to be the lamb biryani, chana masala, tarka dhal, and a side (or three) of butter roti.
We love the foodie scene here in Koh Samui and these restaurants in Fisherman’s Village are easily some of the best on the island. Tourism in Koh Samui is getting back to its pre-Covid numbers and so even during low season restaurants are busy in the evenings, if you do like the look of any of these restaurants please make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment.
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Sending sunshine from Koh Samui,
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Great recommendation on La Brisa. Delicious!
Thanks Iris, it’s definitely one of our favourites in the village, we love their authentic Thai food and delicious seafood platter. What did you have?