The salty ocean breezes, spectacular sea views and picturesque beach setting pair up well with a fishy feast. Beachfront restaurants and seafood haunts abound in Samui, so you’re in luck if you’re craving for a scrumptious seafood spread.

With so many eateries to choose from, picking the best place for dinner may be a challenge. Here’s where we come in handy with a little guide that details some of the best seafood finds in Samui: 

Had Bang Po

Fill up your table with some of the tastiest plates on the menu, like the fish in tamarind chili sauce, crispy calamari and seafood with green mango salad. The dishes won’t arrive quickly at this family-run beachside haunt, but are well worth the wait. Time will pass quickly, especially when you have bottles of cold beers, the salty sea breezes and ocean views to occupy the wait.

Location: Beachside restaurant along the ring road between Maenam and Nathon

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Barracuda @ The Wharf

Located at the end of the walking street at Bo Phut, Barracuda @ The Wharf is a spacious and stylish restaurant that hugs close to the shores. Be prepared to feast on an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked using quality local ingredients. The menu isn’t extensive, but undergoes regular changes to keep things interesting for diners. A cosy ambience and impeccable service completes an enjoyable dining experience here.

Location: The Wharf Samui 62/9 Moon 1, Bophut

Hours: 6pm – 11pm

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Takho Bangpo

A beachside setting, in addition to delectable fare at affordable prices makes Takho Bangpo a well-loved choice for locals and travellers alike. The restaurant caters to local tastes, so don’t be surprised to find exotic items – like wasp larvae with coconut milk or horse crab egg salad – listed on the menu. If you’re not up for unordinary flavours, stick to classics like the crab curry or grilled and stir-fried seafood dishes. We hear the green mango salad, tom waay and bpuu phat kari are excellent too.

It’s best to arrive early with an empty stomach, and kickstart a leisurely evening with a plate of crunchy fried fish (the perfect beer snack!) and ice cold local beers.

Location: 56/4 Moo 6, Maenam

Hours: 10am – 10pm

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Krua Chao Baan

Similar to other beachfront haunts, Krua Chao Baan boasts a beachfront setting and gorgeous views out to the ocean. The interiors are kept cool with ceiling fans and tropical sea breezes, and the spacious dining area makes the restaurant a good choice for accommodating large groups.

You’ll find a small selection of Western fare and an extensive list of Thai dishes on the menu. Go for the gaeng som, a dish of tangy sour curry, or the red snapper with chili. Other recommended items include the steamed fish in lemon juice or barbecued fish with chilies. Make sure you order plenty of coconut juice to keep hydrated and cool down the fire on your palate.

Location: 438 / 18 Moo1, Maret , Koh Samui

Hours: 10am – 10pm

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Kob Thai

This hiddem gem sits in a hard-to-find area along Soi Haad Lamai 3, just 600 metres away from the coast. It may not be the easiest restaurant to locate, but it wins diners over with its relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and fautless service. Once you’ve arrived, take your pick between dining at the spacious open-air venue or in one of the eight wooden salas bordering a swimming pool.

Flip through the menu and you’ll find Thai favourites aplenty, like the well-loved crab curry, tom yum soup with shrimp, Thai basil chicken and papaya salad. Round out your meal on a sweet note by ordering the decadent mango with sticky rice.

Location: Had Lamai 3, Lamai Beach

Hours: 1030am – 11pm

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Red Snapper Restaurant & Bar

Most of the restuarants featured in this post feature a casual, fuss-free setting that’s great for a leisurely meal on the weekends. But what if you’re looking for a sleek and chic spot for a special dinner or event?

When the occasion calls for a special setting, head over to Red Snapper Restaurant & Bar. There are two dining sections here; guests may dine in cool comfort in an air conditioned area or enjoy the tropical breezes at the open-air terrace. Other elements, like the décor, privacy, ambience, service and entertainment are thoughtfully planned out to ensure an excellent dining experience.

Live music keep the mood lively and energetic from 9:30pm till the early hours of the morning, and the dining spaces come furnished with contemporary pieces. Best of all is the extensive menu, which promises to tickle your tastebuds with an array of Mediterranean, European and fusion fare.

Location: 155/4 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach Road

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 1130am – 2pm and 530pm – 10 pm

Saturday: 530pm – 1030pm

Sunday: 5pm – 9pm

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Feasting at Samui’s walking streets

Some may enjoy eating in an impeccable setting, but the die-hard foodies amongst us will go where the tastiest items are – regardless of the setting. In fact, they might even think that tucking into street food along the open roads adds to the charm of an authentic dining experience. After all, when you’re in Rome, you’ve got to do as the locals do, don’t you?

If street food feasting is right up your alley, pop by one of the many walking streets on the island during the evening. The food section will be bustling with numerous stalls selling items like grilled squid, prawn pad thai, seafood omelette and fishes cooked in a tangy sweet and sour sauce or a combination of herbs, lime and chilies.

If you’ve got an insatiable appetite, there are abundant offerings to fill up your tummy with, like noodle soups, chewy fish balls, crispy fried prawns and the surprisingly spicy tom yum goong. Don’t worry about the calories – you can walk it off after dinner by wandering through the labyrinth of stalls within the walking streets.

Location: Islandwide

Hours: The food stalls usually operate from 4:30pm till late

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