Exploring Bophut is perfect for the food lovers amongst us. Here, you’ll find different venues with different ambiences, from beachfront elegance to casual and relaxed.
The restaurants here not only serve delicious Thai dishes, they also cater to diverse international tastes. Whether you crave fresh seafood, spicy curries, or a gourmet burger, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate.
Carry on reading to find out about the best restaurants in Bophut, where I share my experiences to help you taste the best Bophut can offer.
Fisherman’s Village Street Food
When I visited Bophut, it was the vibrant street food scene that drew me into the famous Fisherman’s Village. The variety is astounding – a world of flavors that bring Thai cuisine to life, with so much to choose from.
I treated myself to some mouth-watering Pad Thai from a stall that’s been around for years. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the peanuts added a delightful crunch.
Another must-try is the grilled seafood. Fresh prawns, squid, and fish are cooked right before your eyes. The smoky aroma is hard to resist.
One of my favourites was the mango sticky rice. The sweetness of the mango paired with the creamy, sticky rice is a perfect way to end a meal.
Feeling adventurous? Look for the fried insects stand. Expectedly crunchy yet surprisingly flavourful, it sure is a unique experience.
Strolling through the streets, you’ll also find various fruit stands. Freshly cut pineapple, watermelon, and mango treat you to a refreshing break from the rich flavours of the other dishes.
The evenings are the best time to visit Fisherman’s Village, when the atmosphere is lively, bustling with both locals and tourists enjoying these diverse offerings. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Thai street food.
1: Chez François
Chez François is a gem nestled in the heart of Fisherman’s Village. The restaurant is run by Chef Francois Porte, who brings decades of experience from his illustrious career in Dubai.
He’s prepared dishes for The Royal Family and world leaders, yet he’s a local at heart here who everybody knows.
The establishment feels personable, and this atmosphere extends with a warm welcome. Even walking towards this restaurant, the enticing smell of exquisite French cuisine wafts through the air and teases the tastebuds.
The menu is a delightful mix of traditional French favourites. I tried the duck confit, which was perfectly cooked and rich in flavour.
Chef Francois’ mastery of French cooking techniques were apparent with all the dishes I saw emerging from their kitchen. The whole experience felt both luxurious and comforting.
And this is why everybody loves Chez François – his love for the food he prepares, and the personal touch of Chef Francois himself. He often steps out of the kitchen to greet guests, making the experience even more unique.
Hospitality is a huge deal here. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every meal exceeds expectations. The attention to detail, from the presentation to the flavours, is impeccable.
The location of Chez François, in the picturesque Fisherman’s Village, adds to its charm. After a day exploring the village, sitting down to a meal at this restaurant feels like a treat.
The combination of great food, superb service, and a lovely setting makes it a must-visit when in Bophut.
Location: 33/2 Moo1 Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 96 071 1800
2: Red Moon
The Red Moon in Bophut is one to add to your list. The atmosphere is vibrant, with a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening. The restaurant has an endearing setting, with colourful decor that adds to its appeal.
The menu at Red Moon is diverse, offering a variety of dishes. I particularly enjoyed the fresh seafood; the grilled prawns were a standout. The flavours were rich and the presentation was impeccable, which made my meal even more enjoyable.
Service at Red Moon was top-notch. The staff were fast, helpful and friendly, making sure all my needs were met promptly. They were also very knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations.
Location: Fisherman village, 12 Moo 1 Thanon Haad, Bo Put, Suratthani, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 61 262 6141
3: Happy Elephant
During my visit to Bophut, I dined at Happy Elephant, located in Fisherman’s Village. It’s a venue full of character with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The outdoor seating offers a beautiful view of the sea, which is great for a casual lunch or dinner.
One highlight of Happy Elephant is its diverse menu. They offer a mix of Thai and Western dishes, catering to different tastes. I particularly enjoyed their seafood platter, which was fresh and flavourful. The green curry was also a standout, perfectly spiced and creamy.
The staff at Happy Elephant were friendly and attentive. They made sure my experience was comfortable and pleasant. The service was prompt, and they were very knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations.
Location: 79 H25J X2J, Fisherman 9 Soi Blessing Village, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 427 222
4: Supattra Thai Dining
The Supattra Thai Dining is a must if you’re in Bophut. This restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a passion for fresh seafood.
The ingredients are sourced locally – and you can tell, from the bursts of fresh flavour in every dish. The Supattra is a cozy spot perfect for a quiet, intimate dinner, and the menu offers a great variety of traditional Thai dishes.
I can highly recommend the crab curry – truly special, with succulent meat and a rich, aromatic sauce.
The staff were great here, and hugely contributed to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the place.
Located on Sanam Bin Road, the restaurant is easy to find, offering a serene setting and a lovely view too.
Location: 32/6 Moo 4 Sanam Bin Road Bophut Koh Samui Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 93 282 8777
5: Cafe 69
Cafe 69 is a quirky and colourful spot in Bophut that makes every intention of standing out from the crowd – and it does it well.
The vibrancy and unique atmosphere of this venue make it somewhere you just have to visit. But beyond the decor, the food is also worth making the trip.
The menu is diverse and eclectic, showboating flavourful dishes that reflect both Thai and international palattes.
The duck confit was the dish that captured my taste buds with its tender meat and crispy skin. And if you love bold flavours, the green curry and the spicy beef salad are also must-tries.
Each dish is presented beautifully, proudly displaying the chef’s attention to detail and creativity.
The friendly staff and excellent service are the cherry on the cake to this fantastic restaurant. The cozy yet lively setting makes Cafe 69 perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Location: 157, 52, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 81 978 1945
6: Buddies Gastrobar
Buddies Gastrobar in Bophut is a venue I stumbled upon during my travels, and knew straight away I’d have to share this with everyone. The place exudes a warm, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed yet quality dinner.
Hospitality is much part of the culture here in Bophut, but the staff at Buddies were exceptionally welcoming and provided excellent service.
The decor is modern and colourful yet also comfortable – you can’t help but feel chilled out here.
The menu features a range of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. I loved their burgers (multiple, as I made a beeline to return here), which were cooked and seasoned to perfection.
The drinks menu is also vast, with both fantastic cocktails and local drinks available at reasonable prices.
The location is convenient, nestled in a lively area of locals and tourists – it’s easy to find, and parking was hassle-free. It’s a delightful location with a quirkiness to it.
Location: 1/76 Moo 6 Bophut Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 Bophut, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 96 660 0690
7: Gusto Italiano
Gusto Italiano is a lovely spot right in the heart of Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, and I recently enjoyed a delightful meal there.
The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, sticking to old regional traditions with a modern twist. Hand-made pasta is their star attraction, so I opted for it, and it really was exceptional.
The pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven, were equally delicious, with authentic Italian appeal.
They truly use only the highest-quality ingredients to craft their dishes. Every meal is bubbling with flavour, the kind of meal you think of the following day!
The exquisite setting adds to the charm. You can choose to dine right by the beach or opt for the romantic terrace with a sea view.
Dining with the sound of the waves in the background was peaceful yet exhilarating, and I’d love to return here one day.
Location: 73/3 Moo 1 Fisherman Village, Bophut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 77 332 514
8: Salefino Koh Samui
Salefino Koh Samui offers a dining experience that’s hard to beat. It has a little bit of everything – luxury, comfort, stunning backdrop, and incredible food.
If you want a fancy meal out without the fussy atmosphere, this place is perfectly relaxed. I was drawn in by the charming ambience and friendly staff who made me feel right at home.
The menu is filled with delectable dishes. I highly recommend the seafood linguine; it’s cooked beautifully and generously portioned, too.
The wine selection is also impressive, and staff helped me pair the perfect choice to compliment the meal.
Salefino is conveniently located and easy to find. I actually stumbled across it after a day of exploring the island – a wonderful find I’d highly recommend.
Location: ตําบล บ่อผุด, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66 91 825 2190
Overview Of Bophut’s Culinary Scene
Bophut is located on the north coast of Koh Samui, and offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene. Here’s what I love about Bophut, and why it is a must for all you fellow food enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics
Bophut is known for its uniquely charming atmosphere and variety of dining experiences. The iconic Fisherman’s Village is the heart of this culinary hotspot, where you can find quaint, rustic buildings housing trendy cafes, high-end restaurants, and casual beachside eateries.
The village comes alive at night, especially during the weekly walking street market, where food stalls offer local delights alongside handmade crafts.
Bophut’s dining scene soaks up the fusion of traditional Thai and Western cuisines, and it’s why so many people flock here. You’ll find both classic and innovative Thai dishes to suit different palates, often incorporating fresh seafood caught locally.
Restaurants here use the very best of fresh ingredients, and come up with creative dishes that make dining in Bophut a memorable and exhilarating experience.
Popular Cuisines
Thai cuisine reigns supreme in Bophut, with a strong focus on dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry, and Pad Thai, often creatively improved with freshly-caught seafood.
For example, prawns and squid in the spicy papaya salad Som Tum add a unique coastal twist to the classic dish.
And it’s not just traditional Thai food we’re talking about. You’ll also find international dining options such as Italian, French, and Japanese restaurants to explore. Venues like the acclaimed Jungle Club host their guests with authentic pizzas and pasta, and sensational panoramic views.
Street food is another major aspect of the dining scene. Grab a quick satay skewer or a refreshing coconut ice cream from a roadside local. These local treats provide a genuine taste of Thai culture in Bophut’s lively streets.
Top Dining Experiences
Bophut offers a delightful range of dining experiences, from relaxing beachfront settings to elegant fine dining options. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood by the sea or savour gourmet dishes in sophisticated surroundings.
Beachfront Dining
One of my favourite dining experiences in Bophut is to dine on the beachfront. Imagine dining with your feet in the sand, listening to the waves crash, and enjoying a beautiful sunset.
The variety of restaurants along the beach is impressive, with many offering fresh seafood dishes.
I enjoyed some fantastic seafood at Coco Tam’s. Their grilled prawns are a must-try, with a perfect balance of seasoning and freshness. For a more relaxed vibe, Happy Elephant Restaurant provides an excellent beachfront setting and delicious Thai dishes.
Sunset views and a good meal? Perfect.
Fine Dining Options
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated meal, check out The Dining Room at The Hansar. Their menu features contemporary French cuisine with Thai influences. I particularly enjoyed their lobster bisque, which was rich and flavourful.
Another exquisite option is Zazen Restaurant, known for its romantic setting and gourmet menu. Their tasting menu offers a fantastic offering of various textures and flavours. The duck breast with orange sauce was my favourite.
Local Ingredients And Specialities
The local ingredients and specialities of Bophut reflect the rich culinary tradition of Thailand. You’ll find everything from the freshest catches of the day to the intense flavours of traditional Thai dishes.
Fresh Seafood
Being an island, Bophut offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Daily catches from the Gulf of Thailand include fish, prawns, and squid. I visited a restaurant right on the Bophut Beach, where the grilled snapper was out of this world, seasoned simply with salt and lime.
Blue Crab is another local delicacy, often served steamed with a spicy seafood dipping sauce. The large prawns are typically prepared in a garlic and pepper stir-fry, enriching the fresh taste of the ocean.
Traditional Thai Flavours
Traditional Thai flavours are the core of Bophut’s culinary scene. Common ingredients include lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which infuse dishes with their distinctive aromas.
Pla Sam Rod, or three-flavoured fish, is a popular local dish. Deep-fried fish is coated with a sauce made from fish sauce, tamarind, and chilli.
Another favourite of mine was Som Tum, a green papaya salad that is both spicy and refreshing, often enjoyed with sticky rice.
Thai curries are also popular, with Gaeng Kiew Wan (green curry) being a favourite, and on another level to what you’d get at home. This dish is made with coconut milk, green chillies, and a choice of meat or tofu. It offers a balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavours that I found absolutely delightful.