Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Surat Thani> Location: Ko Samui/Chaweng Beach

General

Bellini - Very slick
46/26 Moo 3 Chaweng, Ko Samui - Surat Thani
Tel: (077) 413 831;
http://www.bellini-samui.com

Very slick contemporary Italian restaurant on one of Chaweng's most stylish little sois. Bellini's has top grade Italian food at moderate to high prices. A good place to swing by before or after a few drinks at Guapa or Pod.
Type of Food: Italian /

Betelnut - Pricey but very good
Chaweng Beach - Surat Thani

Fusion has been done to death and it's still being thrashed out here at this cozy tucked away spot, but by a friendly chef both knowledgeable and passionate about what he calls Californiathai food. It's pricey by Samui standards but for the quality, it's outstanding. Not very vegetarian friendly at all. Start with a cocktail at Guapa.
Type of Food: International / Seafood /

Chaweng Khaosan Restaurant and Bakery - Keep on walkin
Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui - Surat Thani
Tel: (09) 967 5854;

Imagine all the worst aspects of Chaweng and Khao San bakeries and roll them into one - the results are Chaweng Khaosan Restaurant and Bakery. Keep on walking.
Type of Food: Bakery / International / Thai /

Guapa - Simply outstanding
Chaweng Blvd - Surat Thani
Tel: (09)289 1305;

Top spot. This gorgeous little place certainly isn't cheap, but their cocktails are excellent - in wonderful big glasses - and their tapas fare is also very good. A delightful little hole-in-the-wall, two very friendly hosts and a great location on Chaweng's best soi make this well worth a visit to start or top off an evening, though if you're on a tight budget the prices may make you grimace.
Type of Food: Spanish /

Samui Wave - Great backpacker's spot
Chaweng Beach Rd, Ko Samui - Surat Thani
http://www.thewavesamui.com

Located just up from Charlie's Huts, Samui Wave is the backpacker's choice on Chaweng Beach. Samui Wave has a comprehensive guide book library, friendly staff and the western management spend a lot of their time giving some pretty good advice to travellers to Samui and further afield. Free videos are screened as required. Prices are very reasonable, with the cheap Beer Chang and tasty veggie spring rolls winning us over. Limited outdoor seating is very good for people watching. Accommodation is also available upstairs. See their website for further information.
Type of Food: International / Thai /

The Deck - Great for people watching
Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui - Surat Thani

This very popular multi-level bar and restaurant is a great spot for people watching - in particular try the upstairs terrace later on in the evening when they let all the lunatics out. Farang food on offer is moderately priced but nothing outstanding.
Type of Food: International / Thai /

Tropical Murphy's - The Irish pub of Ko Samui
Chaweng Beach - Surat Thani
Tel: (077) 413 614;
http://www.tropicalmurphys.com

Easily the most popular Irish pub on the island, Tropical Murphy's is particularly popular late afternoon when the pavement seating fills up with lobster-tanned tourists trying to cool off with large doses of ice-cold beer. Gets rowdy later in the evenings, but early on is a fun spot. Very popular.
Type of Food: International /