Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Surat Thani> Location: Ko Samui » Lamai Beach

General

Bauhaus - Long-running spot
Lamai Beach Road - Surat Thani

This long-running bar, sports bar and club can make for a good night out. Keep an eye out for individual party promos, which is not difficult given the irritating pick-up they have driving around town advertising the parties with a loudspeaker... Drink prices are fair and the western food here is actually pretty good. A very popular spot for sports events.
Type of Food: International / Thai /

Buddy Beer and Susie Pub - Good for a night out
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

Owned by the same mob behind the Buddy Beer Hotel on Khao San Rd, Buddy Beer and Susie Pub mysteriously circumvent Thailand's newish tough licensing laws, often running well past 2:00am -- though this may not last. There are a number of spots to eat and drink here, though the long beach bar is our favourite, especially late afternooon. Good cheap drinks. On a busy night, this can be a very good night out.
Type of Food: International / Thai /

Il Tempio - Crowd-pleasing Italian fare
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

One of the very long-running Italian places on the Island, Il Tempio does standard, crowd-pleasing Italian fare. Prices are moderate and the service so-so, but if you want a real bowl of pasta, this is about your best choice on Lamai.
Type of Food: Italian /

Mr Pown - Standard Thai
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

Mr Pown is one of the two reasonable Thai restaurants in Lamai. The menu is seafood-leaning, but they do all the standard Thai dishes as well. Food is definitely toned down for a farang's palate. The staff have the irritating habit of standing a few feet from you watching you eat.
Type of Food: Seafood / Thai /

Rising Sun - Good comfort food
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

The English pub of Lamai, Rising Sun does a pretty good selection of bar food, screens international sports events and has a central location. Staff are friendly and helpful. For a comfort food hit, this is close to the best bet on Lamai.
Type of Food: International /

Salathai - Thai standards and seafood
Lamai Beach Road - Surat Thani

Next door to Mr Pown, and with very little to distinguish it, the menu at Salathai is very similar though the staff here are a little better. All the Thai standards available, again with a focus on seafood.
Type of Food: Seafood / Thai /

Spa Resort - Fabulous
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

This is one of Samui's most fabulous restaurants, with an emphasis on cleansing vegetarian and wholefood. The decor's nothing special, but the tables on the beach are pleasant, and the range of food is superb. Their breakfasts and juices are wonderful. Great for people who have been detoxing, either at the Spa itself, or elsewhere on Samui or Ko Pha Ngan.
Type of Food: International / some vegetarian / Thai /

Will Wait Bakery - Ok breakfasts
Lamai Beach Rd - Surat Thani

Will Wait has branches in Chaweng and Nathon, and while it is a reasonable stop for breakfast, its food is otherwise pretty poor, even given Lamai's paltry offerings. Friendly staff though.
Type of Food: Bakery / Coffee and/or Tea House / International /