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City dining guide

Best restaurants in Baan Khai

5 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 1

Dear Phangan

Bib Gourmand฿฿Thai

Surrounded by a small garden of papaya, banana, tamarind and fresh herbs, this tranquil open-air eatery feels a world away from full-moon clichés. Booking is essential, as the chef prepares only the exact number of portions each day. The blind menu changes with fresh finds from the local market and pier, alongside seasonal fruits and edible flowers grown in the garden. Highlights include crisp yet juicy deep-fried fermented catfish, while the squid stir-fried with ink and shrimp paste shows off just how fresh the ingredients are.

Other guide picks 4

The Ranch

฿฿฿฿Steakhouse

The Ranch at The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is the place for meat lovers and the only real steakhouse on the island. The premium Australian beef is dry-aged in-house and served on hot plates with a wide range of sauces and side dishes, without forgetting a knockout line-up of grilled dishes and seafood options. High ceilings, wooden furnishings and a splendid display of old and new world wines set the scene in the smart dining room.

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Long Dtai

฿฿฿Southern Thai, Thai

After crossing shallow waters, you reach this private island resort off Samui’s east coast. From the restaurant’s terrace, diners enjoy panoramic views of the bay as they sample chef David Thompson’s fab creations. His Southern Thai menu is deceptively simple and his consummate culinary talent is revealed in the details. Start with grilled squid, marinated in turmeric and coconut milk to accentuate its freshness. Marine sustainability is the name of the game here.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

Located on a private island accessible by boat or amphibious truck, Long Dtai offers a unique setting with spectacular views, ideal for romantic dinners. The cuisine focuses on authentic Southern Thai flavors, with dishes like Coconut Crab Curry praised for their richness and fresh ingredients. However, spice levels are a significant concern; multiple reviews note that mains are excessively hot and difficult to adjust, rendering some meals inedible. Service experiences vary widely: while many guests appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, others report inconsistencies, language barriers, and inflexible seating arrangements that detract from the experience. Although the ambiance and food quality are generally high, the unpredictable spiciness and variable service standards mean expectations should be managed accordingly.

Suitable for diners seeking unique island views and authentic Southern Thai flavors, though those sensitive to spice should exercise caution when ordering.

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FishHouse

฿฿฿seafood

Set inside the Kimpton Kitalay resort, FishHouse crafts à la carte European recipes using the freshest local ingredients. Take a seat on the deck overlooking the beach and enjoy the sea breeze and the lively atmosphere by the pool where sunbathers sip cocktails. Start with ceviche, bursting with fresh tropical passionfruit flavours and perfectly marinated diced seabass. The Black Paella with squid and squid ink is ideal to share.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

FishHouse, located on Choeng Mon Beach, holds an average rating of 4.5/5. Most reviews praise the fresh seafood, delicious dishes, and pleasant seaside atmosphere. Service is generally commended as friendly and professional. However, negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, inconsistent food quality (e.g., overcooked octopus), and isolated serious food safety concerns resulting in illness. While some guests noted high prices or occasional service lapses, the restaurant remains a recommended destination for its quality ingredients and scenic setting.

Suitable for diners seeking fresh seafood and seaside views, but avoid peak hours and monitor food safety.

🕐 Mo-Su 10:00-22:00

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Khao Horm

฿฿Southern Thai

Just 5 minutes from the airport, Khao Horm is a great spot to get your last-minute fill of delicious Southern Thai and local recipes before flying home. The family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for over a century. We recommend the stir-fried minced pork whose yellow curry paste features a gutsy mix of spices. The main dining room is set in a large open-air pavilion. They also offer AC indoor dining and plenty of parking too.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Baan Bang Rak, Khao Horm offers authentic Southern Thai cuisine recognized by the MICHELIN Guide. Reviewers frequently praise the fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, highlighting dishes like yellow curry, mango salad, and coconut water. However, opinions diverge significantly regarding ambiance and service. While some enjoy the rustic, open-air setting, others report issues with flies, hygiene, and slow or unfriendly service. Value is also mixed, with some finding it expensive relative to portion sizes. This restaurant suits travelers seeking genuine local tastes who are comfortable with basic facilities and potential wait times.

Suitable for diners seeking authentic Southern Thai flavors who accept basic facilities.