Best Restaurants in Koh Tao – Where to Eat on the Island
Koh Tao may be a small island, but it has a surprisingly diverse food scene — from authentic Thai street food to high-end dining experiences.
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a beachfront meal, or a quick bite after diving, there are plenty of great places to eat.
Best Restaurants in Koh Tao (Quick Picks)
- Best Fine Dining: The Gallery Restaurant
- Best Thai Food: Mama Tam’s
- Best Local Favourite: 995 Roasted Duck
- Best Cheap Eats: Street food in Sairee
- Best Beachfront Dining: Whitening Restaurant
Top Restaurants in Koh Tao
The Gallery Restaurant (Sairee) ⭐
For a unique and memorable dining experience, The Gallery Restaurant offers a creative take on Thai cuisine in a relaxed and stylish setting.
Their “Trust the Chef” experience is especially popular, with a carefully curated tasting menu that delivers something different from typical island dining.
This is one of the best options on the island for a special evening.
Best for: Date night, special occasions, fine dining
👉 Visit The Gallery Restaurant
Mama Tam’s (Sairee)
One of the busiest Thai restaurants on Koh Tao, Mama Tam’s is a great indicator of where people actually choose to eat.
It’s very common to see customers queuing outside in the evening, especially during high season.
Best for: Authentic Thai food and local atmosphere
995 Roasted Duck (Sairee)
A very popular local restaurant that regularly has large queues outside, particularly in the evenings.
Despite how busy it gets, it remains very affordable, with most dishes under 110 baht.
As the name suggests, it specialises in duck — and even if you’re not usually a fan, it’s worth trying here.
- Duck and rice with morning glory and rich sauce
- Tom Yum (spicy) duck noodle soup (No.7 on the menu)
This is a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for something different.
Best for: Local food, value, unique dishes
Barracuda Restaurant (Sairee)
A slightly more refined restaurant offering a mix of Thai and Western dishes, with a strong focus on seafood.
Best for: Seafood and modern dining
Whitening Restaurant (Sairee Beach)
A beachfront restaurant ideal for sunset dining, cocktails, and relaxed evenings by the sea.
Best for: Beachfront dining
Street Food in Koh Tao
Some of the best food on Koh Tao isn’t found in restaurants — it’s at local street food stalls.
As you drive from Mae Haad to Sairee, you’ll see stalls on both sides of the road selling a wide range of Thai snacks and meals.
Popular options include:
- Fried chicken and donuts
- Rice soup or porridge (morning)
- Moo ping (grilled pork skewers)
- Gai ping (grilled chicken skewers)
- Moo tod (fried pork with sticky rice)
- Moo foi (sweet shredded pork with sticky rice)
These are cheap, quick, and widely eaten by locals — especially in the mornings and evenings.
Where to Eat in Koh Tao
Sairee Beach
The main restaurant area with the most choice, from street food to fine dining.
Mae Haad
Close to the ferry pier with a mix of Thai and international restaurants.
Chalok Baan Kao
A quieter area with a few hidden gems.
Restaurants in Koh Tao can get very busy in the evenings, especially in Sairee, so arriving early or being prepared to queue is normal at popular spots.
Looking for Something Special?
If you're looking for a standout dining experience on Koh Tao, The Gallery Restaurant offers something different from the usual island dining.
Explore More Koh Tao Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Koh Tao?
The Gallery Restaurant is one of the best for fine dining, while Mama Tam’s and 995 Roasted Duck are popular local favourites.
Is food expensive in Koh Tao?
No, Koh Tao offers everything from cheap street food to higher-end dining options.
Where is the best area to eat in Koh Tao?
Sairee Beach has the most variety, while Mae Haad and Chalok offer quieter alternatives.