Located on the eastern side of Bophut sits Fisherman’s Village, a rare historical gem that maintains the charm of Koh Samui’s original Thai-Chinese culture. A once thriving fishing community first established in the 17th century, the old wooden shophouses and homes remain with a maze of narrow alleyways connecting them all.
With the latest season of The White Lotus putting Koh Samui in the spotlight, the island is drawing more travelers than ever—and Fisherman’s Village remains at the heart of it all.
Aside from being home to the descendants of Samui’s original Chinese and Malay fishermen (many of whom still fish each day), it’s also the island’s dining hub, boasting over 40 restaurants, several of which are set up directly on the beach.
So, if you needed an excuse to get some food in your belly, we’ve rounded up some of the best times and places for you to get a meal in the area.
Read also: The White Lotus Season 3: The Most Beautiful Filming Locations In Thailand And Where To Stay Nearby
Brunch
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Bar Baguette: Quite possibly home to some of the best coffee in Samui, Bar Baguette is particularly popular for breakfast and brunch thanks to great ocean views (and subsequent people watching) and the freshly baked pastries.
Beach Coconut Bowls: Awarded Best Healthy Restaurant & Cafe Thailand 2024, Beach Coconut Bowls serves wholesome, organic eats—free from artificial preservatives, additives, and refined sugars. From vibrant bowls to perfectly plated breakfast toasts, brunch doesn’t get more beach chic than this!
Greenlight Café & Bar: Another spot for the health-conscious travellers (or for those in need of a detox after a big night) would be Greenlight. Nearly all of their ingredients are locally sourced (some from their own garden!) and organic. Their smoothies are particularly good and if you’re in the mood, there is also a Yoga and Dance Studio on the premises.
Cafe K.O.B Bophut: Cafe KOB, short for “King of Bread,” is the go-to spot for fuss-free eats that fuel your day. Grab your coffee fix at their original Bophut branch and pair it with a hearty meal—best of all, it won’t break the bank!
Read also: The Luxe Nomad’s Guide to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
Dinner
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The Hut Cafe: For a truly authentic Thai experience, head over to The Hut, which is located both inside and outside the owner’s family home, giving it a really laid-back atmosphere. The food might not be flashy, but it is true to the region and the cocktails are pretty great.
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The Thai Tapas: Right by the entrance of Fisherman’s Village sits this vibrant restaurant that serves Thai cuisine tapas style. Guests are recommended to order two to three dishes each, with choices like Thai tacos, sea-bass with tom yum sauce, mango salad and more. Not yet convinced? These dishes are actually favorites of The White Lotus Season 3 cast—check out their top picks here and taste what the stars are raving about! Who knows, you might even find yourself dining at the same table they once did.
Krua Bophut: One of the most popular restaurants in Fisherman’s Village, Krua Bophut is considered one of the better restaurants on Bophut Beach with dining options both inside and directly on the sand. It is also one of the few places in the village that specialises in traditional local cuisine!
2 Fishes: Another go-to for The White Lotus cast is 2 Fishes, a beachfront Italian restaurant just five minutes from Fisherman’s Village. At the helm is Chef Leandro Panza, who honed his craft in top restaurants worldwide and brings the best of Italian tradition to Koh Samui’s shores. From local seafood to premium Australian steaks and French oysters, 2 Fishes is the perfect spot for those who appreciate good food with a stunning sea view.
Red Moon: With its red interior and bold signage, it’s hard to miss Red Moon, a French-run bar and restaurant with a New Orleans-esque vibe serving tapas, Australian steaks, Thai food and wines.
Read also: Where To Live Out The White Lotus Season 3 In Samui
Friday Night
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CoCo Tam’s: An open-air beach restaurant and bar, with plenty of seats on the terrace or directly on the sand, Coco Tam’s is quite possibly the most popular spot for sunset cocktails. Plus, there are fire shows (starting each evening at 9:30 PM) and live music!
LINK Cuisine & Lounge: An Italian-Asian fusion restaurant with a stunning upstairs lounge, an open terrace and great cocktails, Link is where you want to be when the sun goes down. There is a live DJ every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night.
Hawker Market: We, of course, can’t forget the Friday night Hawker market! Each Friday, Fisherman’s Village plays host to the most popular night market on the island. The village is closed to everything but foot traffic from about 5 PM and you can freely roam about. During this time, not only can you eat plenty of delicious local food and delicacies, or have a cocktail at one of the many bars, but you can also purchase all the souvenirs your suitcase can handle!