15 Best Restaurants in Koh Tao: Top Places to Eat, Romantic Spots, and Beachside Dining in 2025
Koh Tao is world-renowned for its diving and relaxed island lifestyle. But it’s also a genuine food lover’s paradise. From family-run Thai kitchens to stylish beachfront dining, the best restaurants in Koh Tao offer something for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re a backpacker looking for where to eat for cheap, a couple seeking the most romantic restaurants with sunset views, or a traveller in search of the island’s top places to eat on Koh Tao, this guide highlights the most delicious spots to try.
Why Koh Tao Is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Though smaller than Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, Koh Tao’s dining scene is impressively diverse. Many of the best restaurants in Koh Tao are owned by passionate locals and long-term expats, creating a mix of authentic Thai flavours and international comfort food.
Best Low-Budget Restaurants in Koh Tao – Where to Eat for Cheap
Ideal for divers, backpackers, and anyone wanting great food at low prices, these are the best options for where to eat for cheap on Koh Tao.
Yang’s Restaurant – Mae Haad
Yang’s Restaurant is a local favourite serving classic Thai dishes and simple Western comfort food. The portions are large, the ingredients are fresh, and prices start around 60 THB. Service can be slow during peak hours, but the food is worth the wait.
Best for: Cheap Thai food and generous portions
Must-try: Garlic pepper chicken, schnitzel and fries, green curry soup
Duck 995 – Sairee Village
A tiny, no-frills eatery that’s utterly famous for its duck noodle soup. Duck 995 has become a go-to among locals and visitors alike. Expect long lines sometimes, but the flavour and value make it worth it.
Best for: Quick lunches and meat lovers
Must-try: Duck noodle soup
Zest Café – Mae Haad & Sairee Village
Popular with divers and digital nomads, Zest Café serves hearty breakfasts and healthy smoothies. Open from 6 a.m., it’s perfect before a morning dive trip. The friendly staff and reliable Wi-Fi make it an easy place to linger.
Best for: Budget breakfasts and tasty smoothies
Must-try: English Breakfast, Very Berry smoothie
Top Places to Eat on Koh Tao – Mid-Range Dining
If you’re ready to spend a little more, these mid-range restaurants balance atmosphere, quality, and value.
Barracuda Rooftop & Wine Bar – Sairee Beach
Barracuda is one of the top places to eat on Koh Tao for seafood and sunset views. The rooftop setting overlooks Sairee Beach, and the menu combines Thai flavours with Mediterranean influences.
Best for: Fresh seafood and gorgeous sunset dining
Must-try: Tuna ceviche, Barracuda fillet
Big Tree – Chalok Baan Kao
Built around a large tree that gives it its name, Big Tree offers relaxed garden dining and a wholesome menu using fresh local produce. A favourite for breakfast or lunch among long-term residents.
Best for: Lazy afternoons, digital nomads
Must-try: Teriyaki chicken bowl, homemade sourdough
Breeze Koh Tao – Mae Haad Beach
Right on the sand, Breeze delivers one of the best beachside restaurant experiences on Koh Tao. The setting is stylish but relaxed, and the menu mixes Mediterranean and Asian flavours using seasonal ingredients.
Best for: Romantic restaurant dinners on the beach
Must-try: Snapper fillet, Laab Lamb
Best High-End Restaurants in Koh Tao
For fine dining or a special occasion, these high-end options stand out among the best restaurants in Koh Tao.
The Gallery – Sairee Hilltop
Part art gallery, part restaurant, The Gallery serves refined Thai cuisine paired with a well-curated wine list. With limited seating, reservations are essential.
Best for: Romantic restaurant dinners and special occasions
Must-try: Slow-cooked duck curry, artichoke salad
The French Market – Mae Haad
Situated on the main road between Mae Haad and Chalok, The French Market offers classic European dishes alongside creative daily specials. It’s a great choice for a celebration dinner.
Best for: Cheese lovers and special occasions
Must-try: Beef bourguignon, four seasons pasta
Charcoal Bay – Sairee Beach
Stylish and beachfront, Charcoal Bay serves grilled seafood and steak cooked over its signature charcoal oven. Candlelit tables and ocean sounds make it one of the most romantic restaurants on the island.
Best for: Tapas, beachfront dining
Must-try: Red tilapia, pork, and apple kebab
Best Restaurants in Koh Tao for Vegans and Vegetarians
Koh Tao’s plant-based dining scene continues to grow, and these spots prove that healthy food can still be full of flavour.
The Factory Café – Sairee Main Road
Trendy and welcoming, The Factory Café serves vegan burgers, smoothie bowls, and fresh salads made from local produce.
Best for: Vegan brunches and clean eating
Must-try: Açaí bowl, vegan burrito
La Carotte Qui Rit – Mae Haad
A peaceful, French-run café offering vegetarian and vegan Thai and Western dishes. La Carotte Qui Rit (the laughing carrot, in English) is perfect for a quiet lunch away from the crowds.
Best for: Home-cooked vegan meals
Must-try: Vegan Penang curry, chocolate mousse
Vegetabowl – Sairee
Bright, colourful, and healthy, Vegetabowl specialises in plant-based bowls and wraps that are both filling and beautifully presented.
Best for: Health-conscious diners
Must-try: Buddha bowl, falafel wrap
More Great Restaurants in Koh Tao Worth Trying
Babaloo Vegan Kitchen – Chalok Hilltop
Babaloo Vegan Kitchen is a local secret offering full-flavoured Thai dishes with vegetarian and vegan options. Affordable and authentic.
Best for: Budget vegan Thai food
Must-try: Nam Tok, Pad Kra Pao
Jumbo Restaurant – Sairee
True to its name, Jumbo serves hearty portions and comfort food favourites. Known for its Sunday Roast dinners, it’s one of the top places to eat on Koh Tao for travellers craving Western dishes.
Best for: Large portions for mid-range prices
Must-try: Roast pork belly, date cake with caramel sauce
Thaita Italian Restaurant – Sairee
A small, family-run Italian spot, Thaita Italian Restaurant is known for handmade pasta and authentic sauces. With its intimate setting and excellent wine list, it’s among the most romantic restaurants on Koh Tao.
Best for: Authentic Italian cuisine
Must-try: Tagliatelle with truffle cream
The Best Restaurants in Koh Tao – Final Recommendations
From casual street food to fine dining by the sea, the best restaurants in Koh Tao capture the island’s relaxed charm and global flavours. And we’re not actually sure if there’s a top place to eat on Koh Tao. They’re all great!
Whether you’re exploring the best beachside restaurants, searching for where to eat for cheap, or reserving a table at one of Koh Tao’s most romantic restaurants, this island delivers unforgettable diving for every traveller.
