14 Best Restaurants in Koh Lanta, Phuket and the Andaman Coast

From the outside, this restaurant looks like a standard, wooden Thai beach restaurant, but the creative cooking elevates it from the ordinary. Sizzling "hot pan" dishes of seafood in coconut cream, stir-fried morning glory, and sweet-and-sour shrimp are delicious. Specials, such as duck curry served in a hollowed-out pineapple, change daily and augment the already extensive menu.

This is one of the most popular beach bar/restaurants in Koh Lanta, mostly owing to its vibrant owner, Otto, a been-there, done-that, rocker-hippie-type with an infectious joie de vivre. It's open all day, serving delicious, fruity cocktails and a variety of barbecued meats (burgers have a following) and salads. Otto also has few basic bungalows backed away from the beach.

Time for Lime is a large, open-air restaurant right off the beach. Each night there is a different three-course set menu, and reclining chairs are placed on the recessed sandbar while music plays and wonderful cocktails (try the chili margarita) are served. They also have cooking classes. Time For Lime also offers basic yet comfortable bungalows.

All proceeds from Time For Lime go to the owner Junie's extremely worthy cause: the Lanta Animal Welfare, which has already offered much-needed help to the many strays on the island.

There are plenty of restaurants along the beach, serving international dishes and Thai classics, but this one is a step above. The seafood here is superb, especially the barracuda fillet. 

This lovely restaurant is situated at the end of a small dirt road in a wooden, traditional house with high ceilings from which colorful Chinese lanterns hang, swaying in the sea breeze. The Thai chef has a culinary vision and style that differs from the standard southern fare, so expect food a bit more sophisticated than elsewhere. The  menu reflects what was in the market that day so don't expect a menu. You can sit inside or choose to relax on the scenic wraparound terrace at the water's edge, taking in beautiful views of the horizon. 

As it is off the beaten track and less busy in the evenings, the restaurant only stays open if it receives reservations.

This is one of those quintessential backpacker-friendly cafés with a laid-back vibe, eclectic seating (including beanbags and hammocks), and all kinds of comfort food. Try the tuna wasabi sub, the DK veggie samosas in puff pastry, or a burger.

There are two kitchens, and two cuisines—Thai and Western—but the Fat Monkey is best known and loved for its large, juicy burgers. It's a pleasant place for a meal, with a pretty garden.

This extremely casual, roadside street-food restaurant serves delicious, basic, and inexpensive food that everyone loves. Try the Isaan (northeastern) catfish larb, the zingy som tam (spicy papaya salad), or the fat noodles cooked in a thick pork broth, and sticky barbecue chicken.

It's all in the name at this tiny roadside eatery presided over by the talented musician-owner who also plays local gigs. There are several varieties of delicious pad Thai.

Ask the owner when his next gig is. His band, Why Not, attracts huge crowds of locals, expats, and tourists alike and guarantees a rocking night out.

This delightful sea view restaurant in Lanta Old Town is known for its fresh seafood and Thai cuisine, but also serves great burgers and has a separate vegetarian menu. The staff are quick to recommend favorite Thai dishes, in particular the tamarind prawns and the tart pomelo salad. Great atmosphere and wonderful location. 

With tables facing out to the horizon, and fresh, flavorful seafood and fish barbecues, this is an idyllic spot for dinner by the beach. It's a simple but charming restaurant; the food certainly attracts a loyal clientele, but the service can be slow.

You can take a cooking class organized by Roi Thai, which also teaches the traditional art of fruit and vegetable carving.

With a back terrace that overlooks the beach and a pleasant atmosphere, this is a good spot for fresh seafood, classic Thai favorites, and specialities from northern Thailand.  The chicken satay here is particularly good.

Serving Thai and European fusion food in an atmospheric garden setting, with a compact menu that creative chef Ed Qarré renews every six weeks, Red Snapper, unsurprisingly, has become one of the island's most happening restaurants. If you're hungry order one of their large platters, or opt for a wonderful selection of tapas dishes if your palate is yearning for adventure; the eponymous red snapper is always succulent and fresh. Cocktails, too, are innovative; try the Thaipiroska for a locally inspired alcoholic kick.

On a romantic seafront terrace of the Layana Resort, this restaurant is a romantic spot for sophisticated dinner. Look for daily specials like grilled giant prawns, as well as more traditional Thai dishes like green curry and a selection of international classics. The sommelier has extensive knowledge of the restaurant's wine list and will take time to find the perfect combination for your meal. Start out your night at sunset, by sinking into one of the resort's giant beanbags set on the beach right in front of the restaurant, and order a Coco Loco cocktail and Kaffir-lime toasted peanuts, before moving to the dining area for an elegant meal.