Where to Eat in Koh Tao: 18 Best Restaurants in Koh Tao (2026 Guide)

Koh Tao may be famous for scuba diving, beach bars, and backpacker nightlife, but honestly, one of our favourite things about the island was the food! For such a small island in Thailand, Koh Tao has an unbelievably good food scene, from cheap local Thai food and beachside cafés to surprisingly high-end restaurants and international cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for authentic pad thai, healthy brunch spots, beachfront cocktails, sushi, Mexican food, or somewhere romantic for sunset dinner, there’s genuinely something for everyone here.

We ended up eating our way around Koh Tao for weeks during our months in Thailand, and somehow still left with a list of places we wanted to try. This guide includes all our personal favourites, first-hand experiences, and the places we’d genuinely go back to ourselves.

Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling. 

Map of the Best Restaurants in Koh Tao

Most restaurants in Koh Tao are concentrated around:

• Sairee Beach (backpacker hub + nightlife)
• Mae Haad (pier area + cafés)
• South Koh Tao (quieter cafés and resorts)

Where to Eat on Koh Tao – The 19 Best Restaurants

1. Cafe del Sol

Best for Italian Food in Koh Tao

Vibe: Romantic/modern/cosy
Best Dish: Ravioli + cheesy aubergine
Price Range: 250–500 THB
Who It’s For: Couples, date nights, Italian food lovers

We stumbled across Café del Sol early in our trip and immediately understood why so many people rave about it.

The menu is packed with homemade pasta and pizza options, and honestly, choosing what to order was stressful in the best possible way.

We ended up ordering ravioli, arrabiata pasta, and cheesy aubergine on the side, and everything was incredible.

It’s definitely not the cheapest place in Koh Tao, but for the quality of food, it’s absolutely worth visiting at least once.

2. Family Kitchen

Best for Authentic Thai Food & Sunset Drinks

Vibe: Local/relaxed/beachfront
Best Dish: Morning glory with crispy garlic pork
Price Range: 80–180 THB
Who It’s For: Backpackers, couples, budget travellers

If we had to pick just one restaurant to recommend in Koh Tao, it would probably be Family Kitchen.

Hidden down a small alley near Sairee Beach, this place became our go-to spot during our stay, and we ended up eating here a lot. The food was consistently amazing, super affordable, and the location near the beach made it even better around sunset.

The stir-fried morning glory with crispy garlic pork was hands down our favourite dish on the entire island. We also loved the Massaman curry, spring rolls, and milkshakes.

They also run a happy hour in the evenings, which made it dangerously easy to stay longer than planned.

3. Breeze

Best for Relaxed Italian Dining Near the Pier

Vibe: Relaxed/modern date-night spot
Best Dish: Creamy spaghetti pasta
Price Range: 200–450 THB
Who It’s For: Couples, pier arrivals, Italian food lovers

If you can’t already tell, we clearly ate a lot of Italian food in Koh Tao, and Breeze ended up being another one of our favourites. Located close to Mae Haad Pier, it’s a super convenient place to eat, either when arriving on the island or if you’re staying nearby.

The menu had loads of pasta and pizza options, but we were both craving pasta after eating Thai food for days straight. Leah ordered a gluten-free creamy spaghetti dish, which was honestly incredible,  and yes, Alex definitely stole half of it. The restaurant itself had a really welcoming atmosphere with lovely décor and a chilled island vibe that made us want to stay longer than planned. We sat outside watching a storm brewing in the distance over the ocean, which somehow made the experience even better.

4. Milk & Honey 

Best Hidden Gem Café

Vibe: Café /relaxed/local favourite
Best Dish: Big breakfast platters
Price Range: 150–300 THB
Who It’s For: Groups, brunch lovers, scooter travellers

Located slightly south of Mae Haad, Milk & Honey was one of the biggest surprises on the island.

The portions here are HUGE, and the owner was incredibly friendly, coming over to chat to almost every table.

The iced coffees arrived almost instantly, and the homemade pastries looked unreal.

5. The French Market

Best European Bakery & Breakfast Spot

Vibe: European café/bakery / relaxed brunch
Best Dish: Fresh pastries & sourdough bread
Price Range: 120–350 THB
Who It’s For: Breakfast lovers, couples, coffee lovers

The French Market feels completely different from most restaurants in Koh Tao in the best possible way. Walking in genuinely feels like stepping into a European bakery rather than somewhere on a small Thai island.

The pastries, sourdough, croissants, and fresh bread were all ridiculously good and made us miss Europe slightly less while backpacking in Thailand. They also serve breakfast dishes and even have a dedicated pizzeria section run by a chef with years of pizza-making experience.

It’s a little further inland, so having a scooter definitely helps, but it’s absolutely worth the trip if you want a break from typical backpacker food.

6. Coconut Monkey

Best Backpacker Café in Koh Tao

Vibe: Backpacker / vegan-friendly / social
Best Dish: Divers wrap + coconut milkshake
Price Range: 100–220 THB
Who It’s For: Backpackers, vegans, brunch lovers

Every backpacker we met told us to visit Coconut Monkey, and they were right.

This place always seemed busy, but still had such a chilled atmosphere. The menu focuses heavily on healthy food, vegetarian meals, wraps, smoothie bowls, and vegan options.

The divers wrap and coconut milkshake combo was elite.

7. The Factory Cafe

Best for Brunch & Digital Nomads

Vibe: Café / digital nomad / healthy brunch
Best Dish: Chocolate chip pancakes
Price Range: 120–250 THB
Who It’s For: Remote workers, brunch lovers, vegetarians

The Factory Café quickly became one of our favourite brunch spots in Koh Tao.

The atmosphere here feels completely different from most island cafés — very modern, calm, and packed with people working on laptops.

The food is amazing, especially the wraps, smoothie bowls, pancakes, and homemade gluten-free bread. The wifi is also genuinely good, which isn’t always guaranteed on islands in Thailand.

8. Cantina de Koh Tao & Flaming hot BBQ 

Best Mexican Food in Koh Tao

Vibe: Social / casual / backpacker
Best Dish: Chimichanga
Price Range: 150–350 THB
Who It’s For: Groups, backpackers, hungry travellers

If you need a break from Thai food, this place is perfect.

The menu includes:

• tacos
• nachos
• BBQ ribs
• wings
• quesadillas
• jacket potatoes

The portions are massive and ideal after diving or a night out.

9. The Hacienda Bar and Grill

Best Comfort Food in Koh Tao

Vibe: Sports bar / expat hangout / comfort food
Best Dish: Sunday roast & sticky toffee pudding
Price Range: 200–500 THB
Who It’s For: Long-term travellers, groups, sports fans

If you’ve been travelling Southeast Asia for a while and suddenly start craving home comforts, Hacienda Bar & Grill is the answer.

Their famous roast dinners on weekends are incredibly popular and honestly look exactly like something you’d get back home, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, gravy, the lot. We finished ours with sticky toffee pudding and custard, which somehow made us forget we were on a tropical island for a moment.

The restaurant also doubles as a sports bar with screens showing live games, making it a really popular spot for expats and backpackers wanting a more familiar atmosphere for an evening.

10. Big Bite Cafe Koh Tao

Best South Koh Tao Brunch Spot

Vibe: Café / chilled / healthy brunch
Best Dish: Grilled chicken wrap
Price Range: 100–250 THB
Who It’s For: Couples, remote workers, south Koh Tao travellers

We discovered Big Bite Café while staying near Assava Dive Resort in the south of the island, and it quickly became one of our favourite breakfast and lunch spots in that area.

The menu is packed with wraps, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, juices, and coffee, making it perfect for a slower morning before diving or beach hopping. Alex ordered the grilled chicken wrap, which was fresh, filling, and exactly what you want in Thailand’s heat.

The atmosphere felt really relaxed compared to the busier cafés around Sairee Beach, and it’s definitely worth the trip south if you’re exploring the island by scooter.

11. Asia Mood Sushi Bar and Restaurant 

Best Sushi Restaurant in Koh Tao

Vibe: Casual / Japanese-inspired / cosy
Best Dish: Gyoza & Yaki Udon noodles
Price Range: 120–350 THB
Who It’s For: Sushi lovers, couples, small groups

Asia Mood was one of those places we randomly wandered into and ended up loving. Ironically, despite coming specifically for sushi, we somehow didn’t actually order any and instantly regretted it after seeing plates coming out to other tables.

What we did order though, was incredible. The gyoza was honestly some of the best we had in Thailand and we could easily have eaten multiple plates each. Alex also ordered Yaki Udon noodles which were thick, flavourful, and exactly the kind of comfort food you crave after a long beach day.

Despite ordering mains, drinks, and sides, the bill was still really affordable which made it feel even more worth visiting.

12. Assava Dive Resort

Best Restaurant with a View in Koh Tao

Vibe: Beachfront / relaxed / scenic
Best Dish: Breakfast platters & fresh fruit
Price Range: 100–300 THB
Who It’s For: Couples, divers, sunset lovers

We originally only ate at Assava because we were staying there, but honestly, we’d happily go back even if we weren’t guests.

The breakfasts were consistently really good with loads of variety including eggs, fruit, toast, tea, coffee, and healthier options. Everything tasted fresh and the portions were generous enough to keep you full for most of the day.

The real highlight though is the setting. Sitting out on the wooden deck overlooking the ocean every morning genuinely felt like peak Thailand backpacking life. You could easily sit there for hours watching the sea and doing absolutely nothing.

13. Whitening 

Best Romantic Restaurant in Koh Tao

Vibe: Romantic / beachfront / fine dining
Best Dish: Seafood dishes & cocktails
Price Range: 400–900 THB
Who It’s For: Couples, special occasions

Whitening is probably the prettiest restaurant we visited on Koh Tao.

Set right beside the beach, it’s the perfect place for sunset dinner or cocktails with a view. The whole place feels much more upscale than typical backpacker restaurants, but the atmosphere still feels relaxed rather than pretentious.

If you’re celebrating something while travelling, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Koh Tao with a view

14. Vegetabowl

Best Vegan Restaurant in Koh Tao

Vibe: Healthy café / vegan / backpacker-friendly
Best Dish: Sushi burrito with tofu teriyaki
Price Range: 120–180 THB
Who It’s For: Vegans, healthy eaters, brunch lovers

We’ll admit it, when we first saw Vegetabowl was entirely vegetarian and vegan, we weren’t completely convinced. But after one look at the menu we were sold instantly. The sushi burrito alone was enough to get us through the door.

The tofu teriyaki sushi burrito was genuinely one of the most filling lunches we had on the island and absolutely packed with flavour. Leah also loved the gluten-free shroom rolls, and we both ended up ordering smoothies that somehow tasted ridiculously fresh without being overloaded with sugar.

15. Stuffed North China Taste 

Best Cheap Eats in Koh Tao

Vibe: Local / casual / hidden gem
Best Dish: Dumplings with chilli oil
Price Range: 60–180 THB
Who It’s For: Budget travellers, foodies, backpackers

We were honestly gutted we didn’t manage to eat here ourselves because literally everyone we spoke to recommended it.

Stuffed North China Taste is famous around Koh Tao for its handmade dumplings and cheap prices. Located close to Sairee Beach, it’s become a favourite amongst backpackers looking for affordable comfort food after nights out or diving trips.

The dumplings with chilli oil are apparently the standout dish, but we also heard amazing things about the Szechuan chicken and soups. Considering it’s regularly ranked as one of the best restaurants in Koh Tao online, we’d absolutely make this a priority next time we visit.

16. Nui Bakery and Sandwiches

Best Bakery in Koh Tao

Vibe: Café / European bakery / brunch
Best Dish: Avocado toast + Thai milk tea
Price Range: 80–220 THB
Who It’s For: Breakfast lovers, coffee addicts

This honestly felt like a café you’d find back home in Europe.

The bakery selection is incredible and the coffee was probably the best we had on the island.

17. Fish Bowl Beach bar 

Best for Koh Tao Nightlife

Vibe: Party / backpacker / beach bar
Best Dish: Cocktails over food honestly
Price Range: 120–350 THB
Who It’s For: Backpackers, nightlife travellers

The food here wasn’t our favourite on the island, but Fish Bowl is still one of the best spots in Koh Tao for nightlife.

The beach beanbags, live music, beer pong tables, and social atmosphere make it one of the busiest bars every night.

More nightlife spots here: Best Nightlife in Thailand

18. The Gallery Restaurant

Best Fine Dining in Koh Tao

Vibe: Fine dining / intimate / luxury
Best Dish: 10-course tasting menu
Price Range: 1,500+ THB
Who It’s For: Foodies, couples, special occasions

The Gallery is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Koh Tao and is perfect if you want a proper fine dining experience.

There’s no menu, you simply trust the chef and enjoy the experience.

Although we sadly didn’t get chance to visit ourselves, it would absolutely be top of our list if we returned.

Is Food Expensive in Koh Tao?

Compared to western countries, food in Koh Tao is still very affordable.

Average Food Prices:

• Street food: 50–100 THB
• Thai restaurants: 80–200 THB
• Brunch cafés: 150–300 THB
• Fine dining: 1,000+ THB

You can easily eat well in Koh Tao on a backpacker budget.

Must-Try Foods in Koh Tao

Before diving into the restaurants themselves, there are a few Thai dishes you absolutely need to try while visiting Koh Tao.

Thai Foods You Need to Try

• Pad Thai
• Khao Soi
• Massaman Curry
• Green Curry
• Mango Sticky Rice
• Fried Morning Glory
• Thai Milk Tea
• Fresh Fruit Smoothies
• Spring Rolls
• Coconut Ice Cream

Street food is also a huge part of Koh Tao food culture and some of the cheapest meals on the island cost under 80 baht.

If it’s your first time visiting Thailand, check out: What Thailand Is Famous For.

FAQ: Restaurants in Koh Tao

Final Thoughts

Koh Tao completely surprised us when it came to food. We expected cheap backpacker meals and beach bars, but the island genuinely has one of the best food scenes we experienced anywhere in Thailand.

Whether you’re after cheap local Thai food, healthy cafés, beachfront cocktails, or fine dining, there’s something for every budget and travel style.

And honestly, half the fun is discovering random places while wandering around Sairee Beach.

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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.