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A major transport hub for the Thai islands, Krabi is often a place that tourists rush through on their way to the region’s famous beaches; however, this friendly town can be a rewarding stop for those who take time to explore it. Krabi’s dining scene consists of local Thai haunts (many of which take advantage of the readily-available fresh seafood) and international restaurants headed by expats who are passionate about bringing the best of their home country’s cuisine to this little corner of Thailand. Here are ten of the best dining establishments to visit if you’re in town.

Mr. Krab-i

This casual restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists thanks to its personable service, excellent food, and relaxed atmosphere. Owned by a friendly Italian/Thai couple, Mr.Krab-i showcases their collective culinary knowledge with a menu of Italian and Thai cuisine. The dishes range from Thai soft shell crab, stir-fries, and curries, to more European-inspired pizzas, burgers and pasta. The portions are generous, and the restaurant also offers an extensive wine list. With earthy brick walls, low lighting, laid-back music, and knick-knacks hanging on the walls, the restaurant’s interior is warm and welcoming.
Mr. Krab-i, 27/29 Chaofah Road, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 86 554 4659

Frog and Catfish

The Frog and Catfish serves a range of exceptional Thai food, prepared with produce sourced from nearby farms and seafood fresh from local fishermen. The restaurant is an excellent place to try Thai food at its best, with a selection of spicy salads, soups, curries, whole fish and stir-fried dishes. The seafood dishes are a stand-out, with options such as fresh crab spring rolls, and pla tub tim boraan, which is a whole fried tilapia fish served with special sauce. The restaurant is located a little outside the busiest area of Krabi Town, set within a tropical garden and surrounded by fish ponds. It also offers a library with more than 2,000 books, and English beer is available at the bar.
Frog and Catfish, 76 Moo 6, Din Daeng Noi, Nong Thale, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 84 773 0301

Gecko Cabane

Gecko Cabane offers European and Asian fusion cuisine in a cozy setting. The dining room is eclectic and inviting, with deep green walls, lace tablecloths, wood accents, and lush plants hanging from the ceilings and popping out between tables. Dishes range from chicken burgers and steaks to curries and prawns in tamarind sauce. Diners are able to choose the spice level of their dishes on a scale from one to ten, making this restaurant ideal for tourists looking for a gentle introduction to Thai flavors.
Gecko Cabane 1/36 37 Soi Ruamjit, Maharaj Road, Krabi, Thailand, + 66 81 958 5945

Carnivore Steak and Grill

As the name suggests, Carnivore Steak and Grill is one of the best places in Krabi to go for premium meats. This restaurant offers typical meat options including beef, chicken and pork, along with more unusual meats for Thailand like ostrich, duck, and lamb. The restaurant’s elegantly rustic decor pairs well with its unpretentious yet high-quality dishes. All the meats are prepared simply and served alongside a choice of ten different side dishes, including potatoes, warm vegetables, French fries or rice. The menu also features a great selection of fish and seafood dishes, as well as hearty salads that can be ordered in three different sizes.
Carnivore Steak and Grill, 127 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 75 661 061

Yellow Curry with Crab Meat

Khaothong Terrace Restaurant

Khaothong Terrace is known for its authentic Thai dishes and beautiful views. The restaurant itself is relatively no-frills, with basic decor that leaves the focus on its incredible views of the Andaman Sea. Surrounded by lush green trees, the restaurant has a relaxed and homey ambiance. The menu offers a wide selection of Thai and international dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood. There are a number of vegetarian options, and the staff are always willing to customise dishes based on each diner’s tolerance for spiciness.
Khaothong Terrace Restaurant, 135 Moo 2 Khao Thong, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 83 107 4400

Chalita Café & Restaurant

Bistro, Restaurant, Italian, Thai

Great Southern Australian Beef Tenderloin with creamed forest mushrooms, potato croquette, and cognac-peppercorn sauce
Courtesy Jenna's Bistro
Chalita Café & Restaurant is another establishment that manages to offer a mix of Italian and Thai dishes, without compromising on the quality of either cuisine. Ranked the third best restaurant in Krabi on TripAdvisor, Chalita uses fresh ingredients to create a menu of pizzas, salads, curries and stir-fries. Set in a wooden building, the interior features low lighting, comfortable rattan tables and chairs, along with a terrace out front. Although the restaurant is often busy, the owners are attentive and often available to provide recommendations for things to do and see around Krabi and the nearby islands.

Jenna’s Fine Bistro & Wine

One of the more stylish restaurants in the area, Jenna’s Fine Bistro & Wine is known for its sophisticated European and Thai cuisine. Menu highlights include the duck in red curry with seasonal fruits, and the miso baked snow fish with mashed potatoes. The restaurant also offers cold cut and cheese platters that go well with their exceptional selection of wines. Jenna’s also offers an extensive vegetarian menu, and a special Sunday Roast complete with Yorkshire puddings.
Jenna’s Fine Bistro & Wine, 328/3 Moo 2 ,Ao Nang Beach, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 75 695 152

Diver’s Inn Interior

Diver's Inn Steakhouse and Restaurant

Restaurant, European, Thai, Steakhouse, German

Tenderloin
Courtesy Diver's Inn Steakhouse
The Diver’s Inn Steakhouse and Restaurant is best known for its steaks, serving up tenderloin, sirloin, rib eye and lamb, all sourced from New Zealand or Australia. Aside from steaks, the menu also features a number of Thai and European dishes, which range from green curry and pad thai, to lasagne and schnitzel. The menu comes in four languages, a selection that offers something for virtually all tastes. The restaurant, which has more than doubled in size since first opening in 2000, features a bright interior furnished with wood tables, as well as a small patio seating area outside.

Lae Lay Grill

Lae Lay Grill not only offers some of the best seafood in Krabi, but it’s also one of the best places in town to watch the sunset. Set high on a hill overlooking the beach, this restaurant packs in diners every night, despite its slightly out-of-the-way location. Fortunately, it offers free shuttle service to and from local hotels, making it easier to reach. Lae Lay Grill specializes in seafood, with a menu of crab, squid, red snapper, shrimp, sea bass, and other fresh-from-the-water favorites. The menu is rounded out by a few Thai dishes, with both meat and vegetarian options available.
Lae Lay Grill, 89 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Thailand, +66 75 661 588

Wanna’s Place Exterior

Wanna’s Place

Part of the The L Resort Krabi, Wanna’s Place has been a long-time favorite of locals and visitors for more than 25 years. The menu features a combination of Swiss and Thai dishes, with highlights including Zurich geschnetzeltes, which is schnitzel with cream sauce and noodles, and veal sausage with rösti. The restaurant’s signature dish is the ‘Steak Hot Stone’, which is served on hot stone, along with three dipping sauces, allowing diners to cook the meat to their own personal preference. In addition to excellent food, the restaurant also offers gorgeous views, with tables facing towards the Ao Nang beachfront.
Wanna’s Place, 32/1 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Thailand, + 66 07 563 7484

About the author

Jessica Dawdy is a serial expat who has been slowly working her way around the world since 2011. She’s lived in 7 different countries, doing everything from painting houses to teaching English. Catch up with her travel stories and expat adventures at Ways of Wanderers.

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