The 10 Best Restaurants in Koh Lanta, Thailand

Located on the south-east coast of Koh Lanta, Panorama is a cute and cosy restaurant with great views of the sea and nearby islands. The eco-aware eatery is known for not providing plastic straws so as to be kinder to the environment, and there are vegetarian-friendly dishes on the menu. You’ll find Thai favourites, like pad Thai, curries, and fried rice, on the menu, as well as snacks, such as sandwiches, and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. The owners are friendly and it’s a peaceful spot to unwind.

The Frog is a romantic restaurant in Saladan, Koh Lanta. Open only in the evenings, it’s a classy place with a relaxing yet upmarket vibe. There’s often a live band playing and the outdoor seating area has a charming “secret garden” feel to it. The menu features several dishes that can be difficult to find elsewhere on the island, and there are both Thai and Western options. Dishes include vegetarian lasagne, New Zealand steak with mushrooms, feta spring rolls, crab and fish spaghetti, seafood gnocchi, burgers, and hoisin duck. The Frog also has an impressively stocked wine cellar.

The Thai Cat is a large restaurant on the sands of Long Beach. It’s often busy, which is a testament to the great service and good food. As the name suggests, it specialises in Thai cuisine. Perhaps unsurprisingly for an island establishment, there’s also a strong focus on fish and seafood dishes. The smells of freshly barbecued fish can be very tempting in the evenings! The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the views make it especially popular for dinner around sunset.

Patty’s Secret Garden is another terrific restaurant close to Long Beach. Seating is in a delightful garden. With a selection of Thai and Western fare, there’s something to suit different tastes. Fresh and locally sourced ingredients are used as much as possible. Pleasing meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, meat-free alternatives are available for most main dishes. Relish veggie or meaty burgers, pasta, sandwiches, Penang and massaman curry, larb, and more. It’s also a top spot for those seeking out a full English breakfast to start the day.

Bringing the delicious flavours of Greece to one of Krabi’s gorgeous islands, El Greco is a small and cute traditional-style tavern that serves authentic Greek cuisine. It’s a refreshing change if you’re craving for something different. Dip pita in tzatziki or enjoy a meze platter to start, and then devour dishes like souvlaki, kebabs, moussaka, and lamb gyros. Portions are generously sized. There are several sweet options to finish off your meal and the restaurant serves great coffee.

If you fancy pizza and are in the mood for Italian, Sole Mare may be just what you’re looking for. The restaurant’s interior may be fairly plain and minimalist, but the food is far from dull. Pizzas are cooked to perfection in a proper pizza oven and come with an exciting range of toppings. Other choices include lasagne, calzone, risotto, steak, salad, and, as probably expected, a wide selection of pasta dishes. Unlike many local restaurants, draught beer is available in addition to bottled beers, wines, and soft drinks. Few people can resist the tiramisu for dessert.

Dishing up only meat-free fare, Kunda Vegan Vegetarian’s dishes are delicious enough to satisfy meat-lovers as well as devoted veggies. The vibe is peaceful and chill, the inside is colourful and cosy, the music is relaxing, the owner is filled with love, and the food is fresh and healthy. Begin the day with the surprise Karma Breakfast, or pay a visit for lunch or brunch to try the homemade bread, veggie burger, colourful salads, pumpkin soup, and other mouth-watering meals. The menu changes regularly and there’s always a good choice of gluten-free desserts, herbal teas, and smoothies.

The Table is a fun and unusual restaurant in Saladan. With just the one table, it’s a great place to get to know other travellers and locals over a communal dinner. There’s no menu — diners are served with Thai meals prepared using fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood bought that day from the local markets. If it’s not in season, you won’t find it on your plate. Groups of friends can book a private dining experience if there are more than eight people. Pre-booking, whether for a private or communal meal, is essential. Do note that the restaurant closes during the low season.

Ling Uan, which means “Fat Monkey”, can be found near the north of Koh Lanta, not far from the main pier. Serving a wide range of Thai cuisine and international dishes, favourites at the family-friendly eatery include steaks, burgers, pork with black pepper, duck curry, butterfish, chicken with cashew nuts, pizzas, and massaman curry. There’s a great selection of desserts too, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, as well as tempting cocktails. The ambience is relaxed and the restaurant has a jungle-like feel.

Maharaja is an ideal Koh Lanta restaurant for anyone wanting to diversify the spiciness with some tasty Indian dishes. Located on Saladan’s Walking Street, it’s just a shirt stroll from the main ferry pier. The menu is extensive, with starters that include soups, samosas, and onion bhajis, and main courses like tandoori chicken, fish tikka, mushroom masala, and yellow dal. There are various breads and rice to accompany meals, and you’ll also find a selection of Indian-Chinese meals.