It’s so easy claiming that you’re the best. Just a few exaggerated phrases on a flyer or in an advert is all it takes. What’s difficult, though, is coming up with the goods when the customers turn up. Kandalina, on the other hand, makes no such claims, although it’s one of the few restaurants on the island that really could – with every justification.

So let me start off by telling you something about the restaurant itself. Because it’s not only what you can eat here that makes Kandalina such a special place on Samui.

Although it’s part of the smart new Kandaburi Resort at the northern end of Chaweng Beach (between The Briza and Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort), it’s on the opposite side of the road to the main lobby and is totally independent. There you’ll see Kandalina on the left with its sister Thai restaurant, Orchidea (you can order from this menu, too, should someone you’re with want Thai food), on the right, separated by central steps and a wide walkway which leads up to the Seahorse Pub.

Kandalina is a Mediterranean restaurant. And it’s Mediterranean in style as well as cuisine. Dine al fresco on the roomy six-tabled terrace which runs the entire 25-metre frontage, with its contemporary lily-pond aqueduct and mini-palms, and take in the balmy tropical atmosphere, or step inside the Mediterranean-arched doorway into the splendid 80-seat, air-conditioned restaurant building itself.

Here you’ll find rounded Spanish pillars, Roman mosaic-tiled flooring and ceiling frescoes depicting Greek gods, all within a stylish salmon-pink and light grey setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows around the whole restaurant create a light, airy atmosphere, as does the use of large areas of space between the tables. And, to add to the overall Mediterranean theme, there’s a superb 4-piece band –  Sight & Sound – providing live Latin-based music every night (except Sundays). Request any hit song from the last 40 years and there’s an excellent chance of them playing it.

Kandalina has got the restaurant service here down an art-form, too. And that’s the dedicated work of the friendly and professional Restaurant Manager – Khun Sanchai Romnoo – and his team of skilled staff. But the most important man to know a little about in any restaurant is the Executive Chef. And in Khun Soonthorn Ratchapol, Kandalina has an absolute gem. Prior to being here he’s worked in Japan and Singapore, and many of the top restaurants in Phuket, including the JW Marriott Phuket Resort, the Sheraton Grand Laguna Beach Resort, and the Phuket Pavilions 5-star Hotel (as Director of Kitchen and Service), so it comes as no surprise that the food here is so delicious.

“… and don’t read this bit about the desserts if you’re
on a diet, because they are truly irresistible!”

Right, now let’s talk about the food. And to give you an idea of what you can expect, here are some recommended dishes from each course. Firstly, here are two appetisers which will blow your mind, starting with an outstanding delicious Lobster Bisque Soup, and then a superb Mediterranean Avocado Salad with poached shrimps and tossed with a yogurt/cucumber dressing.

The main course dishes also sound great, which they are. I personally recommend the Marinated Lamb Chops crusted with herbs and Burgundy Beaujolais mint reduction served with grilled polenta and olive skewer. And for pizza lovers you can actually get to be the chef. Well, not quite. But you tell them precisely what ingredients you want and they’ll bake one to your exact specifications.

And just a word of warning. Don’t read this bit about the desserts if you’re on a diet, because they are truly irresistible! Here are two of my favourites: White Chocolate and Raspberry Cannelloni with balsamic caramel and Italian basil sorbet; and the Apple Crumble with French vanilla ice-cream. No wonder I’m so fat.

And there’s a good selection of New and Old World wines here, too, which you can browse through in the walk-in wine cellar. Every month Kandalina has special wine promotions, too, when some excellent wines are available at little more than cost price.

Like I said at the start, this restaurant doesn’t boast to the world how excellent it is. It leaves it to people like me to do it for them – and I’ll do that quite happily!