Feeling adventurous? Fancy a culinary journey of discovery? One that doesn't just take you to one of the best restaurants that you'll find – anywhere – but also gives you a taste of what Japanese and other Asian cuisines will possibly become in the future? In short, a most memorable night's dining on Samui? Well, there's only one place where you can do that, and that's Namu at W Retreat.

Just take the ring-road from Chaweng and through Bophut, then turn right just 200 metres past Zazen Boutique Resort. Follow this road until you reach the very end, about half a kilometre along, and you'll arrive at W Retreat & Residences. Head left towards the Retreat and the road will lead you up to the car park and
reception.

The views from here are amazing, but when you go through the short passageway into the lobby and come out the other side, you'll be completely knocked out by the simply stunning panoramic scene ahead. Looking across a huge circular 'lake' you'll have a view stretching across the whole of Maenam Bay on one side to Big Buddha Bay on the other with Koh Pha-Ngan straight ahead. And from up here you'll see Namu restaurant sitting serenely in the perfect position on the beach at the apex of both bays.

An electric buggy will take you on the short ride from the lobby to Namu with its huge square stepping stones and high walled individual entrance. Pass through and the area completely opens up with the expansive open-air Sip lounge and bar leading off to your right and Namu on your left with the bordering palm trees and ocean beyond.

And as you'd expect from a top-notch Japanese restaurant, Namu's décor is minimalist with plenty of clean lines and stylish individual features, such as the textured ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the beach. Choose to sit outside at one of the four tables on the beachside terrace, at one of just six tables spaciously dotted about inside, or take your place on one of the six highly sought-after seats along the counter of the completely open kitchen. And that's where Australian Director of Cuisine & Beverage and Executive Chef, Matthew Woolford, and his team perform their nightly 'gastronomic entertainment' before your very eyes.

Matthew's impressive 5-star background includes numerous positions heading the kitchens in top restaurants in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea (at the renowned W Seoul Walkerhill where the original Namu restaurant was opened). So, as you can see, Namu is in very capable hands with this master at the helm.

And what makes this Japanese restaurant particularly intriguing food-wise, is its totally original concept of offering – "A taste of Asia's tomorrow – today." But what does that actually mean? Well, in a nutshell, we all know that the world's individual cuisines are constantly evolving due to various exterior influences. So, what Matthew's done is to create a wide variety of predominantly Japanese (but also some Korean and Chinese) dishes which he feels could be the cuisine of the future if things continue evolving in the same manner. And the result – it's breathtakingly delicious!

"… and at Namu, 'dining theatre' takes on a whole new meaning."

Part of what makes this such an extra-ordinary culinary adventure is the fact that Matthew explains each dish as it's prepared whilst you're watching – which makes the dining experience fun, informative, interesting, interactive and, above all else, an extremely tasty one.

The menu is in three sections, Ice – Action – Fire, which is more to do with the manner in which the dishes within each section are cooked than the order in which they should be eaten. And at Namu, 'dining theatre' takes on a whole new meaning and makes the tableside flambéing of a crêpe suzette at a 'regular' fine-dining restaurant seem rather feeble in comparison.

And here are some of Matthew's recommendations to get your mouth watering. From the Ice section there's the Hamachi Sashimi, Leeks and Chilli Mint Dressing and from the Action section Matthew suggests the Teriyaki Seared 9+ Wagyu Sirloin, Ponzu and Silken Tofu. Finally, from the Fire section there's the Crisp Goose Foie Gras Katafi.

But let's not forget the equally innovative desserts, with the Marinated Strawberry Gratin and Torched Sabayon with almond ice-cream just one amongst many perfect creations to round off an incredible evening's culinary journey into the possible future of Asian cuisine.

What with the unrivalled location, the super-innovative cuisine and the sense of fun and adventure created at Namu, this restaurant comes highly recommended and should be on any true food-lover's short-list of places to dine in style on Samui.

Namu is open from 6:30 pm with last orders at 10:30 pm. For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7742 7524