With the word ‘orgasmic’ in the title of a restaurant, you’d expect things there to be pretty special. And, at Orgasmic By Chef Wally, you’d be dead right!

First of all, it has one of the best locations for a restaurant on the island. It’s on a sunset-facing undeveloped beach, and is a snapshot in time of what Samui used to be like just a few short years ago. And it’s conveniently located, too. You don’t need to travel across to the other side of the island to reach this restaurant! As you’re coming from Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, it’s at the far end of the cove (just past My Friend Bungalows) before the road bends right towards Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach).

Take the track down to the left, leave your vehicle in the spacious parking area and head towards the cute red Japanese-style footbridge. And it’s at the moment you cross over this that you find yourself in a wonderful world that’s part Samui’s natural tropical beauty and part the artistic creation of Walter Andreini – or Chef Wally, as he’s better known. But more of him in a minute; let’s get back to the restaurant.

Just over the bridge and to the left is a smart open-sided bar and lounge. And it’s here that another specialist performs his own brand of magic. And he’s Wally’s cousin – Christian Patella – who’s a professional international bartender. Try his cocktails and you’ll be glad he’s here too!

And everywhere you look the scene is lovely. There’s the panoramic vista of the ocean and rocky headland to the left, a charming waterfall feature bedecked with 50 different varieties of orchids in front of you, and two lovely Thai-style houses to the right; the larger one serving as the interior 40-seat section of the restaurant and housing the engine-room of the ship – Wally’s kitchen.

Choose to sit inside, along the beach terrace under the swaying palms and amongst the colourful tropical flowers, or in one of two individual private salas (advanced booking for these is essential) also along the beachfront. But, wherever you decide to dine, you’ll still be immersed in this ‘Real Samui’ atmosphere.

So now we come back to Chef Wally and he really is something of an enigma. He’s one of the new breed of international chefs who’s had all his formal training plus many years of experience in leading restaurants around the world but is forever taking things to new heights. Constantly picking up innovative ideas and ancient culinary secrets on his many travels, Wally’s not content to rest on his laurels. For him, the quest for perfection is never-ending, although many (and I’m one of them) think he found it a long time ago!

“… and Wally’s seafood is also highly recommendable.”

He spent the last seven years at the renowned Zazen Restaurant, in Bophut, but in January this year decided the time was right to go it alone. And, thus, ‘Orgasmic at Chef Wally’ was born.

As you’d expect after all this build-up, the food is pretty special too. Wally’s put together a very interesting organic and, dare I say it, ‘orgasmic’ menu (a beautiful lacquer-ware one at that). And that includes individual sub-menus for vegetarian, lobster and Royal Thai cuisine. But I’m going to give you my recommendations from the main menu, starting from the cold section of starters with the delicious Duck Carpaccio with Aquitaine hazelnut oil, kalamata olive chutney and foie gras shavings. And if you prefer a hot appetiser, especially a shellfish one, then the Cocoa Butter Hokkaido Scallops with Venetian virgin salsa Verde and saffron coins will more than satisfy.

Wally’s seafood is also highly recommendable; not surprising really you learn that he gets most of it fresh from the fishing boats that come ashore in front of his restaurant every morning with the daily catch. So, from the main course menu I have to recommend his succulent White Snapper Fillet with zucchini, pecan-celeriac mash, cumin-carrot pastilla and dragon sabayon. And when it comes to imported foods, Wally only uses the very best. And that includes the Scottish salmon in his signature main-course dish – Orgasmic Salmon, oven-baked in macadamia herb crust with goat’s cheese, dill, quinoa, spring vegetables and Vera Cruz sauce.

Of course, you can have a light dessert but you really should carry on with the orgasmic theme and try the Orgasmic Chocolate comprising a volcano fondant, chocolate mousse, violet ganache, Tonka bean ice-cream, cocoa croquant and a drizzle of vincotto originale.

With its idyllic location, excellent cuisine, great wines and friendly service, it really is orgasmic here and that’s always a happy experience!

Orgasmic By Chef Wally is open from 5:00 pm until late (kitchen is open from 6 - 11:00 pm).
For reservations and further information, telephone 0 862 769 101.