In the past we’ve called places like this trendy, cool, hip, and with-it. But I’ve got absolutely no idea what today’s fashionable word for it is (maybe it’s cool yet again?). However, I do know that SALA Samui definitely is it!

Part of a stunning resort of the same name, it’s got the lot! Beachfront location (in a quiet, romantic area); spacious surroundings; warm, friendly, intimate atmosphere; casual but classy décor, superb international and classic Thai cuisine, plus that special indefinable ingredient. And that’s the ‘X’ factor.

And it’s not in Chaweng with all the crowds either! No, it’s in Choeng Mon, just 5 minutes away, with its fine white sandy beach and prestigious 5-star neighbours, making it a great place for visiting in the daytime too. SALA Samui’s world-famous Mandara Spa is also there, so you can come here for lunch and make a complete day of it.

Pass through the entrance with its high walls and you’re in another world. One of lush tropical gardens. Stroll down the central avenue past the individually-walled, private pool-villas and you’re met by a wide vista of two huge swimming pools with the turquoise-blue Gulf of Siam beyond.

And to the right lies SALA Samui restaurant with its numerous dining areas. There’s the main 36-seater, open-sided section next to a unique beachfront, walk-in wine cellar, with its wide choice of New and Old World wines. And then there’s the black granite-topped Beach Bar with ample space for 24 in comfy seating, including many tables for two which certainly ensures romance is in the air. Especially when it’s full moon and you can watch it rise out of the ocean.

Another novel idea, that’s great fun, is a table for two that’s actually in one end of the adjacent swimming pool! It’s only 4-5 inches deep there though, so you won’t need to wear swimwear. Must be the best place on Samui for keeping cool during dinner – and something to tell your friends about back home!   

And there’s more. A further eight tables are laid on the beach itself every night. So, although quite spacious, all these individual areas give SALA Samui an intimate, personal touch.

But let’s not forget the main reason why we go to any restaurant. To eat! And the food here certainly matches the restaurant. The freshest-of-fresh seafood. Classic Thai dishes prepared by some of the island’s top local chefs. And then there’s the international cuisine...

Here are some of the chef’s recommendations, just to give you an appetite! For starters: Tuna Sashimi Nicoise black pepper and herb marinated yellow fin tuna with Kalamata olive, quail eggs tomato powder and pea shoots; or King Scallops, with jasmine black rice, steamed green onion and a chorizo, basil, chilli dressing. Main courses: Scallops & Belly – pan-seared Serrano wrapped scallops with crisp belly pork, roasted apple, cauliflower crumb and paste; and 60° Duck – local duck breast poached at 60 degrees then grilled to perfection sits alongside Samui island feta, compressed pickled apple, white onion puree, thyme leaf gnocchi and wild roquette. The menu also includes a grill where succulent cuts and delicious seafood is teamed with a tasty selection of side dishes and a complimentary sauce.

“… and there’s a table for two that’s actually in
one end of the adjacent swimming pool!”

And for desserts, there’s the Warm Chocolate Fondant which uses the luxury Valrhona chocolate and is served with SALA’s homemade peanut butter ice-cream, sea salted caramel and smashed peanuts; and The Banana Toffee ‘Pie’ with toffee crunch, banana and cream is served with rum and raisin ice-cream. Both are super-delicious, as are the rest of the desserts
on offer.

As you may have already guessed, these exotic dishes haven’t been dreamed up by any old amateur either. SALA Samui’s Executive Chef, Nick Hall, who created the exciting menu, is highly experienced, having worked in many prestigious restaurants and hotels in England and Australia before opening his own successful restaurant on neighbouring Koh Pha-Ngan in 2004. Now he’s at SALA Samui producing an innovative contemporary cuisine, utilizing fresh ingredients with a wide range of techniques. And although he says that he always puts the taste before the presentation, the dishes also look superb every time.

When SALA Samui opened its doors in December 2004 it immediately became one of the island’s hottest restaurants – which it still is today!

The kitchen’s open from 7:00 am - 11:00 pm.
For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7724 5888.