You hear it at the cinemas. And every day on TV. Even in car showrooms. But it’s the first restaurant to be included in Samui Dining Guide – “By Popular Demand”!

Every month we get recommendations from diners who’ve particularly liked a restaurant they’ve visited on the island. Some turn out to be mediocre, to put it politely. Others are excellent, and are therefore included. But this one not only generated numerous emails, it also engendered much ‘snail mail’ too. So, with great pleasure, we proudly present, by popular demand – Zazen Restaurant !

Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa is on the borders of Bophut and Maenam. And whether you’re arriving via the ring-road, or along the beach, it’s very distinctive. The ring-road entrance has an attractive, gabled, terra-cotta archway. Go through this and simply follow the lane for a couple of hundred metres until you reach the car park.

But do take your time wandering through this unique boutique resort. It really is exquisite. And as you pass its stunning new spa Le Spa Zen and then its boutique shop, displaying a vast array of treasures from Chiang Mai, you’ll get an idea of what I mean.

Approaching from the beach is easy too. And being at the far-western end of Bophut Bay, you can see the distinctive orangey-yellow beach wall from miles away. Especially at night when it acts as a beacon. Certainly one worth following.
 
Zazen Restaurant is one of the most attractive places to dine on Samui. It’s right on the water’s edge, raised up upon its own sea wall. It’s beautifully decorated. It’s extremely comfortable. And looks out across the whole of Bophut Bay.

Heavy wrought-iron chairs with ample padding; glass-topped tables; ornate candle-lamps; discreet spotlighting; linen drapes, plus lots of plants. And, very importantly, lovely soft jazz playing in the background. Collectively all these elements create a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely perfect for enjoying excellent food.

And that part’s all made possible by Zazen’s chefs. The highly experienced Master Chefs here are responsible for tantalising the taste buds. Which they certainly do in style!

And, after tasting the chefs’ excellent dishes, you’ll certainly agree that they have done just that.

There’s an excellent Royal Thai Cuisine menu, and also a Thai Discovery Menu offering a set-meal for 2 with a variety of dishes. But do try at least some of their international dishes while you’re here.

“… and the Seabass Vesuvio will certainly
do some tongue tantalising!”

Both the Red Tuna Tartar with fresh herbs, and the Baby Calamari with red capsicums and espelette sweet chili are good examples of how great appetizers can be. And the Seabass Vesuvio with Fuji Green & Soft Almond Venice Mash - white wine and oregano oven-baked seabass with Japanese-style vegetables, grilled polenta and black ink sauce, will certainly do some tongue tantalising. And it’s not only the seabass that’ll do that. All the dishes at Zazen are equally delicious!

But it’s their exciting Zazen Lobster Menu, with its main course comprising a Phuket Lobster, oven-baked and stuffed with herbed shrimps on saffron sauce, served with lemongrass-skewered shrimps and grilled swordfish steak, that’s proving the most popular. Mmm!

And there’s drink to match the cuisine at Zazen too. An extensive wine list offers both New and Old World wines, plus some excellent bottles of champagne.

And there’s drink to match the cuisine at Zazen too. An extensive wine list offers some of the finest bottles of both New and Old World wines that you’ll find in Thailand, plus some excellent bottles of champagne.

And after you’ve had your meal, there’s a cozy lounge area with a fully-stocked bar and new pool table where you’re more than welcome to kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening in comfort on the water’s edge.

Now I know why this place generates so much mail!

For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7742 5085.