Koh Kood restaurants have proliferated in the last few years in line with the island’s own burst of popularity. You can now dine out on everything from seafood to Italian, cheap Thai dishes to bistros, with coffee shops and bakeries thrown in for good measure.
That said, down the south west coast and up in the far north west of the island, where the beaches sit a long way from the main road itself, you’ll find little outside the resorts themselves. If staying in these areas, it’s a real boon if you have your own transport in order to seek out some alternative spots.
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Thai Food – Koh Kood Restaurants
Scattered around Koh Kood, there are plenty of standard Thai diners, where you can eat all the classics including one dish over rice, somtam and sticky rice (Issan) or Kra Ta (BBQ at your table).
Klong Chao Beach and Waterfall Area
In Klong Chao, just around the corner from the central concrete bridge, the cheap and cheerful Cowboy offers noodle soup alongside cook-to-order classics such as pad kapow – live music too from time to time. A hundred metres further on, the tiny I-Yar is another cute option on this stretch.
Back over the bridge in the centre, Siri sits opposite High Season’s entrance – noodles either with soup or dry, weekends only. On the same side, Mermaid House has an excellent in-house restaurant serving Thai, western and a great range of breakfasts and along the river, Mangrove Bungalows, complete with its cafe and bakery, is also open to outsiders. Look out too for Thai Kitchen, a couple of tables only, cooked to order, cheap and tasty.
Along the river, try the excellent value little Thai diner, ChalaOne – short menu, again cooked to order, with house favourite of khao kaa muu (stewed pork knuckle over rice with greens). You can also grab something light to eat at the night market.
Just before the crossroads which lead to either Klong Chao Waterfall or to PD Guesthouse, Coco Camping and others, Aroi Aroi is a reliable, cheap spot with seating by the river. On the green, Prik & Fire gives you another option, known for its breakfast options, all easily walkable from the accommodation in this area.
If you go around the corner in the waterfall direction, you’ll find a cute Moo Kra Ta (BBQ pork at your table) restaurant, Ploy Mook. It also has a full menu.
Central Area at Hin Dam (Ao Tapao Beach)
Heading north from Klong Chao towards the centre of the island and a kilometre or so after the turning to Ao Noi Resort, you can get a cheap bite at the tiny Leo or for noodles, try the spot a few metres further on opposite Pizza and Pasta (see below) – it’s brushed concrete building with steps leading up to it.
Continue along here, Esan Family, complete with its dusty hard mud floor and rough wooden tables, is a terrific Issan diner – expect sticky rice, somtam, grilled chicken, pork and catfish. Little Bird completes the set along here. It specialises in pork, beef and seafood Kra Ta sets – cook at your table in the pot. They do serve some curries and Thai salads as well, but note the service can be slow.
Shortly after Little Bird, by taking the shortcut road by the electricity station and wending your way through the trees, you’ll arrive at The Fisherman Hut. A popular (tourist) spot, it offers a full menu as well as a seafood BBQ, wide range of cocktails and live music.
Turn in opposite the Police Station and Lomtapao Restaurant and Bar is about a 1/3 of the way down along the road towards the resorts, Seafar and Meedee. It’s hotpot style (pork, beef, seafood) combined with other dishes including one dish over rice and Pad Thai – outdoor seating, full bar too and a good 10 minutes walk from those resorts.
Pangya Kitchen, a small food court, sits across the road from the town hall and its huge Koh Kood sign. In the same area, opposite the hospital, 108 is nothing to look at from the outside but head inside to one of its basic tables for some very good Issan food.
By the crossroads at the end (left towards Ao Tapao, right to Klong Mad), the small local diner, Isan Sab Noa gives you another cheap choice too, ideal for a quick lunch stop.
Towards Ao Salad
Heading out on the main road towards Ao Salad off the Klong Mad road , Mark & Meal is a cute spot that’s worth a look – interesting range of dishes, fresh, nicely presented. For a no frills locals’ choice, Ton Kathin is across the road.
A kilometre further on, look out for the the lovely wooden house set back from the road – Kodmookrob. It’s a Guay Jab Noodle shop, a fabulous dish comprising crispy pork with a hard boiled egg, bean sprouts and tofu atop a rich broth bulked out with wide rice noodles. There’s a decent menu too and vegetarian options.
You’ll also find some very local diners along the road, with the one at the junction to the Big Trees and Huang Nam Kaew Waterfall, as local as it gets.
Klong Yai Kee and Klong Rahan
If you are up in Klong Yai Kee, you can call in at the boutique resort, Bann Makok in its lovely setting on the canal. They serve a good range of well presented and delicately flavoured Thai food at very reasonable prices. Closed for renovations until January 27
On the now (sadly) developing Secret Beach at Klong Rahan, the very stylish cafe restaurant MuEi (part of Moana Resort) sits on the lagoon at the southern end. You can get a good range of classic one Thai food (rice and noodles) as well as coffee, smoothies and cold beers.
South from Klong Chao – Ao Ngamkho and Bang Bao
Heading south away from the Klong Chao Beach, the modern looking Home Koh Kood is perched up on the hill on the left hand side opposite the seafood favourite Nuch Luang (see below). Home serves plenty of the familiar dishes, together with a good selection of Thai salads, seafood and vegetarian options. There’s desserts too including the ubiquitous mango and sticky rice, coffee, smoothies and beer.
Chillout Cafe, the traveller vibe spot with pool table, is roadside shortly after the hill – Thai dishes mainly, either with one dish over rice or rice served separately to the main. Next door on one side, it’s Issan fare once more at Tum Korat or on the other, Chaiyo, once of Ngamkho Beach, serves up all the Thai staples. Do factor in a long wait at Chaiyo as the one woman kitchen prepares everything fresh – it’s excellent when it does arrive so hang on in there.
Dropping down the hill to Ngamkho Beach and then around the corner, you reach the village itself with charming The Corner, wide ranging menu of mainly Thai standards and the very popular, expanding Black Bananas (former home of Chaiyo above), more cafe style, both sitting on the front over the little lagoon.
At the start of the inland turn to Far East, Suan Maprao and other resorts, Lap Udon is a well reviewed Issan style local restaurant – known for its grilled chicken and of course laap (salad) in particular. Just past Kood Vibes (see below), the cute Bamboo 8 covers all the classic dishes on its concise menu – about 10 tables only.
Finally, The Sky, in front of Kinnaree Resort, is another well reviewed all rounder with plenty of seafood options, whilst its neighbour, Meesuda concentrates on noodle soup.
Bang Bao
As you climb the hill towards Bang Bao, Lock is a small, reliable, well priced diner, whereas Kanghanlom, set back from the road, is a much more sprawling affair – seating both under cover and in the garden, lots of seafood, its offshoot, Windy Bar on site too for a full range of cocktails.
Bang Bao Home, opposite the turning to Siam Beach Resort, is an under the radar restaurant worth seeking out – a wide selection of Thai dishes, seafood in particular, all very tasty. And on the access road itself, Long Lay makes a good stop too away from the beach – full Thai menu.
Klong Hin, Ao Takian, Ao Jak and Ao Phrao
Down at Klong Hin, the chef at House of Kood, their in house diner, provides a sophisticated Thai fusion menu with a heavy leaning towards local ingredients where possible – grilled catch of the day, fresh prawns and seafood dishes, Pad Thai, curries and desserts too.
In Ao Takian, home to the backpacker bungalows of Eve House and Wooden Hut, the long running Im-Yung, now joined by BN Kitchen, serve up the normal range of Thai staples – cheap and tasty. Kuba Lounge (vegetarian its speciality) and Happy Time are certainly worth a look too, well established spots, both with budget accommodation too.
Down on the beach at Ao Jak, Koh Kood Club and Neverland have prime spots on the sand – standard Thai (with vegetarian options), plenty of those nibbly side dishes too, a few western dishes – perfect for a simple lunch.
Western and Other Cuisines – Koh Kood Restaurants
Koh Kood now boasts a whole array of bistros, excellent Italian restaurants, Swedish, German and Japanese diners, with authentic chefs cooking up their home country’s dishes to the highest of standards.
Italian
For many years now, Pizza and Pasta has been providing those two very dishes, homemade to their own recipes, in a friendly setting at its roadside location between Klong Chao and the main administration area of Hin Dam.
Located at the bottom of the little hill just after Bang Bao Beach, the Italian chef at the highly rated Heaven Sense, cooks up a wide array of pizzas, mains and desserts, again with freshly prepared doughs and sauces. They are closed for rainy season.
At the start of Ngamkho Beach, the tiny Ponthip Pizza sits opposite Paradise Divers. You can eat in – there are other western dishes too – but the takeaway pizzas are the main draw, with a loyal following.
Bistros
In the central area of Klong Chao next door to BB Divers, the popular and stylish bistro Kmonlos specialises in lava egg dishes (red curry, teriykai), fried rices and western breakfasts (eggs, granolas with yoghurt and fruit). There’s a host of teas, coffees, herbals and milks too. Next door, Sea Dog has more of a Bangkok feel, specialising in cocktails to compliment its long menu of Thai (seafood, seafood sets) and western dishes (pasta, sandwiches, steaks and more).
Continue on south down to Ao Ngamkho village (Dusita Resort), the laid back, friendly, Big Bear’s House offers steaks, ribs, pasta, sandwiches (day time only) and more besides. A few hundred metres further, the sleek looking Kood Vibes combines bistro dishes such as burgers, steak and fries with sandwiches, bagels and a wide range of coffees, smoothies, cakes and cannabis.
A couple of kilometres on and immediately before Bang Bao Beach, Let’s Meat serves up pork ribs, BBQ chicken and salmon steaks with a variety of sauces, salads and sides. It offers a kids’ menu too.
See Thru Cafe and Bistro, once on the beach at Ao Phrao, has now found a more permanent home at the top of the Ao Jak Beach access road – comprehensive choices from pastas to nachos, snacky sides, hot sandwiches, Thai food, salads, cocktails and more.
Up on the back road from Koh Kood Resort in Klong Mad, new in 2026, Bearwolf combines its restaurant with a wine bar, seating indoors and out on the terrace (large screen too?) – small plates and sides, mains (steaks, pastas, fish and chips, pork belly and mash), daily dessert special, all complimented by a very extensive wine list including champagnes.
Other Cuisines – Swedish, Japanese, German and Vegan
In that same strip of diners near Dusita in Ao Ngamkho, Cicci Restaurant and Bakery, has a full range of daily fresh breads (sandwiches), rolls and pastries alongside Swedish specialities such as the famous meatballs – pastas and Thai food too.
Leaving Klong Mad on that same back road as Bearwolf (above), In the Mood for Love is a must for any cineastes out there. Designed as a homage to Wong Kar-wai’s iconic classic, it’s beautifully done – spot on decor, wall paintings, floor coverings, sofas, lamps and so much more. The food is actually not Hong Kong style but Japanese – natto, donburi, katsu, full bar and pool table.
Bamboo (connected with Koh Kood Garden) is just a few doors down – a German centric menu, with everything from burgers to steaks, all day breakfasts (with a few German pancake specialities), wursts, classic one dish and plenty for vegans too.
Talking of vegans, the minisucle, Mandala, vegan and vegetarian, is opposite Chor Chaba in Ao Ngamkho – burgers, wraps, fries, smoothies (check opening hours as sometimes maybe evenings only).
Seafood – Koh Kood Restaurants
For two of the island’s best seafood restaurants – Noochy and Chonthicha – you need to head to the fishing village of Ao Yai in the south east of the island.
A few years back, a sudden rush of restaurants opened up at the southern end, all housed in the traditional stilt houses built out over the water. Of these, only Noochy Seafood, always the best of them anyway, has stayed the course.
At the other end of the village, Chonthicha, the original seafood restaurant in Ao Yai, serves up fresh fish from nets underfoot to its customers seated at hefty wooden tables in their charming sala. It now has a homestay too.
In the north east of the island at Ao Salad, Captain Nhong Seafood makes a great choice for lunch, with some very well judged dishes, nicely presented and wonderful views over the bay from its vantage point above the village. There are also a couple of other small local restaurants down on the pier, with Jack Seafood and Red Seafood more than passable.
Seafood in Other Areas
Klong Chao is home to Nuch Leuang Seafood, a bustling open air restaurant on the hill at the southern end. With its wide range of classic choices, you’ll find it always busy, particularly with Thai tourists. Heading away from the beach towards the waterfall, Ra Beang Mai at Klong Jao Homestay offers a huge menu, with few dishes with seating by the river – a lovely spot.
North from Klong Chao towards the central Hin Dam area (police station, hospital), Tidkoh Seafood has become a very popular fixture on the Koh Kood scene – full range of dishes, all very well presented.
Klong Mad too hosts two small seafood restaurants, Jae Lee on the little road from Suanya to the inlet and King, next door to Rabieng Talay Homestay on the other side of the walkway.
Going south away from Klong Chao Beach towards Ngamkho Beach, JK Khao Kaeng sits roadside shortly before S Beach Resort. It’s another spot that pulls in the crowds for its wide ranging seafood menu but also has curries and other Thai dishes too.
Roadside between the two turnings down to the resorts on Bang Bao Beach, Katen Sashimi offers a wide reaching choice of dishes but as you would think, it specialises in sashimi – grouper, cuttlefish, urchin, seafood and murex (sea snail), prices from 350bt to 600bt depending on weight.
Down in Ao Phrao, Jao Tin, Pimmy and Rim Klong are along the river in the village at the northern end. Tiny local houses specialising in seafood, they are popular with the Thais staying in Rest Sea, Salty and Sunny and Escape Life – don’t assume cheap and you need to be patient, but they are tasty enough .
And finally, though you need to call ahead, you can eat at Phi Nat on Koh Raet (Rhino Island), the main snorkeling spot off Koh Kood. It’s as fresh as it comes, local fish sashimi style, fried, squid, abalone and even sea urchins. If you book, they will pick you up by boat or you can kayak across, even swim. Use Google Maps to find the number by searching for the island itself – we don’t want to publish it here.
Cafes – Koh Kood Restaurants
Found on the narrow road that runs towards Tolani Resort on Klong Chao Beach, Viewpoint Cafe is a converted fisherman’s houses on stilts over the water, great for sunsets. At the other end of the beach, Good View, with both coffee and a full menu, can be accessed from steep steps up the rocks from the sand or via a sharp turning off the road on the hill. Its vantage point high above the sea is one of the best on Koh Kood.
Back on the main road and heading south for a couple of kilometres, you can swing in to Million Beach Cafe within S Beach Resort – it’s on a truly lovely stretch of beach, great for hanging out – coffee, teas, shakes, waffles, toasts, brownies and even cocktails. In the same area, you’ll also find a quaint wooden cafe, Nomkhon Station tucked away on the river opposite Paradise Divers main shop.
Carry on into the area by Ao Ngamkho village and in amongst the various diners, Good Day serves up a vast array of smoothies, coconut ice cream, mango and sticky rice, fruit platters – interestingly, it serves Khao Soi too (meat, fish or tofu). Next door, Soul Good is a coffee, matcha, waffle and homemade ice cream shop – seating inside or in the little garden area.
Continuing south, Baan Suan Homestay at the turning to Siam Beach Resort grinds the beans for Bang Bao Beach. 518 Cafe on the way to Koh Kood Resort is another stop too, also serving a decent menu, with lots of German style dishes.
Ao Tapao and Klong Mad
Going north up the island, in the central Hin Dam area, and next door to Pizza and Pasta, The French Bakery opens in high season only – croissants, baguettes, pastries as well as cold plates (cheeses and meats), pizza, sandwiches quiches, breakfasts and of course, coffee – pretty garden.
Opposite the Town Hall, if you take the lane down towards Seafar and Meedee resorts, Little 9 Cafe is about halfway along – coffee, cakes and when we visited, oodles of cats (tiny, medium and large).
Continue past the above turning and shortly after the hospital and then the petrol station, Chill Nation Cafe offers a range of sandwiches (roast beef, Cuban, cream cheese et al) and paninis alongside burgers, salads, breakfasts, desserts, coffee, smoothies and even cocktails and wine – seating in and out. Their weed shop is next door.
Darat Smoothies (and good ones at that) is a few doors down just before the crossroads. Take a left at those same crossroads and after the temple, down the little lane, Mateoasis makes proper homemade ice cream to compliment the coffee and its full menu.
Meanwhile, on the hill above Ao Tapao beach, follow the signs in Shantaa to its charming Gathi Cafe down by the sea – one dish meals, coffee and smoothies. Incidentally, their in-house restaurant, also open to non-residents, has a much larger menu with plenty of vegetarian options – fabulous ocean views an added bonus.
Finally, over in Klong Mad, the excellent (and a/c) Suanya Coffee is opposite the resort entrance, whilst Khun Than has a great spot in its wooden house on the water behind Canale Boutique Homestay.
Our Recommended Koh Kood Restaurants
Pricing Code/Per person in Baht (B) excluding drinks:B= under 100; BB= under 500; BBB= over 500;
They are not in ratings order!
