Located in the less-touristy Southwest Koh Samui, known for its deserted beaches and views of the Gulf of Siam, The Five Islands is a dinnertime event named after the five islands that look as one (each hidden behind the other) when viewed from this beachside gourmet. At times this beloved eatery with separate café and gallery, accessed after a gravel road flanked by two regal elephant statues, goes a bit overboard on its salesmanship of boat rides and village tours sold on weary westerners who just came to eat. But a short walk away you discover the true gem, namely the restaurant, housed within a thatched roof hut on a tranquil turquoise bay horizon crisscrossed by hand carved canoes and fishing boats. An open-walled dining room is alive in the natural, tropical elements outfitted in modern teak furnishings with a Balinese flair at well-spaced tabletops serviced by staff that luckily lacks the pushiness of the nearby gift shop.
The Food
The view is great and the location sublime, but you came here for food that is as close to perfection as you’ll find in this thoroughly resort-minded island. Appetizers of fish cake, papaya salads and roast duck curry with tomatoes and grapes is best enjoyed after shucking some of the best oysters you’ll likely find in Thailand. Whether vegetarian or ordered extra meaty, main course includes a prix fixe vegetarian tasting menu of spring rolls and soups and stir fry’s that compliment a seafood menu of baked fish, sweet and sour prawns and fried noodle dishes that are best ordered liberally given their family-style portions.
Last Word
Get a driver and drink at your leisure. A full tiki bar menu includes feel-good favorites like Singapore Sling, Blue Hawaiian and White Russians complete with frilly glasses and occasional fire show.
