Olive Restaurant
Tucked along the busy stretch of Chaweng Beach Road, this Thai restaurant has quietly built a reputation for food that consistently surprises first-time visitors. Despite its unassuming presence in one of Koh Samui's most tourist-heavy corridors, the kitchen delivers dishes that stand out from the crowd — including a well-regarded pad thai, stir-fried meat dishes, and fresh seafood such as red snapper that draws particular praise. Unusually for a Thai restaurant, the menu also extends to Italian pasta, making it a flexible option for groups with varied tastes. The atmosphere is casual and accessible, positioned within easy walking distance of Chaweng Beach and the area's main shops and entertainment venues. Presentation appears to be taken seriously here, with visitors noting more sophisticated recipes and plating than is typical for restaurants in the area. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, offering solid value in a part of the island where costs can add up quickly. Good to know: Olive Restaurant opens daily at 11:00 AM and stays open until 1:00 AM every night, making it a practical choice for a late dinner after beach activities or an evening out in Chaweng. Given that the surrounding area gets busy during peak tourist hours, visiting in the mid-afternoon can offer a quieter, more relaxed experience. No website is currently listed, so it is worth stopping in to check availability or confirm details in person.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Olive Restaurant, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I walked in without any expectations, just passing by, but the food turned out to be amazing — honestly one of the best choices I made on this trip. The pad thai and stir-fried meat were really good. The only thing I didn’t love was the stir-fried clams; the clams themselves didn’t have much flavor and tasted a bit overcooked. The music from the bar across the street, the great food, and the lively crowd all added to such a good vibe.
I did not know what to expect when I entered the restaurant. The reviews were mixed, but we decided to give it a try, it was a nice surprise, the food was very good, the service was great, and a lovely atmosphere, the strawberry banana smoothie was amazing! Prices were very reasonable, we enjoyed our dinner
Very yummy dishes , more sophisticated recipes than in many other restaurants in Chaweng . Nice presentation. We can eat original thai food and also Italian pasta . Prices are just amazing ! Will go again .
Location Info
Chaweng Beach Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Olive Restaurant
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We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Olive Restaurant
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.