The Captain
Situated in the Maret district near Lamai on Koh Samui's southern coast, The Captain has quickly established itself as a serious seafood destination despite being a relatively new addition to the island's dining scene. Fresh seafood is displayed at the entrance, allowing diners to see what's available before ordering — a detail that reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality and transparency. Visitors consistently highlight standout dishes including red snapper, chili paste clams, and fresh shrimp, all of which are described as carefully cooked rather than simply served. The atmosphere is characterised as charming and seaside in feel, with staff noted for being genuinely attentive and welcoming. The chef is reportedly hands-on, offering personal recommendations and guidance to diners — a touch that elevates the experience beyond a standard restaurant visit. The Captain sits away from Koh Samui's busier tourist strips, making it a natural choice for those exploring the Lamai area or staying on the island's quieter southern side. Since opening hours and website information are not currently available online, it is worth checking locally or asking your accommodation to confirm current service times before making the trip, particularly for evening dining or larger group bookings.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Captain, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Title: Passion, Quality, and Seafood at the Highest Level This fish restaurant has only been open since this year, which makes the experience even more impressive. The chef himself advised us, with a level of passion and expertise that is truly rare. I have never seen such a wide selection of prawns and lobsters before — absolutely outstanding. We chose two giant prawns and a red snapper. The prawns were prepared once in garlic and once in a traditional Thai style. Both were fantastic in flavor: fresh, rich, and perfectly cooked. The red snapper was excellent as well. In addition, there is a great selection of high-quality wines. The chef is equally knowledgeable here and gave excellent recommendations. An all-around great experience. We wish them continued success — this restaurant definitely has the potential to make a name for itself on Koh Samui.
Absolutely fantastic experience at The Captain! From the moment we arrived, the friendly and attentive staff made us feel genuinely welcome in this charming seaside restaurant. The seafood here is incredibly fresh — every dish we tried, from the grilled fish to the tiger prawns in garlic butter, was cooked to perfection with rich, authentic flavours you won’t easily forget. The relaxing beachfront atmosphere and the warm hospitality created the perfect setting for a memorable evening. We highly recommend this place to anyone who loves fresh seafood, excellent service, and a beautiful Koh Samui dining experience! Will definitely be back next time we’re on the island. 🌴🍤🦞 
I recently had the pleasure of dining at this seafood restaurant, and it was truly a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the shrimp — it was incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. What made the visit even better was the outstanding service. The staff were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and helpful throughout the entire meal. They made me feel welcome and ensured everything was just right. If you’re a seafood lover, I highly recommend this place. I’ll definitely be coming back again!
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