The Fish Restaurant
Fish is the whole point here, cooked without fuss and without the fussy pricing you'd meet closer to Chaweng. Mae Nam sits on Samui's northern coast and keeps a slower pace than the island's busier strips, so the crowd tends to be quieter and the mood more neighbourhood than resort. If you want white tablecloths and a sommelier, this isn't it. If you want your seafood to taste of seafood, it is.
The praise from diners lands consistently on the same things: quality and value. That's usually the sign of a kitchen that has settled on what it does and stopped trying to be everything. Go with the fish rather than hunting the menu for something safer, and don't expect polish that's been engineered for tourists. Lunch is the calmer slot, evenings busier, particularly in high season.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The Fish Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Fish Restaurant, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Wat Phra Yai
A 12-metre gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays: half an hour well spent.
Central Samui
Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
The Fish Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fish Restaurant worth visiting?
The Fish Restaurant holds a 4.8★ rating from 788 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of The Fish Restaurant?
The Fish Restaurant is typically open 11:30-22:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit The Fish Restaurant?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is The Fish Restaurant located?
The Fish Restaurant is at Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand087 472 4097www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1182465-d7070856-Reviews-The_Fish_Restaurant_Mae_Nam-Mae_Nam_Ko_Samui_Surat_Thani_Province.htmlVisitor 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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
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 The Fish Restaurant
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
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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.
Nearby Places
J&J Street food @Meanam Samui
A lively street food market in Mae Nam with fresh smoothies, cocktails, crepes, and classic Thai bites.
Passa
Upscale fusion dining in Mae Nam blending Italian, Thai, and seafood with long hours and a relaxed ambience.
Sala Thai at Santiburi
Elegant Thai restaurant on Maenam Beach serving refined classics in a beautifully decorated evening setting.
Jardin Restaurant
A intimate French restaurant in Mae Nam serving refined European cuisine in a romantic garden setting.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near The Fish Restaurant
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas