Yoi Restaurant
Tucked into the Mae Nam area on Koh Samui's quieter northern coast, this small Thai restaurant has built a loyal following among both travellers and locals thanks to its freshly prepared food, genuinely warm hospitality, and accessible prices. The owner — a Thai woman noted repeatedly by visitors for her charm and strong English — runs the kitchen with care, cooking dishes to order rather than relying on pre-prepared batches.
Diners can expect classic Thai staples done well: the curry, pad thai, and chicken satay draw particular praise from reviewers. The setting is casual and unpretentious, with a relaxed beach-adjacent atmosphere that suits the laid-back character of Mae Nam. The space is roomy enough to accommodate luggage, which makes it a practical stop for travellers moving between accommodation and the nearby ferry terminal.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Yoi Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Yoi Restaurant, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We stopped by Yoi Restaurant on our way to the laundry while waiting for our clothes, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Just as it started pouring rain, we found ourselves in the perfect place. The food was outstanding, with a wide variety of dishes to suit everyone’s taste – especially if you enjoy spicy flavors. The staff and kitchen were wonderful; everything was friendly, attentive, and freshly made. Unlike some other places we tried, you wouldn’t guess from the outside how good this restaurant really is. Great service, delicious food, and all at a very fair price. Highly recommended!
The best of the best. The owner is a sweet, charming Thai woman who will serve you with a smile. You will get excellent food and drinks here—outstanding curry, pad thai, or chicken satay. The prices are also absolutely fantastic. For such delicious food and perfect service, you definitely won’t regret the bill, and you might even leave a tip.
Very tasty food, kind owner and perfect location.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 404 reviews on Google.
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.
Yoi Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yoi Restaurant worth visiting?
Yoi Restaurant holds a 4.8★ rating from 404 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Yoi Restaurant?
Yoi Restaurant is typically open 09:00-22:00 — 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.
How expensive is Yoi Restaurant?
Yoi Restaurant is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Yoi 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 Yoi Restaurant located?
Yoi Restaurant is at หมู่ที่ 4, 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
หมู่ที่ 4, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand+66 96 641 4149Visitor 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 Yoi 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.
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
Jardin Restaurant
A intimate French restaurant in Mae Nam serving refined European cuisine in a romantic garden setting.
Sala Thai at Santiburi
Elegant Thai restaurant on Maenam Beach serving refined classics in a beautifully decorated evening setting.
The Fish Restaurant
Seafood done simply in Mae Nam, away from the resort crowds and all the better for it.
J&J Street food @Meanam Samui
A lively street food market in Mae Nam with fresh smoothies, cocktails, crepes, and classic Thai bites.
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 Yoi 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