Places to eat on Koh Lipe

When you think about eating out on a paradise island the first thing that come to everyone’s mind is probably seafood and Koh Lipe will definitely not let you down on this.

Every night the fishermen (who in many cases are the restaurants owners as well) will go out to make sure that the next day their restaurants have the freshest and tastiest catch of the day to offer their clients. Literally every restaurant on the island offers a great choice of fresh seafood that you can have cooked at your choice.

Pattaya Beach

The most scenic locations to eat any time of the day are found right in Pattaya Beach. In the westernmost corner of the beach you’ll find three or four restaurants with appealing romantic atmosphere where you can eat with the sand kissing your toes. Just check the fish on display before you sit at the table and choose what looks better for you. Due to their location, these places are quite expensive, so do expect to pay as if you were dining in Europe.

Walking Street

For those on a lower budget, there are still plenty of options to taste good seafood on Walking Street.

All-you-can-eat buffets enjoy great popularity on the island and there are at least three of them where you can pick everything you want from the showcases with seafood plus ready-to-eat dishes from the buffet as well. Prices are around THB500 per person and include drinks. Every night’s full house you see in such restaurant guarantee that the fish is always fresh. The downside of these buffets is that they’re always noisy, overcrowded and the staff, having to deal with so many customers, is not always as friendly as you would like them to be.

For a more authentic local experience and quieter vibe head off Walking Street at the ‘’big’’ junction in the middle of the island where the second 7/11 is. Just in a few metres to the left if heading towards Sunset Beach and on your right you will find Chiang Khan Food. It’s a small restaurant, less than 10 tables, with a super smiley owner that will show you the seafood on display and help you with your choice. Pick anything you fancy and ask him to cook it on the grill and ask for their spicy sauce to give an extra flavour to your dish. Make sure you don’t miss the pepper and garlic fried squid; it is definitely the best squid we have ever tried. Prices are fairly cheap compared to everywhere else on the island. Expect to pay less than THB350 for a full seafood dinner with a cold beer per person. They also have a good selection of Thai and vegetarian food (prices starting at THB60).

Sunrise Beach

For Thai food on the beach head to Sunrise Beach Restaurant, a nice little place in a beautiful spot in the Sunrise Beach. They serve authentic, tasty and inexpensive (basing on Koh Lipe’s standards) Thai specialties. Most of the dishes will come for THB 90/THB120.

Western and International Food

When you have enough of seafood, several international options are available on Koh Lipe. For Italian food go to La Luna restaurant (close to Chiang Khan but turn right instead of left at 7/11). The place is quite expensive (THB250 and up for a main course) but the homemade pasta is delicious. For good and genuine Indian food go to Royal Indian, close to Chiang Khan Food. Make sure you match whatever you choose from the menu with cheese or garlic nam.

Cafes

There are plenty of choices for breakfast with several bakeries and cafés right in the beaches and in the Walking Street. Our favourite one was Café’ de Lipe, in Pattaya Beach (THB90 for an authentic Italian cappuccino).