Fat monkey — Restaurant in Ko Lanta Yai

I tried this restaurant after a recommendation from the Tuk Tuk driver who took me from my hotel to the main road where I could find bars and restaurants that were open. What a recommendation that was! It's a really good looking restaurant with a bar at the front as you walk in, that virtually invites you in! Service is very friendly and welcoming. A great menu with a choice of international or Thai food including some options with a contemporary twist that you won't see in every other restaurant you eat in. In addition there is a specials board with mains, drinks and desserts. Great drinks menu too with an extensive choice of cocktails, beers, wine and spirits. If you like red wine the house Merlot is very smooth. I have eaten here twice so far and I don't think that will be the last. I have chosen Thai both times, swayed by the fish options. Both have been exceptionally good, beautifully presented, fresh, full of flavour and taste and just the right amount of complimentary heat. I am determined to try a burger before my last visit! It's a restaurant that you can chill in, the decor, layout and setting are very relaxing, the jazzy/bluesy music adds to the atmosphere. It's like going to dinner at a good friends house and you don't want the evening to end! This is a fabulous restaurant that is well run and managed and I am so glad that I had the opportunity...

It was reasonably busy but we were shown to a table straight away and given menus. You're not rushed to order which is nice, most other restaurants come back to you in 2minutes to take your order. We ordered food and a litre of draught beer (asahi) between us. That was served in a jug with ice cold glasses.

A few minutes later our appetisers arrived. I ordered the salt and pepper chilli squid, I expected it to be like it is served in the uk, deep fried, but it wasn't. It was a million times better. Really tasty! My husband had the deep fried chilli beef and really enjoyed it. Again, not like you'd get it in the UK, no batter, and it wasn't very spicy, but really really good.

I hadn't finished my starter when our mains arrived. This was the only downside to the meal. I'd ordered the massaman curry and my husband ordered a stir fried pork dish with black pepper and strong garlic. We also ordered a rice to share and a roti bead. It was quite easily one of the best meals we have had in Thailand! Hopefully we'll get the opportunity to go back, but we like to try as many restaurants as possible.

There's a little cat wondering around too but he doesn't bother anyone and didn't really want any attention. We gave him...

Confused experience. Have been regularly visiting this place during last 4 years as I considered it as a top one in Koh Lanta. Got confused after my visit from the beg of this year. Pros: 1.Great staff taking care of you. 2.Good drinks Cons: 1.Pizza overbaked and crispy too much 2.Mushroom risotto overcooked. It was served with salad with strong garlic taste which did not match well with sweater coconut flavor of risotto At the entrance there is a happy hour promoting coctails. Had unpleasent supprise on the bill as this does not apply for all coctails. I was explained there is another board hanging on the wall saying it is only for selected drinks. This was difficult to find as it is on the other site of the bar which you do not cross when you go to your table. There was a snake in the restaurant that caused panic for a while among guests. Nothing happened. Assume snake was more stressed than guests. Jungle is nearby and snakes are part of ecosystem.

Overal experience: Pricey food not worth it. Drinks nice despite of their price. Will skip this during...