Gecko Cabane Restaurant — Restaurant in Krabi Province

Sometimes you just stumble upon the right place by happy accident!

We were actually looking for a different restaurant which we could not locate, and so finding Gecko Cabane (which I’d previously seen in searches) was a most fortunate turn of events. The reason being that Frederick, our host and a native of Lyoń France was the perfect host and gentleman. Knowledgeable in both fine cuisine and libations.

The decor is wonderfully unique and scattered throughout with he and his wife’s (also the chef) personalities and interests, including impressive collections of artwork and fine pottery.

The menu and drinks lists are both equally of the variety that are extensive enough to satisfy any palate, yet simple enough to make choices relatively straightforward, especially compared to traditional Thai establishments.

We had tuna tartare (fresh, light. zesty and very generous portions) to start. Unfortunately there wasn’t any prawn crackers (or some such related crisp) to accompany, so we could savour it even longer; however this is most definitely not a criticism to the dish in any sense.

Our mains of massaman lamb shank and tamarind king prawns were well portioned, beautifully cooked, tender, rich and deliciously tasty. I’ve had a few massaman shanks and this was by far the best, which says a lot as it didn’t come with the usual fare of carrots, peanuts and potatoes, yet still shone without any additional accompaniments.

Had my partner been feeling better, I’d have definitely had the flambé banana French toast to finish, however several offerings on the desert menu sounded divine also.

I’ve travelled around the world to many countries, cities and tried most cuisines (including several Michelin stars) and the 3 dishes we had at Gecko Cabane (as well as premium European drinks) were amongst the finest I have experienced.

This is truly a gem of Krabi town and will not be bettered in many places around the world, let alone Thailand. My only regret is that I didn’t have another night in Krabi town, as I’d definitely be booking a table again. Do yourself a big favour and experience it...

I should've seen the warning signs earlier, namely the many hyperbolic reviews from mainly Europeans rejoicing at the presence of French cuisine in Thailand. We went for Christmas day but left feeling decidedly underwhelmed. The Christmas set menu was pricey even for Western wallets, but given our Xmas day turkey dinner tradition we acquiesced. It was fine but the turkey came with absolutely no vegetables or trimmings besides dauphinoise potatoes, and they did not stock cranberry sauce. On ordering, a needless fuss was made about one of us having the set menu and the other having a single main - not sure why it required comment from the French proprietor as it is quite simple to time both mains to come out together, but it just made us feel awkward and unwelcome. The weirdest interaction was when I asked a waitress for a paper napkin (I actually can't believe I'm writing this, but you really couldn't make this up). Now, given that they had wrapped our carafe of wine with a paper napkin, you'd be forgiven for assuming this was in stock, wouldn't you? She heard my request, went away and stood motionless by the counter, like a vacant statue. I thought she didn't understand, so I asked a second waitress over and repeated the same process. She said they didn't have any napkins (?!) and I should go to the toilet to use their toilet roll instead, and when I asked how that could be possible, pointing at the carafe on our table, she then went and had a long discussion with the proprietor and managed to magic a napkin up. It's hard to understand what on earth was going on there, given that napkins are so cheap and the price point of this restaurant so dear, but this bizarre hospitality was quite unexpected and I couldn't...

The impression of the restaurant is negative. My husband and I came at 2:45 pm, the restaurant was absolutely empty. We were met by a not very friendly person, we don’t know who it was, a waiter or an administrator (bald with a moustache). We wanted to sit at a table that was by the wall on a sofa. But we were not allowed, since the table was for four. We were offered tables for two in the passage with uncomfortable chairs. We asked again to sit where it was convenient for us, but we were refused again, arguing that he would have to set the table again for four at 4:00 pm. It was very funny, it’s like a dishwasher saying that I will have to wash your dishes :). Considering that the restaurant was absolutely empty and there were plenty of free seats. Even in Montmartre during rush hour they sat us at the table where we wanted, if they were free. Truly, the arrogance and pathos of an average restaurant denies all the rules of hospitality. We will never go back there and we will tell all our...