SMILE Khao Tao — Restaurant in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Feb. 15, 2020 (day after Valentine's Day), I was in the area so stopped in. All tables were reserved, but since it was early, owner let me use a small table on the veranda. Started out fantastic, charming, clean, nice people to chat with at next table. Unfortunately, right after I got my meal a million tiny termites (size of fruit flies), came to the lamp that was on my table. I didn't realize they were coming to the light until it was too late and a thousand of them had died in my wine, water and all food items. The owner ran around like a chicken with its head cut off saying, "I don't know where they come from!," and that they had also come the night before at the same time (and I think previous nights). The question is: If he knew they were going to come, then why didn't he do anything about it, like 1) remove the lamps fro the tables, 2) move people inside until they stop, 3) warn people. Realizing that eating some dead bugs would probably not hurt me, I did eat most of my meal. (The chicken was moist, but the shrimp and pork were dry.) So: It started out great, but by the end I was in a very bad mood. The owner said he felt bad and paid for my wine (which was only 'drinkable.') If he knew this was going to happen, he should have taken measures like above to mitigate. This may be a seasonal thing, so if you're there in...

I’ve only been to Hua Hin six times, someone recommended the Smile - we drove past it during the daytime and it looked pretty quiet, nice area and when my friend said French Thai .. so thought .. nope 👎

But some days you just fancy something a little bit more elevated - and the one thing we didn’t get was disappointed.

Met by Frank, who is clearly and rightfully passionate about his little place, the service by him and his team was attentive, casual and exceptional - table of 4 relatively well rounded adults, we drank champagne, ate starters - a delicate amuse bouche with a selection of 4 starters, chicken satay, spring rolls, samosa and prawns in herby garlic and olive oil main course - the sea bass fillet, pork Filet Mignon, Chicken with cheese and ham, oozing into a delicate spaghetti side.

Desert - lord help me …the Lemon Tart was just outstanding and the apple pie completely vanished in seconds

A few bottles of house white, red wine champagne, 3 courses each of EXCEPTIONALLY quality’ food.

150 AED each … the bill was 6000 BHT. When you’re used to paying Dubai Prices this is an absolute steal, gorgeous quality, comfortable, exceptional and highly recommended!

We didn’t take a single photo / the food was that good! By the time we realized the whole thing had been...

Franck is not going to like this, but I am going to do a proper ‘review’ of Smile. Ha.

I will start with service, because that’s what sets Smile apart from other restaurants in Hua Hin. The owners are very hands on, with Franck in the front of house and his wife cooking. You will be greeted warmly and literally shown the menu as the meat and fish available for the night are presented table side. They only serve what is fresh and available on the evening, especially when it comes to the fish. Fantastic, and full five stars for sure here.

Atmosphere: This is a small but welcoming place. But given the size, make sure to make a reservation.

Food: Overall, very good. I had the pork cordon bleu, and it was excellent. They also do a chicken special, and it was good. The fish was cooked perfectly and was very fresh. The shrimp appetizer is ‘famous;’ but I thought the shrimp were a bit overcooked on this occasion. The desserts were excellent.

Overall, we had a great experience at Smile, and will definitely return again next time we...