Cafe69 — Restaurant in Surat Thani Province

Last week of our 4 week food safari of Koh Samui. Cafe 69 is epic, easily the best food we have had on Samui, and rivalling the best we have had in all Thailand. We did not expect this, but we're genuinely happily surprised. Definitely Michelin Star worthy I believe. This is well thought-through, clever and sophisticated food.

We had the tom yum cones - 10/10.

We also had the green curry chicken pies - 10/10

We also had the green papaya salad with soft shell crab - 10/10.

Chef Vivian manages to bring together perfect Thai flavours with Japanese or Singaporean style presentation.

And, . . . we just had to come back to this very special place. This time we had beef cheeks krab pow (heat level 4/5), Khao Soi with river prawns, and the prawns on toast with mango mayo. All were cooked by Vivian himself. Please believe me, the krab pow and Khao Soi were off the planet. Easy 12/10.

Rich, multiple layers, perfect balance and as you can see, very generous serves. Truly Thai but so sophisticated. The beef cheeks had cooked down so that they fell apart, but not gooey like they sometimes can be. No idea how Vivian cooks it, but it is stunning. We added some fresh mango on the side to provide extra balance as the heat builds up.

The Khao Soi is so rich and refined, amazing how much flavour was packed into it.

We chase authentic and special food all over the planet, and this food today was in the top 5 of any meal we've ever had. Stunning.

And we finished with the sticky rice creme brulee. I mean, why wouldn't you?

Aannnd, back again for our last night in Koh Samui.

Tonight we had the tom yum cones (delicious, again), and lamb shank massaman. It was huge, rich, decadent. Glorious. Two of us could not quite finish it.

Chef Vivian is a genius. If this were Bangkok or Singapore you would wait weeks for a booking, and there would be dozens of people outside waiting to pounce on any "no-show".

We will definitely be back to Samui next year, and Cafe 69 is on top of our places...

I would give this place ten stars if I could. I won’t lie, Cafe 69 had me with its feather bouquets and psychedelic cat pillows. But it was the chef and owner, Vivian, and his fabulous culinary creations that made this dining experience one for the ages. We weren’t even hungry when we arrived at the odd hour of around 4:30pm, but the little roadside resto had been so highly recommended by a jaded French expat that my husband and I had to see what it was all about. We sat down intending to split just one app, but the food was so good — and Vivian and the other staff were so charming — that we ended up having four: the tuna tartare, red curry duck dumplings, papaya salad rolls and the famous green curry chicken pie. All were amazing: distinctively Thai, but with unexpected presentations, fresh ingredients and loads of love and soul. In a country full of good food, this was our favorite meal, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that Vivian is completely self-taught. A true highlight not only of our honeymoon in Thailand, but also of our food-driven adventures around the world, and we highly, HIGHLY recommend Cafe 69 to all foodies visiting Samui! (And in response to reviewers who negged on the busy roadside location: it is what it is, and the restaurant’s food, charm and one-of-a-kindness more than make up for it. Throughout the world, I have found that restaurants with less desirable locations have to work extra hard to earn their customers, and Cafe 69 is a shining case in point. If location is your priority, there are plenty of other pretty places on the coast, but if it’s a delightful culinary experience you’re after then don’t miss this...

Hidden away in the charming Bophut area of Koh Samui, Cafe 69 is a delightful surprise. This quirky little establishment is so much more than just a cafe; it's an experience.

From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere envelops you. The friendly staff welcomes you like family, making you feel right at home. The decor is a delightful mix of vintage charm and modern touches, creating a unique and comfortable ambiance.

But the true star of Cafe 69 is the food. The menu boasts a fusion of Thai and Western dishes, all expertly prepared with fresh, local ingredients. From the innovative green curry pie to the melt-in-your-mouth tuna tartar, every dish is a flavor explosion. The presentation is just as impressive, with each plate a work of art.

And let's not forget the cocktails! Cafe 69 has a fantastic selection of handcrafted cocktails, each one bursting with creativity and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just starting your exploration, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with friends, Cafe 69 is the perfect spot. With its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and friendly service, this little gem is sure to leave you...