Pepenero Koh Samui — Restaurant in Surat Thani Province

EDITED: I am honestly shocked that the owner threatened to report us for leaving an honest review, calling it defamation. What I wrote was based on my real experience after dining here I became very sick, with stomach pain and vomiting for three days. I shared this so that others can be aware, because food safety should always come first.

I would never have left such a review if the manager had cared for us properly. We returned almost all of our food after only trying a few bites of everything, there I realised that the food is not good. no effort was made from the manager to replace the dishes or to reduce anything from the bill. A professional response would have been to take customer feedback seriously, not to intimidate guests who speak about their genuine experience!

We came here with very high expectations after it was recommended to us and it turned out to be the worst restaurant experience we’ve ever had. Food quality: Absolutely unacceptable. The tuna tartare was tasteless and watery, the steak was inedible, and the beef tartare was honestly disgusting. The salad was equally bad. We couldn’t eat anything and actually left hungry. We genuinely felt that eating this food could cause food poisoning.

Service: The waiter/manager showed no care at all. When we tried to share our concerns, there was no interest, no effort to make things right, not even the most basic gesture like offering to exchange a dish.

Value: For this terrible experience, we paid 6,000 THB, which is outrageous for the quality and service we received.

We live in Dubai, we travel a lot, This restaurant was beyond disappointing and completely unsafe in our opinion.

👉 We absolutely do NOT recommend this place. Save your money, avoid the risk of food poisoning, and choose...

From the moment we stepped into Pepernero, we knew we were in for something truly special. Chef Alain Di Tomaso and Maitre Paolo Migliorini have crafted more than just a meal—they’ve created an experience that blends exquisite Italian flavors with warm, impeccable hospitality.

We began our evening with two sensational appetizers: the special bruschetta of the night with anchovies which was a delightful surprise of fresh, vibrant flavors, and the Bruschetta Portofino, where perfectly ripe tomatoes met the rich aroma of pesto. Each bite was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic Italian tradition.

For our main courses, the Orecchiette pasta with mixed vegetables was a standout, with its delicate yet bold combination of flavors and perfectly al dente texture. The duck breast with fruit compote was an absolute masterpiece—succulent, flavorful, and beautifully balanced by the subtle sweetness of the compote. And then, the Fettuccine with four tomatoes cream and Burrata—a dish so indulgently creamy and rich that it felt like the very essence of Italy on a plate.

Beyond the outstanding cuisine, what truly elevated the evening was the exceptional service. Paolo Migliorini exudes a passion for hospitality that is rare to find. His attention to detail, thoughtful recommendations, and genuine warmth made us feel like honored guests rather than just diners.

Pepernero is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience, a journey through flavors, and a place where every dish tells a story. If you find yourself in Koh Samui, missing out on this hidden gem would be a mistake. Five stars, without hesitation!...

Knowing Pepenero since maybe 2015/16 in their former location when it was Paolo, Camille and Alain to their current Maenam space with the gents running it, surviving a 3 year pandemic, this restaurant has always remained true to its heart, offering authentic dishes from the region of Italy they know best, using the best quality imported products, truely creative in their offerings. Don't go there looking for a pizza and penne carbonara - you wont find it. Instead you will hear the story of the menu and specials, created by Chef Alain and Paolo, a little bit about the region, wines to match, great service by a mostly Burmese team, in a warmly lit open dining space, surrounded by bottles and roses on the tables. Both passionate foodies, enthusiastic about great food and wine. Trust their menu suggestions, try something new, let them take you on a journey. Home made breads, pastas. The cheese wheel (which they exclusively import into Thailand, one of about 10 items they import) bought to the table. I was there this time for an event, they were super busy, but the magic of Pepenero was shining bright. Thankyou Paolo, Chef Alain and the team for your service and food from...