Travels with Ingrid

Best Places to Eat in Koh Lanta: The Ultimate Food Guide

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One thing I absolutely love about Koh Lanta is that compared to many other developed areas in Thailand it has less tacky tourist restaurants and more truly good and authentic Thai food. In addition they have various spots with western food and some brunch cafes, but it’s done really well and the food is usually delicious.

After spending weeks eating my way around Long Beach, Klong Khong, Kantiang Bay, Old Town, and Saladan, these are the restaurants I kept coming back to and would recommend.

For every section I’ll start with my favourites and work my way down, so if you’re just on the island for a couple of days just pick the top ones and I’m sure you’ll have some amazing food experiences.

Alternatively check out everyone and see how close they are to where you’re staying. Koh Lanta is a huge and many of the spots below are scattered around the island.

Best Thai Food in Koh Lanta

If you're coming to Thailand to eat authentic Thai food, these are the restaurants you should prioritise.

Activities
Want to learn how to make Thai food?

I highly recommend checking out this cooking class. They have one class for lunch and one for dinner!

Khao Soi Long Beach

This is hands down my favourite spot on the island. I still think about the food from time to time, and that doesn't happen often. It’s located hidden down a side street so I came here on a whim. I ended up liking it so much that we even decided to have our Christmas Eve meal here. You need to try the Panang Curry here.

thai food on koh lanta, thailand
Khao Soi Long Beach
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Basil Bistro

I got this one recommended by a local and I kept coming back again and again. The food is really good, and it has a very nice vibe as well. I actually preferred this one to the many beach front restaurants in the area.

thai food on koh lanta, thailand
Delicious curry on Koh lanta

Mama Dang Kitchen

Mama Dang Kitchen is one of those restaurants that you might discover halfway through your trip and then return to repeatedly. That's at least what happened to me. The food tastes genuinely homemade and delicious.

thai food on koh lanta, thailand
Mama Dang Kitchen
Activities
Want to make the most of your trip to Koh Lanta?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Yawee Restaurant

This is another huge winner I kept coming back to. It’s a family-run spot that serves some of the most authentic curries, stir-fries, and seafood dishes you'll find on Koh Lanta.

The Massaman Curry is amazing. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the flavours are excellent. This is the kind of place where you'll probably return more than once.

thai food on koh lanta, thailand
Yawee Restaurant

Where Else Garden Eatery & Bar

Tucked away in a tropical garden, this relaxed restaurant serves both Thai and international cuisine in a peaceful setting. We came here a couple of times and it was always good. I also think it’s one of the more charming spots with lots of colour and funky interior. There were never a lot of people here, but I honestly don't understand why, because the food was really good.

woman eating thai food on koh lanta, thailand
entrance to elsewhere restaurant on koh lanta, thailand
Garden Eatery & Bar

Sanctuary Café

I decided to add this one as well not only because the food was very good and reasonable, but because in my opinion it’s one of the best places to socialise with other travellers on the island. It’s located on the beach at Sanctuary Hostel.

colourful lights on a bar in koh lanta, thailand
Cozy vibes on Koh Lanta

Sabai Sabai Viewpoint & Lounge

Even though I genuinely enjoyed the food here, it's the views that make me add it to the list.

It has panoramic views stretching across the Andaman Sea, making it one of Koh Lanta's most Instagramable locations. You can even relax in their hammock-like areas while enjoying the view.

woman looking our on the view of koh lanta, thailnd from sabai restaurant
woman looking our on the view of koh lanta, thailnd from sabai restaurant
Sabai Sabai Viewpoint & Lounge

Pinto Restaurant

This one is located in Koh Lanta Old Town and is my favourite spot in the city. It specialises in southern Thai cuisine and is truly delicious and very reasonable. The view overlooking the sea is an added bonus.

I wouldn't travel all the way to Old Town just to eat here, but if you explore the island and wander around old Town this is by far the best one in my opinion.

Best Western & International Restaurants in Koh Lanta

If you're staying in Thailand for a long time it’s allowed to need a break from Thai food. Thankfully, Koh Lanta has excellent international options as well. For most of the spots below I highly recommend getting a reservation if you’re visiting during high season.

Joe's Texas BBQ

Perhaps not what you expect to find on a Thai island, but this spot has some seriously good food.

They serve slow-smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, homemade sauces, and authentic Texas barbecue. I have to say I was a bit skeptical, but after eating here I can honestly say it’s a spot you need to try while on Koh Lanta. Especially if you’re a meat lover.

bbq food on koh lanta, thailand
Joe's Texas BBQ

Yang Garden

This might be the island's most beautiful restaurant. It has a tropical garden setting which creates a really magical atmosphere. The food is also really, really good.

El Greco

I never say no to some Greek food, so when I found this I had to try it. And it's exactly as good as I hoped it would be. In addition the interior and vibe here is super charming.

bruscetta and wine in front of the sunset on koh lanta, thailand
pesto pasta and chicken for dinner in koh lanta, thailand
Eating my way though Koh Lanta
Insurance
Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

Loro Loco Pizza Cuisine

If you’re craving some really good Italian food this is the place to go. It’s the best place on the island for pizza, and they also serve some truly delicious homemade pasta.

Qing's Noodles & Dumplings

This is a fantastic alternative when you're craving something completely different. They serve handmade dumplings and Chinese-style noodle dishes, and is the best spot on the island for Chinese food.

a coconut with a straw in it on the beach
an omelette on toast in koh lanta, thailand
Eating my way though Koh Lanta
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Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Koh Lanta

Even though I absolutely love Thai food, I do think it's hard to start my day with it. When you're used to starting the day with bread or yoghurt it's nice to have some options. Below are some spots I kept coming back to for a light breakfast, lunch or a bigger brunch.

Activities
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Find the highest rated tours and experiences here! Compare prices and book your activities in advance to get the most of your trip!

Bonnie's Deli

I love this spot and we kept coming back again and again. It’s part deli, part café and part wine shop. They serve imported cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, gourmet sandwiches, and excellent wine. The owner is Swedish so if you’re from the Nordics like me and miss Scandinavian candy, this is a must visit.

bonnies deli in koh lanta, thailand
a sandwich at bonnies deli in koh lanta, thailand
Bonnie's Deli

Tuesday Morning Small Talk

This is one of my favourite spots for breakfast or lunch. In addition to having really good food, they also have an amazing view over the beach. It's the perfect place to spend a slow morning before heading to the beach.

woman eating a yoghurt with fruit on koh lanta, thailand
a bowl of yoghurt and fruit on the beach in koh lanta, thailand
Amazing breakfast & brunch spots on Koh Lanta

FOOD by DOX

If you're staying near Klong Khong this is a great spot to check out. They serve a mix of Thai, Vietnamese and Middle-Eastern cuisine. And it’s all delicious. Their banh mi sandwiches are particularly popular.

a sandwich with chicken and vegetables on koh lanta, thailand
Delicios sandwich

Together Cafe Koh Lanta

This is one of the island's best all-around breakfast spots. The coffee is excellent, the homemade bread is fantastic, and the menu offers everything from smoothie bowls to breakfast sandwiches. If you’re not living very close to it I would probably head to one of the spots above first, but if you're staying near this is a great find.

breakfast food at together cafe on koh lanta, thailand
Together Cafe

What is The Best Areas to Stay in Koh Lanta?

The best area to stay in Koh Lanta depends on the kind of trip you're planning. Long Beach is my top recommendation for first-time visitors, with a beautiful stretch of sand, plenty of restaurants and beach bars, and easy access to the rest of the island.

Klong Khong is a great choice for backpackers, budget travellers and digital nomads who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, while Klong Nin is ideal if you want a quieter beach holiday with charming restaurants and boutique hotels nearby. For families, Klong Dao has wide sandy beaches and calmer water, whereas Kantiang Bay is my pick for couples looking for stunning scenery, luxury resorts and a more secluded escape.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but fun stay in Koh Lanta.

Layana Resort & Spa - Adult Only
Layana Resort & Spa - Adult Only

This is widely considered one of the finest hotels on Koh Lanta. Located directly on Long Beach, this adults-only resort combines luxury with an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. The rooms are elegant, the infinity pool overlooks the beach, and the service is consistently exceptional.

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Pimalai Resort & Spa
Pimalai Resort & Spa

This isn't just one of the best hotels in Koh Lanta, it's one of the best resorts in Thailand. It blends seamlessly into the rainforest-covered hillside above the bay, creating an experience that feels luxurious without ever feeling overdeveloped. Everything here is exceptional.

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Long Beach Chalets
Long Beach Chalets

This is one of my favorite hotels on the island because it feels so authentically Koh Lanta. The beachfront bungalows are surrounded by tropical gardens, and the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and unpretentious. It offers excellent value for money and puts you right in the heart of the island.

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Map of The Best Hotels in Koh Lanta

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Koh Lanta to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Plan Your Trip to Koh Lanta

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to eat in Koh Lanta. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
Hotels
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Activities
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Insurance

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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If you have any questions about travel in Thailand, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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