Coconut Monkey
Built from beachside bliss and repurposed bamboo, Coconut Monkey oozes with cosiness and character. Whether you are in the mood for a coffee paired with a bite from its cooler of homemade treats, or a full, healthy meal, there are options to satisfy anyone. Go for the loaded divers’ wrap for breakfast packed with eggs, potatoes, and premium sausage or bacon with a selection of sauces, and do not miss out on the freshly-made juices, smoothies, and kombucha. This spot also has one of the most vegan and vegetarian-friendly menus on Koh Tao.
SouthBeach Café
Hearty breakfasts, nourishing salads, and awesome pizza and burgers are all available at SouthBeach Cafe, a dreamy little oasis just steps from the beach in the South of Koh Tao. Every menu item is packed with flavour from its BBQ pulled chicken burger to the spicy chorizo and zucchini pizza or the Paris ham and dill panini, and for vegans, this spot is one of the few on Koh Tao that has the option for vegan cheese and other non-dairy alternatives. SouthBeach also is one of the most eco-friendly restaurants on Koh Tao, eliminating nearly all plastic from its operation, including straws, plastic bags, and cutlery.
The Gallery
Perhaps one of the most pleasantly designed and more popular Koh Tao restaurants, this restaurant serves some of the best Thai food on the whole island. Whether its seafood, white or red meats or even vegetarian options, there is plenty to choose from from this quaint but cosy restaurant. Some of the best dishes to pick from are hor mok maprao on, their signature dish comprising of a chicken, fish, or shrimp curry in a coconut, or the snapper fillet slow cooked in a mouth-watering red sauce. If you are confused and not sure of what to pick, you have an option of letting the chef cook her choice of starters and mains for you, and trust us, you will not be disappointed.
995 Roasted Duck
This restaurant is so good, you may have to wait in line just to get in, but we assure you, the wait is totally worth it. This restaurant specialises in Chinese food, and their most famous dishes are made from duck, from duck soup, to an entire duck, braised and slow roasted. The serving time is pretty quick and the food will be finished even quicker than that.
Asia Mood
Thais are not the only ones who have mastered the art of the noodle. Asia Mood brings the island a huge offering of incredible dishes from a smattering of other regional cuisines, like authentic Japanese ramen, Korean soups and stir-frys, and some of the island’s best sushi. As an added bonus, swap out that Chang and Singha you have been drinking for some of their on-tap Asahi or Korean soju, or unwind with one of their matcha-based beverages.
Vegetabowl
This colourful veggie shack in the heart of the island is the stuff of vegan dreams. Its trademark salad, soba noodle, and rice bowls pack flavourful punches, and are surprisingly nourishing as well. Or cater to your comfort food side through their pan-fried quesadilla and daily freshly baked vegan cookies the size of your hand.