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Chaba Café
When it comes to hidden culinary gems in Koh Yao Noi, Chaba Café stands out as one of our absolute favorites. This hipster café captured our hearts from the moment we stepped in, and we found ourselves returning almost every day during our stay on the island. Trust us, it’s a spot you won’t want to miss while exploring Koh Yao Noi.
The outdoor and indoor settings at Chaba Café are tropical and incredibly relaxing. Whether you prefer dining at traditional tables or lounging in a more laid-back setting with pillows and low tables, this café caters to every preference.
Chaba Café offers charming little tropical rooms with various dining settings, each offering a unique experience. We had the pleasure of trying them all during our visits. As you dine, you’ll be serenaded by the sweet melodies of birdsong, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. It’s like having delightful feathered companions joining you for your meal.
Despite not having AC, Chaba Café is well-equipped with numerous fans placed to create a refreshing breeze throughout the space. It adds to the relaxed atmosphere, keeping you cool and comfortable even on warmer and humid days.
The café is a fantastic workplace with a reliable internet connection. We’ve spent many productive hours here, enjoying delicious meals while getting work done. It’s also where we’ve met wonderful digital nomad friends from around the globe. The staff is wonderfully friendly, ensuring that your experience is always accompanied by a warm smile.
The café offers an extensive menu, featuring some of the finest vegan options on the island. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners will also find plenty of excellent choices, which can be hard to come by in Thailand. Each dish is prepared fresh, using locally sourced ingredients, giving you a taste of authentic homemade cuisine. Plus, with prices ranging from USD 2 to USD 10.
Don’t miss trying our favorite beet smoothie; it’s wonderfully refreshing and detoxifying. The menu also offers a selection of detox juices and smoothies to choose from.
After lunch, take your time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with your favorite book, listening to the soothing melodies of the birds chirping nearby.
Bai Tong Restaurant
At Bai Tong Restaurant, it’s all about laid-back vibes, chill atmosphere, and top-notch cuisine. The food here is incredibly delicious and flavorful. Situated right on the beach, you can dine with your toes in the sand, enjoying the fantastic views of the nearby Thai islands. It’s a dining experience that combines relaxation and culinary excellence in the best possible way.
It was an incredibly hot day, and we simply couldn’t resist an ice-cold coconut. Here on the island, indulging in coconut is a daily routine for us. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, offering numerous health benefits. And let’s not forget the coconut meat, which is not only tasty but also rich in vitamin C. It’s the perfect tropical treat to beat the heat and stay nourished.
The menu offered many Thai dishes, making it quite a challenge to narrow down our choices. We decided on the cashew chicken mushroom stir-fry with steamed rice, which was priced at 150 THB.
We also tasted the mushroom pizza, which was a real treat. The pizza dough was crunchy, and combined with the melted cheese, it offered a truly delicious flavor experience. It was priced at 180 THB.
La Luna Pizzeria & Restaurant
Sometimes, as delightful as Thai food can be, you crave a change of pace. It was time to indulge in the world of Italian pasta and pizza. Another fantastic spot on the island to enjoy delicious pizza is La Luna Pizzeria & Restaurant. We were craving some Italian cuisine, and our choice certainly hit the spot.
At the pizzeria, you have the option to dine indoors or al fresco, under the melodious tunes of Eros Ramazzotti. Their menu takes you on a culinary adventure, offering delicious appetizers, pizza, pasta, and desserts, with prices ranging from $2 to $25.
We couldn’t resist the banana split, topped with delicious chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream. It cost 130 THB.
The restaurant offers a fun and lively atmosphere, complete with a ping pong table for guests to enjoy. It’s a perfect way to unwind and socialize after a delicious meal.
Sea Gypsy Restaurant
Sea Gypsy Restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, just like dining with family at home. The whole family is involved in serving, with even their youngest daughter bringing us our smoothies. The soothing Thai music playing in the background added to the charm, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Located on the main road, it’s a popular stop for tired tourists after a busy day of exploring the island. It’s a great spot for an authentic local experience.
Yaonoi Seefood Restaurant
Another great local homestyle restaurant along the main road, across from the beach, is Yaonoi Seafood Restaurant. They specialize in serving fresh fish, always opting for the catch of the day. It’s an outdoor restaurant with delightful music, and the owners are very friendly.
We were recommended to try the Thai seafood spaghetti, and it was a unique experience. Unlike the traditional sauce, this one had a distinct fish aroma with a blend of herbs that created a chilly, sweet, and sour flavor profile. It was a truly interesting combination of tastes, priced at 200 THB.
We also tried thai chicken spaghetti, which was prepared with chicken broth and various chili sauces, along with a hint of lemongrass. It offered a unique taste unlike traditional spaghetti dishes, priced at 180 THB.
The garlic bread, topped with melted cheese, was a delightful rendition of the traditional favorite, and it was absolutely delicious! Priced at an additional 80 THB.
Rice Paddy Restaurant
Rice Paddy Restaurant is truly a gem of Koh Yao Noi, offering an authentic blend of Thai and International cuisine. Upon recommendation from a local friend, we decided to experience the luxury of dining here. Keep in mind that reservations are essential, as finding a table without one can be challenging. The owner is an exceptional individual, knowledgeable not only about food but also about the island and Thai culture. If you have any questions about the cuisine, the island, or Thai culture in general, he’s the person to ask. His insights enrich not just the dining experience but also your understanding of Thailand. Plus, he speaks multiple languages, making communication a breeze for guests from all around the world.
The menu had so many options that we ended up ordering way too much food to try everything. In hindsight, we may have overindulged a bit and ordered more food than we could handle!
After the owner warmly introduced himself and provided a detailed overview of the menu, he surprised us with a complimentary appetizer—a first for us: a traditional Burmese-inspired dish. The appetizer consisted of tomatoes filled with a refreshing salad complemented by nuts, lentils, and beans. It was a delightful blend of flavors, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. It left us with a great first impression of the restaurant.
Our dining experience began with a flavorful falafel appetizer crafted from chickpeas and an aromatic blend of herbs. The falafel was both tasty and crunchy, offering a delightful start to our meal. It was priced at 140 THB.
Our second appetizer was a creamy hummus crafted from garlic-infused chickpeas, blended with tahini, and accompanied by homemade bread. It was delicious and priced at 140 THB.
For our main course, we both opted for spaghetti. When you’re traveling long-term, you often crave dishes that remind you of home, so we decided on something homie but with a Thai twist.
Outside the restaurant, there was a large tree that we initially thought was a mango tree. However, we soon discovered that many others had the same misconception. The tree was tall and bore plenty of fruits, but it turned out to be a Cerbera odollam, also known as the suicide tree or pong pong tree. We learned that its kernel is highly poisonous.
Takao Beach Restaurant
One of the restaurants we visited had a very relaxing and chill atmosphere, located on Takao Beach. Being right on the beach, it was the perfect setup to swim before lunch and chill.
Sai Beach Restaurant
One of the most romantic restaurants we’ve experienced in Koh Yao Noi is Sai Beach Restaurant, especially during sunset. The sky is incredibly beautiful, and the restaurant sets up the perfect romantic beach setup. They even provide umbrellas if you arrive earlier to shield you from the sun. At night, the ambient lights create an even more romantic and cozy atmosphere. It’s truly enjoyable, especially with the beach all to yourself, with no one else around.
If you have a special occasion, the restaurant can arrange a beautiful setup for you on the beach to enjoy. Just imagine saying “I do” in this stunning setting, facing the breathtaking Thai islands.
We ordered the Chicken Fried Rice, also known as Khao Phat Gai, priced at 120 THB, along with a serving of fresh coconut for 80 THB.
We also ordered the Thai Garlic Chicken with rice and a fried egg, priced at 120 THB.
Chili fish sauce, or Prik Nam Pla, is our favorite sauce in Thailand. We can’t have a meal without it—it’s a must-try while in Thailand!
Parabar & Restaurant
Parabar Restaurant is the ultimate spot for the most exciting dining experience on the island, especially if you’re a fan of pirates, live music, and chill vibes. Stepping into Parabar feels like diving into a real pirate adventure, like stumbling upon a hidden paradise on a deserted island. The atmosphere is carefully crafted to resemble an authentic pirate ship, with every detail carefully crafted, including a fully functional ship’s helm. The owner, often seen at the helm as he heads to the kitchen, along with his daughter, are incredibly warm and welcoming, ensuring our visit is unforgettable.
Driving down the main road, you’ll be greeted by the Parabar boat, and it’s hard to resist not dining here. There’s also free parking in front of the restaurant.
If you’re seeking nightlife on Koh Yao Noi, this place transforms into the real deal. The music sets the vibe, and you can see people dancing and having a blast.
You’ll also find a happy hour here, drawing in a diverse crowd of global travelers for a night of fun and socializing. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers from around the globe.
Green Coffee House
Green Coffee House is another delightful spot we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we opted for dinner after sunset, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. Located on the main road, their menu features a diverse selection of international and Asian cuisine. We were pleasantly surprised to find German and Italian dishes on the menu, adding to the culinary variety.
Spaghetti Bolognese was a perfect dinner choice. The sauce was so beautifully prepared and flavorful that you won’t want the meal to end.
Spaghetti Carbonara was prepared with a very creamy sauce that made the spaghetti melt in your mouth. It was cooked very nicely and was quite enjoyable.
