You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket. And you won't experience one of Bophut's best beachside restaurants if you don't make a little bit of effort too.

Chom Dao has an absolutely stunning location. It runs a full 30 metres along the beach at Bandara Resort & Spa looking out across a pristine sandy beach to the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan. And, most importantly, its long, long terrace ensures that there'll always be a beachside table available.

The restaurant is completely made of wood, created in a rustic village style. Lanterns formed from lobster pots and an ornately carved fishing boat do their part in providing an authentic Samui village ambience. And, café-style, there are even blackboards dotted around proudly proclaiming the daily specials – of which there're many.

Which brings me on to the food. There's an excellent selection of Thai seafood and fusion cuisine, but it doesn't stop there. Every Friday (from January), there's a Thai Night, when you get to select from a sumptuous buffet while being entertained by a traditional Thai dance troupe. And on Tuesday, it's the Beach BBQ, on the sand itself, where you can tuck-in to popular Western barbecue fare, this time with an island-style show (make sure you get there early for the free cocktail party which includes canapes served at 6:00 pm).

But let's get back to the main restaurant again. And because Chom Dao specialises in both seafood and fusion cuisine, it's got a team of superb chefs running the kitchen.

It is recommended that you sample the spectacular selection of seafood on display either barbecued on a charcoal grill or prepared in a variety of styles by one of the chefs. As an appetiser, the mouthwatering Poached Lobster wrapped in strawberries and topped with a pomegranate 'granita' is a sumptuous beginning to any meal.

And the Grilled Seafood Basket, with its king lobster, king prawns, white fish, squid, mussels and blue crab acompanied by Thai fried rice and sautéed vegetables, and the Whole Sea Bass with black pepper sauce or hot chili and limes are both great seafood main course dishes. If you prefer not to have the seafood, the Grilled Australian Lamb Chops topped with a pine nut crust served with ratatouille is a perfect example of one of the Chef's delicious dishes and is highly recommended.

When it comes to authentic Thai food, Chom Dao's also up there with the best. And their traditional northern 'Kantoke' in a basket is a perfect example of how really good the national cuisine is here.

The desserts are something special at Chom Dao, too, this time prepared by the talented pastry chef. Personally recommended is the Chocolate Praline Mousse, which is a decadent dessert for any chocolate lover that just cannot be missed. Or if that sounds a bit much, and you fancy something simpler, then try the Coconut Crème Caramel which is a tropical take on an old classic. It's absolutely delicious.

"… and it has an absolutely stunning location, running a full 30 metres along the beach."

Although the location here is romantic in itself, it wouldn't be complete without Filipinos Val and Candy who perform as The Serenaders Duo. Their singing and musical skills are superb, and their friendly charm spreads throughout the whole restaurant.

Hearing about Chom Dao, you'd probably expect it to be a lot more expensive than the restaurants in Fisherman's Village further along the beach in Bophut. But you'd be wrong. In fact, the reverse is true. Somehow, a night's fine-dining at Chom Dao leaves a lot more money in your pocket than it really should.

Like I said before, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket. And if you buy this ticket, you're guaranteed a win!

Chom Dao is open for dinner from 6:30 pm till late (kitchen closes at 10:30 pm).
For reservations and further
information, telephone 0 7724 5795.