Take an absolutely idyllic beachfront location. Add a stylish restaurant with expansive terraces and super-comfy seating. Include a top chef who’s catered personally for kings and queens. And mix in an eclectic selection of French-Mediterranean and Thai cuisines. Not forgetting excellent value-for-money. And what have you got? The answer’s simple – H Bistro.

And this stunning restaurant is part of the new Hansar Samui resort in Bophut, which opened its doors in July 2010 and has been attracting the island’s gastronomes ever since. Being at the far western end of Fisherman’s Village, you can reach it from two directions. The first is to go all the way along the beach where you come to it at the very end. And the second way is to approach it from the ring-road in Bophut where you turn off between Anantara Bophut Resort and Churrasco restaurant and follow the lane straight on until you’ll reach it; again at the very end.

Come this way and you’ll arrive via the car park and magnificent lobby, and from here you’ll be escorted the short way to H Bistro. And one of the first things you’ll immediately be aware of is the incredibly expansive beach frontage both the resort and restaurant enjoy. Take a table on the wide beachfront terrace next to flaming torches overlooking the glistening sea and beyond to the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan, or one in the smart open-sided restaurant itself which enjoys the same views. And with spacious seating for just 74 diners, H Bistro never feels crowded.

Upstairs, there’s The Chill Lounge, a chic and trendy place for relaxing on one of the many sofas and huge day-beds. You can even dine up here too, using ‘table-trays’ should you wish to remain in a reclining position. And, believe me, enjoying a gourmet meal whilst sitting up on a bed doesn’t come much more romantic. Especially when you’re with the one you love!

When it comes to executive chefs, Hansar Samui has taken no chances and has commissioned one of the very best in Stephen (he’s French Canadian, so that’s pronounced ‘Stefan’) Jean Dion. The most notable appointments in his impressive CV are a two-year period as the Private Chef for the King and Queen of Jordan and, most recently, as the Executive Chef at the State Tower Bangkok’s famous Sirocco restaurant. So you can comfortably say that H Bistro’s kitchen is in very good hands!

And before I make some recommendations of Stephen’s food, I must mention that if you’re a vegetarian you’ve come to the right place, too. Not only is there a fine selection of vegetarian dishes on the menu, but Stephen would be more than happy to prepare any number of the vast array of many more that he’s created over the years – just for you. And he’d also be totally willing to create something personalised – just let him know what ingredients you’d like to be included. Now that is customer service!

“… and the chef had a two-year period as the Private Chef for the King and Queen of Jordan.”

As promised, here are a few recommendations for the meat-eaters amongst you, starting with the highly decadent (and superbly tasty) appetiser, Peach Caramelised Foie Gras with Jerez jus. And for main course, both the signature dishes – Slow-cooked Stockyard Wagyu Strip-loin with oxtail ravioli, Portobello mushrooms, guanciale and light mustard emulsion, and the Maine Lobster in garlic and smoked paprika with green peas puree, wild rocket, truss cherry tomatoes, artichokes salad flavoured with Aceto Balsamico and parmesan – have every right to be highly recommended, such is the sheer quality, presentation and taste of both.

Dessert lovers aren’t forgotten at H Bistro either, and the Pineapple Pockets filled with Coconut Sherbet in exotic soup, and the Warm Melted Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice-cream are just two of many delicious creations on the menu.

Although the restaurant is known for its amazing French-Mediterranean cuisine, it also offers a full Thai cuisine menu that’s equally creative and just as tasty. Their incredible version of Thailand’s favourite dish – Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour soup with prawns) – also comes highly recommended.

Add to this dining experience an excellent choice of wines and super friendly and courteous staff and you’ll understand why H Bistro is so highly regarded and definitely recommendable.

H Bistro is open from 6:30 - 10:30 am for breakfast, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm for lunch, and from 6:00 - 10:30 pm (kitchen) for dinner. For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7724 5511.