Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Italian cuisine on Koh Samui usually means pizza ovens and shrugs, so this restaurant in Chaweng stands out because it takes food seriously. Fresh pasta with sauces that taste homemade, a Caesar salad with grilled broccoli that consistently receives praise, salmon, steak. The portions are well-balanced and the courses are perfectly coordinated – a rarity. Many guests eat here two or three times during their week-long holiday, and that speaks volumes more than any glowing review.

There's a rooftop terrace if you prefer to sit outside, and the ground-floor room is elegant but not stuffy. Wine and cocktails can quickly drive up the bill, so if you're watching your budget, it's best to focus on the food – that way you'll be fine.

Be warned: The waitstaff at the menu counter outside can be quite pushy. Several guests have reported that a waiter kept looking over their shoulder while they were reading the menu. If you only need a minute to think it over, just say so, and they will leave you alone.