A defining restaurant on Samui, distinguished by its dramatic ocean front location, understated yet opulent pavilion-style design and of course the food – both classical Thai and European…

Padma is not only the centre of all things culinary at Karma Samui Villa Resort, it is also among the finest destination restaurants on Koh Samui island. First there is the location; the restaurant looks out over the gulf of Thailand, with tables set on a semi al fresco verandah embedded in the cliff face, just meters above the beach. Polished hard wood floors provide an appealing contrast to the light marquee style roof structure – diaphanous white tensile fabric stretched over slender poles – while diners can glimpse Karma Samui’s culinary team at work in the open kitchen. Pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed at the adjacent bar, or on at Rock Pool, set on an expansive terrace hanging above the beach.

Executive chef Khun Azizskandar Awang is responsible for Padma’s seafood-centric menu which serves global cuisine from Mediterranean fare to classic Thai offerings delivered with that extra note of panache. The freshest ingredients, garnered each morning from the island’s local markets, are delicately interwoven to create dishes that eloquently justify Thailand’s claim of having one of the world’s most sophisticated culinary traditions. Import goods from meats to luxury items are imported from Australia. Khun brings the same level of dedication to bear on all of his food preparation and presentation, with the able support of an experienced and dedicated kitchen staff.