Start our journey with restaurants that combine delicious food with beautiful views. 'Barracuda Roof Top Restaurant & Bar' is a place that impresses not only with its taste, but also with its location. Positioned on the roof, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the island and the sea, creating the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with guests praising the tuna and scallop dishes in particular. Prices are moderate, which, combined with the high quality of the food and service, makes this place worth a visit.

Nearby is 'Barracuda on the Beach', a sister restaurant offering similarly high quality in a more casual, beach atmosphere. It's the perfect place for lunch or an informal dinner with your feet in the sand. Specialties here include ceviche, tuna tartare and sashimi. Guests also appreciate the creative cocktails, such as the passion fruit whiskey sour and the spicy jungle mojito.

For those looking for a unique dining experience, 'The Gallery Restaurant' is a must-stop. This upscale restaurant offers a 'culinary journey' through Thailand, showcasing dishes from different regions of the country. The tasting menu consists of about 9-10 dishes, and each dish is described in detail by the staff, adding an educational aspect to the dining experience. Although prices are higher than the average restaurant on Koh Tao, the quality and uniqueness of the experience fully compensate for this.

NDIIGO Beach Club Koh Tao' is another place that combines excellent cuisine with amazing views. The restaurant is famous for its international menu, which includes both seafood and Italian dishes. Guests especially praise the pizza and top-notch service. NDIIGO also offers an extensive wine list, a rarity on the island.

These four restaurants represent the top end of Koh Tao's culinary scene, offering not only delicious food, but also unforgettable views and ambience. They are ideal for special occasions or for those who want to experience the luxury side of the island. Prices at these places are higher than average on Koh Tao, but the quality of the experience fully compensates for this.

If you're looking for a more authentic, local culinary experience, Koh Tao has plenty to offer. 'Mae Haad Seafood' is a small, family-run restaurant located right by the sea in Mae Haad Bay. This place is famous for its simple but extremely tasty seafood dishes, prepared according to traditional Thai recipes. Guests especially recommend the fried fish in tamarind sauce and the mixed seafood with vegetables. Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is familiar and relaxed.

Lung Pae' is another gem among local restaurants. Located on top of a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and traditional southern Thai dishes. Note that dishes can be quite spicy, but the staff will be happy to adjust the level of spiciness to suit guests' preferences. The road to the restaurant is steep, so use caution, especially after dark.

For those looking for something between local and more Western style, 'Whitening Restaurant' offers an interesting fusion of Thai and Western cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its fresh oysters from its own farm and clam noodles (vongole). The menu is varied and will satisfy both seafood lovers and those who prefer vegetarian dishes.

Cattago!, Kohtao' is a relatively new place on the island's culinary map, but is quickly gaining popularity. The restaurant specializes in local fish dishes, which are delivered directly from local fishermen. The menu changes depending on the availability of fish, which guarantees fresh ingredients at all times. Guests praise the innovative approach to traditional Thai flavors.

The four restaurants offer authentic local dining experiences at a variety of prices and styles. From the simple, family-run 'Mae Haad Seafood' to the more sophisticated 'Lung Pae,' each has its own unique character. Prices are generally lower than at first-tier restaurants, making them accessible to a wider range of guests. It's worth noting that the menus at these places may be less elaborate, but are based on fresh, local ingredients, guaranteeing an authentic taste of Koh Tao.

At the end of our culinary tour of Koh Tao, we'll present places that offer not only great food, but also a unique atmosphere ideal for relaxing and socializing.

Sandbar Restaurant, Cocktails, Wine Bar' is a multi-functional venue that combines a restaurant, cocktail bar and wine bar. Located on Sairee Beach, it offers stunning sunset views. The menu is varied, with an emphasis on seafood and international dishes. Guests especially praise the tasting plates, which allow them to sample a variety of specialties. The bar is known for its creative cocktails and extensive wine list, a rarity on the island. Prices are moderate and the atmosphere is conducive to both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends.

For those who prefer a more casual atmosphere, 'Blue Shark Brunch Cafe Koh Tao' is the perfect place to start the day. While it doesn't specialize in seafood, it offers great breakfasts and brunches that can be the perfect prelude to a day full of beachcombing and snorkeling. Guests especially praise the açai bowl, avocado and salmon toast and French toast. The coffee is also highly rated, and the café's interior is remote-friendly.

Also worth mentioning is 'Chalok House Restaurant', which, while not in our top ten, deserves a mention. This unassuming place on the main street offers surprisingly good seafood dishes at affordable prices. Guests especially recommend the Chiang Mai Noodles and fresh coconut.

Comparing these places, we can see that each has its own unique character and offerings. 'Sandbar' is the most versatile, offering a wide variety of dishes and drinks in a beautiful seaside setting. 'Blue Shark' focuses on breakfast and brunch, creating the perfect place to start the day. 'Chalok House', on the other hand, offers simple but tasty dishes at the most affordable prices.

To sum up our culinary journey on Koh Tao, it's worth noting that the island offers an incredibly diverse dining experience. From upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean, to authentic local eateries, to casual cafes and bars, there is something for everyone. The key to fully appreciating Koh Tao's culinary richness is to experiment and try different places. Whether you're looking for a romantic seafood dinner or a simple but delicious lunch on the beach, Koh Tao has everything you need to make your culinary adventure unforgettable.

Keep in mind that the prices and availability of dishes can change depending on the season, so it's always a good idea to check the current information before you visit. However, regardless of the location you choose, one thing is certain - the freshness of the seafood and the hospitality of the people of Koh Tao will make every meal a unique experience.