Check out our run-down of the Top Restaurants in Krabi
The lazy, laidback beach town of Ao Nang is still a great place to eat out and grab a couple drinks. With so much good food on offer mixed with cuisines from all over the world, there’s something to suit everyone. The squad at Bodega Ao Nang has put together our run-down of the best restaurants in Ao Nang to help you make the most of your visit.
D&E’s Jungle Kitchen
First on the list is D&E’s Jungle Kitchen. We love this place because the Thai food is authentic and delicious, we could not deny its one of the best restaurants in Ao Nang. It’s cheap enough to be able to go and enjoy a good meal and still have change left over afterwards. There are some great vegetarian options here, but if you’re vegan make sure to specify that you don’t want fish sauce included in your dish. Everything is cooked fresh so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Location: 33 Moo 2, Ao Nang Road
Open: Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Jenna’s Bistro and Wine
A real Ao Nang institution, Jenna’s Bistro and Wine is a bit pricier than normal Ao Nang eateries but it’s worth it for the quality of the food. The chef is from Finland and spent some time as head chef at the Centara Grand in Bangkok. So hopefully that gives you some idea of the level we’re talking! Check out the smoked salmon starter (500 baht) followed by the Australian beef bolognaise (320 baht) or the imported Black Angus steak (1000 baht for 250 grams). It’s great as an occasional treat.
Location: 328/3 Moo 2, Ao Nang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 9:30am to 11:00pm
Bussaba Thai Restaurant
If you’ve visited Ao Nang before then you might have come across Bussaba under its previous name, E-San Seafood Ao Nang. But the only thing that’s changed is the name. This is the place to head for great northern Thai cuisine, with a coastal twist with the inclusion of fresh seafood caught daily. The massaman curry gets rave reviews, as does the tom yum soup. A large bottle of Chang will set you back 150 baht though, so maybe drink at the hostel before heading out!
Location: 129 Moo 3, Klong Heng Road, Ao Nang
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Ao Nang’s Seafood Street
Our next pick is less of a restaurant and more of a food zone. Ao Nang’s seafood street is exactly how it sounds. Rows of restaurants at the northern end of the bay serving up the freshest seafood you’ve ever seen. An active network of fishermen are out on their boat daily landing lobster, prawns, mussels and every kind of fish you can imagine.
Wander along the row to pick your venue of choice as they have different price points and an ever-changing selection of seafood on offer. Arrive by 18:00pm to get a front-row table for sunset viewing.
Location: The northern end of Ao Nang beach
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 12:00am
The Last Fisherman
Full romance next: The Last Fisherman is the ultimate date night restaurant in Ao Nang. Everything is made out of reclaimed wood or bamboo, with driftwood woven into the bar and sand underfoot. If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the sunset with a cold beer or maybe a couple of cocktails then you can’t do better than this. They run highly-recommended regular BBQ nights where you can grab chicken or fish with potatoes and salad for a reasonable price.
Location: 266 Moo 2, Ao Nang Beach Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 11:00pm
Hagi Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Japanese then check out the delicious Hagi Restaurant. This is the place to come to sample sushi and sashimi; if you try it in the local outdoor food markets then you’re braver than we are! As you’d expect from a restaurant based inside the Centara Grand resort, it’s not cheap but it is high quality. Seats are arranged around the cooking station so you can watch the chefs at work which is a cool twist.
Location: 396/1 Moo 2 Centara Grand Resort, Ao Nang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 6:30pm to 11:00pm
Lae Lay Grill
Fans of seafood are in luck at the Lae Lay Grill. Not only is there a kick-ass view over the bay from the beautiful outside terrace, but the quality and choice of fish is outstanding. The kitchen is ‘open’ so you if you’re sitting inside you can watch the chefs at work. The décor is pretty minimalist and modern which puts the focus firmly on the food. The Andaman sharing platter costs a hefty 1500 baht but is loaded up with every kind of fish and crustacean you can imagine, all served with a choice of Thai sauces and accompaniments. Highly recommended.
Location: 89 Moo 3, overlooking Nopparat Thara beach at the northern end of Ao Nang
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 11:00pm
Carnivore Steak & Grill
Sometimes you just need meat, and when the urge strikes then the Carnivore Steak and Grill has got you covered. There are grilled steaks, pork chops, juicy burgers and a banging lobster bisque on the menu here, amongst many other delights. It’s not the cheapest place in town with a meal for two with wine likely to cost upwards of 2000 baht, but you are on holiday remember, and those steaks are just so damn good!
Location: 127 Moo 3, Ao Nang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 12:30pm to 10:00pm
Bawarchi Delight
Rounding off our list is the best place to head with a hangover. Bawarchi Delight serves up absolutely delicious Indian food which has saved many a weary pub crawler from that dreaded ‘day after’ feeling! The meat here is tender, the spicing is authentic and the naans are chewy and moreish. Round off the authentic Indian experience with a few Tiger beers in an ice-cold frosted glass and you’ve got yourself a real winner.
Location: 190 Moo 2, Ao Nang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 11:30pm
Where to Eat in Ao Nang, Krabi
If you want to enjoy the best restaurants in Ao Nang on a budget then shop around for happy hour deals before you choose where to eat. Some places do heavily discounted prices for drinks between about 4 and 7pm, making it cheaper to get that pre-dinner buzz. Alternatively, just grab a bucket or two at Bodega and turn up tipsy!
