Koh Samui

Koh Samui's French restaurants sit mostly on the island's north and east coasts, around Bophut and Chaweng, where beach resorts and long-staying visitors support a small number of steak-focused bistros. Expect relaxed rooms rather than formal dining, and menus built around grilled meat, wine and French bistro staples.

La Côte de Bœuf in Bang Rak is a garden bistro run by a Lyon-born chef, known for Charolais and Wagyu steaks, côte de bœuf for two and hearty Lyonnaise starters. Le Bistro, in a shopping mall on Chaweng Beach, is an all-day Parisian-style bistro and grill, serving breakfast croissants in the morning and steak frites with wine late into the evening.

Booking a day ahead is sensible in peak season, particularly for dinner at La Côte de Bœuf. Dress is casual at both. Bang Rak is close to Samui Airport and a short taxi ride from Chaweng. Neither is a fine-dining room, so expect mid-range bills, with a shared steak and a bottle of wine as the main expense.