One of Koh Samui’s best, relatively undiscovered secrets is Pla Pla Restaurant, a seafood paradise located near the beach of Four  Seasons Resort in Laem Yai between Ban Makham and Nathon.

Sheltered by towering palm trees and lush vegetation from the mountain above and with an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Thailand from the northwest area of the island, Pla Pla Restaurant is a refreshing alternative to the eateries by the island’s roadsides and in the main commercial district.

Open-air dining in natural and five-star surroundings makes for an extraordinary experience.

What makes Pla Pla still a less-known hangout for the island residents taking their breakfast, lunch or dinner outside their homes is Four Seasons’ reputation as an upscale resort.

As we all know, all Four Seasons hotels and resorts all over Thailand have established five-star quality and service and being here reinforces the image.

We were therefore surprised to find out that prices here were not so much different from other decent dining facilities on Samui.

“Our upscale reputation may have made diners on the island think twice in coming here but we are not that expensive despite the five-star quality and service we provide,” says Nabin Gurung, the resort’s food and beverage director, who, along with Orada Meechai, the conference services manager, welcomed us.

Both resort executives admitted they want to change that misimpression so that Four Seasons Resort Samui is now focusing on information dissemination and promotional campaign to allow island residents and visitors a taste of their two fine-dining facilities.
Orada said some of their upcoming activities like the “Bounty of Thailand” and their own version of the popular Full Moon Party will hopefully provide the people on the island an idea of Four Seasons dining.

Below are some of the choices in their menu:

• STARTERS, SALADS AND SOUPS Sashimi and Sushi Rolls, Pickled Vegetables and Ginger — Bt650
• Vietnamese Prawn Spring Rolls — Bt260
• Asparagus, Poached Egg, Brioche, Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Cream — Bt420
• Prawn Cakes with Sweet Plum Sauce — Bt320
• Fried Calamari in a Light Curry Batter with Aioli Dip — Bt380
• Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls — Bt310
• Grilled Thai Beef salad with Lemongrass, Coriander, Lime and Chili Dressing — Bt450
• Thai Seafood Salad — Bt360
• Raw Vegetable Salad with Sesame Dressing — Bt290
• Capsicum, Cucumber, Olive, Tomato and Feta Cheese Salad — Bt290
• Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Chicken and Sticky Rice — Bt350
• Caesar Salad — Bt400
• — with Grilled Chicken — Bt500
  — with Grilled Prawns — Bt550
• Tom Yum Goong (Hot and Sour Prawn Soup) — Bt350
• Tom Kha Kai    (Fragrant Coconut and Chicken Soup with Lime Leaves) — Bt270

NOODLES, RICE AND PASTA

• Phad Thai with Rock Lobster — Bt410
• Phad Siew with Chicken or Prawns — Bt310
• Fried Rice with Crabmeat and Vegetables — Bt310
• Noodle Soup with Beef, Prawn, Crab and Fresh Herbs — Bt370
• Fettuccini with Prawns, Roast Garlic, Parma Ham and Tomato Sauce — Bt510
• Penne with Scallops, Mushrooms and Wilted Rocket — Bt510

MAIN COURSES

• Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce — Bt320
• Soft Shell Crab with Yellow Curry and Coconut Cream — Bt390
• Whole Steamed Fish with Lime, Garlic, Coriander and Chili — Bt630
• Grilled Tiger Prawns with Thai Dipping Sauces — Bt750
• Pan-fried Sea Bass with Tomato, Chili Salsa and Rocket — Bt500
• Grilled Catch of the Day, Salad and Fries — Bt500
• Wok-Fried Chicken or Beef with Hot Basil and Chili — Bt570
• Red Curry of Beef with Coconut Cream and Peanuts — Bt520
• Chicken Satay with Spiced Sweet Corn Salad and Peanut Sauce — Bt310
• Lamb Kebabs (with Pita Bread, Hummus, Tomato Salsa, Cucumber and Mint Salad — Bt750
• Baby Chicken Marinated in Portuguese Spice with Pineapple and Coriander Salsa (with Fries and Salad) — Bt750
• Grilled Sirloin Steak with Cafe de Paris Butter and Fries — Bt900

SIDES

• Steamed Broccoli with Almonds — Bt120
• Asparagus in Garlic Butter — Bt120
• French Fries or Home Fries — Bt120
• New Potatoes in Parsley — Bt120
• Mixed Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Basils — Bt120  (All prices are subject to a 10 percent service charge and applicable government tax.)