We've waited a long time. But it's finally here though. And it was well worth the wait. Lamai Town now has a top-notch, fine-dining restaurant. It opened in September 2004, and it's already more than a match for many of Chaweng's best restaurants, too.

The Patio Restaurant is part of Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort, indisputably Lamai's leading hotel. So it really should come as no surprise that it's such a superb restaurant. And that's with a capital 'S'.

To use the word 'spacious' when describing The Patio Restaurant would be a gross understatement. The place is huge. But don't think that that makes it impersonal, it doesn't. Maybe that's because there are so many individual areas for sitting. Each with its very own atmosphere and style.

The restaurant is totally open-sided, with its cavernous wooden roof supported by ornate teak pillars. Cooling sea breezes flow throughout, aided by constantly-swirling, colonial-style ceiling fans. And it's split-level, having a central section up a few steps, with seating around the edges.

But perhaps the most popular area is along the beachfront itself on an expansive terrace, or patio (thus the name). There are even two tables for couples that are on mini-islands within one of the many water features here. And, when weather permits, tables are set up all along the patio and even on the pristine white sandy beach.

Let's get back to the water features for a moment, for they really are so beautiful. You hear the soft sounds of water absolutely everywhere in The Patio Restaurant. And they don't just sound good, they look great too. Even the stage, where there's traditional Thai dancing every Monday night, is set within its own pool. In fact, it's actually two inches underwater!

Enormous hanging lanterns, intricate carved wall-hangings, abundant displays of Birds of Paradise flowers, flaming torches and statues of miniature elephants are other pleasing aspects of the décor which all combine to great effect. And when it comes to the food, you get a choice of cuisines: Location in Thai: European, Italian (there's an authentic open pizza-oven in the restaurant itself), Thai and Seafood. And, unlike other restaurants that specialize in just one cuisine but offer others just to keep a whole party happy, The Patio Restaurant specializes in all of them!

Here are a few recommendations from across the board beginning with starters: (Italian) Capresse - Mozzarella cheese and tomato with balsamico vinegar and olive oil; (European) Prawn Spring Rolls packed with crispy prawns and cream mayonnaise.

And the mains are equally delicious, including: (Italian) Black-ink Fettucine with smoked chicken breast, asparagus and bacon in a spicy tomato sauce; Steamed Salmon and Seabass served with potatoes and red bell-pepper green pea sauce.

"...and you hear the soft sounds of waterabsolutely everywhere in The Patio Restaurant. And they don't just sound good, they look great too."

Thankfully, the desserts are universal too, and both the Hot Chocolate Souffle with vanilla ice-cream, and the Mascarpone Cheese Parfait served with lemongrass sabayon are also spectacularly tasty!

It's extremely comfortable here. And friendly too. The atmosphere remains casual – Samui–style –whilst still creating a 'special meal out' feeling. And that could have something to do with the entertainment too.

Every night (except Mondays, when it's Thai night), The Patio Restaurant comes to life with the help of a Filipino Trio. And not only do they seem to know every single song written in the last 50 years, but they perform them brilliantly too. No need for amplifiers, their acoustic instruments and professional voices carry perfectly. And to make the whole affair even more enjoyable, and romantic, they circulate the restaurant serenading every table (you get to request songs too).

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of The Patio Restaurant is that it's incredibly inexpensive. You'd have to go a long way to find such terrific value for money and that makes it very recommendable!

The restaurant's open from 6:30 till late, with the kitchen closing at 10:30 pm.
For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7742 4420, ext. 916.