Cover Perched within the lush canopy of the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort—an award-winning destination—lies a restaurant that redefines the heights of iisland gastronomy. (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Perched within the lush canopy of the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort—an award-winning destination—lies a restaurant that redefines the heights of iisland gastronomy. (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
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Anantara Lawana: Koh Samui’s distinctive fine dining destination
In the crowded landscape of luxury travel, truly distinctive experiences are rare. However, perched within the lush canopy of the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort—an award-winning destination—lies a restaurant that redefines the heights of iisland gastronomy. Tree Tops is not merely a place to eat; it is an intimate, architectural, and culinary journey set against the backdrop of a 120-year-old rain tree. For those seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in Thailand, this is a destination that demands a seat at the table—or rather, a seat in the trees.
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Above Tree Tops is not merely a place to eat; it is an intimate, architectural, and culinary journey set against the backdrop of a 120-year-old rain tree. (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Above Surat Thani Oyster Gratin with Thai Oscietra Caviar (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Tree Tops is not merely a place to eat; it is an intimate, architectural, and culinary journey set against the backdrop of a 120-year-old rain tree. (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
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A Sanctuary in the Canopy
The magic of Tree Tops begins with its structure. Eschewing the traditional open-plan dining room, the restaurant is designed as a collection of private salas. These elevated sanctuaries are dressed in bespoke Jim Thompson silks, offering a level of discretion and immersion that is unparalleled on the island. Whether you are planning a milestone celebration or a romantic proposal, the setting provides a sense of ‘unhurried’ luxury. Here, the natural world isn’t just a view; it is integrated into the architecture, allowing the rustle of the rain tree leaves to provide the soundtrack to your evening.
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Above Charcoal-Grilled Wagyu Striploin with Pumpkin Purée (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Above Chiang Mai Quail Trilogy (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Charcoal-Grilled Wagyu Striploin with Pumpkin Purée (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
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Above Zucchini Sphere and Tapioca Crisp Delight (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Above Tree Tops Chocolate (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Zucchini Sphere and Tapioca Crisp Delight (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
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The Narrative of the Menu
Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef João Costa, who brings over two decades of international precision to the kitchen, the cuisine at Tree Tops is a masterclass in balance. The menu is ingredient-led and technique-driven, rooted in classical European foundations but deeply flavoured by the Thai coast.
The signature tasting menu, Embers of Earth & Ocean, takes diners on a literal progression through the landscape. The journey might begin with the brininess of a Surat Thani oyster gratin topped with Thai Oscietra caviar, moving towards a delicate Koh Samui tiger prawn ceviche. The ‘Ocean’ element culminates in line-caught fish and lobster bathed in a sophisticated Champagne beurre blanc, while the ‘Earth’ is represented by a perfectly executed charcoal-grilled Wagyu striploin enhanced by a unique Phraya rum jus.
For those preferring a plant-led experience, the Roots of Earth & Bloom menu offers a structured vegetarian journey that is just as complex. From the crisp textures of a zucchini sphere to the refined layers of a Royal Bayaldi, the focus remains on the integrity of the produce—with 80% sourced directly from Southern Thailand.This commitment to locality reflects both the quality of the craftsmanship and the rarity of the setting.
Above Pineapple Crown (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Above The magic of Tree Tops begins with its structure. Eschewing the traditional open-plan dining room, the restaurant is designed as a collection of private salas. (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
Pineapple Crown (Image: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort)
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A Complete Evening Experience
What sets Tree Tops apart from other fine dining establishments is the seamless integration of the ‘before’ and ‘after.’ The evening is best bookended by a visit to The Singing Bird Lounge. This nature-framed cocktail bar, inspired by Samui’s songbird heritage, has recently gained global fame as a featured location in Season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus. Whether you enjoy a crafted cocktail as a prelude to your meal or a sensory-driven digestif to end the night, the lounge completes the narrative of the evening.
It is no surprise that the restaurant has stacked up accolades. Tree Tops succeeds because it doesn’t rely on theatrical gimmicks; instead, it relies on the honesty of local ingredients, the precision of Chef Costa’s technique, and the timeless beauty of its canopy home. For a meal that feels like a true occasion, there is no higher ground in Koh Samui.
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