If you’re looking for a place where great food meets an amazing view, Anantasila in Hua Hin’s Khao Takiap hits all the right notes. Just a short drive south of Hua Hin, this beachfront spot lets you dig into some seriously good food while watching waves roll in along a stunning stretch of beach. As the sun sets and the lanterns flicker to life, you know you’re in for something special.
Let’s talk location first – because wow. The restaurant sits right on the beach, with Chopstick Hill on one side and the fishing village of Khao Tao on the other. The whole place is open-air, which means you get that perfect sea breeze while you eat. No stuffy dining room here – just you, great food, and the sound of waves hitting the shore.
We kicked things off with their Grilled Prawn and Avocado Salad, and let me tell you, this isn’t your average salad. The prawns are grilled just right – still juicy with that perfect bit of char. They pair these with creamy avocado and sweet mango chunks, then dress it all up with this killer passion fruit vinaigrette that adds just the right zing. It’s fresh, it’s light, and it works.
Next up was their Beetroot Marinated Salmon, which looks as good as it tastes. The beetroot gives the salmon this gorgeous red color and subtle earthiness, while pickled onions and capers keep things interesting with their tang and bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you appreciate how simple ingredients can come together to make something pretty special.
The Thai Sharing Platter is where things really get fun. Think of it as the greatest hits of Thai street food, but kicked up a notch. You’ve got chicken satay that’s tender and perfectly grilled, served with peanut sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. The pork wontons are crispy little packets of joy, and the prawn cakes are fresh and light. The spring rolls are done right too – crispy outside, packed with flavor inside. Each bite comes with its own dipping sauce, and trust me, you’ll want to try them all.
Their Tuna Tartare shows up next, and it’s a real treat. The yellow fin tuna is chopped just right, mixed with creamy avocado and topped with crispy pancetta (fancy bacon, basically). A touch of Dijon mustard ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel fancy without being pretentious.
Now, you might not expect great pizza at a beachside restaurant in Thailand, but Anantasila Signature Pizza proves that good food knows no boundaries. The crust is thin and crispy, the mozzarella is melty and abundant, and the fresh basil and crispy ham make every bite better than the last. It’s the kind of pizza that reminds you why people love pizza in the first place.
The 270 Day Grain Fed Australian Chateaubriand for two is where they really show off. The beef is aged just right, making it tender enough to cut with a fork, packed with flavor and served with a Béarnaise sauce. It comes with this splendid cauliflower gratin that’s cheesy and indulgent, plus perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables. If you’re a meat lover, this is for you.
Dessert time is where things get theatrical. They make the Crepe Suzette right at your table, with all the fancy flambé action – flames, brandy, and orange liqueur creating this amazing caramel sauce. Paired with vanilla ice cream, it’s a hot-and-cold combo that just works. The Lemon Tart that follows is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, topped with fresh berries and candied lemon. They even throw some crushed peanuts on there for crunch – sounds weird, tastes great.
They wrap things up with a cheesecake that would make any dessert lover happy. It’s creamy and rich without being heavy, sitting on a perfect graham cracker crust, topped with fresh berries and cream. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to find room even when you’re full.
What makes Anantasila special isn’t just the food – though that’s definitely a big part of it. It’s how everything comes together: the beach setting, the sound of waves, the warm glow of lanterns, and plate after plate of food that makes you want to come back for more. The staff knows their stuff but keeps things friendly and relaxed. You can show up in your nice beach wear, feel comfortable, and have a meal that you’ll be talking about for weeks.
This isn’t one of those uptight places where you need to worry about which fork to use. It’s just really good food in a fantastic setting. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a great meal with an amazing view, Anantasila delivers. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why going out to eat should be fun, delicious, and memorable.
Andrew Klukowski
Anantasila Villa By The Sea
33/17 Soi Mooban Huadon,
Petchasem Road
Tel: +66 32 536 364,
E-mail: info@anantasila.com
www.anantasila.com