Top Rated Pizza Joints in Koh Tao That Locals Swear By

I have lived on Koh Tao for the better part of a decade, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that this island has a quiet but serious pizza culture that most guidebooks completely ignore. The top rated pizza joints in Koh Tao are not just tourist traps slinging reheated dough near the pier. They are places where expat owners ferment their crusts for 48 hours, where wood fired ovens get stoked at five in the afternoon, and where the guy making your margherita might be a former Bangkok line cook who fell in love with the island and never left. This guide is the result of years of eating, comparing, arguing with friends, and going back for seconds. Every spot listed here is real, visited by me personally, and recommended by people who actually live here.

The Pizza Culture of Koh Tao

Koh Tao has always been known for diving, not dining. But something shifted over the past several years. As the island attracted longer-stay travelers, digital nomads, and seasonal chefs, the food scene matured. Pizza became a natural focal point because the ingredients are simple, the overhead is manageable, and everyone, from backpackers to dive instructors, craves a proper slice after a long day. What makes the best casual pizza Koh Tao has to offer different from what you find on Phuket or Bangkok is the laid-back pace. Nobody is rushing you out the door. Meals here stretch into conversations, and the pizza reflects that unhurried philosophy.

A local tip I always give visitors is to avoid ordering pizza on the night of a full moon party. The kitchens are slammed, the wait times double, and the quality drops when the staff is stretched thin serving a hundred extra covers. Come on a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday instead, and you will get the chef's full attention.

1. La Taverne Delphine – Chalok Baan Kao

A French-Italian Corner With a Wood-Fired Soul

You find La Taverne Delphine along the sandy stretch of Chalok Baan Kao, tucked between a motorbike rental shop and a small massage hut. The owner is a French-Thai couple who moved here from Lyon in 2016, and they brought a genuine wood-fired oven with them, imported piece by piece. This is one of the local pizza spots Koh Tao residents mention first when you ask where to get a real Neapolitan-style pie. The dough is made fresh every morning with Italian 00 flour, and the fermentation process takes a full 48 hours, which gives the crust a tangy depth you can actually taste.

The Vibe? Intimate and unpretentious, with mismatched wooden tables and a chalkboard menu that changes weekly.
The Bill? A margherita runs 280 to 320 baht, while the four-cheese with truffle oil pushes closer to 400 baht.
The Standout? The "Orientale," which combines Thai basil, local chili, mozzarella, and a drizzle of coconut cream. It sounds strange, but it works beautifully.
The Catch? They only fire the oven up between 5:30 and 9:30 PM, and they close on Mondays without exception. Show up at noon and you will stare at a locked gate.

Most tourists do not know that you can call ahead and ask them to prepare a custom pizza with whatever is fresh from the morning market. I have had a version with local mushrooms, cashew nuts, and a balsamic reduction that was honestly one of the best things I have eaten on this island.

2. Barracuda Restaurant & Bar – Mae Haad

Where Dive Instructors Debrief Over Deep Dish

Barracuda sits on the main road through Mae Haad, right near the pier, and it has been a fixture of the island's dining scene for over a decade. The menu is broad, covering Thai food, burgers, and seafood, but the pizza section is what keeps the regulars coming back. The crust here is thicker, closer to a pan style, and the cheese pull is the kind you photograph for social media. This is a place where dive instructors from the surrounding shops gather after afternoon dives, cold Singha in hand, and order a large pepperoni to split between four people.

The Vibe? Casual and loud, especially after 8 PM when the bar crowd drifts in.
The Bill? Pizzas range from 220 to 380 baht depending on toppings, and a large is genuinely large, enough for two hungry adults.
The Standout? The "Diver's Special," loaded with smoked tuna, capers, and a thin layer of chili jam underneath the cheese.
The Catch? Service slows down badly during the dinner rush between 7 and 8:30 PM. If you are starving, come early or prepare to wait 35 to 40 minutes for your order.

A detail most visitors miss is the back patio, which faces away from the main road and is significantly quieter. Ask for a table there, and you can actually hear your companion speak without shouting over the scooters.

3. The Beach Food & Bar Market – Sairee Night Market

Street-Style Pizza by the Sand

Every Sunday evening, Sairee Beach transforms into a night market, and among the pad thai stalls and smoothie carts, a small pizza vendor sets up a portable stone oven near the western end of the beach road. There is no permanent sign, just a hand-painted board that says "Pizza" in red letters. The owner is a Thai woman named Ploy who used to cook at a resort kitchen and now runs this stall on her own. Her dough is hand-stretched right in front of you, and the whole process takes about four minutes per pie. This is cheap pizza Koh Tao style at its most authentic, and it costs a fraction of what you would pay at a sit-down restaurant.

The Vibe? Barefoot-in-the-sand casual. You eat standing up or sitting on a plastic stool.
The Bill? Every pizza is between 120 and 180 baht. Cash only, no cards.
The Standout? The simple garlic and olive oil base with fresh local tomatoes and a handful of torn basil. No cheese, no mess, just clean flavor.
The Catch? She runs out of dough by 9 PM most Sundays, and there is no way to reserve ahead. Get there by 7:30 if you want to be safe.

Ploy only operates on Sundays during the high season, roughly November through April. During the monsoon months, she sometimes shifts to Wednesday evenings, but it is never guaranteed. Ask any tuk tuk driver near Sairee and they will know if she is setting up that week.

4. Fizza – Mae Haad

The Late-Night Spot That Keeps the Island Fed

Fizza is on Soi 7 in Mae Haad, a narrow alley that most tourists walk right past. It opened in 2019 and quickly became the go-to for island residents who need food after 10 PM, because most other kitchens on Koh Tao shut down by then. The owner, a Thai-Italian guy named Marco, trained at a pizzeria in Chiang Mai before relocating here. His oven is electric, not wood-fired, which purists might scoff at, but the results speak for themselves. The crust is thin, slightly charred on the edges, and has a satisfying crunch.

The Vibe? Tiny, with only five tables and a counter where you can watch Marco work the oven.
The Bill? A classic pepperoni is 250 baht. The "Meat Lover's" with sausage, bacon, and ham is 340 baht.
The Standout? The "Koh Tao" pizza, which features local shrimp, sweet chili sauce as the base, and fresh pineapple. It is a polarizing choice, but I think it is brilliant.
The Catch? The space is small and gets uncomfortably warm after 10 PM because the oven has nowhere to vent properly. Bring a cold drink and accept that you will sweat a little.

Marco also does a takeaway deal where you can buy a whole frozen pizza to cook yourself at home for 200 baht. If you are staying in a bungalow with even a basic kitchen, this is a steal, and most tourists have no idea it exists.

5. The Gallery – Chalok Baan Kao

Art, Coffee, and Thin-Crust Perfection

The Gallery is technically an art gallery that happens to serve some of the best casual pizza Koh Tao has on its menu. It sits along the road connecting Chalok Baan Kao to Tanote Bay, set back from the street behind a small garden. The owner is a Thai artist named Somchai who displays rotating exhibitions of local painters and photographers on the walls. The pizza oven was added in 2020 as a side project, but it quickly became the main draw. The crust here is paper-thin, almost cracker-like, and the toppings are restrained and intentional.

The Vibe? Quiet, creative, and slightly bohemian. You might be eating next to a canvas someone painted that morning.
The Bill? Pizzas run 200 to 350 baht. A coffee is 80 baht, and the espresso is genuinely good.
The Standout? The prosciutto and arugula pizza, finished with a squeeze of local lime and a drizzle of chili oil.
The Catch? They are only open Thursday through Sunday, and the hours are irregular. Sometimes they close early if there are no customers by 8 PM. Call before you walk over.

Somchai occasionally hosts combined art-and-pizza nights on Fridays during high season, where you eat first and then he gives a short talk about the exhibition on display. It is a small, personal experience that captures the creative energy Koh Tao has been quietly developing for years.

6. Big Fat Pizza – Sairee Beach Road

The Name Says It All

Big Fat Pizza is on Sairee Beach Road, roughly halfway between the 7-Eleven and the main pier area. It is not subtle. The sign is bright yellow, the portions are enormous, and the cheese-to-sauce ratio leans heavily toward excess. This is the place you go when you have been drinking all afternoon and need something substantial. The owner is a Thai guy named Tong who previously ran a food cart in Koh Samui and brought his recipes with him when he moved here in 2017. The dough is made in-house daily, and the sauce has a noticeable sweetness that Thai palates tend to prefer.

The Vibe? Loud music, neon lights, and a crowd that skews younger and rowdier.
The Bill? A medium pizza is 190 to 260 baht. A large with extra cheese is 320 baht.
The Standout? The "Hawaiian Overload," which doubles down on the pineapple and ham and adds a layer of sweet chili sauce on top after baking.
The Catch? The outdoor seating area faces the main road, so you will inhale scooter exhaust the entire time you eat. Sit inside if you can, or order for takeaway.

Tong does a secret menu item called the "Island Stacker," which is essentially a calzone stuffed with pizza toppings. It is not on the menu board, but if you ask for it by name, he will make it for about 280 baht. Only regulars know about it.

7. Risto Café – Mae Haad

Italian-Run and Seriously Underrated

Risto Café is on the main Mae Haad road, just south of the pier, and it is run by an Italian couple named Luca and Giulia who left Rome in 2018. The restaurant is small, with only eight tables, and the decor is minimal, white walls, a few Italian movie posters, and a visible kitchen where Luca works the dough. This is one of the local pizza spots Koh Tao residents consider their best-kept secret, because it lacks the beachfront location that draws foot traffic. The pizzas here follow strict Neapolitan guidelines: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala imported monthly from Campania, and a 72-hour cold ferment on the dough.

The Vibe? Quiet and family-friendly. The kind of place where you can have a real conversation.
The Bill? A margherita is 300 baht. The "Quattro Stagioni" with artichokes, mushrooms, ham, and olives is 380 baht.
The Standout? The "Diavola," with spicy salami, Calabrian chili, and a touch of local honey drizzled on top after it comes out of the oven. The heat and sweetness balance perfectly.
The Catch? They close for a two-week holiday every September, and there is no advance notice posted online. You might show up to a locked door. Call ahead.

Luca also makes a tiramisu from scratch that is arguably the best dessert on the island. It is not always available, but if you see it on the counter, order it immediately. It sells out within the first hour of service most evenings.

8. The Pizza Shack at Koh Tao Regal Resort – Haad Thian

A Resort Kitchen That Locals Actually Respect

The Koh Tao Regal Resort sits on the quieter southern edge of the island, near Haad Thian, and its open-air restaurant, commonly called The Pizza Shack by locals, serves wood-fired pizzas that rival anything on Sairee Beach. The resort invested in a proper clay oven in 2021, and they brought in a part-time pizza chef from Koh Phangan who works the evening shift three nights a week. The setting is open-air, overlooking a rocky stretch of coastline, and the sound of waves replaces the scooter noise you get everywhere else on the island.

The Vibe? Relaxed and scenic. You are eating pizza next to the ocean, and that counts for something.
The Bill? Pizzas are 250 to 400 baht. A beer is 100 baht, which is pricier than most local spots.
The Standout? The "Seafood Supreme," topped with local squid, prawns, mussels, and a garlic butter base instead of tomato sauce. It tastes like the ocean in the best possible way.
The Catch? The chef only works Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. On other nights, the pizza is made by the regular resort kitchen staff, and the quality drops noticeably. Plan accordingly.

Most tourists never venture this far south because there is no nightlife nearby. That is exactly why locals come here. The lack of crowds, the ocean breeze, and the genuinely good pizza make it worth the scooter ride.

When to Go and What to Know

Koh Tao's pizza scene operates on island time, which means hours are flexible, closures are frequent, and patience is rewarded. Most pizza joints open for dinner service only, typically between 5 and 10 PM. Lunchtime pizza is rare outside of a few resort restaurants. If you are visiting during the monsoon season, roughly May through October, expect reduced hours and occasional multi-day closures when supply boats are delayed and fresh ingredients run low. Always carry cash, as several of the smaller spots do not accept cards. Motorbike parking is available at every location listed, but the soi leading to Fizza gets narrow and sandy in spots, so walk your bike carefully. Finally, respect the island. Koh Tao is small, the community is tight-knit, and the people making your pizza chose to build their lives here. Tip generously, say thank you in Thai, and come back tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Koh Tao?

Most pizza joints on Koh Tao carry at least one vegetarian option, and several, like La Taverne Delphine and Risto Café, will prepare a vegan pizza on request using dairy-free cheese if you ask in advance. Dedicated vegan restaurants are limited to about four or five on the entire island, concentrated mostly in Mae Haad and Sairee. During low season, some smaller kitchens stop stocking specialty ingredients like vegan cheese, so call ahead between May and October to confirm availability.

What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Koh Tao is famous for?

Koh Tao does not have a single iconic dish the way other Thai islands do, but the local shrimp with sweet chili sauce served at nearly every beach restaurant is the closest thing to a signature. For drinks, fresh coconut water sold roadside for 40 to 60 baht is the island's everyday staple. If you want something stronger, the locally brewed craft beer scene is just starting, with a small brewery operating out of Mae Haad producing a pale ale you can find at Barracuda and a handful of other bars.

Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Koh Tao?

There is no strict dress code at any pizza restaurant on Koh Tao. Beachwear is accepted almost everywhere. However, when visiting temples or local villages away from the tourist zones, covering your shoulders and knees is expected and appreciated. Tipping is not mandatory but is warmly received, 20 to 50 baht per meal is standard for most locals.

Is Koh Tao expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

A mid-tier daily budget on Koh Tao runs approximately 1,500 to 2,500 baht per person, covering a dorm or basic bungalow for 500 to 900 baht, two meals including one pizza meal for 200 to 400 baht, a couple of drinks for 150 to 300 baht, and scooter rental for 200 to 250 baht per day. Diving adds 900 to 1,200 baht per fun dive, which is the single biggest expense most visitors face.

Is the tap water in Koh Tao to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?

Tap water on Koh Tao is not safe to drink. It is sourced from rainwater collection tanks and local wells, and while it is generally treated, the distribution pipes in many areas are old and can introduce contamination. Every restaurant and café on the island uses filtered or bottled water for cooking and drinking. Travelers should carry a reusable bottle and refill at the numerous 15-baht water stations found throughout Mae Haad and Sairee.