Spicy Mai Thais, Delicious Food, and Ocean Views at The Cove in Ao Yon
By: Madeleine Becker
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Ao Yon, we highly recommend The Cove. Nestled at the end of the smaller Ao Yon Beach, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the surrounding palm trees, providing natural shade and a tranquil atmosphere. Positioned right at the beachfront, guests can enjoy their meals while gazing out over the vast Andaman Sea.
We visited The Cove on a beautiful day and were seated at a cozy table for two, promptly served with cold water and menus. My colleague and I had a tough time deciding what to order. The menu offered a wide range of intriguing options—enough to spark excitement but not so overwhelming that it felt hard to choose. From classic dishes to signature creations, The Cove had something for everyone. We opted for a mix: the classic Pad Thai, the Thai chicken basil pizza (one of their signature creations), and the fish of the day—charcoal-grilled butterfish, highly recommended by the chef.
What we loved about The Cove was their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The fish of the day changes daily based on the catch, and the staff informed us that the butterfish would take about 45 minutes to cook due to its size and the slow charcoal-grilling process. Thoughtfully, they suggested serving the Pad Thai and pizza as starters while we waited for the fish.
Both starters were delightful. The Pad Thai struck the perfect balance of spice and tanginess from the fresh lime, with every component of the dish working harmoniously. The Thai chicken basil pizza, made with homemade sourdough, was equally impressive, blending Italian and Thai flavours flawlessly. With a crispy, thin crust, the combination of ingredients was well-executed, creating a unique dish where nothing was lost in translation.
By the time we finished savouring the starters, the butterfish was ready. This dish is recommended for two, as the fish was quite large. Knowing we were going to indulge at The Cove, we had wisely skipped breakfast to make room. The butterfish was perfectly cooked—flaky, flavorful, and well worth the wait.
To complement our meal, we enjoyed some spectacular drinks. We started with fresh coconut water to cool down from the spiciness of the Pad Thai and pizza. Then we moved on to cocktails, including the Tom Yam Martini, a standout drink recommended by the bar chef. This cocktail was another example of how The Cove creatively combines Thai influence with classic drinks. Not only did the martini taste amazing, but it was also beautifully presented.
The Cove is a must-visit when in the Ao Yon area. The restaurant is open from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, with the bar staying open until 1:00 am. Don’t miss their happy hour (2-for-1) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Along with a great culinary experience, you can also stay the night in one of their three charming bungalows, which include breakfast. And if you’re planning a special event, they can even host weddings for up to 150 guests.