WITH the tourist ‘low season’ upon us, which restaurants can you rely on to produce consistently good quality food and service? We turn to some old favourites.

Carnivore
This cosy restaurant is widely regarded as having the best steaks in Krabi. Tender, imported beef, as well as other exotic meats, are on offer, all treated with the utmost respect and flattered by top-notch sauces that complement rather than drown out the taste. Portions are made for healthy eaters, so don’t over order. A good wine list is another point in Carnivore’s favour.
Located opposite Thai Village Resort, on Klong Haeng Rd. Open Tue-Sun for dinner only.

Sala Bua and Lo Spuntino
Recently moved from its sedate garden home down to the bright lights of the beachfront, this two-in-one Thai and Italian restaurant has maintained its quality food and service. There’s a new emphasis on seafood on the menu, to fit it with its neighbours on Ao Nang’s ‘seafood street’, so expect new dishes like swordfish carpaccio and whole fish steamed with light Thai spices.
Early evening is the most popular time here, with the tables overlooking the water taken long before the sun starts its fiery descent over the horizon.
Located on Ao Nang’s ‘Seafood Street’, a walkway starting from the bend in the main road near Wanna’s Place. Open daily from 2pm-11pm.

Azzurra
Another Italian favourite, with a fantastic people-watching location right on the beach road. While the restaurant is popular and often crowded with tour groups during the high season, the summer months see a more relaxed atmosphere, where you can have time to enjoy the excellent filled pasta and other dishes on offer.
Located in the centre of the main beachfront road in Ao Nang. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bai Toey
The best Thai restaurant in the centre of town sits near the riverside Thara Park, only a short walk from the main guesthouse areas. The menu is extensive (covering curries, soups, spicy salads, seafood and stir-fries) and almost everything on it is tasty, so it’s a good place to experiment and try something other than the standard green curry fare served in the tourist eateries. The restaurant fills up early evening with Thai workers and closes early at 9.30pm; get there for 8pm and there should be no problem getting a table, or even a small booth downstairs near the river.
On the corner of Wichit and Khong Kha Rds in Krabi Town. Open daily, last orders 9pm.

Cafe Europa
Reliable and cheap, the Danish and Thai run Cafe Europa has been serving up no-nonsense food - breakfast, lunch and dinner - for more than 15 years. Little wonder then that it’s a regular expat hangout. Everyone has a favourite dish, whether it’s the meatballs and mash, the peppersteak, or the enormous cooked breakfasts. Those in search of lighter meals can also choose from a tempting range of open sandwiches, from their newly opened sister restaurant, Nyhavn.
Maharat -Soi Ruamjit, Krabi Town. Open daily.

Viva Ristorante
The only authentic Italian in Krabi Town, Viva Ristorante has what many regard as the best pizzas in Krabi - if you like ‘em thin, crispy and generous with the topping. The homemade pasta is also of a high standard. It’s another streetfront restaurant, with some tables out front for people-watching, as well as large wooden tables inside the breezy dining room.
Preuksa Uthit Rd, Krabi Town. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.