Santosa Vegan Restaurant

Santosa Vegan Restaurant is a secluded hideaway perched on a hill above Kata. You reach it on foot via a steep uphill road, and the climb pays off with sweeping bay views and memorable sunsets. The spacious open-air terrace catches the sea breeze, and the atmosphere is calm and quiet — well away from the buzz of town.

The kitchen is 100% vegan with a strong wellness feel: plenty of fresh vegetables, nut-based sauces, cashew “cheeses,” and several dishes served in a semi-raw style. The menu includes pizza (with gluten-free options), a vegan “cheese” board, salads such as a Caesar-style salad and the Joy salad with chickpeas and a creamy dressing, plus falafel, rolls, and soups. Highlights among the mains include raw zucchini pastas (including the “Beloved”), mushroom risotto, and burgers made with mushrooms/flax/walnuts topped with a nut-based “cheddar.” For dessert, there’s the Nirvana raw cheesecake and coconut ice cream.

Drinks are made with care and largely from scratch: fresh-pressed juices, shakes, house kombucha, along with cocktails and wine. Guests with dietary restrictions will appreciate the allergen notes and gluten-free choices clearly marked on the menu.

Prices are above average by Thai standards, and portion size and how filling a dish is can vary depending on what you order. There’s no standard air conditioning indoors — most of the cooling comes from the terrace breeze. On Saturdays, the restaurant hosts activities such as daytime Zumba and an evening buffet.