Budget
Patcharin Seafood
Don't be scared off by the decrepit appearance, this is the oldest eatery on the beach and still does a roaring business serving up tasty and cheap food. The Thai food is authentic and delicious, and the Western food is, well, generously portioned. Basic noodles start from 60 baht and a huge pot of tom yum kung goes for 150.
Cheap eating options in Surin are quite limited, but there's a decent noodle stall in front of the 7/11 evenings only and a few stalls at the parking lot next to the beach.
Midrange
Nok Seafood
Thai and Western food on a raised platform above the beach, with little luxuries like a tablecloth. Thai dishes here are a cut above the competition.
Positano
Kitschy Italian eatery run by a voluble Italian guy. The wood-fired pizza is good from 220 baht, but the haphazard and overpriced pasta dishes are best avoided. Wine menu is limited to one red and white each.
Along the beach road there is a large array of simple restaurants offering denatured, totally spiceless Thai food and simple international dishes for tourists, but the specialty is seafood. In the last few years there has been a new wave of redevelopment on the beach road resulting in some international standard restaurants. There are currently a few more restaurants under construction. Most restaurants have bathrooms and showers that guests can use after having been on the beach.
Silk
Well-presented gourmet Thai food in slick, modern surroundings, priced to match.