Hanoi, the captivating capital of Vietnam, is a culinary paradise that enchants food enthusiasts with its vibrant street food scene and an array of enticing restaurants. From traditional Vietnamese cuisine to contemporary fusion fare, Hanoi’s culinary landscape offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey. This comprehensive guide covers the best restaurants in Hanoi, providing food lovers with an insightful look at where to find stellar dishes and dining experiences in this flavorful city.
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Hanoi
1. JW Cafe
Address: 8 Do Duc Duc, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
If you are looking for the best place to eat in Hanoi, you should definitely visit JW Cafe. As one of the top restaurants in Hanoi, JW Cafe offers a sumptuous buffet that serves Vietnamese food, international dishes, fresh seafood, bbq and excellent sweet treats. Your taste buds will be satisfied with specialties from well-known cuisines, such as China, Japan, Korean, and the Mediterranean. At Hanoi’s best buffet restaurant, you will be impressed not only by the quality of the foods, the variety of the dishes but also by the stunning lake view of the restaurant and the thoughtfulness of the staffs.
2. Duong’s Restaurant
Address: 27 Ngo Huyen Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
My name is Hoang Duong, my food journey started when I was a young boy living in the village. My Vietnamese food passion was ingrained when I was a child and watched my father preparing my family meals. My father was a master in the kitchen and he instilled in me the importance of using fresh ingredients when cooking the family meals.
As I traveled down the road to where I am now, I kept building knowledge and authentic cuisine recipes learnt from my father previously. I had a belief that whilst freshness of ingredients was a core key, another key to deliver dishes with full of flavor was to use only the best local produce. My influence makes the seasonality of produce the most important aspect of the menu here at Duong’s Restaurants, this is the reason why the menu often continues to evolve in line with the availability of produce.
I am proud to launch Duong’s Restaurants & Cooking Class as my first solo venture and the first leg of my journey and vision. The 1st one is in Hanoi — Duong’s restaurant in Ngo Huyen street then the one in Ma May street marked as my 2nd Duong’s restaurants in Hanoi.
I am honoured to share this journey with my family, friends and most importantly, with you — our beloved customers. I hope you will enjoy the journey that I am going to take you on where I’ll beautifully present you a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes with Vietnamese / French fusion dishes.
3. Essence Restaurant
Address: 38A Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Located on the ground floor of Essence Hanoi Hotel, the Essence Restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese dishes in an elegant, refined setting. Featuring an exotic décor which draws on the aesthetics of both colonial Vietnam and cutting edge contemporary design, Essence Cafe & Restaurant is considered by many as one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.
4. Cloud Nine Restaurant
Address: 27 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
To be on Cloud Nine is to be in a blissful state of happiness. A number of conflicting theories abound as to the origins of this phrase. One of the most popular attributes it to the fluffy white cumulonimbus. This is the ninth cloud out of ten types first identified in the 1896 International Cloud Atlas which rises as high as a cloud can go, hence the sense of being ‘on top of the world’. Others attribute it to the mystical divine number nine or to Buddhism which says cloud 9 is a stage in the search for enlightenment.
We chose to call our new restaurant Cloud Nine because we are confident after dining here you will feel extremely happy and satisfied. Located on the 9th floor and encased in walls of floor to ceiling windows, with soft cream drapes, the 360 degree views across Hanoi’s rooftops, Hoan Kiem Lake and Red River are breathtaking and inspiring. Flooded with light and a feeling of openness the concept of seeing the outside world is just as important as what is within.
The restaurant and bar area are classically styled calling to mind an Indochina area. A color palette of black, white, creams and blue-greys partners with geometric shapes of striped furnishings and square patterned floor tiles.
The menu features the very best in authentic flavorful Vietnamese cuisine including dishes from all regions of the and an extensive selection of favorite international fare. Creatively presented and technically exquisite each dish takes the diner on a culinary journey through food.
While no one really knows how the term Cloud Nine came about, one thing we are certain about is that visiting Cloud Nine gives the feeling one is dining high in the clouds above Hanoi.
5. 3 Spoons
Address: Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, Hanoi, Vietnam
A lively restaurant with skyline views over Hanoi, 3 Spoons from InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 not only offers extensive breakfast buffet, but also a choice of three cuisines and interactive open stations, where guests can witness our chefs’ inspiring craftmanship.
Sample authentic dishes from Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, savour fresh local and imported seafood from the Japanese kitchen, or enjoy fragrant Italian breads, pasta and stone-oven pizzas.
3 Spoons’ Chef de Cuisine Doan Trong Dat shared: “One of the values that 3 Spoons has upheld to is serving only fresh, high-quality organic ingredients sourced from mainly local farms right here in Vietnam. Everything is carefully selected and examined to make sure every dish we serve at 3 Spoons is InterContinental standard”.
6. VIET Restaurant Hanoi
Address: JM Marvel Hotel, 8, 9, 16 Floors Hang Da, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
VIET Restaurant Hanoi is not only the symbolic meaning for Vietnamese culinary traditions, cultures but also humanistic values of spiritual, ritual and practical heritages in each family. Family values are expressed through a meal of two to three different generations living under one roof, through the way children respectfully invite grandparents, parents, the way we pay attention to care and pick up food for each other.
Sitting together, talking about daily topic while eating is also the way each Vietnamese child has early life awareness which influences on shaping their worldview and thought.
We want to convey meaningful messages of Vietnamese spiritual and cultural values to customers visiting our restaurant. Moreover, we want to bring you closer to the traditional culinary of Vietnam. We truly hope that VIET Restaurant Hanoi is not just a restaurant where we enjoy lunch and dinner, we would like to make it as a home away from home for customers where they can spend time gathering together, enjoying many delicious typical Vietnamese foods.
Our desire is to bring peace, happiness, rusticity, honesty to our beloved customers so that they can experience the daily meals as millions Vietnamese. Hence, VIET Restaurant Hanoi is a special name and memorable impression; wonderful highlight of your adventure to our motherland.
Nothing could be fantastic than savoring tasty lunch or dinner whilst immersing yourselves in romantic atmosphere of our restaurant, enjoying hustle and bustle view of the Old Quarter through the large and wide windows. Above all, with enthusiastic, friendly team, we always thrive our best to listen and meet the of various customers all over the world from every single details.
7. Era Restaurant
Address: 48 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Well-located in the very heart of the vibrant Old Quarter of Hanoi, also in the walking street Ma May, ERA Restaurant is one of the best choices for Traditional Vietnamese Food
At Era our vision is to become one of Vietnam’s leading restaurant brand serving modern Vietnamese cuisine with high quality and innovative ideas but never forgetting the roots and value off true and authentic Vietnamese cooking.
Let our menu take you on a culinary Vietnamese journey stimulating the senses and taste buds.Colors, flavors and fragarances off our famous and not so famous national and regional dishes are combined and exquisitely presented. Dine at Era and fall in love with Vietnam.
8. L’essence De Cuisine
Address: 99B Hàng Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
For those yearning for a French gastronomic adventure in the bustling city of Hanoi, look no further than Lessence De Cuisine. This refined eatery offers a fusion of traditional French tastes and contemporary flair, resulting in a dining experience that is both refined and gratifying. From the luxurious Foie Gras to the indulgent Beef Bourguignon, every plate at Lessence De Cuisine is carefully crafted and skillfully prepared. With its stylish atmosphere and flawless hospitality, this restaurant is truly a haven for food enthusiasts.
9. Lighthouse Sky Bar & Restaurant
Address: 27 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Lighthouse Sky Bar Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in delicious food and drinks while taking in the stunning views of Hanoi’s skyline. This rooftop establishment offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for both food and drink enthusiasts.
What sets Lighthouse apart from other restaurants in the city is its diverse menu that features a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. Each dish is carefully crafted to showcase a perfect balance of flavors, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. From the tangy Mango Salad with Grilled Shrimp to the succulent Honey-Glazed Pork Ribs, every bite at Lighthouse is a burst of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
But it’s not just the food that makes Lighthouse a top choice for dining in Hanoi. The restaurant also prides itself on its exceptional service, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are always happy to make recommendations or accommodate any dietary restrictions.
In addition to the delectable food and impeccable service, Lighthouse also boasts an impressive selection of cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic mojito or a unique concoction, their skilled bartenders will whip up the perfect drink to complement your meal and enhance your overall dining experience.
As you enjoy your meal and sip on your drink, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Hanoi’s skyline. The rooftop location of Lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
In conclusion, Lighthouse Sky Bar Restaurant offers much more than just good food and drinks. It offers a complete dining experience that combines delicious cuisine, excellent service, and stunning views. So if you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to visit this hidden gem and discover why it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
10. Home Moc Restaurant
Address: 31 Van Ho 2, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
With one foot in the past and one stepping boldly into the future, Hanoi is poised to become the next big thing on the cultural world map. Behind every door, every shop, every smile and every corner, there is an untold story waiting to be told.
And behind one of those doors is HOME Mộc Hanoi, a classic French Villa that has been meticulously maintained through the years. Taking everything that makes Hanoi a magical place and concentrating it at one spot with a striking wooden design and furnishing, HOME Mộc will enthrall you at first sight and offer you memories that will be spoken of for many years to come.
At HOME Mộc we have dedicated ourselves to bringing you the very best of Vietnams rich and varied palate with a special focus on the most exquisite seafood available on the market. Each ingredient has been sourced from local vendors and handpicked with utmost care by our expert chef in order to give justice to our recipes that have been handed down through generations.
A meal at HOME Mộc is not just simply dinner; it is a journey through the culture, the history and the heritage of Vietnam through the senses of its people through time. Every last grain of rice presented on your table represents the indomitable will of the nation to bring you the very best and to make sure your soul is in complete equilibrium by the time you take your leave; joy is best when shared.
HOME Mộc seeks to mirror the national spirit of Vietnam; the relentless struggle for improvement and perfection, with one foot in the past and another boldly stepping into the future.
We believe it is important to anchor ourselves in our roots; Vietnamese cuisine needs to reflect local traditions and well-kept family secrets. We pride ourselves on offering the very best the nation has to offer and hope that you will come to share our passion for the food that we love and cherish.
Many dining establishments in the Old Quarter of Hanoi offer cooking classes that you can participate in to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s cuisine.
Exploring the Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets, is a foodie’s haven. Here, you’ll find a plethora of hidden gems serving authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Renowned Local Eateries
Pho Bo Bat Dan is renowned for its savory beef noodle soup. The fragrant broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs create a symphony of flavors that pho lovers seek.
Banh Mi 25 indulges visitors in Hanoi’s iconic street food, banh mi. Their crispy baguettes filled with delectable fillings like grilled pork, pâté, and pickled vegetables are simply irresistible.
Cha Ca Thang Long is an institution that has been serving the traditional Hanoi dish of grilled catfish, cha ca, for generations. Diners can experience the authentic taste of cha ca, which features catfish served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Bun Cha Huong Lien is a modest eatery that has gained fame for its exceptional bun cha, a popular noodle dish with grilled pork patties and vermicelli noodles swimming in a sweet and savory broth.
Hidden Gems
Venturing deeper into Hanoi’s Old Quarter reveals even more culinary treasures.
Nha Hang Ngon is a narrow three-story restaurant overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Food enthusiasts flock here to savor the extensive menu of Vietnamese appetizers and entrées, best enjoyed on the open-air rooftop terrace.
87 Ma May is aptly situated on Ma May Street, serving elevated takes on Vietnamese comfort food in a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Dishes like caramelized pork belly with eggs evoke homey flavors, while cocktails add a contemporary twist.
Hanoi Eateries: Where to Find the Best Food
Beyond the Old Quarter, Hanoi offers a diverse selection of restaurants catering to various culinary preferences.
Culinary Exploration
Quan An Ngon provides a vibrant, bustling environment for a diverse dining experience. This expansive restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring an array of Vietnamese dishes, from traditional favorites like pho and spring rolls to regional specialties from different parts of Vietnam.
The Hanoi Social Club is a trendy fusion restaurant embarking diners on a culinary adventure. Their innovative dishes incorporate Vietnamese flavors with international influences like French and Italian. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Socially Conscious Dining
KOTO is more than just a restaurant; it’s a social enterprise providing training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Their menu showcases Vietnamese and international cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dining at KOTO allows visitors to directly support a good cause.
Fine Dining
Essence Restaurant treats taste buds to a fine-dining experience where traditional Vietnamese cuisine is elevated to new heights. Their elegant ambiance and impeccable service complement exquisite dishes like wok-seared seabass with tomato lemongrass sauce.
Must-Try Restaurants in Hanoi for Food Lovers
Hanoi has several exceptional restaurants that have gained recognition for their stellar culinary offerings.
Local Specialties
Com Nieu Ba Thuan specializes in com nieu, an aromatic claypot rice dish served with grilled pork, spring rolls, and fresh herbs. The rice develops a delicious crispy crust from being cooked in the claypot.
Ngon Villa Restaurant is a delightful garden oasis serving authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon in a tranquil setting amidst lush greenery and koi ponds. Their extensive menu includes classic favorites as well as regional specialties from different parts of Vietnam.
Innovative Fare
Green Tangerine Restaurant offers a taste of modern Vietnamese cuisine with their fresh, seasonal ingredients and herbaceous flavors. Diners can expect innovative dishes like lotus stem salad with shrimp and pork belly braised in coconut water.
Little Hanoi Kitchen is a charming family-run restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese home cooking. Their menu changes daily, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Hanoi’s households through dishes like caramel fish, sauteed morning glory, and tofu noodle soup.
Savoring the Flavors of Hanoi: Top Restaurant Picks
Beyond the well-known eateries, Hanoi has hidden culinary gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid foodies.
Regional Delicacies
Pho Cuon Hung Ben is a humble eatery specializing in pho cuon, a unique dish featuring rice noodle rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with a peppery sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Mbep Ga Tan is renowned for its namesake mbep ga tan, a hearty Hanoi-style claypot chicken rice dish combining chicken stewed with carrots and daikon radish served over rice.
Atmospheric Dining
Madame Hien Restaurant not only offers refined takes on Vietnamese cuisine but also provides a glimpse into the country’s history. Dining occurs in a traditional French colonial courtyard house amidst lush gardens.
Le Petit has only four tables, creating an intimate atmosphere to enjoy updated Vietnamese dishes like green papaya salad with beef jerky and shaking beef tenderloin with black peppercorn sauce.
Discovering the Culinary Gems of Hanoi
As one of Asia’s rising culinary destinations, Hanoi continually reveals new epicurean finds for intrepid gourmands.
Regional Vietnamese Cuisine
Cha Ca La Vong whisks diners away to the coast with signature dishes from Vietnam’s northern port city of Haiphong like cha ca la vong (turmeric catfish hotpot) and stir-fried squid with curry powder and cashews.
Namaste Hanoi is one of the only dedicated Indian restaurants in Hanoi, bringing authentic Northern Indian cuisine like rich curries, fluffy naan, and aromatic biryani to the Vietnamese capital.
Culinary Innovation
Tom’s Kitchen provides a fresh perspective on Vietnamese cuisine through the lens of sustainability. Local, seasonal ingredients shine in vegetarian tasting menus featuring dishes like sweet potato noodle salad with pickled vegetables and maple ginger tofu.
Cica Coffee reflects Hanoi’s burgeoning specialty coffee scene. Their single origin offerings are expertly prepared through various roasting and brewing methods for a uniquely Vietnamese coffee experience focused on quality and craftsmanship.
Where to Dine in Hanoi: The Ultimate Guide
There’s a seemingly endless array of delectable dining options to be relished in Hanoi. Use this guide to easily identify can’t-miss restaurants and local gems perfect for making the most of your visit.
Top-Rated Restaurants
La Badiane impresses diners with its contemporary French take on Vietnamese dishes served in a renovated French colonial villa with sophisticated ambiance. Standout menu items include Hanoi-style foie gras and shaking beef tenderloin.
Seasonal Tastes boasts flavors that reflect the freshest ingredients of Vietnam’s four seasons. Their set tasting menus change quarterly depending on seasonal availability from local farms. Currently, winter cabbage soup with shrimp paste and caramelized pork are menu highlights.
Food with a View
Oriental Jade Restaurant serves Pan-Asia fusion dishes while overlooking the scenic coconut grove of Truc Bach Lake. Diners especially enjoy the weekend dim sum brunch.
Meritus Restaurant provides elegant fine-dining along with sweeping views of Hanoi from their perch on the 20th floor of the Lotte Hotel. Guests delight in savoring dishes like duck breast with hoisin sauce and five spice while taking in panoramic city vistas.
Best Boutique Eateries
Casa Verdi puts the focus firmly on the food by seating only 24 guests for lunch and dinner, ensuring the highest quality service and dining experience. Their nine-course tasting menu brilliantly combines Italian cooking techniques with locally sourced Vietnamese ingredients.
Manzi Café is set in an idyllic French villa boasting lush gardens and lotus ponds. Their frequently changing menu highlights sustainable ingredients prepared in creative ways through dishes like lemongrass beef skewers and cauliflower fried rice.
Hanoi’s Hidden Foodie Hotspots
Beyond all the renowned restaurants, Hanoi’s dining scene has its share of elusive hidden gems. These eateries may not generate the most online buzz, but the locals know their food speaks for itself.
Street Food Havens
Pho Gia Truyen only serves their legendary beef noodle soup starting at 7 AM until they sell out a few hours later. Finding this barebones joint takes commitment but delivers unmatched pho flavors that have stood the test of time.
Xoi Yen specializes in sticky rice varieties like xoi xeo, topped with fried onions, and xoi lac, decorated with savory pork floss and dried sausage. They draw long lines across generations eager to indulge their xoi cravings amidst the Old Quarter’s bustling atmosphere.
Neighboorhood Hole-In-The-Walls
Thanh Nien Restaurant is situated deep in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District, warranting either a taxi or Grab ride. But this family-owned gem makes it well worth the trek for dishes like stewed frog with lemongrass and fried fish with dill.
Bep Me In is tucked away down an alley off Hang Bong Street and up three flights of stairs. At the top, a vibrant mural signals your arrival at their vegetarian and vegan kitchen featuring Vietnamese-inspired bowls, salads, and teas utilizing fresh organic produce.
Uncovering the Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter
The bustling labyrinth of the Old Quarter packs tremendous culinary variety into its compact footprint. Follow this guide to experience the area’s scrumptious dining highlights.
Can’t-Miss Classics
Cha Ca Thang Long’s signature turmeric catfish hotpot recipe has remained unchanged for over a century, securing its legacy as a stellar Old Quarter dining destination.
Bun Cha Dac Kim’s unassuming appearance belies the glorious grilled pork noodle bowls hidden within. Their nam chim dipping sauce strikes the ideal balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Local Foodie Finds
Banh Mi Pho Co serves classic banh mi featuring bakery-fresh baguettes and traditional pâté alongside pho accompanying garnishes like basil, bean sprouts, and lime. It’s a convenient and delicious one-stop meal shop.
Hoan Kiem Beer Plaza is a bustling open-air food court also housing microbrewery Tap Room serving craft beers, ciders, and cocktails alongside Vietnamese bar bites like lemongrass chicken skewers and shrimp spring rolls. It’s perfect for pairing local suds with snacks.
Atmospheric Dining Havens
Tadioto oozes Parisian charm with its red brick walls, green shutters, fairy lights, and foliage creeping up the façade. Their French-inspired Vietnamese menu spanning escargot bourguignon to Hanoi snapper ceviche delights diners.
La Place is aptly set on Hang Khay Street, translating to “Cake Street.” Indeed, their desserts like coconut sticky rice with jackfruit do not disappoint, alongside Vietnamese entrées like shaking beef and an extensive wine list. The atmospheric upstairs dining room channels French provincial décor.
A Food Lover’s Guide to Hanoi: Must-Eat Restaurants
Hanoi spoils epicureans with boundless dining gems across an array of cuisines and atmospheres. These restaurants deliver superlative experiences to satisfy any foodie.
Quintessential Vietnamese
Ly Club wows guests with sophisticated versions of Vietnamese favorites across three lavish floors and plush courtyard. Their green mango salad with grilled tiger prawns and Hanoi-style fish hot pot consistently hit the mark.
Regional Flavors
Nam Phuong’s second floor balcony overlooking lively Hang Bac Street makes an ideal vantage point to sample their mammoth menu spotlighting specialties from Vietnam’s three main regions. Expect dishes like Hoi An cao lau noodles, Hue royal court dishes, and Southern hot pots.
International Influences
Madame Moon’s oozes 1920’s Saigon glamour through décor, craft cocktails, and Franco-Vietnamese fusion cuisine spanning escargot spring rolls with sriracha aioli to five spice confit duck leg with bok choy.
Coffee Plus
Cong Caphe offsets strong Vietnamese coffee and eggy bubble tea with artfully crafted sandwiches at their numerous locations. Their avocado smash banh mi, with beef, pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber, and cilantro is a best seller.
Conclusion
Hanoi dazzles travelers with its outstanding breadth of culinary diversity spanning street food nibbles to fine dining experiences. From the hidden holes-in-the-wall serving outstanding regional specialties to internationally acclaimed restaurants reinventing Vietnamese cuisine, this city offers boundless epicurean delights. Use this guide to uncover best restaurants in Hanoi and savor the vibrant flavors reflecting Vietnam’s culinary excellence.
