Sao Mai Hotel by Bay Luxury

Spread over three floors, chef Madame Binh's venture in Hanoi opened its doors in 2018. It serves a similar menu to its sister establishment in Da Nang, but with a bigger selection plus seasonal offerings. The chef excels in imbuing traditional Vietnamese fare with unique character. Try her Sapa's pork belly dipped in herbal sauce, grilled to perfection and served with mắc mật leaves that cut through the richness and enliven the flavours.

Tucked away in a narrow side street, Habakuk is easy to miss. By day, it's a specialty coffee shop serving single-origin brews and a small brunch menu. In the evening, it's a modern bistro featuring a concise European menu with Mediterranean influences. The dishes are confidently crafted, beautifully presented and rich in flavour; the service is warm and attentive. Try the homemade pasta with options to suit meat, seafood and vegetarian preferences.

Popular with tourists, Bun Cha Ta offers various bún chả and fried spring rolls. The classic bún chả features tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties and smooth rice noodles with a balanced soup base. Among the crispy spring rolls, the seafood crab version delivers a consummate umami flavour, while the chicken is rich and meaty. They also offer rice noodles with fried tofu and tomato sauce and fried spring rolls for vegetarians.

Your inner celebrity will revel in this opera-themed restaurant, whose open kitchen takes front stage. Signature dishes like Capella Pho and Bun Cha Hanoi respect their northern heritage, whilst featuring modern techniques with European touches that will leave your tastebuds singing an aria of delight. The impressive cocktail list offers some intriguing mixes. The theatrical setting showcases stunning costumes from the world’s greatest operas.

Le Beaulieu has been operating at the same spot since 1901. The interior has been entirely refurbished and remodelled with mod cons and a chic décor, while retaining its French DNA courtesy of details such as blue velvet banquettes and crystal chandeliers. Century-old classics like the lobster bisque are served from the guéridon, just like in the good old days. The classic crêpe Suzette is another highlight, beautifully prepared with real orange juice and flambéed to just the right degree at the table. Subtle Vietnamese notes run through the tasting menu. The setting works equally well for a b

Tucked away in the basement of the Capella Hotel, Izakaya offers a modern, chic setting with a variety of seating areas. Luxury is interpreted through its intimate spaces and attentive services. Sourcing 70% of its ingredients from Japan, this restaurant has an extensive menu including a specialty of grilled dishes: the grilled black cod with Saikyo sauce is particularly impressive. Be sure to save room for the signature dessert: housemade yame matcha or black truffle ice cream.

This Vietnamese tửu quán (tavern) has always been popular with the locals and tourists alike. Most diners take their time, enjoying the food and drink in good company. The inn serves Northern Vietnamese fare and we recommend the subtly flavoured appetisers, such as salads or spring rolls. The catfish spring roll is the tasty signature dish. The heart-warming main courses come in earthen pots. The deliciously tender oxtail stew with herbs is to die for!