Phương Trang 酒店 - 71 Giáp Nhị HN - by BAY LUXURY

Buddhist art and statues infuse the space at Ưu Đàm with a calming, Zen atmosphere. Combining Vietnamese, Western and Thai influences, the vegetarian menu is anchored in tradition but is also mindful of nutritional balance. The stir-fried mushrooms and tofu paired with a crisp girdle cake is mildly spicy with complex layers of flavours; top-notch fresh ingredients shine throughout. The juice-based cocktails complete the vibrant, nutrient-rich meal.

Vien, meaning "harmonious circle", celebrates happiness, abundance and the roots of traditional Vietnamese culture. Made with local ingredients, regional specialities are given a modern twist by a creative young team of chefs. Diners can observe the open kitchen on the ground floor or relax in one of the intimate private rooms upstairs. Choose à la carte or opt for the seasonal set menu (pre-booking required), and don't miss the refreshing house-made Junbucha.

This is among the busiest shops in the area because of its steamed rice rolls known as bánh cuốn. Rice noodle sheets are steamed to order and then wrapped around minced shiitake and pork. They also sell bún chả, or grilled pork noodles.

A neon sign in the upstairs window is the clue to finding this modern-day bistro, tucked away on the 2nd floor of a nondescript building. Abri is French for shelter and the restaurant imbues a sense of cosy luxury. The open kitchen takes centre stage and four huge crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The chef delivers virtuoso cuisine using French techniques and Vietnamese ingredients. For the full experience, opt for the 7-course menu.

This lively, laid-back restaurant combines global flair and Vietnamese roots, as the Hanoi-born chef is a returnee from a career abroad. The elegant setting is conducive to quiet dinners and larger gatherings, with cosy corners or counter seats for kitchen views. Dishes such as tomato bingsu – heirloom cherry tomatoes, buffalo cheese and lime-basil granita – set the tone, alongside razor clam pâté or salmon with baby sprouts for a zingy, refreshing start.

Located on the 2nd floor of Hôtel du Parc, bask in the elegant main dining room or watch the sushi chefs at work from the blonde wooden counter. The menu covers all the bases and is great value for money at lunchtime. The extensive à la carte menu offers a fine range of Kaiseki options. Don't overlook the house specialities, including the knockout sushi and sashimi. A smooth, professional operation run by a smart, friendly team. Sushi omakase, crafted by Chef Toshihide Terado, is served only on Tuesday to Saturday evenings and requires advance reservation.

On the banks of Thien Quang Lake, this restaurant, reminiscent of an Indochinese-style villa, boasts a patio surrounded by lush greenery. The menu features specialities from all over Vietnam, alongside Asian delicacies of Chinese and Thai origins. From the century-old Bat Dan phở recipe from Hanoi and bún bò huế grilled beef from Nha Trang to fresh veggies from Dalat and live seafood from all over the world, every dish is deftly crafted and delicately seasoned. A favourite in Hanoi, especially for its garden seating, the restaurant is very popular, so advance booking is highly recommended.