A Bản Mountain Dew
₫₫Vietnamese
Inspired by the nature and culture of northwestern Vietnam, this restaurant serves authentic Mông, Tày, Muong and Tai cuisine. The name A Bản uses the Mông tradition of placing the initial of a man's name first; the word "bản" means "ethnic village ". The lush garden and colourful dining room reflect the region's rich heritage. Rare ingredients such as snake, horse, buffalo and carp make for an exotic dining experience. The young sticky rice wine, cơm rượu, is divine.
MÀU
₫₫Contemporary
The warm, sociable atmosphere is matched by the energy of the team. Counter seats facing the bar offer the most immersive experience, as the service unfolds, and sizzles emerge from the kitchen. You can choose between à la carte dishes and a chef's menu – either way, the food sees modern style balanced with Asian flavours, including subtle Vietnamese notes. Enthusiastic staff are happy to help you pick from the wine list. An enjoyably relaxed experience.
Vị An (Đống Đa)
₫₫Vietnamese
The owner couple strives to replicate the authentic taste of Northern Vietnam for their Hanoian audience. Unlike the sweet flavours cherished in other parts of Vietnam, here they emphasise umami and saltiness. Chả ốc is one of the most popular dishes. The pork sausage with periwinkle snails is perfumed with herbs and fried until crispy. The pork is juicy and bouncy in texture. Gà xáo gừng is chicken cooked in turmeric and ginger. Simply irresistible.
Ốc Dì Tú
₫₫Seafood
Vietnamese for snail, Ốc is the focus of this simple eatery with pila polita, tiger moon, shark eye and canarium snails on the menu. The large melo melo, the tastiest, is grilled until soft and served with scallions and fried garlic; the price depends on its size. The rich variety of seafood options includes prawns, Halong squid, Venus clams and blood cockles. The steamed Venus clams with lemongrass, chilli and pineapple exude a deep umami flavour.
Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng
₫Noodles
Said to be the birthplace of phở cuốn in 2000, this spot remains a favourite. Soft rice noodle rolls filled with beef, vegetables and herbs pair perfectly with a sweet-sour dip. The crispy noodle crust of the deep-fried phở with beef gravy creates an irresistible contrast.
Phở Tiến
₫Noodles
This cheerful stall, now located just across from its old spot, is a local favourite for chicken noodles soup, serving a wide range of phố, bún and miến. Diners can choose from chicken offal toppings, and dark or white meat. The clean, cosy space has large windows, and the classic yellow wall adds to the street vibe.
Phở Gà Châm (Yen Ninh Street)
₫Noodles
The phở gà at this small stall might be more expensive than the average, but the chicken is premium quality and the natural chicken flavour of the soup base is impeccably seasoned. Choose from white or dark meat, or a mixture of both, and add chilli sauce, garlic, lime and chilli to taste. Arrive early to ensure the best selection of chicken cuts. This stall, perfect for an authentic breakfast experience in Hanoi, is open until 2:00pm.
La Badiane
₫₫Fusion
Badiane is French for star anise and a glass jar of this spice adorns every table. The experienced and well-travelled French chef delivers an impressive selection of vibrant and adventurous fusion dishes with bold flavours and appealing textural contrasts. A black and white tiled floor and a friendly vibe set the scene downstairs, while the rooms upstairs are more intimate. Reservations are recommended.
Quán Ăn Ngon (Cửa Nam)
₫₫Vietnamese
Set in a charming colonial villa with bucketloads of character, Quán Ăn Ngon is spread over two storeys. Our favourite spot is the spacious garden-courtyard and its buzzy vibe. The extensive menu, which covers all the bases, takes you on a tour of Vietnam with colourful photographs of each dish to help you make your selection. The cooking is fresh, flavourful and authentic. Even better, the prices won't break the bank. Do not miss the freshly made rice flour rolls, whose translucent skins and generous filling offer a delicate, satisfying bite.
Senté (Nguyen Quang Bich Street)
₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary
Step away from the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, down a discreet alley and into this cosy dining venue, which is strewn with green plants and champions healthy food. The artistically presented, modern Vietnamese dishes use flowers, leaves, seeds, stems and roots of the humble lotus plant to create unique, flavourful inventions. As a starter, the shrimp, pomelo and lotus root salad is refreshing and appetising. Advance reservations recommended.
Bếp Prime
₫₫Vietnamese
Tucked away in a quaint historic edifice, c. 1932, Bếp Prime specialises in traditional delicacies from Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam. Having travelled widely, the owner-chef returned to his hometown to open the restaurant and realise his culinary dream. For a Hanoian classic, order pigeon and mushroom hot pot – veggies, pigeon meat and offal are served in a bird cage to be blanched in a herbal broth or glutinous rice porridge. The crispy rice dish with the chef’s dip, made from pork jus, dried shrimps, chilli and pepper that packs umami and a spicy kick, is also recommended.
Tanh Tách
₫₫₫Seafood
Nestled in a historic French colonial villa, the restaurant occupies two storeys. The chef team exhibits a knack for seafood dishes based on textbook European techniques, thus explaining their prominence on the à la carte menu. Before trying the deftly crafted fish or shellfish, kick off your meal with nori or kimchi rice crackers and tom yum mayo dip. Black chicken consommé is another smash hit.
Bún Chả Đắc Kim (Hang Manh Street)
₫Noodles
Located in the Old Quarter since 1966, this no-frills shop reflects its long history. Nước chấm – sweet chilli fish sauce with finely sliced pickled green mango – is the perfect condiment for the vermicelli noodles which come with shredded smoky pork and plump pork patties. It’s a win-win combination of meat with sweetness and refreshing acidity. Queues are common, so be prepared to wait patiently and perhaps share a table.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân
₫Street Food
The chef crafts delectable bánh cuốn, Vietnamese steamed rolls with minced pork and black fungus. She also serves an option with a soft poached egg. Order the pork meatloaf and sausage, and season with fresh herbs, chilli, lime or garlic at will for a great breakfast or snack.
Hanoi Garden
₫₫Vietnamese
The Indochine-style villa with an elegant courtyard has been home to this establishment since 1998. Expect to find all the greatest hits of Vietnamese cooking on the menu, from appetisers like spring rolls to meat and seafood dishes. Hot pot choices also abound. With over 20 years' experience, the Vietnamese chef reinvents his home country's classics with a modern twist. The food is meticulously prepared and astutely seasoned.
Chapter
₫₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary
Chapter's façade of Corten steel slats leads into an open kitchen that produces unique flavours and textures over a charcoal grill. The single tasting menu features 10-plus courses anchored in Vietnamese heritage, all artfully plated. Primarily sourced from local farmers who use sustainable practices, the ingredients are interwoven with the rich culinary heritage of Northern Vietnam. Each course comes with a postcard sharing the story behind the dishes.
Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill
₫₫₫Steakhouse
Embark on a culinary journey around the world with the freshest ingredients from the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the east and the west. Tailor your itinerary across the continent, possibly with house-marinated Atlantic salmon from the north-west, or grilled New Zealand rack of lamb from the south-east. A fine selection of world-class premium beef steaks, complemented by assorted seafood, creates an appealing “surf and turf” feast. The views over West Lake offer a slice of tranquillity amidst the urban turmoil.
Duong's (Ngo Huyen Street)
₫₫Vietnamese
Doung's is low profile yet easy to find. Over two storeys, the setting is cosy with comfortable wooden furniture and intimate, soft lighting. The set menu is suitable for smaller parties, while the à la carte presents a selection of more substantial signature dishes from Hanoi. The traditional grilled La Vong-style fish is a treat for the eye, while the consommé of beef soup has a clear broth with layers of spices. The chef also offers cooking classes.
Azabu
₫₫Japanese
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.
Ngon Garden
₫₫Vietnamese
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.
Phở Gà Huyền Hương
₫Noodles
The concise menu focuses on deeply satisfying bowls of phở. The chicken broth is rich and hearty, offering depth. A beef option provides an equally robust alternative. Portions are generous, with extra protein available. Expect a wait at peak times. There is also a private room.
Cồ Đàm
₫₫Vegetarian
Named after the Buddha, Cồ Đàm’s eye-catching architecture boasts an ornate exterior inspired by Buddhist and Champa culture and a striking arched entrance of terracotta bricks. Four floors are open for dining, but the ground floor stands out for its tranquil pond and terracotta Buddha. The restaurant offers two set menus only — Vietnam Namaste and Cham Namaste — each showcasing creative, modern interpretations of beautifully presented Vietnamese classics, layered with rich flavour combinations.
Hiệu Lực Canh Cá Rô Hưng Yên (Hoàn Kiếm)
₫Noodles
These speciality rice noodles from Hưng Yên Province are topped with crispy deep-fried climbing perch and bouncy fish cakes for umami; mustard greens and green onions add freshness. Diners choose between silky flat rice noodles and plump red grain noodles for a perfect bite.
T.U.N.G dining
₫₫₫₫Innovative
The TUNG-in-cheek acronym – twisted, unique, natural, gastronomic – encapsulates the philosophy of Chef Hoang Tung's culinary style. His tasting menu, which keeps pace with the seasons and uses local produce, boasts colourful, minimalist dishes, each of which features just 3 or 4 ingredients, whose complexity explodes with every bite. The flavours are balanced and well-judged, with contrasts of texture and temperature, and acidity often playing a key role.
Cau Go
₫₫Vietnamese
Enter the building from Dinh Tien Hoang or Cau Go Street and ride the lift to the restaurant. You can expect authentic, immaculately seasoned Central Vietnamese cuisine. Don't miss the deep-fried traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. If you go as a group, definitely order their popular hot pot – either chicken with basil leaves or beef and a wide range of other ingredients. The window seats and 7th-floor terrace command scenic lake views.
Ốc Vi Saigon
₫Seafood
The extensive, reasonably priced menu is mainly composed of seafood dishes with a wide array of shellfish from oysters to white clams, snails, cockles and scallops. Snails are the specialty here, cooked in a variety of ways and sauces. The stir-fried white clams in garlic butter exude a strong aroma, while an irresistible umami flavour pervades the stir-fried cockles with tamarind. Order a mini baguette so you can mop up the delicious sauce!
Highway4 (Hang Tre Street)
₫Vietnamese
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!
Izakaya by Koki
₫₫₫Japanese
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.
Le Beaulieu
₫₫₫₫French
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
Labri
₫₫₫European Contemporary
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.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành
₫Street Food
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.
Backstage
₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary
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.
Lamai Garden
₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary
Reimagined by chef-owner Hieu Trung Tran in 2022, Lamai Garden serves a seasonal tasting menu and vegetarian menu in line with a contemporary Vietnamese farm-to-table concept. Diners pass through a garden to the dining area with counter seating by the open kitchen. They use ingredients from their Phú Thọ farm – garden herbs, ducks and black pigs. The squid "noodle", inspired by phở chua, highlights the chef's creativity. Only open for dinner; reservations are a must.
Vien Dining
₫₫Innovative
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.
Zao
₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary
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.
French Grill
₫₫₫₫French Contemporary
This elegant hotel restaurant boasts a sleek, spacious dining room oozing with special occasion indulgence. Counter seats offer a view of the huge open kitchen and create a connection between the chefs at work and the diners. The contemporary French culinary score is consummately executed with subtle Asian twists, flanked by equally immaculate, spot-on, courteous service. Private dining rooms are available for everything from date nights to business dinners.
Chả Cá Anh Vũ
₫Vietnamese
Vietnamese
Bún chả Hương Liên
₫Street Food
Vietnamese