全之家城市酒店

Guests are cosseted from start to finish during this theatrical dining experience at the 14-seat counter in the Capella Hanoi hotel basement. Affable Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi skilfully cooks teppanyaki dishes that are rich and complex in flavour. The menu's distinct decadence is epitomised by the premium ingredients flown in fortnightly from Japan (abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin and Hokkaido hairy crab). The certified Kyori beef arrives from Yaeyama monthly.

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.

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.

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.

Housed in a century-old villa, Hà Thành Mansion spans three uniquely designed floors, each radiating artistic charm. The diverse menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to guarantee freshness, celebrates Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Standout dishes include the grilled black pork with galangal, notable for its golden crust and hint of ginger. The cocktail bar at the entrance is the perfect spot for a drink before or after your meal.

One of three branches in Hanoi, this small phở eatery enjoys a fine reputation, but beware of imitations in the city. The menu offers 10 impressive phở options, including tái and chin (brisket), nạm (flank beef) and bắp trần (beef fillet). A competent team operates the compact corner kitchen, which is visible through a glazed partition. The phở itself is hearty and supremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the mouth.

At nearly 40 years old, this gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is popular for its array of eel dishes — cold or stir-fried, served with vermicelli in soup, as well as in congee and spring rolls. In winter, a steaming bowl of vermicelli with crisp, shredded eel is hard to beat; in summer, a refreshing salad is a must-try.