Best Restaurants in Vietnam to Taste the Finest Flavors

Vietnam’s culinary scene is a vibrant blend of rich history, fresh ingredients, and diverse cultural influences. From bustling street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the country offers some of the most unique and flavorful dishes in Southeast Asia. Food of the best restaurants in vietnam plays a critical role in Vietnam’s culture, serving as a gateway to its traditions, values, and way of life.

In this article, we’ll dive into Vietnam’s best restaurants, highlighting not just their food but also the ambiance and the experiences they offer. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of street food vendors or the refined elegance of fine dining, this guide will walk you through the culinary journey of a lifetime.

Key Factors Defining Great Restaurants in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to a wide range of eateries, but the very best restaurants are defined by certain key characteristics:

• Authenticity of flavors: The finest places to eat preserve the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Local and seasonal ingredients: Many of the best chefs rely on fresh, local produce to enhance the natural flavors of their dishes.
• Ambiance: Whether it’s traditional or modern Vietnamese aesthetics, the atmosphere adds to the dining experience.
• Service quality: Great service can make a meal unforgettable, with attentive staff playing a big role in enhancing the overall experience.
• Price points: Vietnam has something for everyone, from budget-friendly street food spots to luxury dining establishments.
• Cultural experience beyond food: The best places are more than just restaurants; they reflect the heritage, architecture, and environment of their regions.

Top Restaurants in Major Cities

Hanoi

Bun Cha Huong Lien

Known worldwide for hosting former U.S. President Barack Obama and the late chef Anthony Bourdain, Bun Cha Huong Lien is a must-visit when in Hanoi. Their signature dish, Bun Cha, is a delicious serving of grilled pork patties with rice noodles and herbs. Nem Cua Be (crab spring rolls) is another standout.

• Ambiance: Casual, authentic Vietnamese setting
• Price: Affordable
• Location: Central Hanoi

La Verticale

This French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant, created by Chef Didier Corlou, showcases fine dining with a colonial twist. The menu combines Vietnamese spices with French culinary techniques, creating signature dishes like Duck à l’orange and foie gras with Vietnamese flavors.

• Ambiance: Colonial elegance
• Price: High-end
• Specialty: French-Vietnamese fusion

Quan An Ngon

For those who want to sample a wide range of Vietnamese street food in a more upscale environment, Quan An Ngon offers an all-in-one experience. Known for dishes like Pho, Banh Xeo, and Goi Cuon (spring rolls), this bustling restaurant combines the best of casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere.

• Ambiance: Casual but vibrant
• Price: Mid-range
• Known for: Variety of street foods

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Cuc Gach Quan

This rustic yet upscale restaurant brings the feel of a Vietnamese home to your dining experience. Serving traditional homestyle dishes, Cuc Gach Quan is known for fresh spring rolls and braised pork with caramel sauce.

• Ambiance: Cozy, rustic setting
• Price: Mid-range
• Signature dishes: Spring rolls, braised pork

Secret Garden

If you’re looking for a romantic spot, Secret Garden offers a rooftop dining experience with dishes served in traditional clay pots. Surrounded by plants, it’s perfect for a cozy evening. Signature dishes include clay pot dishes and stir-fried morning glory.

• Ambiance: Rooftop, surrounded by greenery
• Price: Mid-range
• Known for: Clay pot cooking

Anan Saigon

For something more modern and experimental, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin’s Anan Saigon elevates Vietnamese street food with a creative twist. Must-try dishes include the foie gras banh mi and grilled rice paper pizza.

• Ambiance: Trendy, urban chic
• Price: Mid- to high-end
• Known for: Modern takes on street food

Da Nang

La Maison 1888

As one of the finest dining experiences in Vietnam, La Maison 1888 is a must-visit. Located at the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, this award-winning restaurant is helmed by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire. The French cuisine, with a Vietnamese touch, pairs beautifully with the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Ambiance: Colonial architecture, luxurious
• Price: High-end
• Signature dishes: Seafood specialties, French cuisine with Vietnamese influences

Madam Lan

Located on the waterfront, Madam Lan blends traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine. It’s well-known for Banh Xeo and seafood hotpot, making it a perfect spot for seafood lovers.

• Ambiance: Traditional, waterfront view
• Price: Mid-range
• Known for: Banh Xeo, seafood hotpot

Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

For a mix of Western and Vietnamese cuisine, Waterfront Danang offers a casual dining experience with a great view of the river. Popular dishes include fresh seafood and international grills.

• Ambiance: Casual, riverside view
• Price: Mid-range
• Signature dishes: Grilled seafood, steaks

Hoi An

Morning Glory

Known for authentic Hoi An cuisine, Morning Glory by Chef Ms. Vy serves some of the region’s most iconic dishes like Cao Lau and Hoi An chicken rice. The historical ambiance adds to the charm of this highly-regarded restaurant.

• Ambiance: Warm, historical
• Price: Mid-range
• Specialty: Cao Lau

Cargo Club

For a mix of European and Vietnamese flavors, Cargo Club is a great option. Known for its desserts and waterfront views, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.

• Ambiance: Elegant, waterfront
• Price: Mid-range
• Specialty: Seafood pasta, Vietnamese desserts

Streets Restaurant Café

As a social enterprise, Streets Restaurant Café offers great food with a cause, training local underprivileged youth in the culinary arts. Their Banh Mi and coffee are best Restaurants in Vietnam to Explore the Finest Flavorist to be missed.

• Ambiance: Casual, meaningful
• Price: Affordable
• Known for: Banh Mi, Vietnamese coffee

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants

For those looking to explore lesser-known eateries, Vietnam has a wealth of hidden gems in smaller towns and rural areas.

Home Hoi An

Home Hoi An offers a farm-to-table experience where the dishes, like slow-cooked pork and wild mushroom soup, highlight locally-sourced ingredients.

• Ambiance: Farm-to-table, rustic
• Price: Mid-range
• Signature dishes: Slow-cooked pork, wild mushroom soup

Tam Coc Garden (Ninh Binh)

Set against the serene landscape of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Garden offers fine dining with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss their Vietnamese hotpot or lotus salad.

• Ambiance: Natural, serene
• Price: High-end
• Known for: Lotus salad, Vietnamese hotpot

Lantern Lounge (Hue)

Located along the river, Lantern Lounge offers an intimate dining experience with regional specialties like Bun Bo Hue and grilled squid.

• Ambiance: Riverside, intimate
• Price: Mid-range
• Signature dishes: Bun Bo Hue, grilled squid

Street Food Paradises

Vietnam’s street food is a key part of its food culture. Some of the best meals can be found on the side of the road or in bustling markets. Here are some of the most iconic street food spots:

• Banh Mi 25 (Hanoi): Known for its freshly baked bread and flavorful fillings.
• Pho Hoa (Saigon): A classic Pho restaurant that’s been serving steaming bowls of noodles for decades.
• Banh Canh Ba Du (Da Nang): Known for its hearty soup made with thick noodles and pork.

Best Restaurants for Vegetarians & Vegans

As more people adopt plant-based diets, vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vietnam have gained popularity. Here are some standout spots:

Hum Vegetarian (Ho Chi Minh City)

With a peaceful ambiance, Hum Vegetarian offers a plant-based menu that draws on local ingredients. Popular dishes include green mango salad and tofu with lemongrass.

• Ambiance: Serene, peaceful
• Price: Mid-range
• Known for: Green mango salad, fresh tofu

Uu Dam Chay (Hanoi)

This Buddhist-themed restaurant focuses on providing a serene dining experience. Their vegan versions of Vietnamese classics, like Vegan Pho and lotus rice, are crowd favorites.

• Ambiance: Spiritual, calm
• Price: Mid-range
• Signature dishes: Vegan Pho, lotus rice

The Fisherman (Hoi An)